We present four movies demonstrating the effect of flicker and blur on the magnitude and speed of adaptation for foveal and peripheral vision along the three color axes that isolate retinal ganglion cells projecting to magno, parvo, and konio layers of the LGN. The demonstrations support the eye movement hypothesis for Troxler fading for brightness and color, and demonstrate the effects of flicker and blur on adaptation of each class of retinal ganglion cells. By judging which stimulus fades first to gray before evoking a negative after-image, an observer can directly compare the speed of peripheral adaptation against central adaptation, i.e., the Troxler effect, under three conditions. The three conditions of the movie demonstrate the effects of central blur and peripheral flicker on the speed of adaptation: First, the three stimuli have same shape and temporal properties, the classic Troxler effect is observed with peripheral stimuli disappearing faster than the central one; second, we add blurred edges to the central stimulus in order to decrease the effect of eye movements, the central stimulus disappears significantly faster; third, we add intermittent flicker to the peripheral stimuli in order to simulate the effect of eye movements that intermittently shift the positions of receptive fields between the background and the stimulus , a time-varying stimulus modulates along the reddish–greenish axis in the three conditions demonstrating the effects of central blur and peripheral flicker on the speed of adaptation of the parvo-cell pathway: First, the three stimuli have same shape and temporal properties, a chromatic Troxler effect is observed with peripheral stimuli disappearing faster than the central one; second, blurred edges of the central stimulus decrease the effect of eye movements, but unlike for the achromatic brightness stimuli, this does not change the relative speeds of central and peripheral adaptation; third, intermittent flicker of the peripheral stimuli makes the peripheral stimuli disappear significantly slower.In Movie 4 , a time-varying stimulus modulates along the yellowish–bluish axis of color space that isolates the adaptation properties of the konio-cell pathway. For the three conditions, similar results to Movie 3 are observed.These demonstrations support the eye movement hypothesis for Troxler fading for both color and brightness by showing directly the difference of adaptation time-course with eccentricity. However, they also show that the effect is mediated by spatial and temporal response properties of ganglion cells: Magno cells are responsive to much higher spatial frequencies than are parvo or konio cells. Blurring the edge then has a bigger effect on adaptation of magno cells than on parvo or konio cell, and this was reflected in the psychophysical results . The fli


Over the course of neural development, changes in the morphology of the neural tissue are accompanied by changes in patterns of activity. One form of activity that is highly studied in cultured cortical networks is neuronal avalanches, characterized by bursts whose distribution follows a power law. Despite a detailed characterization of neuronal avalanches, much remains unknown about their gradual emergence during development . Here, wTo examine the implications of this trend, we evaluated communication between pairs of neurons using a measure of transfer entropy that quantifies the amount of information (in bits) in a neuron found in the past history of another neuron . TransfeIn sum, this study links the gradual development of power law scaling with increased communication efficiency in networks of cortical neurons. Incremental changes in network dynamics suggest that power scaling of avalanches and communication are shaped concurrently over the course of in vitro development, and may arise from a common origin. This developmental trend poses a particular challenge for computational models of avalanches that typically focus on the endpoint of development , and the


Approximately 50 % of CML patients are 66 and older.3After reviewing the definition of age in physiologic terms, this editorial explores the biology of CML, the effectiveness and tolerance of TKI in older people and the age adjusted survival of CML patients since the introduction of TKI.Aging is associated with a progressive reduction in life-expectancy and functional reserve, and with increased polymorbidity. The ability of independent living of the older person may be impaired by loss of memory and judgment and by inadequate sight and hearing. The ability of independent living and stress tolerance may be determined by the availability of adequate social support.Though a number of early studies summarized in reference 2 demonstrated that the advanced age was an independent prognostic factor for poor survival, none of them demonstrated a more advanced disease stage at presentation, or a higher prevalence of multiple cytogenetic abnormalities in older individuals. Likewise, more recent studies failed to demonstrate an association of age with BCR/abl mutations purporting TKI resistance.Two large population studiesMost of the information available concerns imatinib. In clinical studies the riskCurrent evidence suggests that the biology of CML is not affected by patient’s age and that older individuals may benefit from TKI treatment to the same extent as the younger ones. Older individuals may require more frequent dose reductions, as well as pharmacologic adjustments, to avoid drug interactions. The assessment of physiologic age through a CGA may reveal the patients more likely to benefit from treatment. The cost of these agents may represent a treatment barrier for older individuals living in countries without universal health care.


ISDR is a 5 year NIHR funded programme of applied research aiming to introduce a step-change in screening for sight threatening diabetic retinopathy utilising personalised risk based intervals. The research programme includes a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) to assess the validity of these intervals.The RCT aims to recruit 4400 participants from a pool of 18,000 subjects in Liverpool. Due to the size of the cohort and that much of the data required for the study is collected routinely in multiple NHS organisations, the RCT relies heavily on the integration of multiple databases/data sources and automated systems across multiple networks to reduce the workload on the study team and medical practitioners and to maintain data quality.Data for the RCT is obtained from the following systems: EMIS Web (GP Data), OptoMize , OpenClinica (study database), randomisation system (bespoke system), risk engine  and a record of those subjects who have consented for their data to be used by the ISDR programme.This paper will present the processes and solutions undertaken to automate, test and validate the import/export of data, create bespoke systems to clean these data and integrate the different data sources. Thereby ensuring the timely transfer and format of data minimise the disruption to patient care while ensuring integrity of the trials data.The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.


