Journal articles on the topic 'Reg. 2201/2003'

Tim Knudsen og Ditlev Tamm m.il. (red.), Dansk Forvaltningshistorie: Ski f, Forvaltning og Samfund, 3 bind. Kobenhavn: Jurist- og Økonomforbundets Forlas. 2000, 2204 s. Samlet pris for alle tre bind: kr. 1500rindividuelt for Bind I (Fra til 1901): kr. 800, Bind II (Fra 1901-1953): kr. 800, bind 3 (Efter 1950): kr. 275.

An important reserve for improving the effectiveness of milk production is the creation of highly productive breeds of cattle by improving them. Families, which are an integral part of the herd structure are essential in this case. Maternal families play a very important role in breeding work to increase the milk productivity. The milk yield, content of protein and fat in milk, udder shape and teats, milk flow rate are actually measured only on females. In the best factory families identify the most promising highly productive cows, which are subsequently used to obtain sires, which often becoming the ancestors of the lines. The main purpose of working with the family is to develop in the offspring of valuable qualities of the ancestor by mating her, her daughters and granddaughters with the best sires belonging to the best line, to obtain high-value off spring. 26 families, which differ on age, level of productivity, quantity of highly productive cows are allocated in the farms in the Voronezh region. According to the development of breeding characteristics of the family to varying degrees deviate from the indicators of the herd. The best results on milk yield have been obtained in the families: Martha 113, Vishnya 1208, Malvina 166, Skoda 8 and Putana 1312, which exceed the average for the herd from 428 to 1019 kg, or from 7,2 to 17,1 %. On the content of fat in milk the superiority of families was revealed: Drofa 752 by 0,23 %, Soroka 2206 by 0,21 %, Manyunya 1013 by 0,19 %, Kukla 1252 by 0,11 %. In terms of protein content in milk the best families were: Spring 8028 by 0,07 %, Boyarka 2118 by 0,04 %, Vishnya 1208 and Soroka 2206 by 0,03 %. Thus, in order to increase the efficiency of milk production in the Voronezh region it is necessary to use selection of maternal families most widely.

Abstract Sickle cell vaso-occlusion is a complex multistep process likely involving heterotypic interactions among sickle erythrocytes (red blood cells [RBCs]), leukocytes (white blood cells [WBCs]), and endothelial cells. Recent data using intravital microscopy in a sickle cell mouse model suggest that adherent leukocytes in postcapillary venules play a critical role in vaso-occlusion by capturing circulating sickle RBCs. In the course of studies to investigate the adhesion receptors mediating sickle RBC-WBC interactions, we found that control nonspecific immunoglobulin G (IgG) preparations displayed significant inhibitory activity. As a result, we studied the effects of commercial intravenous human immune globulin (IVIG) preparations and found that IVIG inhibits RBC-WBC interactions in cremasteric venules in a dose-dependent manner. IVIG of at least 200 mg/kg dramatically reduced these interactions, even after tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulation, and not only increased microcirculatory blood flow but also improved survival of sickle cell mice. These data raise the possibility that IVIG may have a beneficial effect on sickle cell–associated vaso-occlusion.

INTRODUCTION: Pacific New Zealanders have a high prevalence of smoking, with many first smoking in their pre-adolescent years. AIM: To identify risk factors for tobacco smoking among Pacific pre-adolescent intermediate school children. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 2208 Pacific students aged between 10 and 13 years from four South Auckland intermediate schools who were asked about their smoking behaviour between the years 2007 and 2009. RESULTS: The prevalence of Pacific ever-smokers (for 2007) in Year 7 was 15.0% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 12.0%–18.3%) and Year 8, 23.0% (95% CI 19.5%–26.7%). Multivariate modelling showed the risk factors for ever-smoking were Cook Island ethnic group (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.26–2.36, ref=Samoan), boys (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.14–1.89), age (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.36–2.00), exposure to smoking in a car within the previous seven days (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.67–3.01), anyone smoking at home within the previous seven days (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.12–2.04) and receiving more than $NZ20 per week as pocket money/allowance (OR=1.91, 95% CI 1.23–2.96). DISCUSSION: Parents control and therefore can modify identified risk factors for Pacific children’s smoking initiation: exposure to smoking at home or in the car and the amount of weekly pocket money the child receives. Primary health care professionals should advise Pacific parents to make their homes and cars smokefree and to monitor their children’s spending. This study also suggests a particular need for specific Cook Island smokefree promotion and cessation resources. KEYWORDS: Adolescent; child; ethnic group; New Zealand; Pacific; smoking

to climate change and human activities, Hong Jiannao Lake located in the arid and semi-arid area of China, it played a very important role in the regulation of the local climate, the balance of water resources and the maintenance of biological diversity. Hongjiannao Lake area in recent years continues to shrink, it was urgent to get the Hongjiannao Lake area change trend. This article take Hongjiannao Lake as study object using MODIS image of NIR and Red wavelength reflectivity data, selected April to October of 2000-2014,consturcted scale of SMMI (S-SMMI) based on soil moisture monitoring index (SMMI). The result indicated that lake area reduced from 46.9 km² in 2000 to 27.8 km² in 2014, average decay rate is 1.3 km²/a. The lake’s annual change showed a trend of periodic change. In general, the lake area began to increase slowly each year in April, and the area of the lake area reached the maximum, and then decreased gradually in June to July. Finally, we analysed the main driving factors included natural, man-made, and underground mining which lead to the lake area shrink.

Abstract Red palm oil (RPO) is derived from the FFB of palm oil. Carotene in red palm oil or red palm oil cannot be obtained by ordinary processes. Various attempts were made to obtain carotene compounds by various methods of separation (extraction). Therefore, this study attempted to study the effect of the time and rotational speed of the rotary evaporator on the yield of carotenoid concentrates formed in the saponification process so that it would produce optimum carotenoid concentrates seen from the content of carotene and DOBI produced. The sample used was crude palm oil (CPO) which was processed in stages, namely transesterification, solvates micellization (SM), and saponification. The treatment was carried out in the saponification process, namely stirring time for 1.5 hours and 2 hours with each rotating speed of 1800 rpm, 2000 rpm, and 2200 rpm. In each process, carotenoids and DOBI values will increase. In the saponification process, the best treatment that produces high carotene and optimum DOBI is the stirring process at a speed of 1800 rpm for 1.5 hours. The time of stirring in the saponification process has a real effect on the value of carotene and the DOBI index.

In this paper, we report a spectroscopic study of natural type Ib-IaA diamonds containing Y centers subjected to high-pressure high-temperature treatment at 7–7.5 GPa and 1700–2200 °C. Diamond samples showing the Y centers as the dominant absorption feature in the infrared spectra were selected from a collection of natural diamonds from alluvial placers of the northeastern Siberian Platform. The samples were investigated by spectroscopic techniques before and after each annealing stage. It was found that upon annealing at temperatures higher than 2000°C, the defect-induced one-phonon spectra changed from the Y centers to a new form with a characteristic band peaking at 1060 cm−1. Photoluminescence spectra of the samples were modified after each annealing stage starting from 1700 °C. The most significant changes in photoluminescence occurred at temperatures higher than 2000 °C and were associated with a sharp increase of the intensity of an emission band peaking at about 690 nm. A comparison with natural red-luminescing diamonds from Yakutian kimberlite pipes was performed. It was concluded that the observed 1060 cm−1 IR band and the 690 nm red emission band are genetically related to the Y centers and that defects or impurities responsible for the Y centers appear quite widespread in natural diamonds from various deposits worldwide.

