Oat being a rabi/winter crop in Kashmir, experiences extremely low temperatures which has detrimental effects on its growth and development. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate a set of 130 oat genotypes in multi-location trials across temperate conditions of Kashmir valley from 2018 to 2022. From the preliminary data of 56 genotypes, including five checks, were selected and evaluated for nutritional and yield attributing traits under cold stress conditions at two locations. The results demonstrated significant genetic variation and high heritability for majority of traits, except for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and dry fodder. Positive correlations were observed between green fodder yield and other traits, indicating their potential for enhancing yield. Principal component analysis identified four principal components that accounted for 69.87% of the total variation. Cluster analysis categorized the genotypes into two main clusters and six sub-clusters. Frost damage assessment was conducted at tillering stage after the snow melted in late January 2021 and 2022 using cold tolerance rating scale and subsequently tested for chilling injury through an electrolyte leakage test. From field and lab data analysis, five most promising cold tolerant, nutritious and high-yielding genotypes were identified. These genotypes have significant potential for utilization in future breeding programmes to improve cold tolerance in cultivated oats within the Kashmir valley thus promoting agricultural productivity and sustainability. The outcomes also provide valuable insights into the genetic variation, heritability, genotype-by-environment interactions, correlations and cold tolerance of oat genotypes in Kashmir.

This study aimed to parse between-person heterogeneity in growth of impulsivity across childhood and adolescence among participants enrolled in five childhood preventive intervention trials targeting conduct problems. In addition, we aimed to test profile membership in relation to adult psychopathologies. Measurement items representing impulsive behavior across grades 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10, and aggression, substance use, suicidal ideation/attempts, and anxiety/depression in adulthood were integrated from the five trials (N = 4,975). We applied latent class growth analysis to this sample, as well as samples separated into nonintervention (n = 2,492) and intervention (n = 2,483) participants. Across all samples, profiles were characterized by high, moderate, low, and low-increasing impulsive levels. Regarding adult outcomes, in all samples, the high, moderate, and low profiles endorsed greater levels of aggression compared to the low-increasing profile. There were nuanced differences across samples and profiles on suicidal ideation/attempts and anxiety/depression. Across samples, there were no significant differences between profiles on substance use. Overall, our study helps to inform understanding of the developmental course and prognosis of impulsivity, as well as adding to collaborative efforts linking data across multiple studies to better inform understanding of developmental processes.

An isolated population of 700 specimens initially described as Corynosoma strumosum (Rudolphi, 1802) Lühe, 1904 and currently reassigned to Corynosoma neostrumosum n. sp. was collected from one young male Caspian seal, Pusa caspica (Gmelin) in the southern land-locked Caspian Sea in April 2009. Collected worms were morphologically unique compared with those reported by other observers in open waters, especially in shape and distribution of proboscis hooks and trunk spines, dorso-ventral differences in proboscis hooks and their organization, the baldness of anterior proboscis, consistently smaller size of trunk and testes, larger eggs, the rough egg topography, epidermal micropores, and variations in the female gonopore. Molecular data from the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA and the mitochondrial cox1 gene was also provided to supplement the morphological study of the new species.

Fully developed, sexually mature small male and female acanthocephalans, Microsentis wardae Martin & Multani, 1966 (Neoechinorhynchidae) reaching only 2.25 mm and 2.42 mm, respectively, were collected from the rectum of longjaw mudsuckers, Gillichthys mirabilis Cooper, in the salty marches of Anaheim Bay and San Diego Bay, California. Our specimens were half the size of those reported in the original description from the same host in Scammon's Lagoon over 700 km to the south. The ratio of proboscis and receptacle size to trunk size was markedly higher in our specimens compared to the larger specimens measured in the original description. The anatomy of all structures in our specimens from Anaheim Bay was comparable to that of the larger Scammon's Lagoon specimens that have apparently realized more growth in the Scammon's Lagoon. We have observed more structures that are not reported in the original description, especially evident from our scanning electron microscopy images, which are not possible to observe in the original line drawings. In our specimens, the micropores were unusually widely spaced and the energy dispersive X-ray analysis showed longitudinal hook sections with high levels of sulphur and phosphorus and moderate levels of calcium, but the whole hooks showed highest levels of sodium and magnesium – the biochemical hook signature of this species. Sequences of the small subunit (18S) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA were generated and compared with acanthocephalan sequences available from GenBank. As M. wardae comprises a monotypic genus, therefore, phylogenetic analyses inferred from the 18S gene showed its relationship with other species of closely related genera of Eoacanthocephala. This is the first report of molecular data of M. wardae.