Between the late 1980s and 2000s, Northern Uganda experienced over twenty years of armed conflict between the Government of Uganda and Lord’s Resistance Army. The resulting humanitarian crisis led to displacement of a large percentage of the population and disruption of the health care system of the area. To better coordinate the emergency health response to the crisis, the humanitarian cluster approach was rolled out in Uganda in October 2005. The health, nutrition and HIV/AIDS cluster became fully operational at the national level and in all the conflict affected districts of Acholi and Lango in April 2006. It was phased out in 2011 following the return of the internally displaced persons to their original homelands.The implementation of the health cluster approach in the northern Uganda and other humanitarian crises in Africa highlights a few issues which are important for strengthening health coordination in similar settings. While health clusters are often welcome during humanitarian crises because they have the possibility to improve health coordination, their potential to create an additional layer of bureaucracy into already complex and bureaucratic humanitarian response architecture is a real concern. Although anecdotal evidence has showed that implementation of the humanitarian reforms and the roll out of the cluster approach did improve humanitarian response in northern Uganda; it is critical to establish a mechanism for measuring the direct impact of health clusters on improving health outcomes, and in reducing morbidity and mortality during humanitarian crisis. Successful implementation of health clusters requires availability of other components of the humanitarian reforms such as predictable funding, strong humanitarian coordination system and strong partnerships. Importantly, successful health clusters require political commitment of national humanitarian and government stakeholders.Although leaving health coordination entirely to governments (in crises where they exist) may result in political interference and ineffectiveness of the aid response efforts, the role of government in health coordination cannot be overemphasized. Health clusters must respond to the rapidly changing humanitarian environment and the changing needs of populations affected by humanitarian crises as they evolve from emergency towards transition, early recovery and development. Disasters are common phenomena which disrupt socio-economic development and negatively impact on the health and nutrition status of the World’s population. According to the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disaster (CRED), a yearly average of 392 natural disasters was recorded globally between 2000 and 2008 . In 2012Effective emergency response to disasters is often constrained by weak coordination. Since the early 1970’s and 1980s, the number of complex emergencies which require special coordination bodies have increased , as has An independent review of the global humanitarian system was commissioned in 2005 to better understand and correct the deficiencies in global humanitarian response . The repIn considering the report of the Secretary-General, the 60th session of the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/60/124 on the strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the UN . This reTo implement this international humanitarian reform programme, nine clusters were designated at the global level. These clusters included the Health Cluster, whose main objectives were to provide health leadership for emergency preparedness, response and recovery; prevent and reduce emergency related morbidity and mortality; ensure evidence based health actions, gap filling and sound coordination; and enhance accountability, predictability and effectiveness of humanitarian health action . Uganda,In this article, we review the key issues in emergency health response coordination using the experiences, successes, challenges and lessons learned from the implementation of the Health, Nutrition and HIV/AIDS Cluster (HNHAC) in Uganda. Based on the lessons learned from Uganda and other similar countries that have implemented the cluster approach, we propose a few recommendations which can be used to improve health coordination during both acute and chronic humanitarian crises.This article is a retrospective analysis of the humanitarian response to the northern Uganda crisis with particular emphasis on the operations of the HNHAC in improving health response. The main methodology used for the analysis was desk reviews of various documents on the northern Uganda crisis. Information for the introductory section was obtained from the humanitarian response review and reform documents as well as reports of joint assessments and various surveys. The issues, challenges and lessons learnt were obtained from a review of the minutes of cluster meetings, joint project and cluster evaluation reports, annual reports and monthly bulletins of the HNHAC. Key informant interviews were also held with selected HNHAC members and also with key Ministry of Health (MOH) officials to further validate the findings of the desk review.Two out of the five authors participated actively (as coordinator and chairpersons) in many of the cluster meetings and used this as opportunities for “participant observation” of the cluster dynamics. A third author attended selected cluster meetings as an independent observer and also provided further insights into the cluster dynamics and understanding of the principles of the humanitarian reforms and cluster approach by cluster members.Between the 1980s and 2000s, northern Uganda experienced over twenty years of armed conflict between the Government of Uganda (GoU) and Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). The resulting humanitarian crisis led to displacement of a large percentage of the population and disruption of the health care system of the area. At the height of the conflict, over 90% of the population of Acholi sub-region  and a lesser percentage of the population of Lango sub-region  were displaced into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps . Living Since the landmark Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CHA) between GoU and LRA was signed in August 2006, northern Uganda has witnessed significant improvements in the security and peace situation. This stability resulted in spontaneous return of the IDPs to their original homelands. Currently, more than 98% of the IDP populations in both Acholi and Lango sub-region have returned to their original homelands or have resettled in new locations .The humanitarian response to the northern Ugandan crisis was done through a combination of project and budget support approaches. A significant percentage of external funding (70% to 80%) was channelled through the international humanitarian response mechanism which comprise of UN agencies, national and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to directly support projects aimed at alleviating the humanitarian consequences of the crisis in the IDP camps. Almost all the funding from government was provided as budget support to the administration of the affected districts to support humanitarian as well as developmental activities. Within the health sector, the MOH had the overall oversight for implementation of the emergency health response activities while the District Health Management Teams (DHMT) were directly responsible for the implementation and coordination of the response activities at the district level. The dual approach resulted in proliferation of humanitarian partners, which necessitated the establishment of an effective humanitarian coordination system.Delivery of health care in Uganda rests on the Health Sector Investment Plan III (HSIP III) which is implemented using a Sector Wide Approach (SWAP). Under this approach, a Health Policy Advisory Committee (HPAC) chaired by the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the MOH is the overall operational, advisory and coordination body within the health sector. HPAC has several Technical Working Groups (TWGs) where technical issues are discussed in-depth and viable options are agreed upon before presentation to HPAC for final decision making. The development partners (comprising of donors and other stakeholders) who provide support to the health sector of Uganda also have a forum known as Health Development Partners Group (HDPG) where issues of common interest are discussed and consensus reached before engaging MOH via HPAC. Agreed positions are presented to HPAC by the chair of the HDPG. The above policy making and coordination applies mainly to developmental issues within the health system of the country. The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) coordinates disaster and emergency related issues. The Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) platform which comprises of relevant government Ministries, UN agencies, national and international NGO and is chaired by the OPM serves as the overall coordination mechanism for all disaster and emergency responses. The DRR platform holds monthly meetings and spearheads the development and implementation of the policy for disaster management which was approved by parliament recently. The platform has several technical working groups which comprise of government line Ministries or sectors. However, the participation of the sectors in the DRR platform is limited, resources are inadequate and emergency preparedness interventions limited Figure .Figure 1The cluster approach was rolled out in Uganda in October 2005 with the designation of five pilot clusters including the HNHAC. The introduction of the approach was done with little or no consultation with relevant national authorities, UN agencies and NGOs present in the country [There was minimal functional or technical interaction between the HNHAC and the national health sector coordination mechanism (HPAC) due to a number of reasons. Firstly, none of the HPAC working groups had direct responsibility for humanitarian response; secondly, due to inadequate staffing, it was not possible for the MOH to second a fulltime staff member to work with the HNHAC; thirdly, as result of the minimal consultation with the national authorities during the introduction of the cluster approach to the country, many of the key MOH officials were not aware of its existence and in cases where they were, had very limited understanding about how it worked. In many instances, the cluster approach was equated to the SWAP which the GoU was already implementing thus resulting in further confusion about the cluster approach and compounding the belief that it was duplicating government efforts. However, at the district level, government participation in HNHAC activities was much better largely due to the fact they (affected districts) were cashed strapped and needed the supplementary funding brought by the cluster approach.In its five years of existence, the health cluster implemented several key activities which contributed to better coordination of the emergency health response in the conflict affected areas. These activities included among others, monthly (and sometimes weekly) health cluster meetings at the national and district levels, conduction of several surveys including the health services availability mapping surveys (conducted in Acholi sub-region in 2006 and in Lango sub-region in 2007), health and human rights survey (conducted in Acholi sub-region in 2007) and gender based violence risk assessment (done in Kitgum district in 2007); these surveys provided information for evidence-based planning. In addition, quarterly cluster bulletins, monthly cluster reports and biannual mapping of cluster partners were produced and disseminated widely to improve information sharing while several cluster training workshops were held. From 2006 to 2009, the cluster supported the planning, implementation, supervision, monitoring and evaluation of a joint inter agency emergency health, nutrition and HIV/AIDS response programme in the IDP camps of northern Uganda. Between 2007 and 2010, the health cluster also supported the MOH to develop a health sector recovery strategy and plan aimed at rebuilding (back better) the health system of the conflict affected districts of northern Uganda.With the prevailing peace in northern Uganda and the return of majority of the IDPs to their original homelands or resettlement in new locations, the humanitarian situation in these parts of the country has improved. HNHAC was gradually phased out from 2009 to 2011 and its activities were merged into the already existing health sector coordination mechanisms covering all the conflict affected districts of northern Uganda  often creates poor understanding of the cluster approach systems which ultimately results in poor ownership by national governments and stakeholders. Under such circumstances, reconciling the differences in the mandates and agenda of MOH and health cluster partners becomes a daunting challenge. The Uganda experience showed that reconciling such differences was found to be much easier to achieve during acute crises as compared to chronic ones. This is perhaps due to the national and international attention which acute emergencies often generate and the attending political pressure on government and health cluster partners to quickly bring such crises under control. Coordination across sectors and addressing cross cutting issues still remains a serious challenge. Health sector response during disaster requires strong collaboration with the partners working in the other sectors especially, water, sanitation, camp management, food and agriculture, and other relevant sectors. Given the limited capacity available, both locally and globally, and the urgency for instituting lifesaving interventions for the population at risk this additional responsibility of reaching out to other sectors can be a daunting challenge.In many countries experiencing humanitarian crises, the terms “health sector” and “health cluster” are often used interchangeably. However, the Ugandan experience did demonstrate the importance of differentiating between these two terminologies (and their roles and responsibility in humanitarian crises) especially in countries implementing SWAP. Understanding these differences has far-reaching implications for ensuring a smooth transition from emergency health response to recovery and development of the health system . While hThe role of health clusters in transition, health system recovery and post-emergency development is unclear. Although in Uganda the health cluster supported the DHMT and MOH to develop a health recovery strategic document and plan of action, the limited interaction and collaboration between the health sector and cluster impeded the timely implementation of the plan for three main reasons. Firstly, some health sector partners felt that there was no need for a health system recovery strategy and plan as health system recovery was already addressed in national health strategies and plans albeit very scantily. Secondly, the health sector partners had inadequate knowledge about the key issues in health transition from emergency to recovery and development  while on the other hand most health cluster partners (who are mainly emergency oriented) lacked a clear understanding of the approaches to the health system recovery and development. Thirdly, the lack of appropriate guidelines for managing health system recovery also significantly contributed to the delayed implementation of the recovery programme.The use of fulltime versus part-time health cluster coordinator (who have other programme responsibilities) remains a contentious issue. While dedicated cluster coordinators are preferred, their sustainability over time is a major challenge. In Uganda, the health cluster was managed by a part-time (double hatted) cluster coordinator, an arrangement which had its pros and cons. While the cluster coordinator had direct control of the cluster lead agency’s resources such as funds, emergency field staff and logistics support system and could deploy these to facilitate timely cluster response to emergency situations and effectively fulfil the cluster lead agency provider of last resort functions, it was often difficult to avoid conflict of interest between the two roles. To the best of our knowledge, to date Uganda is the only country where health, nutrition and HIV/AIDS were combined into one cluster. These had important pros and cons; the combination ensured that HIV/AIDS, a cross cutting issue was given enough attention within the cluster. The HIV/AIDS working group of the cluster had membership from all sectors which facilitated the mainstreaming of the health aspects of HIV/AIDS into the other sectors. The inclusion of nutrition in the health cluster ensured that the inter linkages between health and nutrition were well explored and properly addressed. However, the difference in leadership of the health and nutrition clusters at the global and country levels resulted in inadequate technical support from the global nutrition cluster to the HNHAC.The cluster approach employs voluntary participation among the various stakeholders operating in an area of disaster. Though in principle NGOs and UN agencies are all accountable both to the beneficiaries and the donors, in practice there is no binding rule to ensure proper coordination and bring all stakeholders to rally behind a comprehensive plan that is developed with full participation of all, including the government, beneficiaries, NGOs and UN agencies. In spite of this drawback, experience from Uganda shows that provided that there is good leadership at all levels, it is possible to bring most partners including the government to work together for the betterment of the life of beneficiaries. The importance of donor cohesion and support in this regard cannot be overemphasized , 23. TheTo address the inherent challenges of weak humanitarian leadership, lack of clear accountability framework in humanitarian response and the overly process driven approach of humanitarian clusters, the IASC Principals agreed on a set of actions  in late 2011/early 2012 . The ageThe phasing out of HNHAC proved to be an onerous task due to a number of reasons. HPAC which was supposed to take over its function was already overloaded and had limited capacity to take on additional responsibilities. Although it (HPAC), is the highest coordination and decision making body in the MOH and has several TWGs, some of which could take over the health cluster responsibilities, there were concerns that these TWGs already had several other agenda and as a result health system recovery and development in northern Uganda would not receive enough attention. Perhaps the most plausible reason for the poor integration of the health cluster into the HPAC structure is the poor collaboration between both bodies ab-initio.The findings and conclusions of this study may have been biased by the active involvement of two of the authors as cluster coordinators and chairpersons of the cluster meetings at various times. A number of steps were taken to mitigate this bias; key informant interviews with cluster members were used to validate the findings of the authors’ participant observations. Furthermore, findings of the independent cluster evaluations were also used to corroborate the observations of the authors. Participation of one of the authors as an independent observer in some of the cluster meetings also provided further independent information which were used to cross check the findings and conclusions of this study.Although anecdotal evidence have shown that implementation of the humanitarian reforms and roll out of the cluster approach did improve humanitarian response in northern Uganda ; it is iCoordination is a means to an end and not an end in itself , hence hIt is important to ensure that health cluster partners see and reap the benefits of participating in the health cluster coordination mechanism. Health clusters must create demand for coordination by demonstrating that their benefits offset their disadvantages. The clusters must do business differently from the coordination systems that existed before them (if any) and ensure that it effectively performs it roles while at the same time ensuring that it does not create another layer of bureaucracy for programme implementation.Health clusters should invest in ensuring that its partners understand and respect the mandates of each other and ensure that decision making within the cluster is transparent, evidence based and is by consensus.Although leaving health coordination entirely to governments (in crises where they exist) may result in political interference and ineffectiveness of the aid response efforts, the role of governments in health coordination cannot be overemphasized. For this reason, it is critical for health clusters to build on and safeguard existing government health coordination mechanisms to ensure sustainability. In this regard, health cluster lead agencies and partners should ensure MOH leadership in the conceptualization, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of health clusters. Furthermore, health cluster engagement of national MOHs would facilitate standard setting and regulation since the government has the primary mandate for doing this.Donors have a strong role to play in successful roll out and implementation of health clusters and the health cluster lead agency and partners should ensure that they are involved at every stage of the cluster implementation.The decision to deploy a full or part-time cluster coordinator should be guided by the context, the prevailing humanitarian situation and availability of predictable and sustainable funding to the cluster lead organization which further underscores the importance of donor participation in health cluster activities.Health clusters must respond to the rapidly changing humanitarian environment and the changing needs of populations affected by humanitarian crises as the crises evolves from emergency towards transition, early recovery and development.The role of health clusters in health services delivery during the transition, early recovery and development phases should be clearly defined using durable, sustainable and context-specific models. In this regard, building the capacity of health cluster partners on post conflict/disaster health system recovery is key.Establishment of new health clusters should be done within the framework of the transformative agenda. This would foster stronger leadership, development of joint and mutually agreeable strategic plans and most importantly accountability of its members to both beneficiaries and donors.Health clusters must develop and negotiate clear exit strategies right from their inception and gradually work toward implementing these strategies as a humanitarian crisis progresses. They  should focus on gradually building the capacity of relevant government partners or mechanisms  to ensure that they can take over full coordination of emergency response and early recovery efforts as soon as practicable during a humanitarian crisis.Drawing from experiences and lessons learned from the health cluster implementation in Uganda and coordination of humanitarian crises in Afghanistan, Mozambique, Rwanda and Pakistan  we propoOO was the HNHAC coordinator and head of WHO emergency and humanitarian action programme in Uganda from 2005 to 2009. He was health cluster coordinator for Zimbabwe from February to July 2009 and is currently the Outbreak and Disaster Management (ODM) focal point of WHO for eastern and southern Africa. In this position, he has oversight for the health clusters in the sub-region including Uganda.AU was the WHO Technical Officer in charge of response and recovery operations in the African region. In that position, he had oversight for all the health clusters in the region including Uganda. He participated in several technical support missions to the health clusters. He is currently the WHO Representative to Eritrea.SW was the HNHAC coordinator and head of WHO emergency and humanitarian action programme in Uganda from 2009 to 2011.DC was a Technical Officer in WHO Uganda from 2005 to 2008. He provided technical support to conduct the mortality survey and several other surveys in northern Uganda and also to roll out the health cluster in the country. He continues to provide oversight to the country in his current position in UNICEF headquarters.OW was WHO Representative to Uganda at the height of the crisis. He provided the overall supervision for WHO’s response to the northern Uganda crisis and was also in the forefront of rolling out the health cluster.