Abstract Arginine (ARG) supplementation (5% arginine in chow) restores plasma ARG levels in S+S-Antilles mice to that found in C57BL mice and is associated with a reduction in Ca++ activated K+ channel (Gardos channel) activity, MCHC and high density red cells (Romero, Blood 99(4):2002). However the mechanisms for these effects are not entirely clear. Endothelin-1 (ET) is a potent vasoconstrictor that has been shown to activate Gardos channel activity and reduce MCHC. We hypothesized that reduced ET could account for the decrease in Gardos channel activity. We report here that arginine diet reduced ET levels in mouse plasma from 137 ± 10 to 89 ± 17 pmol/ml using a modified HPLC technique originally proposed by Kumarathasan (Anal Biochem299:37, 2001). We measured Gardos channel activity in ex vivo red cells as the influx of 86Rb in the presence or absence 10μM clotrimazole. Consistent with our previous report, we observed that ARG supplementation was associated with a decrease in Gardos Channel activity. In addition, incubation of red cells with 500 nmol/L of ET for 15 min at 37°C stimulated an increase in Gardos channel activity in cells from both ARG supplemented vs non-supplemented mice that was sensitive to 1 mmol/L of the specific ET receptor B antagonist, BQ788 (9.4 ± 2.5 vs 14.6 ± 3.8 mmol/L cell x h, respectively). However, the maximal response of the Gardos channel activity to ET was significantly blunted in ARG supplemented vs non-supplemented mice (15.7 ± 2.8 vs 22.1 ± 2.2 mmol/L cell x h, p<0.03, n=5). We also performed QT-RT PCR using Taqman assays on aortas from these mice and observed that mRNA expression of both ET and ET receptor A levels were significantly decreased in ARG supplemented vs non-supplemented mice (p<0.05, n=5) while ET receptor B levels were not significantly affected (n=5). Thus, our results suggest that reduced ET is in part responsible for the blunted Gardos channel activity in arginine supplemented mice and raises the possibility that ET metabolism is modulated by arginine supplementation. We conclude that arginine supplementation of sickle cell patients may have multiple benefits including reduced polymer formation, reduced vasoconstriction, and reduced inflammatory response.

Introducción: El Objetivo de Desarrollo Sostenible número 3 tiene entre sus metas poner fin a las muertes evitables de recién nacidos y menores de 5 años. Una de las estrategias que puede aportar al cumplimiento de esta meta es el programa “Buen Comienzo”. Objetivo: examinar variables sociodemográficas y de mortalidad infantil de los niños menores de un año que participaron del programa Buen Comienzo del Municipio de Medellín en el periodo de 2009 a 2016. Materiales y métodos: estudio cuantitativo descriptivo de corte trasversal, utilizando base de datos secundarias del municipio de Medellín. Se calcularon frecuencias absolutas y relativas de las variables, además de la razón de prevalencia e indicadores de mortalidad infantil y neonatal para Medellín. Se analizaron 48.344 registros. Resultados: la no afiliación de los niños al sistema de salud pasó de 22,1 % en 2009 a 4,4 % en 2016. Más del 50 % de los participantes no estaban inscritos en el programa de Crecimiento y Desarrollo. En el periodo murieron 42 menores, el 59 % eran del sexo masculino. Las principales causas de muerte fueron las malformaciones congénitas, deformaciones y anomalías cromosómicas (23,8 %), enfermedades del sistema respiratorio (19 %), enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias (7,3 %). Conclusión: el coeficiente de mortalidad infantil del programa Buen Comienzo fue menor, comparado con la tasa de mortalidad infantil para Medellín. La mortalidad infantil es el resultado de una compleja red de determinantes y las acciones necesarias para salvar sus vidas son conocidas. El desafío que se sigue teniendo es trasferir lo que ya se sabe a la acción.

A new species of the genus Microhyla is described from Jamun Khadi, Jhapa district of eastern Nepal, based on molecular and morphological comparisons. This species is the sister taxon of Microhyla ornata and can be distinguished by a unique vocalization, morphology and molecular phylogeny. The uncorrected genetic divergences based on rRNA gene between the new species and its closest congeners, M. nilphamariensis, M. ornata and M. rubra were 5.34%, 6.67%, and 8.31%, respectively. The new species, Microhyla taraiensis sp. nov., is distinguished from each other of Microhyla by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) relatively larger body size (SVL ranges 19.9–20.3 mm, n = 4 in the males and 22.1–24.9 mm, n = 3 in the females); (2) dorsal surface of head and body with light red dots; (3) toes webbing poorly developed or absent; (4) a large round inner metacarpal tubercle; and an (5) elongated outer metacarpal tubercle. In addition, our study also provides a new record of Microhyla nilphamariensis from Nepal.

Abstract Background. Intensive therapy for childhood cancer is possible in large part due to improvements in supportive care that are currently available. Blood product transfusions, including red blood cell transfusions, are supportive care measures which are important in the tolerability of this therapy, and are frequently used in the majority of patients receiving therapy for childhood cancer. Although it is well recognized that frequent red blood cell transfusions in pediatric hematological disorders, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia major, lead to iron overload and its complications (ie, organ dysfunction), pediatric oncology patients receiving numerous red blood cell transfusions are not routinely screened or evaluated for risk of iron overload or its consequences. This study was done to identify pediatric oncology patients with iron overload in a general pediatric hematology/oncology clinic. Methods. A retrospective blood bank records review was performed of pediatric hematology/oncology patients treated in our clinic in the last 10 years (2003-2013) to identify those patients receiving >10 packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions. These patients’ medical records were reviewed to determine which patients had been assessed for iron overload with a serum ferritin level. If a serum ferritin was obtained and the result was >1000 ug/L, records were reviewed to determine if patients received therapy for iron overload. Results. For the time period 2003-2013, blood bank records were screened on 144 patients. Fifty patients (34.7%) were identified as receiving >10 PRBC transfusions. Of these patients, 22 (44%; M/F = 12/10; age range = 2-23 y/o) were patients who had received therapy or were on active therapy for childhood cancer; 14 with leukemia (5 AML, 9 ALL), 8 with solid tumors (5 sarcomas, 1 hepatoblastoma, 1 lymphoma). Of these 22 patients, 6 (27%) patients had a serum ferritin level that was obtained and the remaining 16 (73%) had not. All the patients (100%) with a serum ferritin result had a serum ferritin level >1000 ug/L (range 1048-22021). Only one patient (off-therapy sarcoma patient, serum ferritin =1788 ug/L) was on therapy for iron overload (Exjade and phlebotomy). Conclusions. Pediatric oncology patients receiving numerous PRBC transfusions are at risk for iron overload. Routine risk screening and assessment for iron overload should be accomplished in all pediatric oncology patients as part of their off therapy follow-up management. For those identified as having iron overload, appropriate therapy should be considered as indicated. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Pheasants are most beautiful and colorful birds in the world. They refer to any member of the subfamily phadianidae in the order Galliformes. Out of 50 species 5 are found in Pakistan i.e. Monal, (Lophoporus impejanus) koklass (Pucrasia macrolopha), Kalij (Lophura leucomelana) Cheer pheasant (Catreus wallichi) and Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus). Yellow pheasant and red pheasants are introduced in outer countries for the sake of money. One pair of red pheasant specie in (25,000) rupees They are found mainly in the KPK, extending eastwards into Kaghan and Azad Kashmir, few in Pallas Valley and Ayubia National Park, coniferous forests of Chitral, Dir, Swat, Hazara, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit, swat, Kohistan etc. Altitude range varies from species to species i.e. Monal (2000-2400m), Koklass (2200-2500m), Kalij (1200-1100 ft), and Western Tragopan (1750-3600 ft).The Western Tragopan is considered as the rarest of all living pheasants. Dhodial Pheasant in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Asia’s largest Pheasantry, established four decades ago next to the Karakoram Highway that connects Pakistan with China. Named after the small town in the province’s Mansehra district, it sprawls across 12.5 acres and is home to around 4,000 birds, representing 38 of the 50 pheasant species in the world. Six are indigenous species, found largely in the Himalayas. Dhodial Pheasantry is a Pheasantry and breeding center for several species of pheasants situated in Mansehra District, Pakistan. Dhodial Pheasantry holds captive 38 of the 52 species of pheasants found in the world.