A number of variable descriptive accounts of Aspersentis megarhynchus (von Linstow, 1892) Golvan, 1960 have been reported from specimens collected from many species of fish in various locations off Antarctic islands. We have described a new population from Notothenia coriiceps Richardson (Nototheniidae) off Galindez Island, West Antarctica, and features not previously reported, resolved the taxonomic controversies and nomenclature, and emended and updated the generic diagnosis taking into account the newly observed structures. These are depicted in microscopic images and include the outer spiral wall of the proboscis receptacle, the thicker dorsal wall of the receptacle compared to the ventral wall, parts of the female reproductive system, the separate cement gland ducts, the dorsal position of the male gonopore and more detail of proboscis hooks and trunk spines. It is surprising that the newly observed features were missed from the many descriptions of A. megarhynchus created since the original description. The variability in A. megarhynchus is noted with a comparison of the morphometrics of our specimens vs. those in six other descriptions. We also analysed the metal composition of hooks and spines using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and concluded a molecular characterization of the species based on 18S DNA gene, with related phylogenetic analyses.

Centrorhynchus globocaudatus (Zeder, 1800) Lühe, 1911 (Centrorhynchidae) was reported in birds of prey. Our population from Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus (Falconidae) and Buteo buteo Linnaeus (Accipitridae) in northern Italy was morphologically distinct from others described elsewhere. The worms are elongate and cylindrical. Proboscis long, apically truncated and bare, with wider base and variably faint constriction at point of attachment of receptacle. Large anterior hooks well rooted; posterior spiniform hooks with reduced roots; transitional hooks with scutiform roots in-between. Four tubular cement glands extend into prominent ducts overlapping a large Saefftigen's pouch. Bursa large, with sensory plates. Vagina with laterally slit orifice in sub-ventral pit of globular terminal extension. Thick-shelled eggs ovoid without polar prolongation of fertilization membrane. In our specimens, proboscis hooks, receptacle, male reproductive system, and lemnisci especially in males varied in size from those from Ukraine, India, Egypt, Kyrgystan, Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Asian Soviet Republics. Our description of the Italian specimens includes new morphological information supported by scanning electron microscopy and microscope images, molecular analysis and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) of hooks. Additional new details of proboscis hook roots, micropores and micropore distribution are described. Metal composition of hooks (EDXA) demonstrated high levels of calcium and phosphorous, and high levels of sulphur in core and cortical layers of eggs. The molecular profile based on sequences of 18S and cytochrome c oxidase 1 genes is also provided, as well as phylogenetic reconstructions including all available sequences of the family Centrorhynchidae, although further sequences are needed in order to clarify their phylogenetic relationships.