This paper investigates the effect of thermal radiation on unsteady convection flow and heat transfer over a vertical permeable stretching surface in porous medium, where the effects of temperature dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity are also considered. By using a similarity transformation, the governing time-dependent boundary layer equations for momentum and thermal energy are first transformed into coupled, non-linear ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients. Numerical solutions to these equations subject to appropriate boundary conditions are obtained by the numerical shooting technique with fourth-fifth order Runge-Kutta scheme. Numerical results show that as viscosity variation parameter increases both the absolute value of the surface friction coefficient and the absolute value of the surface temperature gradient increase whereas the temperature decreases slightly. With the increase of viscosity variation parameter, the velocity decreases near the sheet surface but increases far away from the surface of the sheet in the boundary layer. The increase in permeability parameter leads to the decrease in both the temperature and the absolute value of the surface friction coefficient, and the increase in both the velocity and the absolute value of the surface temperature gradient. Convection and heat transfer in porous medium appear in many disciplines, such as thermal and insulation engineering, geophysics and chemistry. In the past few decades, the study in this area has attracted extensive attention of many researchers. Raptis The above-mentioned studies In addition, when the unsteady stretching surface is located in porous medium, the impact of different factors on the heat transfer is discussed in some recent works. For instance, in the presence of a magnetic field, the viscous incompressible conductive fluid flow along a semi-infinite vertically porous moving plate is researched by Kim Similar to steady condition, the process of unsteady fluid flow not only includes heat transfer but also mass transfer. When there exists the heat source or sink, Ibrahim et al. According to physical properties of most of realistic fluids, the viscosity and the thermal conductivity are usually related to the temperature and may vary dramatically with temperature. Thus, it would be more reasonable to take into account the effects of temperature dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity in mathematical modeling so as to accurately predict the flow behaviour. In view of this, Seddeek To the best of the author's knowledge, no attempt has been made to analyze the combined effects of both temperature dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity on unsteady convection and heat transfer over a vertical permeable stretching surface in porous medium in the presence of radiation. Hence, the aim of the present investigation is design a suitable physical model to describe unsteady two-dimensional incompressible viscous fluid flow past a vertical permeable sheet in a porous medium and solve such an issue numerically using Runge-Kutta fourth-fifth order method with secant shooting technique, which is important from both theoretical and practical point of view because of its wide application to polymer technology and metallurgy. And finally the impact of various physical parameters  on the velocity and temperature profiles is displayed in the form of tables and graphs. It is hoped that the results obtained from the present investigation will provide useful information for application and also serve as an effective complement to the previous studies.Consider convection and heat transfer of the unsteady two-dimensional incompressible viscous fluid flow along a vertical permeable sheet in a porous medium. The origin of the Cartesian coordinates The Because of the behavior of the boundary layer, the temperature gradient along The appropriate boundary conditions to this physical problem areUsing Rosseland approximation for radiative heat flux term Raptis , this paf Raptis , supposeIn view of (9), The similarity transformations for In the above equations, variable physical parameters are defined asThe corresponding boundary conditions (6)–(7) for the velocity and temperature fields are transformed toTwo physical quantities of interest in this problem are the surface friction coefficient The boundary value problem of higher-order ordinary differential Thus, the above two coupled higher order differential The boundary conditions (14) are converted to the following initial value conditionsIn the next section, by using the above method, the detailed results of numerical simulation will be given to show the impact of various physical parameters on the absolute value of surface friction coefficient, the absolute value of the surface temperature gradient, the velocity and temperature profiles, respectively.In order to validate the method of this paper, ignoring the effects of More detailed results are shown in This paper investigates convection flow and heat transfer of an incompressible viscous fluid along a vertical permeable sheet through a porous medium. The resulting ordinary differential equations are solved numerically by using fourth-fifth order Runge-Kutta scheme with secant shooting method. The numerical results are presented for the major parameters including unsteady parameter Compared with the previous literature, this paper not only considers temperature-dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity, but also studies the effects of both the permeability of porous medium and radiation in mathematical modeling, which is helpful to accurately predict the flow behavior. Some novel numerical results are obtained as follows:A different numerical method is used to investigate the impact of the physical parameters (Numerical results show that the velocity and temperature monotonously decrease to 0 with the increase of With the increase of viscosity variation parameter An increment in the permeability parameter