Abstract. Using an observing system simulation experiment (OSSE), we investigate the potential soil moisture retrieval capability of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Aquarius radiometer (L-band 1.413 GHz) and scatterometer (L-band, 1.260 GHz). We estimate potential errors in soil moisture retrievals and identify the sources that could cause those errors. The OSSE system includes (i) a land surface model in the NASA Land Information System, (ii) a radiative transfer and backscatter model, (iii) a realistic orbital sampling model, and (iv) an inverse soil moisture retrieval model. We execute the OSSE over a 1000 × 2200 km2 region in the central United States, including the Red and Arkansas river basins. Spatial distributions of soil moisture retrieved from the radiometer and scatterometer are close to the synthetic truth. High root mean square errors (RMSEs) of radiometer retrievals are found over the heavily vegetated regions, while large RMSEs of scatterometer retrievals are scattered over the entire domain. The temporal variations of soil moisture are realistically captured over a sparely vegetated region with correlations 0.98 and 0.63, and RMSEs 1.28% and 8.23% vol/vol for radiometer and scatterometer, respectively. Over the densely vegetated region, soil moisture exhibits larger temporal variation than the truth, leading to correlation 0.70 and 0.67, respectively, and RMSEs 9.49% and 6.09% vol/vol respectively. The domain-averaged correlations and RMSEs suggest that radiometer is more accurate than scatterometer in retrieving soil moisture. The analysis also demonstrates that the accuracy of the retrieved soil moisture is affected by vegetation coverage and spatial aggregation.

Petunia × hybrida Vilm. cvs. `Purple Wave', `Celebrity Burgundy', `Fantasy Pink Morn', and `Dreams Red' were treated with temperature and photoperiod treatments for different lengths of time at different stages of development during the first 6 weeks after germination. Plants were grown with ambient light (≈8–9 hr) at 16°C before and after treatments. Flowering was earliest and leaf number below the first flower was lowest when plants were grown under daylight plus 100 μmol·m–2·s–1 continuous light (high-pressure sodium lamps). Flowering did not occur when plants were grown under short-day treatment (8-hr daylight). Plants grown with night interruption lighting from 2200–0200 HR (2 μmol·m–2·s–1 from incandescent lamps) flowered earlier, and with a reduced leaf number compared to plants grown with daylight + a 3-hr day extension from 1700–2000 HR (100 μmol·m–2·s–1 using high-pressure sodium lamps). Plant height and internode elongation were greatest and least in night interruption and continuous light treatments, respectively. `Fantasy Pink Morn' and `Purple Wave' were the earliest and latest cultivars to flower, respectively. Flowering was hastened as temperature increased from 12 to 20°C, but not as temperature was further increased from 20 to 24°C. Branching increased as temperature decreased from 24 to 12°C. Implications of data with respect to classification of petunia flower induction and pre-fi nishing seedlings are discussed.

Abstract Red blood cells undergo biochemical and morphologic changes during storage and the time-dependent changes known as “storage lesions” are well documented. These changes have raised concerns that stored older red cells (RBC) could increase the patient’s mortality risk. The primary aim of blood storage has been to extend the storage life of RBCs with the use of additive storage solutions. However, the clinical consequences of transfusion of newer versus older red cells remain unclear for Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients. Objectives The primary objective of this retrospective study was to analyze the association of aged RBCs and ICU admission, short-term and long-term survival and the association between overall survival with the number of RBCs transfused up to D+100 post-transplant. Methods: Study Design The study design was approved by the MDACC Institutional Review Board. The 2008-2009 Blood Bank records were reviewed for HSCT patients. All transfused RBC data pre-transplant (D-100 to D-1) and post-transplant (D0 to D+100) was included without exclusion of patients who received a mixture of different ages of RBCs. The age of RBCs transfused was categorized into two groups: <14/>14 days and < 28/ > 28 days of age. The patients were categorized into ICU vs. Non-ICU patients. A further categorization of the non-ICU patients was made by number of RBCS received post-transplant: 0-5, 6-10 and >11 RBCS. Definition Age of Red cells A patient was defined as having aged red blood cells (RBC) pre-transplant if he/she received at least one RBC that was >14 days old. A separate definition of aged red blood cells categorized patients as having received at least one unit that was >28 days old. This categorization was repeated for post-transplant RBCs at both 14 and 28 days. Statistical Analysis: Fisher’s exact test was used to compare ICU rates between patients who did and did not receive aged RBCs. The Kaplan-Meier was used to estimate the distribution of overall survival (OS) from the date of transplant, and distributions were compared using the log-rank test. Analyses are performed for all patients, and then repeated for the subset of patients with AML. Results: 397 HSCT patients (229 [58%] males: 168 [42%] females), median 52 years (range 2-74) received median 3 RBCs (range 0-44) pre-transplant and 8 RBCs (range 0-111) post-transplant. 252 (63.5%) patients received peripheral hematopoietic progenitor cells, 262 (66%) patients received an ABO mismatched graft and the majority 297 (75%) was Caucasian. The diagnoses were as follows: AML (47%), ALL (42%), CLL (12%), CML (7%), Lymphoma (19%), Myeloma (2%), Aplastic Anemia (1%), and other non-hematologic disorders (1%). There were 73 (18%) patients (41 [56%] male:32 [44%] female, median 54 years [range 14-74] admitted to the ICU with a median stay 37 days (range 1-64) post-transplant who received 438 (median 3 [range 0-30]) RBCs pre-transplant and 1475 ( median 18 [range 2-73]) RBCs post-transplant. The 324 (72%) non-ICU patients (188[58%] male: 136 [42%} female, median 52 years [range 2-72]) received 1869 RBCs (median 3 [range 0-44]) pre-transplant and 3348 RBCS (median 7 [range 0-112]) post-transplant. When the age of the RBCS transfused to ICU vs. Non-ICU patients pre-and post-transplant was analyzed there was statistical significance noted (p=0.002) between age of RBCs (< 14/>14 days) transfused post-transplant and ICU stay. For the 324 non-ICU patients, as worse survival was noted in those who received more red cell transfusion with strong evidence of a difference between patients who received 0-5 RBCS vs.6-10 RBCS vs. >11 RBCS (p=0.001). The median overall survival is 3.4 years for 136 (42%) patients who received 0-5 RBCs vs. 3.1 years for 72 (22%) patients who received 6-10 RBCs vs. 0.7 years for 116 (36%) patients who received > 11 RBCs post-transplant. Of the 73 ICU patients, 2 (3%) are alive (post-transplant day 1819 and 1981) vs. 134 (41%) non-ICU patients, median 1561 (range 175-2203) post-transplant day. The cause of death for the ICU patients was related to transplant related causes. Conclusion: Our findings reveal that the number of RBCs transfused had a correlation with overall survival rather than the age of the red cells transfused pre- and post-transplant. We were unable to confirm the conclusion reached by Wang et.al that newer blood if used exclusively may save lives based on published clinical experience. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Abstract 489 Systemic iron overload (SIO) can be frequently encountered in AML and MDS patients (pts) and predominately occurs as a consequence of recurrent red blood cell transfusions (RBC). SIO has been associated with an increased risk for infectious complications and acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) as well as with excessive early non-relapse mortality (NRM) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). However, most of these studies relied on surrogate markers like ferritin and transfusion burden, which might be interference prone in this patient population. Consequently, the prognostic impact of these parameters is under considerable debate and a variety of different thresholds for risk stratification have been proposed. Studies using improved and objective assessments of SIO like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are rare and limited in patient number. We aimed at determining prospectively the influence of SIO as quantified by MRI on post-transplant outcome in a large cohort of AML and MDS patients undergoing allo-SCT. From 2009 on, MRI-based assessment of liver iron content (LIC) according to the methods described by Gandon (Lancet 2004) and Rose (Eur J Haematol 2006) was routinely performed prior to conditioning in all AML and MDS patients at risk for SIO undergoing allo-SCT at our center. Further, serological parameters of SIO were determined at the same time. Post-transplant outcome including the occurrence and extent of GVHD as well as NRM were correlated with variables of SIO. Categorial variables were assessed using Fisher's excact test, while competing events statistics was used to compare cumulative incidences of NRM and aGvHD. Correlations are reported as Spearmans rank correlation coefficient (r). Over a period of 30 months 59 AML- and 22 MDS patients with a median age of 57 years were prospectively screened with liver MRI. Median LIC was 140 μmol/g (range: 40 – 350 μmol/g). Ferritin was elevated in all patients with a median of 2204 ng/ml (range: 305 – 45049 ng/ml) and patients had received a median of 24 units of packed red blood cells (RBC, range: 4 – 127). There was a strong positive correlation between transfusion burden and LIC (r = 0.702, p<0.001) as well as between ferritin and LIC (r = 0.594, p < 0.001). A threshold of 20 or more RBC, which is widely accepted as a good marker for SIO, was found to predict an elevated LIC (>=125 μmol/l) with a sensitivity and specificity of 70.0 % and 81.8 %, respectively. Contrasting, the commonly used criterion of ferritin above 1000 ng/ml albeit, being very sensitive (95.5%), provided only very poor specificity (27.0%). Increasing the ferritin threshold to 2500 ng/ml, a level known to correlate with increased NRM, lead to increased specificity 81.1% at the price of moderately reduced sensitivity (63.6%). None of the three SIO parameters was associated with an increased risk of aGvHD or infections after allo-SCT, while preexisting aspergillosis was more common in iron overloaded patients (LIC >= 125 μmol/g: 33.3% vs. 0.0 %, p <0.001; RBC >=20: 27.1 vs. 3.4%, p = 0.013; Ferritin >= 1000 ng/ml: 21.2% vs. 0.0 %, p = 0.199). A moderate correlation between LIC (r = 0.494, p < 0.001) as well as transfusion burden (r = 0.478, p < 0.001) and the time between diagnosis and allo-SCT was noted, while ferritin was not associated with that parameter. Interestingly, both transfusion burden (r = 0.248, p = 0.026) and ferritin (r = 0.329, p = 0.003) but not LIC showed a weak but significant correlation with hematopoietic transplantation comorbidity scores. Regarding NRM we were able to show only a modest trend for transfusion burden of 20 or more RBC as a predictor for an adverse prognosis (100 day CI of NRM: 26.2% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.080). Furthermore, ferritin above 2500 ng/ml (CI: 26.0 vs. 13.4%; p = 0.231) did not correlate with NRM. In contrast, an LIC of 125 μmol/g or more, which is known to be associated with organ toxicity in thalassemia patients, predicted for a significantly increased risk of NRM (CI: 30.8 % vs. 6.3%; p = 0.016). Multivariate analysis confirmed LIC but not transfusion burden or ferritin as an independent risk factor for an increased NRM (HR 1.007 for every 1 μmol/g increase, p = 0.022). We conclude that systemic iron overload is an independent negative prognostic factor for post-transplant outcome in AML and MDS patients but definition of SIO should be based on reliable parameters like MRI- measured LIC. Disclosures: Wermke: Novartis: Research Funding. Platzbecker:Novartis: Research Funding.