Diabetes mellitus (DM-II) and hyperglycemia are of concern in persons with chronic psychiatric disorders. At our 485 patient state hospital, DM has increased over tenfold in recent years. Our routine “finger sticks” for glucose monitoring are commonly elevated and these tend to be treated aggressively. We observed that many patients with high routine glucose values seemed to display no clinical symptoms of hyperglycemia. Of 74 patients with >1fingerstick glucose levels >350 mg/dl during an 18 month period (1/08-6/09), complete charts were available for 25 of the 32 with the highest values (all >420). None of these records showed untoward medical or behavioral incidents on the day of the highest value for each patient. For the 17 with complete medication information for those dates, 13 were prescribed atypical antipsychotics. To explore hyperglycemia, demographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of the 32 patients with the highest glucose values were compared with 32 patients with the lowest peak values, and 32 with peak values closest to the overall median of 183 mg/dl. The high glucose group were similar to the others except for the prevalence of schizophrenia (87% vs 66% for the remainder) and less frequent required observation (t = 2.0, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in behavioral or medical incident reports for the high glucose patients compared with the other groups. The findings suggest that many patients with hyperglycemia in psychiatric hospitals are at lesser risk for medical consequences than traditionally assumed. Less aggressive management of elevated fingerstick values may be indicated.

Background: Continuous video-EEG (cvEEG) monitoring is the standard of care for diagnosis and management of neonatal seizures. However, it is labour-intensive. We aimed to establish consistency in monitoring of newborns utilising NICU nurses. Methods: Neonatal nurses were trained to apply scalp electrodes, troubleshoot technical issues. Guidelines, checklists and visual training modules were developed. A central network system allowed remote access to the cvEEGs by the epileptologist for timely interpretation and feedback. We compared 100 infants with moderate to severe HIE before and after the training program. Results: 192 cvEEGs were performed. Of the 100 infants compared; time to initiate brain monitoring decreased by average of 31.5 hours, in electrographic seizure detection increased(20% compared to 34% a), seizure clinical misdiagnosis decreased (65% compared to 36% ), and Anti-Seizure burden decreased. Conclusions: Training experienced NICU nurses to set-up, start and monitor cvEEG can decrease the time to initiate cvEEG which may lead to better seizure diagnosis and management.

Observers say that drug production fuels violence in Colombia, but does coca production explain different levels of violence? This article examines the relationship between coca production and guerrilla violence by reviewing national-level data over time and studying Colombia by department, exploring the interactions among guerrilla violence, exports, development, and displacement. It uses historical analysis, cartographic visualization, and analysis of the trends in four high coca-producing and four violent Colombian departments, along with a department-level fixed effects model. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, the department-level analysis suggests that coca production is not the driving force of contemporary Colombian guerrilla violence. Instead, economic factors and coca eradication emerge as prominent explanatory factors.

The effect of the transverse magnetic field on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and surface modifications of germanium (Ge) has been investigated at various fluences. Ge targets were exposed to Nd: YAG laser pulses (1064 nm, 10 ns, 1 Hz) at different fluences ranging from 3 to 25.6 J/cm2 to generate Ge plasma under argon environment at a pressure of 50 Torr. The magnetic field of strength 0.45 Tesla perpendicular to the direction of plasma expansion was employed by using two permanent magnets. The emission spectra of laser-induced Ge plasma was detected by the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system. The electron temperature and number density of Ge plasma are evaluated by using the Boltzmann plot and stark broadening methods, respectively. The variations in emission intensity, electron temperature (Te), and number density (ne) of Germanium plasma are explored at various fluences, with and without employment of the magnetic field. It is observed that the magnetic field is responsible for significant enhancement of both excitation temperature and number density at all fluences. It is revealed that an excitation temperature increases from Te,max,without B = 16,190 to Te,max,with B = 20,123 K. Similarly, the two times enhancement in the electron density is observed from ne,max,without B = 2 × 1018 to ne,max,with B = 4 × 1018 cm−3. The overall enhancement in Ge plasma parameters in the presence of the magnetic field is attributed to the Joule heating effect and adiabatic compression. With increasing fluence both plasma parameters increase and achieve their maxima at a fluence of 12.8 J/cm2 and then decrease. In order to correlate the plasma parameters with surface modification, scanning electron microscope analysis of irradiated Ge was performed. Droplets and cones are formed for both cases. However, the growth of ridges and distinctness of features is more pronounced in case of the absence of the magnetic field; whereas surface structures become more diffusive in the presence of the magnetic field.