In patients with chronically relapsing infectious diseases (CRID), syndromal forms of the immune-mediated disorders depend crucially on the stage of the inflammatory process occurring in the targeted organs or tissues and the overall chronization of the disease.The association between microbial landscapes  (› 50%), whereas the incidence and thus the contribution of postinfectious autoimmune syndrome (PIFA) and autoimmune syndrome associated with postinfectious secondary immunodeficiency (PIFASID) do not exceed 20%. At the subsequent stages, the clinical manifestations are different, viz., the incidence and thus the contribution of the autoimmunity rises dramatically (to 50% at the intermediate stages (PIFA) and to 60% at the final stage (PIFASID).The correlation between the stage of CRID and the form of PICIS is also characterized by the involvement of an additional (the third) component, viz., a clinical form of CRID. Here are several analytical examples related to:(1) clinical form of CRID: in patients with primary pyelonephritis (PPNP) and infectious myocarditis (IM), PIFSI is detected in 75% of clinical cases, whereas in patients with secondary pyelonephrites (SPNP) and autoimmune myocardites (AIM) the contribution of PIFSI is notably reduced (to 25%) giving way to the autoaggression ;(2) stage of CRID: at the early  stages (< 3 months for CPN and < 1 month for myocarditis (M)), PIFSI is detected in 40% of cases; however, at the advanced stages of CRID its incidence reduced appreciably, while that of autoimmune syndromes increases in contrast;(3) rate of progression and chronization of CRID: in patients with relapsing or rapidly progressing CRID , the incidence and thus the contribution of PIFSI do not exceed 32-36%, while the share of autoimmune syndromes reaches 80-100%. In such patients, persistent forms of chronic meningoencephalitis  or AIM associated with myocardial dystrophies are predominant.chronization of CRID are controlled by postinfectious autoaggression factors, such as PIFA and PIFASID which are thus also considered as predictive factors to monitor transformation of subclinical forms into the clinical ones.These findings suggest that PIFSI is not only the outcome of the infectious process, but also the predictive sign to promote chronization of the disease and to represent a factor responsible for getting the clinical course chronic. Further progression and


Trypanosoma brucei is a protozoan parasite responsible for sleeping sickness in Central Africa. It is transmitted by the bite of the tsetse fly. During its complex life cycle, it undergoes significant morphological changes including extensive variations in flagellum length (3 to 30 µm). The flagellum is an essential organelle for parasite survival as it is involved in morphogenesis, movement, division and adhesion of the trypanosome. Intraflagellar transport (IFT) refers to the movement of protein complexes between the membrane and the microtubules. Like in other eukaryotes, IFT is essential for the construction of the trypanosome flagellum. Studies in the green alga Chlamydomonas suggested that the total amount of IFT proteins injected in the flagellum defines its final length: the higher the amount, the longer the flagellum. Moreover, the total amount of IFT proteins would be injected at once.Trypanosoma brucei. Expression and localization of IFT proteins was analyzed by immunofluorescence with antibodies against two IFT proteins (IFT22 and IFT172).We have studied the distribution of IFT proteins during the development of Chlamydomonas. However, the IFT protein concentration per unit of flagellum length is constant at any steps of flagellum formation. These results were confirmed by monitoring protein trafficking in live cells expressing the TdTomato::IFT81 fusion protein.The analysis of fluorescence intensities revealed that the total amount of IFT proteins in the flagellum is directly proportional to its length in all stages examined, as observed in Our results lead to a new model where IFT proteins would be progressively recruited to the flagellar compartment during elongation of the organelle. This raises the question of the regulation of IFT injection to the flagellum that will be addressed by studying the formation of very long or very short flagella in several development stages in the tsetse fly.


Biomedical research directed to understand the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has contributed to the characterization of two pathological hallmarks of this terrible disease, namely senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Neuropathological studies indicated that the level of accumulation of these pathological lesions correlate with the severity of the clinical presentation  a cause or consequence of the pathophysiological process? Is the lack of detectable tau aggregates enough evidence to determine that a specific brain region is resilient to tauopathy or that the brain is free of toxic tau? Perhaps, the temporal characterization of different tau species using conformation-specific anti-tau antibodies and labeling molecules, such as pFTAA or tau-specific PET radiotracers (Shimojo et al., Johnson et al.  and SchöIEV revised the literature and wrote the manuscript.The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.


The rarity of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) creates unique challenges in conducting translational research and developing newer paradigms of treatment . NeverthWithin the last few years, a number of unique genomic changes have been described in TETs . Thymic The association between thymomas and autoimmune paraneoplastic disorders is well recognized . Some paTreatment strategies for newly diagnosed and recurrent TETs have also evolved over time. Surgery is considered the cornerstone of management of early stage TETs and complete resection of the tumor has a major impact on prognosis . For locContributions to the research topic on “Novel Treatments for Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma” highlight recent developments in the understanding of the biology of TETs and review various aspects of management of TETs. Huang and colleagues describe previously unreported changes in the expression of apoptosis-related genes in WHO subtype B3 thymomas and thymic squamous cell carcinomas . These cMartinez and Browne review immunological deficiencies associated with thymoma and suggest a paradigm for comprehensive immunological evaluation in patients with thymoma, which should include an assessment of quantitative immunoglobulins, lymphocyte phenotyping, a vaccine challenge in patients suspected to have antibody deficiency and detection of anti-cytokine antibodies, whenever possible . PossiblShapiro and Korst discuss the role of surgery for thymic tumors with pleural involvement . SurgicaThe role of radiation therapy in the management of thymic epithelial tumors is reviewed by Komaki and Gomez . The indFinally, the review by Chen and colleagues focuses on the latest advances in systemic therapies for TETs . ResultsThe aforementioned manuscripts provide a snapshot of important research efforts related to TETs. Continued advances in the field have resulted in an ever increasing stream of data that offer newer insights into the biology of these rare tumors and support the use of newer paradigms of management for patients with thymoma and thymic carcinoma.Conception and design: all authors; manuscript writing: all authors; final approval of manuscript: all authors.The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.


Beef cows herd accounts for 70% of the total energy used in the beef production system. However, there are still limited studies regarding improvement of production efficiency in this category, mainly in developing countries and in tropical areas. One of the limiting factors is the difficulty to obtain reliable estimates of weight variation in mature cows. This occurs due to the interaction of weight of maternal tissues with specific physiological stages such as pregnancy. Moreover, variation in gastrointestinal contents due to feeding status in ruminant animals is a major source of error in body weight measurements.Develop approaches to estimate the individual proportion of weight from maternal tissues and from gestation in pregnant cows, adjusting for feeding status and stage of gestation.Dataset of 49 multiparous non-lactating Nellore cows (32 pregnant and 17 non-pregnant) were used. To establish the relationships between the body weight, depending on the feeding status of pregnant and non-pregnant cows as a function of days of pregnancy, a set of general equations was tested, based on theoretical suppositions. We proposed the concept of pregnant compound (PREG), which represents the weight that is genuinely related to pregnancy. The PREG includes the gravid uterus minus the non-pregnant uterus plus the accretion in udder related to pregnancy. There was no accretion in udder weight up to 238 days of pregnancy. By subtracting the PREG from live weight of a pregnant cow, we obtained estimates of the weight of only maternal tissues in pregnant cows. Non-linear functions were adjusted to estimate the relationship between fasted, non-fasted and empty body weight, for pregnant and non-pregnant cows.Our results allow for estimating the actual live weight of pregnant cows and their body constituents, and subsequent comparison as a function of days of gestation and feeding status. The breeding herd accounts for about 70% of the total energy used in beef cattle production . HoweverBW) change and reproductive performance are commonly measured for assessment of the response of animals to experimental treatments. The deposition of body tissue reserves as well as fetal and uterine tissues contributes to the increase of BW of the cow leading to a complicated interpretation of the BW change. The comparison of the BW of a pregnant cow at the beginning and end of a study may not accurately represent the different physiological status because of the increased weight due to deposition of body tissue reserves or due to the growth of the components related to pregnancy, such as the gravid uterus and mammary gland. As such the standardization of BW of a cow in pregnant or non-pregnant condition is the first step to meet their nutrient requirements .A summary of the equations and relationships generated to adjust the weights of pregnant cows to a non-pregnant status and also to establish the relationship between BW, EBW and SBW in pregnant or non-pregnant beef cows is presented in B. taurus cows.A detailed example of practical application and calculation of the equations suggested in this study is presented in It is not possible to make all the proposed weight adjustments without incurring some errors. One of the first problems is the fact that there are some circular references in the theory of the proposed equations. To try to avoid this problem we used several fixed parameters, estimated for the average of the sample of animals used to generate the proposed equations.Another key point to consider is that the growth of the components related to the pregnancy and maternal tissues does not occur independently. During pregnancy changes occur in the maternal tissues to support nutrition and growth of the gravid uterus. Reduction in the size of the viscera  and mobiThe live weight of pregnant cows can be adjusted for non-pregnant condition by deduction of uterus and udder accretion weight due to pregnancy, which can be estimated as a function of days of pregnancy and shrunk body weight. Udder weight accretion as a function of pregnancy occurs after 238 d of pregnancy in Nellore cows.S1 SpreadsheetBos taurus or crossbred cattle was made using the information described in the section “Practical usage of BW adjustments in pregnant cows” of the paper. Crossbred results are average of Bos indicus and Bos taurus calculations.The adaptation of the results from this study for (XLSX)Click here for additional data file.S1 Appendix(DOCX)Click here for additional data file.