Abstract Background: Allogeneic stem cell transplantation using a reduced intensity or nonmyeloablative conditioning (NSCT) represents an attractive treatment modality in CML. The rationale behind such approach is to decrease toxicity while inducing the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. Because of its significantly lower cost in comparison to Imatinib mesylate, NSCT may be considered an early treatment option in countries where limited resources. Material and Methods: Between April 2001 and December 2006, we treated 154 CML patients (131 in first chronic phase, 23 in accelerated phase) with NSCT from an HLA-identical family donor. The majority of pts has a Gratwohl score <2 prior to NSCT (n=115; 74,6%). The conditioning regimen included Fludarabine 150 mg/m2 and oral Busulfan 8 mg /kg (139 pts). GVHD prophylaxis consisted of association ciclosporine (CSA)-Mycophenolate (MMF). 15 pts received an additional prophylaxis with antithymocyte globulin (ATG). Median age was 35 (range, 18–55) years, and the sex-ratio (M/F) 0,87. The median time from diagnosis to NSCT was 11 (range, 4–50) months. All pts received G-CSF mobilised peripheral blood stem cells, median CD34+ cells count: 7,02.106/kg (range, 1,28–44,9). Results: Leucopenia is found almost at 71 pts (46,1%). The median time to achieve ANC >500. 109/l granulocytes was 14 (range, 7–24) days, and median time of aplasia was 7 (range, 2–19) days. Transfusion requirements were significantly reduced, only 3 pts (1,9%) required red blood cells transfusions. Only 15 pts (9,7%) needed platelets transfusions. Acute GVHD was seen in 65 cases (43,6%) including 26 (17,4%) cases of grade III–IV and 32 cases (21%) of late onset acute GVHD occurring after day 100 post-NSCT. 93 pts (67,3%) had chronic GVHD, of whom 58 with an extensive form. 23 pts (15,4%) had CMV reactivation. 24 pts (16,1%) relapsed (15 in chronic phase, 7 in blast crisis and 2 with a molecular relapse), but 11 pts could be salvaged and are currently in remission (7 after immunosupression discontinuation, one after DLI and 3 after a second conventional allograft). The chimerism of donor origin (STR-PCR method) of patients in remission was at an average of 74% at day 30, 80% at d100, 93% at 6 months, 97% at 1 year, and 99% at 2 years. Fifty pts (33,5%) have died, of whom 39 (22,1%) from GVHD and 10 (6,7%) from disease relapse. Transplant Related Mortality (TRM) at 100 days was 6%, but rose to 31,5% at 3 years. At last follow-up (median, 32 (range 6–68) months), 99 pts (66,4%) are still alive, 97 (65,1%) pts in hematologic remission; of whom 76 (78,3%) in complete molecular remission evaluated by RT-PCR. Overall survival and progression-free survival at 5 years are 61% and 51,6% respectively. Conclusion. The study demonstrates a relatively low rate of short-term toxicities after NSCT. However, long-term TRM is still high because of the GVHD. The GVL effect is well admited. The relapse can be often controled by immunomodulation (stoppage of immunosuppression, DLI) and eventually by second myeloablative allograft.

Aim To study the influence of compression treatment on clinical manifestations and venous hemodynamics of the pelvis in patients with pelvic congestion syndrome. Materials and methods A prospective study of the various options and modes of compression treatment was carried out and included 74 patients with pelvic congestion syndrome in 2008–2015. The patients were divided into three groups. The first group consisted of 48 patients with symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome and chronic pelvic pain. They used Class II compression shorts. In the second group, there were 14 patients with pelvic congestion syndrome, vulvar varicosities without pelvic pain. They used Class II compression shorts and stockings. In the third group, 12 women with pelvic congestion syndrome and chronic pelvic pain used only the Class II compression stockings. The treatment continued for 14 days. A clinical criterion was the change of severity of chronic pelvic pain. The evaluation of the treatments has been performed using radionuclide venography and emission computed tomography with labeled in vivo red blood cells. Results Group 1: The compression shorts had a positive effect on the disease in 81.3% of patients. Chronic pelvic pain decreased from 6.4 ± 1.6 to 1.2 ± 0.7 points. The coefficient of pelvic congestion syndrome (Cpcs) decreased from 1.73 ± 0.32 to 1.12 ± 0.27 (p < 0.05). In 18.8% of patients, no positive effect was observed. Group 2: The results of radionuclide venographyshowed accelerating outflow of blood from the lower limbs and reduction of insufficiency of perforating veins. Mean radionuclide transit time decreased in all patients in the tendon, muscle pump parts, popliteal vein and was respectively: 23.6 ± 2.2 s, 29.6 ± 3.4 s, 32.3 ± 4.2 s and after treatment 16.4 ± 3.1 s, 22.1 ± 2.5 s, 25.7 ± 1.9 s (p < 0.05). Group 3: The use of compression stockings class II on the clinical manifestations of pelvic congestion syndrome in the patients. Cpcs also remained unchanged. Conclusion Research has shown the efficiency of class II compression shorts in the treatment of patients with isolated extension of intrapelvic venous plexuses. Class II compression stockings do not have any impact on the clinical manifestations of pelvic congestion syndrome.

Abstract Abstract 2202 Background. Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) is a severe autosomal recessive bleeding disorder with defective platelet surface αIIb-β3 integrin. Specifities of women with GT are menorrhagia, gynecological surgeries, pregnancies and the consequences of antiplatelet allo-immunization (anti-HLA antibodies) or iso-immunization (anti-αIIb-β3integrin antibodies), especially regarding the risk of neonatal/fetal thrombocytopenia. Methods. The Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia Registry (GTR) is an international multicenter observational prospective registry, created to collect information on the effectiveness and safety of platelet transfusion (P), rFVIIa and other systemic hemostatic agents (mostly, antifibrinolytics [AF]) for the treatment of bleedings in GT patients. GTR offers a unique opportunity to collect data on gynecological issues in a large cohort of women with GT. In the following the terms “rFVIIa”, “P”, and “rFVIIa+P” may include use of AF. “AF” means AF only. Results. From 2004 to 2011, 218 GT patients from 45 sites in 15 countries from 4 continents were enrolled in the GTR. In the group of 127 females with a mean age of 22.4 years (y), 514 bleeding episodes and 114 surgical procedures were reported. The distribution according to age, type of GT, antiplatelet antibodies (AB) and platelet refractoriness (REF) was similar between females and males. However, the proportion of females with no AB and/or REF decreased with age especially after adolescence: 40/44 (91%) for patients <12 y, 12/15 (80%) for patients 12–17 y and 31/68 (45%) for patients ≥18 y. Among the 83 females older than 12 y, 40 (48%) had 90 episodes of menorrhagia collected in the GTR while only 4 pregnancies were reported during the period of study. Menorrhagia accounted for 17.5% of the bleeding episodes in the female group. Two thirds of menorrhagia were moderate episodes. Treatments used were rFVIIa in 15 patients, platelets (P) in 22 patients, rFVIIa+P in 6 patients and AF in 11 patients. rFVIIa was used more frequently in patients with a history of AB and/or REF while platelets and AF were nearly always used in non-immunized patients. Treatment with rFVIIa, P, rFVIIa+P and AF was successful in 79% (23 out of 29), 85% (22 out of 26), 43% (3 out 7) and 93% (26 out of 28) of instances respectively. The median cumulative doses of rFVIIa or P were higher in menorrhagia compared to those in all other types of bleedings. The 7 gynecological surgical procedures were 4 curettages (3 successfully treated with rFVIIa, 1 with P), and 3 caesarean sections successfully performed with P. The non-gynecological procedures were 77 dental, 7 gastrointestinal, 3 nasal, 3 orthopedic and 6 other surgeries. The rate of rebleedings was similar in admissions of females compared to all admissions. In conclusion, compared to their male counterparts, females with GT presented a similar distribution of bleedings and surgeries, immunization/refractoriness status, dosing, treatment modalities and efficacy. Menorrhagia was observed globally in half of the females with GT ≥12 y and represented one-fifth of the bleeding episodes reported in women included in GTR. Disclosures: d'Oiron: NovoNordisk: Honoraria. Off Label Use: rFVIIa (NovoSeven) in Glanzmann's thrombasthenia without antiplatelet antibodies or refractoriness to platelets. Poon:Novo Nordisk: Honoraria. Zotz:Novo Nordisk: Honoraria. di Minno:Novo Nordisk: Honoraria.

Abstract Abstract 2928 Introduction. The recent development of a safe and efficient once daily oral iron chelator (Deferasirox, ExjadeÒ) made possible regular chelation therapy in transfusion dependent MDS patients. However in this category of patients the reported clinical experience is limited to selected populations. For this reason the GIMEMA group developed a phase IIIb prospective trial to test safety and efficacy of Deferasirox in a large population of patients comparable to general MDS population. Methods. One hundred and fifty-nine transfusion dependent IPSS low-intermediate1 risk MDS patients were enrolled. Analysis has been performed on 123 patients who had completed the planned year of treatment. Baseline characteristics were the following (data are expressed as median with upper and lower quartile unless specifically indicated): median age was 72 years (range 24 – 87); 48 were IPSS low risk and 75 Intermediate1; duration of transfusion dependency before treatment was 20 months (12-36) corresponding to 38 (22-70) packed red blood cells transfusions received. Baseline serum ferritin was 2000 ng/ml (1471-3000). Baseline Charlson and CIRS comorbity scores were 1 (0-1) and 0.2 (0.1-0.4), respectively. Patients started treatment with the standard 20 mg/kg Deferasirox dose but dose adjustments on clinical indications were allowed. Results. 61 patients (49%) prematurely interrupted the study (drop out), 62 (51%) patients completed the planned year of treatment. In logistic model for drop out rate high Charlson co-morbidity score showed a trend as significant risk factors (p=0.06). Drops out were related to: ten patients (8%) had progression to acute leukemia during the study; twenty patients (16%) experienced MDS related clinical problem (three had cardiac failure, seven had severe infectious diseases, four had severe bleeding, three died at home, three presented others MDS related problems); five patients underwent hemopoietic stem cell transplantation and thirteen discontinued treatment for unrelated problems. Drug related toxicity was drop out cause in 13 patients (11% of the entire population). Main causes of toxicity related drops out were increase of creatinine and gastro-intestinal disturbance. Out of 123 patients analyzed for adverse events only 4 (3%) presented grade 3–4 drug related adverse events. Severe adverse events with suspected relationship with study drug were diarrhea and increase of liver enzymes. Serum ferritin was monthly recorded in the 62 patients who completed the protocol with a statistically significant decrement during the 12 months follow up: median baseline value 2000 ng/ml (interquartile range 1471–3000), median final value 1550 ng/ml (interquartile range 775–2200) P < 0.001, Friedman test analyzing the entire study period. Analysis of quality of life is ongoing. One patient showed a complete erythroid response to Deferasirox treatment acquiring transfusion independence that is still ongoing after 18 months. Discussion. Preliminary results from the GIMEMA MDS0306 study confirmed feasibility of Deferasirox therapy in transfusion dependent MDS patients. Drop out rate, toxicity related drop out and severe side effects were similar to those reported in other trials even if the present population presented clinical characteristics of more advanced disease and age. The rate of progression is coherent with prolonged disease story. Serum ferritin behavior confirms Deferasirox efficacy. The serum ferritin reduction was more evident in the more heavily overloaded population indicating successful iron depletion in this group of patients as clinically requested. ClinicalTrial.gov identifier NCT00469560. Disclosures: Angelucci: Novartis: Honoraria. Saglio:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria.