The male germline of flowering plants constitutes a specialized lineage of diminutive cells initiated by an asymmetric division of the initial microspore cell that sequesters the generative cell from the pollen vegetative cell. The generative cell subsequently divides to form the two male gametes (non-motile sperm cells) that fuse with the two female gametophyte target cells  to form the zygote and endosperm. Although these male gametes can be as little as 1/800th of the volume of their female counterpart, they encode a highly distinctive and rich transcriptome, translate proteins, and display a novel suite of gamete-distinctive control elements that create a unique chromatin environment in the male lineage. Sperm-expressed transcripts also include a high proportion of transposable element-related sequences that may be targets of non-coding RNA including miRNA and silencing elements from peripheral cells. The number of sperm-encoded transcripts is somewhat fewer than the number present in the egg cell, but are remarkably distinct compared to other cell types according to principal component and other analyses. The molecular role of the male germ lineage cells is just beginning to be understood and appears more complex than originally anticipated. The male gametophyte (pollen) of angiosperms is among the most reduced independent multicellular organisms in biology. Pollen is comprised largely of a vegetative cell that forms a pollen tube, which conveys the non-motile sperm cells that it contains into the female gametophyte. The male germline arises from an eccentric division of the post-meiotic haploid microspore that cleaves a relatively small lenticular generative cell from its much larger brother vegetative cell. This sessile generative cell migrates into the vegetative pollen cell and is the founding cell of the male germ lineage. Ultimately the generative cell forms two sperm cells—either in the pollen grain or pollen tube depending on the plant—that constitute the male gametes of flowering plants. Remarkably, both of the male gametes are required in the process of double fertilization. Fusion of one sperm cell with the egg cell results in an embryo—which forms the next generation; whereas fusion of the other sperm cell with the central cell initiates the endosperm—a tissue that is typically a nutritive lineage for the embryo and contributes to its embryonic development. The endosperm and double fertilization are sufficiently unique that they are often used as defining features of angiosperms.The male gamete has traditionally been the less understood partner in flowering plant reproduction. Although the first realization that flowering plants displayed sexuality began with the work of Camerarius , as an activator of YODA, was recognized to initiate an asymmetric pattern of cell division of the zygote, which forms a strongly asymmetric and polarized two-celled proembryo that contains a small apical cell at the tip and a larger basal cell , which is removed from this region during later maturation. The generative cell migrates into the interior of the vegetative cell through a unique separation mechanism that is correlated with the disappearance of callose labeling on the newly formed crosswall, and an intensification of labeling in the area of separation , but angiosperms may fuse in either G1 or G2 phase , in which fertilization may be effected in <30 min. Comparisons of elongating rice pollen tubes with pollen grains reveal that the most major conspicuous change in rice pollen tubes is the intensification of metabolic response in secretory pathways with few other detectible changes in gene expression  differential centrifugation, typically requiring the collection of cells from a continuous Percoll or discontinuous sucrose density gradient Russell, , and (2)Transcriptomes of male gametes have clearly illustrated the divergent nature of gene expression in the male germ lineage compared to that of the vegetative pollen. Estimates of the number of genes present in the sperm, pollen and seedlings of Arabidopsis have yielded microarray presence calls of 27% for sperm cells (corresponding to 5829 genes), 33% for pollen (corresponding to 7177 genes), and 64% for seedlings  using the MAS5 algorithm and gene counts normalized to the Arabidopsis genome  was used to portray The RNA-Seq data revealed expression profiles reflecting an upregulation of genes involved in chromatin conformation, indicating an unexpected degree of chromatin activation in the sperm cells. The transcriptomes of the egg and sperm reveal major differences in gene expression that will presumably be altered within the zygote. These differences represent the native state for parent-of-origin gene expression and will be a baseline for further studies of the zygote during fertilization and early embryogenesis. Particularly pathways affecting epigenesis, methylation, hormonal control, cell cycle and specific gametic functions were examined in anticipation of their potential contributions to early zygotic and seed development , which may be present in remarkably differing quantities in different plants and different environmental conditions. The vegetative cell is known to be the site of considerable TE activity, which is prevalent enough that it has been directly observed using transposon displays in pollen  are known to be transmitted into the zygote of Arabidopsis, translated, and their products expressed in the fertilized egg cell. As the SSP protein activates expression of YODA, this male contributed protein sequence establishes the asymmetry of the two-celled proembryo , thus the onset of zygotic expression in animals coincides with a suppression of messages from the egg cell and the onset of expression from both sets of chromosomes  is known to preferentially fuse with the central cell forming the endosperm, whereas the other sperm cell (Sua) preferentially fuses with the egg cell to produce the embryo (Russell, vn appeared similar to an expected endosperm-enriched profile, whereas that of the Sua appeared more similar to an embryo profile. This appears to represent an instance where the precocious development of the embryo may be accelerated by providing targeted paternal genes to be activated upon double fertilization. With modern increases in the molecular sensitivity of characterization techniques and use of greater resolution techniques such as RNA-Seq, the accuracy of this prediction could be examined and potentially tested, providing essentially transcriptomic coverage during early embryogenesis to test the role of male gamete transcriptomes in early post-fertilization development.Among model systems for reproduction, Russell, . In ordeRussell, , it was Russell, . Using cRussell, . Thus, tThe authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.


Maternal mortality in South Africa, as in many developing nations, is avoidably high. The causes of death are well documented because statutory notification of mortality, happening during pregnancy and for 42 days after delivery, has been in place for 15 years now. The mortality data have been compiled into a triennial report (Saving Mothers) published by the National Department of Health.The death of a pregnant woman may adversely affect the chance that her surviving children will thrive. In South Africa approximately 1 600 women die every year because of pregnancy complications. Many others suffer the burden of on-going morbidity related to childbirth. Preventing premature death and disability among women and children is a priority to which the National Department of Health has committed itself. Given the pivotal role of women in society, especially within poorer communities, this targeted intervention is one with which few would take issue.The epidemiology of maternal mortality informs a variety of proposed recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of death related to childbirth. The burden of disease is described by Soma-Pillay and Sliwa in this issue (page 60). The contribution of cardiac disease in pregnancy is recognised to be the single most prevalent medical disorder giving rise to death during pregnancy among South African women. Reducing deaths due to cardiac disease has not yet been accomplished. The need for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management depends on identifying women with some evidence of cardiac disease, followed by referral to an appropriate level of medical care where the greatest available level of expertise may be employed in the further management of such patients.However, such a simple principle is difficult to implement. Often those providing care at the community level (where most South African women deliver their babies) are ill-equipped to recognise significant disease and even less able to provide the necessary medical management. Innovative approaches have been necessary and are also part of the recommendations made in the triennial report.et al. have described the function of a combined obstetric and cardiac clinic where multi-disciplinary care is provided to women with suspected heart disease.Sliwa Such clinics are feasible in metropolitan areas of the country where the greatest concentration of people live. Smaller towns and rural communities have less access to the same level of care. Nevertheless, co-responsibility for patient care between practitioners with different skills sets is recognised to be beneficial, and combined obstetric and medical clinics have been suggested as an attainable goal throughout the country. Monthly joint clinics would enable more considered evaluation of suspected medical disorders during pregnancy and an enhanced level of care together with appropriate referral to regional hospitals.The difficulty of discerning between normal pregnancy physiology and clinical disease, as well as understanding the impact of pregnancy physiology on underlying medical disease has not been taught or examined in the post-graduate training curriculum of general physicians. The anticipated benefits of combined care would only be realised once essential aspects of pregnancy physiology and pathophysiology and their influence on the expression and management of medical disease complicating pregnancy is incorporated into the university curriculum. Such changes are under consideration at present and to that end, this publication establishes a template for understanding the epidemiology of cardiac problems in pregnancy, understanding the (patho)physiology of pregnancy and how interventions, both obstetric and medical, may influence the outcome of these pregnancies. The broader object of this process still remains the targets set 15 years ago and enunciated as the millennium development goals.3


The Gulf of Aden, although subject to seasonally reversing monsoonal winds, has been previously reported as an oligotrophic basin during summer, with elevated chlorophyll concentrations only occurring during winter due to convective mixing. However, the Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) ocean color data reveal that the Gulf of Aden also exhibits a prominent summer chlorophyll bloom and sustains elevated chlorophyll concentrations throughout the fall, and is a biophysical province distinct from the adjacent Arabian Sea. Climatological hydrographic data suggest that the thermocline, hence the nutricline, in the entire gulf is markedly shoaled by the southwest monsoon during summer and fall. Under this condition, cyclonic eddies in the gulf can effectively pump deep nutrients to the surface layer and lead to the chlorophyll bloom in late summer, and, after the transition to the northeast monsoon in fall, coastal upwelling driven by the northeasterly winds produces a pronounced increase in surface chlorophyll concentrations along the Somali coast. The Gulf of Aden is a deep-water basin located between Yemen and Somalia, with a narrow connection to the Red Sea through the Straits of Bab el Mandeb in the northwest and a wide opening to the Arabian Sea in the east .Unlike the neighboring Arabian Sea, which experiences intensive summer and winter chlorophyll blooms in response to, respectively, the southwest and northeast monsoons and has attracted intensive studies , 2, the Nevertheless, relatively high resolution seasonal surveys  showed tMeanwhile, modeling studies suggested that the basin-scale upwelling, instead of coastal upwelling, is responsible for the cessation of the winter Red Sea outflow and the subsurface intrusion of the Gulf of Aden intermediate water into the Red Sea , 9. TherIn this study, we use satellite ocean color data to show that, in addition to the winter increase of chlorophyll, the Gulf of Aden exhibits a prominent summer chlorophyll bloom and sustains elevated chlorophyll concentrations during fall. The summer and fall surface chlorophyll evolutions are found indeed to be critically modulated by the seasonal fluctuation of the thermocline in the Gulf of Aden, as revealed by monthly climatological hydrographic and dissolved inorganic nutrient data. In the following sections, the spatiotemporal variability of the thermocline and surface chlorophyll distributions in the Gulf of Aden is described in detail, and the altimetric sea level anomaly (SLA) data and surface wind stress data derived from satellite scatterometer are further used to investigate additional physical mechanisms that help transport the nutrients to the surface and induce the chlorophyll increases.a ocean color data (http://oceancolor.gsfc.nasa.gov/). The in situ monthly climatological temperature and nutrient data are obtained from the one-degree objectively analyzed World Ocean Atlas 2009 (WOA09) [The monthly chlorophyll concentration data for 1997–2010 used in this study are derived from the 9-km Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) chlorophyll- (WOA09) , 12. The (WOA09) , which iThe satellite retrieval of ocean color data in the Gulf of Aden is highly affected by the heavy aerosol loads in this region  and so fThe surface winds in the Gulf of Aden are influenced by the Indian monsoon system and reverse seasonally from northeasterly during the northeast monsoon (from November to April) to southwesterly during the southwest monsoon (from June to September). The surface winds in the gulf during the northeast monsoon are similar to those in the Arabian Sea . During It is well established that the thermocline in a broad region off the coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the Arabian Sea is drastically lifted upward during the southwest monsoon from the winter condition, due to the upward Ekman pumping associated with the positive wind stress curls at the left side of the Findlater Jet axis . The resHowever, the shoaling of the thermocline is not limited to the region off the coast in the Arabian Sea, but also in the entire Gulf of Aden with a similar magnitude, about 100 m, , which iIt was suggested that the open-ocean upwelling associated with the Ekman pumping is a critical physical process for the elevated biological productivity during August-September in the Arabian Sea . Here, tFrom the onset of the southwest monsoon in May, the upwelling in the Gulf of Aden induces an upward displacement of cold, deep water as indicated by the rising isotherms . The theThe seasonal cycles of the SeaWiFS surface chlorophyll concentrations in the Gulf of Aden averaged for the period from 1998 to 2010 are displayed in −3 during August when the thermocline is at the shallowest depth. The summer bloom is followed by a plateau of chlorophyll concentrations of ~0.8 mg m−3 from October to December when the thermocline is still at shallower depths than during winter.After the low-productivity spring (from late March to early June), the SeaWiFS data reveal a prominent chlorophyll summer bloom (from July to September) and elevated chlorophyll concentrations throughout the fall (from October to December), in addition to the winter (from January to early March) increase in the chlorophyll concentrations. It can be seen that the evolution of summer and fall surface chlorophyll concentrations are closely linked to the seasonal cycles of the thermocline and the vertical nutrient distributions . The sumAt the same time, further examinations of the relation between the surface chlorophyll concentrations and the vertical profiles of nutrient suggest that the biological processes also play an important role in controlling the temporal variability of the surface chlorophyll concentrations. For instance, the decrease in nitrate in the upper layer during August  is probaThe seasonal cycle of the surface chlorophyll in the Gulf of Aden is similar to that in the northwestern Arabian Sea shown in , both inThe climatological monthly surface chlorophyll distributions are shown in −3) in the whole gulf. Even though no subsurface data are available for the whole euphotic zone, the spring condition for the gulf is likely to be oligotrophic, as there are no evident physical processes to supply nutrients to the surface layer because the water column becomes more stratified and the locations of the thermocline and nutrientcline remain at deep depths.The winter (from January to March) surface chlorophyll shown in The summer (from July to September) distributions exhibit a persistent pattern with surface chlorophyll blooms appearing in both the western and the eastern parts of the basin and a contrasting oligotrophic region in the central part around 48°E. This pattern is mainly related to the mesoscale eddies as discussed later. During fall (from October to December), elevated chlorophyll levels are mainly found along the Somali coast, and the different spatial pattern in the fall distribution as compared with the summer bloom indicates that the former is not a continuation of the latter. Instead, the fall chlorophyll distributions in the Gulf of Aden are consistent with the coastal upwelling driven by the northeasterly winds during the northeast monsoon (see As no significant coastal upwelling is observed during the summer bloom and the advection of surface chlorophyll from the northwestern Arabian Sea is unlikely due to the presence of a surface outflow from the gulf during summer , the effMesoscale eddies are observed from the SLA and drifter data in the Gulf of Aden throughout the year . These eThe effect of meso-scale eddies on the summer and fall surface chlorophyll concentrations in the Gulf of Aden are examined with a synthesis of the AIVSO SLA data and the SeaWiFS data in The effects of the cyclonic eddies on the surface chlorophyll is modulated by the mean thermocline depth in the gulf. As the thermocline drops substantially from the shallowest depths and the nutrients in the upper layer are subsequently reduced, the cyclonic eddy around 48°E in November 2003 induces a relatively weak increase of chlorophyll. At the same time, the surface winds along the Somali coast becomes stronger than those along the Yemeni coast during the southwest monsoon , and theIt is shown in this study that the Gulf of Aden, although subject to similar seasonally reversing monsoonal winds, is a separate biophysical province from the northwestern Arabian Sea, exhibiting distinct spatiotemporal variability in the surface chlorophyll distributions that are controlled by different physical mechanisms. The SeaWiFS ocean color data reveal that, contrary to previous studies, the Gulf of Aden experiences a summer surface chlorophyll bloom and a sustained fall surface chlorophyll concentration increase in addition to the well-known winter bloom.The climatological hydrographic data indicate that the shoaling of the thermocline, therefore the nutricline, in the entire gulf during summer and fall is of central importance by providing upward nutrient flux and preconditioning the summer and fall surface chlorophyll increases. During summer, as the thermocline and nutricline reach the shallowest depths, facilitated further by vertical nutrient pumping associated with the cyclonic eddies, the surface chlorophyll concentrations reach the peak values in the annual cycle. During fall, when the thermocline and nutricline drops but still remains uplifted and the northeast monsoon prevails in the Gulf of Aden, the surface chlorophyll concentrations increase along the Somali coast as a result of coastal upwelling.The upward nutrient fluxes caused by the thermocline shoaling have geographically wider implications than the Gulf of Aden. First, the aforementioned summer subsurface intruding Gulf of Aden intermediate water would provide a substantial amount of influx of nutrients to the Red Sea, because the intruding water in the Red Sea has an observed temperature range of 16.5–20.0°C , 21, andSecond, the sustained increase of surface chlorophyll concentrations during fall in the gulf can be seen as a combined result of the northeast monsoon and the persisting effect of the southwest monsoon on the thermocline structure during fall. As the seasonal variations of thermocline structure in the gulf and in the northwestern Arabian Sea are nearly synchronized , the resAs the satellite ocean color data and climatological hydrographic data shown in this study reveal the basic physical processes that regulate the seasonal evolution of the surface chlorophyll in the Gulf of Aden, in situ measurements that cover the entire basin with resolutions to resolve the highly variable spatial patterns are required to provide field validations against the remotely sensed results presented in this study. Furthermore, modeling studies that integrate both the physics and biological processes are required to provide more complete insights about the mechanisms that govern the temporal variability of the surface chlorophyll on various spatial and temporal scales.


IJOTM has extended its activities in publishing articles on tissue banking. It is a great pleasure to witness expansion of the journal activities in this new dimension that heralds a bright future through interactive reinforcement of the country’s two major transplantation units by sharing mutual experience to further the regional goals of the MESOT. On account of the prevailing sanctions on the overall growth of the country’s scientific output, policies to optimize funds and efforts are most welcome.From April 2013, the The decision to create closer ties and enhance existing collaboration in research and publication between the two centers, was reached in the latest session of MESOT between Dr. Malek-Hosseini from Transplantation Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and Dr. Mahdavi-Mazdeh from Tissue Bank, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. We anticipate fruition of this merger in our scientific and health care endeavors and will brief our interested audience of the outcome of our policies in due time.