Abstract Aims Limitations in donor availability require that ABO blood group incompatible donors are used for hematopoetic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Previous studies on the influence of ABO mismatch on the outcomes of allogeneic HSCT show conflicting results, and suggest that the nature of peri-transplant immunosuppressive therapy may influence the impact of ABO mismatch. This study examined the impact of ABO blood group mismatch on transplant outcomes and transfusion requirements in a large UK HSCT cohort following reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) with alemtuzumab. Methods Consecutive patients from three UK transplant centres (Birmingham, Glasgow, Oxford) undergoing first alemtuzumab-based RIC HSCT between 2000 and 2010 were included for analysis. Overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), relapse incidence (RI), non-relapse mortality (NRM), incidence of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and red blood cell (RBC) and platelet (PLT) transfusion requirements were analyzed retrospectively according to the degree of ABO mismatch. ABO mismatch was defined as minor if anti-recipient isohemagglutinins were present in the donor, major if anti-donor isohemagglutinins were present in the recipient, and bidirectional if both anti-donor and anti-recipient isohemagglutinins were present. Results 598 patients underwent alemtuzumab-based RIC HSCT between 2000 and 2010. The median recipient age was 51 (range 17-74) and 342/598 (57%) were male. 361/598 (60%) received stem cells from an HLA- matched unrelated donor. Patients were HLA matched to at least 6/6 in 569/598 (95%), 225/598 (38%) were matched to 10/10. The main indications for HSCT were acute myeloid leukaemia (194/598, 32%), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (125/598, 21%) and myelodysplastic syndrome (76/598, 13%). Stem cells were sourced from peripheral blood in 548/598 (92%) and bone marrow in 50/598 (8%). The most frequently used conditioning regimen was fludarabine, melphalan and alemtuzumab in 459/598 (77%). Donor and recipient ABO blood groups were matched (M) in 318/598 (53%). Minor (MN) mismatch was present in 113/598 (19%), major (MJ) mismatch in 128/598 (21%), and bidirectional (BD) mismatch in 35/598 (6%). OS & RFS at 2 years did not significantly differ according to the degree of ABO mismatch (OS 51.9% M vs. 54.8% MN vs. 54.7% MJ vs. 38.6% BD; RFS 41.4% M vs. 42.5% MN vs. 50.2% MJ vs. 29.9% BD, p>0.05 for all), although recipients of a bidirectionally mismatched transplant showed a trend to reduced OS (p=0.078). 2 year RI & NRM was not significantly different by ABO mismatch (RI 29.6% M vs. 28.5% MN vs. 27.2% MJ vs. 29.4% BD; NRM 26.5% M vs. 26.1% MN vs 20.7% MJ vs 29.4% BD, p>0.05 for all). On multivariate analysis, ABO mismatch was not a significant predictor of OS, RFS, NRM or RI. The degree of ABO mismatch did not influence the incidence of grade 2-4 acute GvHD (incidence 19.6% M vs. 30.6% MN vs. 26.8% MJ vs. 31.9% BD). The incidence of extensive chronic GvHD, however, was significantly higher in patients with minor and major ABO mismatch on both univariate and multivariate analysis (14.1% M vs. 21.7% MN vs. 22.1% MJ vs. 14.2% BD; HR 1.74, p=0.032 for MN vs M, HR 1.69, p=0.0036 for MJ vs M). The proportion of patients requiring ≥1 unit red blood cell (RBC) transfusion support did not differ significantly by ABO match (91% M, 94% MN, 93% MJ, 85% BD, p > 0.05 when compared to M). A lower proportion of bidirectionally mismatched patients required ≥1 unit of platelets than the matched cohort (94% M, 78% BD, p=0.008 for BD vs. M, 91% MJ, 94% MN, p > 0.05 when compared to M). For those requiring transfusion, the median number of RBC and PLT units transfused to day 100 were not significantly different by ABO match (median (range) of RBC: 6 (2-66) M, 7 (1-43) MN, 7 (2-38) MJ, 6 (2-32) BD, p=0.157; median (range) of PLT: 4 (1-92) M, 4 (1-70) MN, 4 (1-46) MJ, 3.5 (1-33) BD; p=0.45). On multiple regression analysis, bidirectional mismatch was associated with fewer RBC transfusions (p=0.034). There was no significant effect of ABO match on PLT requirements. Conclusion This is the largest series to date examining the effects of ABO matching in alemtuzumab-based RIC HSCT. Our data indicate that ABO mismatch in this setting has no clinically significant effect on transplant survival outcomes or on transfusion requirements, but may influence the incidence of extensive chronic GvHD. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Abstract 1126 Background: The complications of blood transfusions and the increased morbidity and mortality associated with liberal use of blood products have been convincingly demonstrated. The clinical problems they pose have prompted development of evidence-based transfusion guidelines. Nevertheless, most hospitals do not enforce these guidelines and effective strategies have not been developed. Continuing medical education, such as conferences, do not appear to be effective in changing physician behavior, as confirmed in the literature and by our hospital's experience. New York Methodist Hospital therefore undertook a more proactive approach to reduce unnecessary transfusions and in the process to change physicians' attitude toward transfusions. Methods: In October 2008, our hospital implemented strict criteria for transfusions of all blood products including red blood cells (RBC), platelets, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate. These criteria were applied by selected experienced clinicians who each served as monitors for their own clinical department. The blood bank required the approval of the monitor to release blood products that did not meet the criteria. This helped ensure that patients who indeed require transfusion based on clinical situation would be treated appropriately. Physicians had easy access to the monitors 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Transfusion requests from operating rooms and post-anesthesia care units were excluded from monitoring. Transfusion of patients with active bleeding was also exempted because it was included in the RBC justification criteria. In most patients with symptomatic anemia, a single unit of RBC was approved. We compared data from the 12 months preceding (Year 1) and the 12 months after the enforcement of the criteria (Year 2). The data included the number of hospital admissions, the amount of blood products transfused per month, the type and number of transfusion-related complications, and the number of type and screens performed by the blood bank. Results: Transfusion usage declined sharply from Year 1 to Year 2: RBC use fell by 27.9% (9,149 vs. 6,599 units), fresh frozen plasma use fell by 40.3 % (3,615 vs. 2,158), platelets use fell by 22.1 % (1,207 vs. 940), and cryoprecipitate use fell by 37.4% (1,421 vs. 890). These decreases occurred in the face of a 2.9% increase in hospital admissions over 12 months (from 35,348 to 36,421). The decreased transfusion use was accompanied by reduced complications, which declined by 28.6 % (35 transfusion reactions in Year 1 vs. 25 in Year 2). The total cost of blood products declined by $1,027,869 (from $3,694,069 in Year 1 to $2,666,200 in Year 2). The number of type and screen tests requested and performed in the hospital also decreased by 6.3% (from 28,488 in Year 1 to 26,681 in Year 2). Conclusion: We report our one-year experience with a new model for improving transfusion use. Monitoring and intervention in described settings with possibilities of appeal reduced transfusion use by 22–40%. It also appeared to modify physician attitude as exemplified by a 6.3% reduction in type and screen requests in spite of 2.9% increase in admissions. Although small, this decline supports the trend toward fewer transfusions and suggests a change in physician culture and behavior. We recommend other hospitals consider similar versions of this strategy appropriate for their circumstances since it benefits patients and reduces health care costs. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The concept of the critical pitting temperature (CPT), which is described as the temperature below which stable pits are not formed regardless of applied potential and exposure time, has received considerable attention in the literature. Over the past few decades, many attempts have been made to assess the CPT of stainless steel as a function of alloy composition, alloy microstructure, bulk solution composition, and surface roughness. In contrast to the pitting potential, which is known to be probabilistic in nature, CPT is believed by most to be a deterministic phenomenon that can be measured within a few degrees Celsius [1]. This notion has been validated by many authors who have observed a narrow range of CPT for several alloy/environment combinations [2,3]. Some authors have recently challenged this idea by reporting scattered CPT values [4]. This work seeks to determine whether the CPT falls within a narrow or wide temperature range (i.e., is CPT a deterministic or probabilistic phenomenon?). To answer this question, potentiostatic CPT measurements were performed using 1 cm² 904L stainless steel electrodes and an applied potential of 750 mV (Ag/AgCl). Temperature was increased at a rate of 1 °C/min, and the CPT was determined using the temperature at which current density rapidly increased. The CPT of 904L stainless steel was measured in four different conditions to evaluate the effect of bulk Cl⁻ concentration (0.05 and 1.0 M NaCl), passivation in 20 vol.% HNO3, and the presence of a corrosion inhibitor (0.02 M NaNO3). Figure 1 shows a cumulative graph of the CPT values of 904L obtained using the four different conditions. In this graph, n is the number of the n th pitted sample and N is the total number of experiments (i.e., 10). For all test conditions, the CPT was measured within ± 1.8 °C, which is in agreement with the reproducible CPT values reported by others [3]. Figure 1 shows that the CPT of 904L is independent of passivation in HNO₃. Further, decreasing bulk solution aggressiveness from 1.0 M NaCl to 0.05 M NaCl does not result in scattered CPT values. However, some authors have reported a considerably broader range (i.e., ± 10 °C) for the CPT of stainless steel (AISI 316L and 2205), as discussed previously. One possible explanation for their larger reported CPT range is the occurrence of crevice corrosion at the interface of the alloy/inert support (e.g., epoxy mount), which results in an inaccurate CPT measurement. To evaluate this hypothesis, the current density vs. temperature curves for two conditions were compared (see Figure 2). The blue and red curves show potentiostatic polarization results for pure pitting corrosion (i.e., crevice-free CPT measurement) and pitting + crevice corrosion, respectively. The gradual increase of the current density with temperature for the red curve suggests the presence of a crevice at the alloy/epoxy interface, which was confirmed using SEM to characterize the electrode post-polarization. On the other hand, when no crevice corrosion occurs, the current density shows a sudden increase at the CPT. The results of this study reveal that the CPT of 904L can be measured to within ± 1.8 °C, regardless of bulk solution aggressiveness (e.g., 1.0 M NaCl and 0.05 M NaCl solution) or passive state before polarization. This finding is in contrast to what some authors have suggested recently. The scattered CPT values reported in the literature are most likely due to contributions from both pitting + crevice corrosion rather than pitting corrosion alone. Acknowledgments Financial support provided by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is gratefully acknowledged. References: [1] N.J. Laycock, M.H. Moayed, R.C. Newman, Metastable Pitting and the Critical Pitting Temperature, J. Electrochem. Soc. 145 (1998) 2622–2628. doi:10.1149/1.1838691. [2] D. Nakhaie, A. Imani, M. Autret, R.F. Schaller, E. Asselin, Critical pitting temperature of selective laser melted 316L stainless steel: A mechanistic approach, Corros. Sci. 185 (2021) 109302. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.corsci.2021.109302. [3] M.H. Moayed, R.C. Newman, Deterioration in critical pitting temperature of 904L stainless steel by addition of sulfate ions, Corros. Sci. 48 (2006) 3513–3530. doi:10.1016/j.corsci.2006.02.010. [4] J. Liu, T. Zhang, H. Li, Y. Zhao, F. Wang, X. Zhang, L. Cheng, K. Wu, Modeling of the Critical Pitting Temperature between the Laboratory-Scale Specimen and the Large-Scale Specimen, J. Electrochem. Soc. 165 (2018) C328–C333. doi:10.1149/2.0521807jes. Figure 1