Heart failure (HF) is a serious debilitating condition with poor survival rates and an increasing level of prevalence. HF is associated with an increase in renal norepinephrine (NE) spillover, which is an independent predictor of mortality in HF patients. The excessive sympatho-excitation that is a hallmark of HF has long-term effects that contribute to disease progression. An increase in directly recorded renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) has also been recorded in animal models of HF. This review will focus on the mechanisms controlling sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) to the kidney during normal conditions and alterations in these mechanisms during HF. In particular the roles of afferent reflexes and central mechanisms will be discussed. Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome, arising secondary to a wide range of cardiac structural and functional abnormalities, with the manifestations being shortness of breath, fatigue, exercise intolerance, and oedema. Elevated sympathetic drive is well recognized to play a key role in the pathophysiology of HF, with increased sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) to the kidneys resulting in renal vasoconstriction, increased renal sodium retention and increased renin release, and consequently elevated angiotensin II and aldosterone levels  induced HF model in the rat and pacing induced HF in the rabbit, sheep, and the dog. The majority of studies have indicated an increase in directly recorded RSNA during HF with ejection fractions of 36–45%. The MI induced model of HF in rodents results in a significant increase in baseline resting levels of RSNA −1]. It receives its blood supply via an arterial branch arising from the internal or external carotid artery, which ensures that the CB responds acutely to changes in arterial oxygen levels and other contents . Stimulation of the CB drives an increase in systemic sympathetic tone through direct signaling to the nucleus tractus solitarii and rostral ventrolateral medulla  is the most perfused organ per gram weight in the body [2000 ml minMore recently the role of the CB chemoreflex has been implicated in mediating the increased RSNA during HF , and the A5 noradrenergic cell group , microinjected in the PVN increased baseline levels of RSNA , has been suggested as a cause of the centrally mediated sympathoexcitation in HF. In conscious normal rats, unilateral PVN microinjections of the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) , decreased MAP  levels are decreased in HF, in particular, in neurons of the PVN (Patel et al., Studies have also examined the role of the PVN in modulating the reflex regulation of RSNA. The primary reflex studied in this regard has been the cardiopulmonary afferent reflex. In essence, an increase in circulating blood volume using infusion of plasma or plasma expanders results in an increase in renal blood flow that is mediated by a decrease in SNA to the kidney. In this context, the PVN plays a critical role in mediating this inhibition of RSNA in a variety of species (Badoer et al., disinhibition of the PVN attenuates the RSNA inhibition in contrast to conscious animals where inhibition of the PVN attenuated the RSNA inhibition. One important unanswered question is how inhibition of the PVN leads to an inhibition of RSNA. In this context, there are numerous inhibitory interneurons in the PVN. When muscimol is microinjected into the PVN, it is still unclear what subsets of neurons are being inhibited and whether inhibition of inhibitory interneurons occurs. This makes it hard to decipher neuronal networks within the PVN. Irrespective of these limitations, the PVN plays an important role in reflex regulation of RSNA and appears to be important in mediating the impaired reflex regulation of RSNA during HF.It must be mentioned that in anesthetized animals, Understanding the role of RSNA in HF is difficult in humans where measurement is indirect at best. When considering findings from animal studies we must be mindful that the degree and model of HF, species and sex of the animals and presence of anesthesia all add complexity to the interpretation. Evidence does suggest that deterioration in cardiac function in HF is closely associated with elevations in RSNA, although it would appear that increased NE spillover only becomes significant once the ejection fraction is reduced below 30%. The exact mechanisms driving the increase in RSNA remain controversial, in part reflecting the diverse nature of the origins of HF. While any changes in sensitivity of the reflex regulation of SNA may simply be secondary to the increase in RSNA, there is emerging evidence that, at least in some instances, the peripheral chemoreceptors may be involved in driving the increase in RSNA. While in severe HF, there may be an impaired ability of the baroreflex to inhibit RSNA in males, it is difficult to suggest that the arterial baroreceptor reflex is the primary driver for the increase in RSNA. Additionally HF is characterized by impaired regulation of body water content. The PVN is highlighted as one central area which is associated with the impairment of the regulation of blood volume in HF, with an impaired ability of the PVN to inhibit RSNA in response to the increased blood volume observed in HF. Understanding the drivers for the increased RSNA and the variability that occurs between individuals is key to the successful management of HF.The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.


The paper by Femel et al.  demonstrWhile 2013 has been selected by Science's editors as the year of cancer immunotherapy for the positive clinical results on two immune checkpoint inhibitors, the field of cancer vaccination is also picking up slowly after a 30-year period of gains and losses. The attractiveness of cancer vaccination is clearly the harnessing of the immune system, which we know is capable of recognizing and destroying tumors and even able to cure patients in rare cases. Cancer vaccines are biological response modifiers aiming at redirecting or focusing the body's immune response to destroy the tumor. A specific and underestimated class of these vaccines is designed to recognize the tumor vasculature.Inhibition of angiogenesis has long been considered an attractive adjuvant option for the treatment of cancer. The early detection of vascular endothelial cell growth factor as a major regulator of angiogenesis and the development of its inhibitor bevacizumab has focused the field's attention mainly towards this and other growth factor signaling pathways. But it seems that a ceiling has been reached with these drugs in the prolongation of patient survival. It is therefore suggested that the direct targeting of tumor endothelial cells may be a better option. Since it is already known that inhibition of angiogenesis has a positive impact on anti-tumor immunity , using tA major requirement for the success of a vaccination approach against the vasculature is the availability of highly specific targets. Several studies have reported on increasingly specific markers of the tumor vasculature , allowinThe papers by Femel and Zhuang highlight the impact of this exciting field of research, which is anticipated to confirm similar efficacy in clinical trials in the near future.


Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is used to relieve motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. A tripartite system of STN subdivisions serving motoric, associative, and limbic functions was proposed, mainly based on tracing studies, which are limited by low numbers of observations. The evidence is compelling and raises the question as to what extent these functional zones are anatomically segregated. The majority of studies indicate that there is anatomical overlap between STN functional zones. Using ultrahigh-resolution magnetic resonance imaging techniques it is now possible to visualize the STN with high spatial resolution, and it is feasible that in the near future stereotactic guided placement of electrical stimulators aided by high-resolution imaging will allow for more specific stimulation of the STN. The neuroanatomical and functional makeup of these subdivisions and their level of overlap would benefit from clarification before serving as surgical targets. We discuss histological and imaging studies, as well as clinical observations and electrophysiological recordings in DBS patients. These studies provide evidence for a topographical organization within the STN, although it remains unclear to what extent functionally and anatomically distinct subdivisions overlap. The subthalamic nucleus (STN) lies deep within the brain on top of the cerebral peduncle and plays a central role in both the direct and indirect pathway of the basal ganglia  , which catalyzes the conversion of glutamate into GABA . The magnitude of the effects was maximal in the ventral part of the STN and dependent on dopamine medication (Buot et al. DBS stimulation has profound effects on STN function, although stimulation of adjacent brain areas cannot be excluded (Fontaine et al. The need for a better understanding of the STN’s functional neuroanatomy is evident, both for increasing insight in the pathogenesis of movement disorders as well as optimization of DBS for improvement of motor symptoms and prevention of unwanted side effects. In all of the studies describing anatomofunctional subdivisions or zones within the STN we have reviewed, the respective authors carefully discuss the existence of topographical overlap between the subdivisions. The magnitude of the overlap is of clinical relevance. With the development of new high-resolution MRI techniques in combination with in vivo electrophysiological measures during stereotactic surgery, and technical advancements in the available electrical stimulators, DBS will potentially become even more valuable in the future. It is feasible that neurosurgeons will be able to selectively target the specific parts of the STN. However, we feel that at present the evidence supporting the existence of subdivisions of the STN without information on the degree of overlap between these subdivisions is insufficient to provide surgeons with specific targets within the STN. We have reviewed support for STN subdivisions from different research disciplines within the field of neuroscience. A topographical organization within the STN may be present; however, it remains unclear to what extent functional and anatomical subdivisions/zones overlap. This review and recent publications by us and others (Alkemade and Forstmann