Abstract Background: Plasmodium falciparum malaria is a leading global killer of children and cause for transfusion in endemic areas. Sequestration cytopenias and microvascular insufficiency are pathologic consequences of the acquired cytoadhesivity of P falciparum-infected red blood cells (iRBC). Parasite-derived surface knobs (PfEMP1) expressed on iRBC promote their binding to blood group ligands on non-infected blood cells and the microvascular endothelium. The purpose of the Cytoadherence in Pediatric Malaria Study (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT 00707200) is to study the association between malaria outcomes and host markers of cytoadhesion. Methods: This prospective observational study of children with malaria (age 6 m–12 y, HIV-neg) was launched in October 2007 at Mulago Hospital, Uganda. Patients with severe malaria syndromes, as defined by the WHO, were compared with uncomplicated malaria (UM) patients for presenting hematologic features and transfusion practices. Associations between severe malaria syndromes and mortality were also explored. Results: Over the study’s 1st 7 months, 785 patients were screened, 492 enrolled, and 44 excluded (40 malaria false positives, 4 HIV+). A total of 448 were analyzed (199 severe, 249 UM), including 16 deaths (severe malaria case fatality rate: 8%). Patients were 55% male/45% female. Severe malaria patients were significantly younger than those with UM (2.3 ± 1.9 y, 93% ≤ 5 y, vs 3.5 ± 2.7 y, 76% &lt;5 y), p &lt; 2×10−7. Hematologic features of the patients are summarized in Table 1, illustrating significantly greater derangements in the CBC of severe cases versus UM. In contrast, both groups had a similar sickle trait prevalence and level of parasitemia: Table 1: Hematologic Features in Uncomplicated Malaria (UM) vs Severe Malaria UM (n = 249) Severe (n = 199) signifinance WBC Count, × 10 9/L [mean ± sd] 8.1 ± 3.5 12.8 ± 8.1 p = 2.6 × 10−13 Hemoglobin, g/dL [mean ± sd] 9.3 ± 1.5 5.2 ± 2.1 p = 2.1 × 10−71 Severe Malarial Anemia [number, % ], Hb ≥ 5 g/dL 0 (0 %) 130 (65.3 %) χ2 = 226 Platelet Count, × 10 3/μL, [mean ± sd] 160,000 ± 103,000 129,000 ± 98,000 p =.0015 Severe Thrombocytopenia [n, %], Plt ≥ 50,000/μL 17 (6.8 %) 39 (19.6 %) χ2 = 15.3 Sickle Trait on Screen or History [n, %] 11/157 (7.0 %) 12/118 (10.2 %) χ2 =.51 (NS) Quantitative Parasitemia,/μL [median, range] 80,000 (7–10,638,000) 65,000 (60–2,593,000) p =.8 (NS) Hyperparasitemia [n, % ], Parasites ≥250,000/μL 42 (16.9 %) 44 (22.1 %) χ2 = 1.6 (NS) Among severe cases, severe malarial anemia (SMA) was the most common syndrome (n=130, 65%), followed by lactic acidosis (LA, n=93, 47%), respiratory distress (RD, n=91, 46%), hypoglycaemia (HG, n=22, 23%), cerebral malaria (CM, n=43, 22%), and hypoxia (HO, n=14, 7%). Among fatal cases, RD occurred most commonly (94%), followed by LA (75%), CM (56%), HG (42%), and SMA (only 31%). Overall, RBC transfusions were given to 78% of severe cases, and all but 1 of 130 SMA cases. Despite severe anemia, most received only 1 unit (1.2 ±.5 pediatric units/patient, range 1–3). 83% of transfusions were given for SMA and 10% for RD (without SMA). Significant delays or dose insufficiency of blood products occurred in 5.2% of recipients. ABO non-identical but compatible products were given 10.2% of the time. In unadjusted analysis of severe cases, associations between the hemolytic state of SMA and either hypoxia or respiratory distress (as possible signs of pulmonary hypertension) were not apparent (χ2=.01 and 2.2 respectively). LA was associated with SMA (χ2=4.7, p=.03), but not with the smaller subset of SMA patients with HO (χ2=.61, p=.43). The strongest association occurred between LA and RD (χ2=29.3, p&lt;.0001), tying labored breathing to acidotic respiratory compensation. Conclusions: Hematologic abnormalities are seen across the entire spectrum of severe and uncomplicated pediatric P falciparum malaria in Uganda, and are most striking in the severe syndromes. Among patients with severe malaria, SMA is the most common feature, while severe thrombocytopenia occurs in up to 20%. SMA is not as predictive of death as either RD, LA, or CM. LA in turn occurs even in the absence of severe anemia and/or hypoxia, highlighting the potential contribution of microvascular ischemia from cytoadhesion. Cytoadhesion between infected red cells and host ligands is thus an appealing area of focus for studies of the pathogenesis of malaria morbidity and mortality in children.