Staphylococcus aureus (3-4X106 CFU). The inoculated animals were divided into three groups (6 donkeys in each group). The arthroscopic examination was carried out before induction of septic carpitis and 3 days (group I), 14 days (group II), and 28 days (group III) after induction of infection. The arthroscopic examination of group I revealed hyperemia of synovial membrane and hypertrophied villi. In group II, severe hyperemia of synovial membrane, hypertrophied villi, pannus in the joint cavity and beginning of articular cartilage erosion were found. In group III, severe hyperemia of synovial membrane, hypertrophied villi and more prominent articular cartilage erosion were present.Experimental septic arthritis was induced in the radiocarpal joint of 18 donkeys by intra-articular injection of  In adult horses, direct trauma is the most common cause of infectious arthritis where tissue destruction and cellulitis can lead to an open joint and subsequently cause infectious arthritis . The most common microorganism isolated from donkeys suffering from septic carpitis was Staphylococcus aureus .Septic arthritis can be caused by hematogenous infection, traumatic injury, or itrogenic infection .Arthroscopy provides a far more thorough examination of the carpal joints than arthrotomy by effectively moving the light source and thus enabling the examiners a closer inspection into the joint. Complete examination of the joint with the use of an arthroscope cannot be emulated by any arthrotomy incisions  stated that the arthroscopic examination of the radiocarpal joint of the donkey from the lateral portal revealed that the medial joint angle formed by the distal surface of the radius and the proximal surface of the radial carpal bone was first seen. They also added that arthroscopic examination of the radiocarpal joint from the medial portal revealed that the first area seen was the lateral joint angle formed by the proximal articular surface of the intermediate carpal bone and the distal articular surface of the radius.Magda et al., 2011; Spahn et al., 2011).Arthroscopy is considered the most valid method for cartilage evaluation, but in case of small cartilage lesions there is a risk of overestimation of the defect size. The advantage of arthroscopy compared to the other diagnostic modalities is the possibility of immediate treatment of the identified joint problem .Adequate arthroscopic examination of the intercarpal or radiocarpal joint is possible through a single dorsal arthroscopic portal for each joint. Using two dorsal separate portals improves visualization by increasing freedom of movement because of reduced soft tissue tension around the arthroscope and a reduced tendency to slip out of the joint when examining areas close to the arthroscopic portal . This may cover the foreign material and devitalised tissues, act as a nidus for bacterial multiplication and is rich in inflammatory cells, degradative enzymes, and radicals.It is also a barrier to synovial membrane diffusion, thus compromising further intrasynovial nutrition and limiting the access for circulating antimicrobial drugs. The quantum and the nature of the pannus appears to be dependent on the type and number of infecting organisms .Arthroscopic examination of septic arthritis of the tarsocrural joint in horses revealed erosions and irregularity of articular surface, fissure, articular degeneration and hypertrophied villi .Borg and Carmalt (2013) concluded that joint infection rate in the horse population that had elective arthroscopy without antimicrobial prophylaxis compared favorably with other reports citing 0.9% sepsis in horses after arthroscopy.(Staph. aureus) of the radiocarpal joint in donkeys.This study was aimed to describe the arthroscopic anatomy of the radiocarpal joint in donkeys, and to shed light on the arthroscopic assessment of induced septic arthritis Staph. aureus until the infective inoculums were obtained. The remaining 18 donkeys were divided into three groups; each group consisting of 6 animals. In these animals, induction of septic carpitis in the radiocarpal joints of donkeys by Staph. aureus was induced. After the induction of septic carpitis, arthroscopic examinations were performed.The present study was experimentally induced on 32 healthy, adult donkeys of both sexes. Fourteen animals were used for serial propagation of the These animals were divided into three groups. The examination of the three infected groups was done 3, 14 and 28 days after the induction of septic carpitis of the radiocarpal joint. The ethical committee in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University approved this work.Staph. aureus colony (standard colony). Staph. aureus used for induction of septic arthritis in this study was isolated from a donkey suffering from septic arthritis. A sample from the infected synovial fluid of the carpal joint was aspirated, inoculated into nutrient broth and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. Each radiocarpal joint was inoculated with 3-4X106 CFU of viable Staph. aureus.The induction of septic arthritis in donkeys was performed using a viable Arthroscopic examination was performed on donkeys under the effect of xylazine HCl (1mg/kg) as the tranquilizer and thiopental sodium (5% solution intravenously with a dose of 6-8 mg/kg body weight).The carpus was clipped circumferentially from the proximal metacarpus to the distal radius, cleaned and draped with sterile towel immediately prior to surgery. The donkeys were placed in dorsal recumbency and hooves were suspended on bar for ease of control of the degree of flexion of the joint.The arthroscope was inserted in the radiocarpal joint while the joint was 20 degree flexed. Two arthroscopic portals  were used for each joint. The lateral portal was located half way between the tendons of the extensor carpi radialis and the common digital extensor tendon. The medial portal was located at about 1 cm medial to the tendon of extensor carpi radialis.Distension of the joint was obtained with 15-20 ml of 0.9 normal saline using an 18 gauge needle inserted at the proposed site for insertion of the arthroscope mentioned above. The arthroscopic sleeve was inserted through a 1 cm skin incision at the site of needle insertion. With the aid of a sharp obturator, the sleeve was advanced into the joint until the fluid began to escape from the cannula. The sharp obturator was replaced with a 25 & 4 mm, forward oblique viewing arthroscope. An ingress fluid line and fiber optic light cable were attached to the arthroscope. The joints were viewed with a video camera and a monitor. The joints were irrigated throughout the procedure with normal saline delivered from an infusion set.Staph. aureus in donkey’s carpal joints revealed that the infective dose of septic carpitis was 3-4X106 CFU.The serial propagation of Arthroscopic examination of the radiocarpal joint from the lateral portal revealed that the medial joint angle formed by the distal surface of the radius and the proximal surface of the radial carpal bone was the first area seen .Withdrawing of the arthroscope makes easier the visualization of the proximal surface of the intermediate carpal and the distal surface of the radius in its middle portion could be easily seen. The lateral joint angle could be seen from this portal with some difficulty, but it was better examined from the medial portal.Arthroscopic examination of the radiocarpal joint from the medial portal revealed that the first area seen was the lateral angle formed by the proximal articular surface of the ulnar carpal bone, the lateral aspect of the intermediate carpal bone and the distal articular surface of the radius .The joint space, synovial membrane and villi could be easily examined. The shape of the villi varied from polyp like , slenderArthroscopic examination of infected group I revealed that the cartilage remained clear and did not change. Mild degree of synovitis which was characterized by hyperemia and petechiation of the villi  with sliArthroscopic examination of infected group II revealed the presence of a severe degree of synovitis which was characterized by hyperemia and petechiation of the villi. Severe degree of congestion and hypertrophied villi were present. Pannus  was present at this stage in addition to the beginning of articular cartilage erosion .Arthroscopic examination of infected group III revealed the presence of a more severe degree of synovitis characterized by hyperemia and petechiation of the villi. Severe degree of congestion which appear as patches, hypertrophied villi and more prominent erosion of articular cartilage was present as seen in Staph. aureus was used in the induction of septic carpitis in donkeys because the most commonly isolated microorganisms from clinical cases was this microorganism. This study was performed in donkeys to examine the severity of every stage of septic carpitis and furthermore, use it for the clinical trials. These findings were in agreement with that reported by El-Maghraby and Al-Bawa’neh (2002).In the present study, et al. (2005). However, Martin and McIlwraith (1985), McIlwraith (1990) and McIlwraith et al. (2005) recorded that adequate arthroscopic examination of the radiocarpal joint was possible through a single arthroscopic portal.The obtained results revealed that, the arthroscopic examination of the all aspects of the radiocarpal joint was accomplished through medial and lateral portals. This finding were in agreement with Magda, Using two separate portals, in the present study improved visualization of all joint structures by increasing the freedom of movement of arthroscope inside the joint cavity, reduction of soft tissue tension around the arthroscope and its tendency to slip out of the joint.et al. (2005).The lateral portal of the radiocarpal joint was positioned halfway between the extensor carpi radialis tendon and common digital extensor tendon at the level of the radiocarpal joint. The medial portal was located medial to the extensor carpi radialis tendon at the level of the radiocarpal joint. This finding were in agreement with Magda et al. (1987), McIlwraith (1990) and McIlwraith et al. (2005) in horses. Arthroscopic examination of the radiocarpal joint was best achieved with the joint flexed at 20 degrees. The same finding was recorded by Magda et al. (2005) in donkeys and also by Martin and McIlwraith (1985) and McIlwraith et al. (2005) in horses. Arthroscopic examination of the joint flexed at 20 degree reduces the tension of the synovial membrane on the dorsal aspects of the articular surfaces of the radial carpal bone, intermediate carpal bone and the radius.The same portals also were described by Martin and McIlwraith (1985), Hurtig and Fertz (1986), McIlwraith Arthroscopic examination in cases of septic arthritis revealed synovitis which was characterized by hyperemia and petechiation of the villi. This finding were in agreement with McIlwraith (1984) who illustrated that synovitis was characterized by hyperaemia, petechiation of the villi, development of small hyperaemic villi in abnormal locations and new forms of villi. With severe inflammation, fusion of villi and the presence of fibrinoid strands may be observed.Arthroscopic examination of septic carpitis (group II) revealed the presence of a severe degree of synovitis with hyperemia and petechiation of the villi. Severe degree of congestion and hypertrophied villi were present. Pannus was present at this stage in addition to the presence of erosion of the articular cartilage. These findings were in agreement with McIlwraith (1984), Wright (2002) and AbdEl-Glil (2012).Arthroscopic examination of septic carpitis (group III) revealed presence of more severe degree of synovitis characterized by hyperemia and petechiation of the villi. Severe degree of congestion which appear as patches, hypertrophied villi and erosion were also present. These findings were in agreement with McIlwraith (1984) and AbdEl-Glil (2012).In conclusion, arthroscopy provides advantages of diagnosis and management of infected joints to choose the suitable method of treatment.