Abstract Moderate to severe reactions to platelet transfusion have been documented in more than 20% of recipients, and a significant portion of the adverse effects is likely not antibody mediated. Cell membrane microparticles (MP), 0.2–1.0 μm in size, are released into the circulation from stimulated platelets, blood or endothelial cells, and the elevated MP in blood are associated with various vascular pathologies. Moreover, MP potential for different pathogenic activities has been documented. We analyzed MP in apheresis platelet units (APU) (n=26) sent to our laboratory from blood centers nationwide. The analysis was performed on day 6 of the platelet storage period. The median platelet count and pH in APU were 1386x103/μL (range: 697x103–1612x103), and 7.38 (6.82–7.51), respectively. A three-color flow cytometry assay (Simak et al, British J Haematol125, 804–813, 2004) was used for analyzing MP in the non-frozen platelet supernatants. Plasma from healthy volunteers (HVP) (n=12) was used for comparison. To identify MP of platelet, white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), and endothelial cell (EC) origin, the antibodies to CD41, CD45, CD235a, and CD105 or CD144, respectively, were used. We also analyzed the expression of CD54 (ICAM 1), a likely marker of proinflammatory status. To study procoagulant phenotypes of MP, phosphatidylserine-positive MP were assayed using the annexin V binding (AVB), and the tissue factor (CD142) was detected with the VIC7 Mab clone. As expected, we found a nine-fold higher platelet CD41+MP in APU (median: 16830/μL; range: 5860–65210) vs. HVP (1910/μL; 1020–2200; p<0.001). Surprisingly, the RBC CD235a+MP were two-fold increased in APU (14650/μL; 10390–21410) vs. HVP (7350/μL; 6160–8960; p<0.001), whereas WBC CD45+MP were about five times higher in APU (4310/μL; 2620–10960) vs. HVP (880/μL; 670–1330; p=0.018). In addition, EC MP (CD105+CD45-MP) were about three times higher in APU (2790/μL; 840–9870) vs. HVP (930/μL; 710–1930; p=0.002). Moreover, the tissue factor specific Mab VIC7 detected in APU about a three times higher count of CD142+MP (4670/μL; 1830–11150) than in HVP (1580/μL; 1070–2510; p<0.001). Counts of CD142+AVB+MP were 2080/μL (730–8040) in APU, and 1330/μL (720–1700; p=0.042) in HVP. Unexpectedly, only 20% of the CD142+MP were CD142+CD45+MP in both, APU and HVP samples, while over 50% were CD142+CD41+MP, and about 20% were CD142+CD144+MP. Although counts of CD54+MP in the APU group (1760/μL; 700–4760) were not significantly different from the HVP group (1350/μL; 970–1560), several APU samples exceeded nearly four times the HVP median. In a functional assay, the overnight incubation of washed APU MP with cultured EC (HUVEC) induced a significant increase in EC apoptosis (TUNEL), and an increase in the cell expression of CD54 and CD142, as compared to control. In conclusion, we found in APU significantly elevated counts of MP derived from platelets, WBC, RBC, and EC, and also MP of procoagulant phenotypes, when compared to HVP. Moreover, APU MP exhibited potentially pathogenic activities on cultured EC. Our results warrant further studies to investigate if the outlying high counts of MP populations with procoagulant or proinflammatory phenotypes, observed in some APU samples, could be related to the clinical adverse effects of APU transfusions. In addition, the potential impact of collection, processing, and storage steps on MP generation in APU should be investigated. The views of the authors represent a scientific opinion and should not be construed as FDA policy.

Abstract Introduction: Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a severe, life-limiting systemic genodermatosis, characterized by COL7A1 mutation(s) yielding inadequate type VII collagen to maintain the integrity of the cutaneous basement and mucosal membranes. The mainstay of therapy for RDEB is supportive care to minimize the daily morbidity of blistering/scarring, pain/pruritis, systemic inflammation, and high metabolic demand. Leveraging the pluripotency of bone marrow cells, investigations of BMT as a systemic therapy for RDEB showed promise in pre-clinical murine (Tolar J, et al., Blood 2009, 113(5): 1167-74) as well as early phase human clinical trials utilizing fully myeloablative conditioning (Wagner J, et al., NEJM 2010, 363(7): 629-39). However, regimen-rated toxicity limited dampened enthusiasm for the clinical approach. Methods: In an effort to modulate disease activity with decreased toxicity, we investigated the safety of and preliminary responses to BMT with a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen (rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin 2.5 mg/kg with a methylprednisolone taper, cyclophosphamide 28 mg/kg, fludarabine 150 mg/m2, and low dose total body irradiation 300-400 cGy). Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis included post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy, 50 mg/kg recipient weight/dose on days +3 and 4) and mycophenylate mofetil from day +5 to 35. All except HLA-matched related donor recipients received tacrolimus from day +5 until tapered at day +100. Immunomodulatory donor-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs, 2 x 106 cells/kg recipient weight/dose) were infused at 60, 100 and 180 days post-BMT. Skin biopsies, medical photography, and dynamic assessments of RDEB disease activity by providers and parents were completed at baseline, day +100, +180 and 1 year post-BMT. Results: Ten RDEB patients were transplanted at a median age of 9.9 years (range 1.8 to 22.1), with a median follow-up of 16 months (1 year evaluations available for only 4 of 10). Donors were haploidentical related (n=6), HLA-matched related (n=3), and HLA-matched unrelated (n=1). BMT complications included graft failure in 3 patients (2 elected to pursue a 2nd PTCy BMT), veno-occlusive disease in 2, posterior reversible encephalopathy in 1, and chronic GvHD in 1, the latter deceased. Infectious complications in the first 100 days were limited to 3 viremia, 7 bacteremia, and 0 fungemia episodes. No serious adverse events were observed with MSC infusions. In the 9 ultimately engrafted patients, median donor chimerism at day +180 was 100% in both myeloid and lymphoid fractions of peripheral blood and 27% in skin. Skin biopsies at day +180 show stable (n=7) to improved (n=2) type VII collagen protein expression by immunofluorescence (IF) and gain of anchoring fibril components by transmission electron microscopy in 4 of 9 patients. Early clinical response included a trend toward reduced body surface area of blisters/erosions from a median of 45.5% at baseline to 27.5% at day +100 (p=0.05), with parental measures indicating stable quality of life. Select medical photography and skin biopsy results are shown for Patient 1 [IF: 40x merged dapi (blue) and C7 collagen antibody (red); immunoelectron microscopy with C7 collagen-directed immunostain (black)]. Conclusions: BMT using reduced-intensity conditioning, PTCy and donor-derived MSC infusion for RDEB was largely well tolerated with low rates of GvHD and death from regimen-related toxicity in 1 of 10 patients undergoing 12 total BMTs. Early follow-up suggests this treatment modulates RDEB disease activity but requires longer follow-up for evaluation of efficacy. Importantly, the PTCy BMT platform provides a means of attaining immunotolerance for future donor-derived cellular grafts. Figure Figure. Disclosures Wagner: Magenta Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding.

The World Health Organisation has noted the ageing of the world’s population and has emphasised the growing need for older people’s needs to be considered in a range of contexts (WHO 1999, 2001). In Australia, people over the age of 65 currently constitute approximately 13% of the population (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS] 2002), but this number is expected to increase to 24% by 2051 (ABS 1999). As our population ages it will become increasingly necessary to cater to the particular needs of older audiences. This will involve a change in attitudes as the needs of this group have been largely neglected in western cultures and older people continue to be largely invisible in the media (Grossman 1998; Napoli 2002; Thomas and Wolfe 1995). The ubiquity of the written word and our reliance on this medium in almost every aspect of our lives signifies its importance in modern life. Reliance can become problematic when individuals experience difficulties in comprehending text-based communications (Akutsu, Legge, Ross, and Schuebel 1991). This article explains the problems older people can experience when attempting to read text and provides recommendations to enable communicators to enhance text comprehension among older audiences. Older audiences Older people tend to feel generally neglected by the media (Chafetz et al 1998). Previous studies have found that older people are not represented in line with their numbers (Szmigin and Carrigan 2001), and that negative stereotyping of older people is common in the media (de Luce 2001; Nielson and Curry 1997). This cultural bias is reflected in inadequate knowledge and accommodation of the special needs of older audiences when it comes to comprehending text. This has implications not just for the access of older people to sources of news and entertainment, but also for their ability to obtain information important to their health and well-being. Written materials such as brochures are frequently used to disseminate health-related information to older people (Clark et al 1999), and as such there is a need to ensure that we understand how to use text effectively for older audiences. Biological changes Quality of eyesight is closely correlated with age (Wahl and Heyl 2003). Deterioration in eyesight usually becomes noticeable in our 40s and 50s (Stuen and Faye 2003). Stuen and Faye (2003) have described the process by which the structure of the eye changes with age. They note that the lens of the eye thickens, hardens, and becomes yellowish in colour. Reduced elasticity in the lens and a tendency for the cornea to scatter light makes it more difficult for older people to focus their eyes, making reading problematic. The pupil shrinks with age, allowing smaller amounts of light to filter into the eye to assist with vision. This results in the need for brighter reading conditions, but not too bright as glare can also interfere with light entering the deteriorating cornea. As well as physical alterations to the eye, changes in cognitive capacity are also closely associated with ageing (Spotts and Schewe 1989). Wahl and Heyl (2003) postulate that the ageing of the central nervous system results in the deterioration of the neural pathways to the brain resulting in slower cognitive processing, including the processing of visual stimuli. Attentional capacity reduces with age, which means cognitive processing becomes more demanding (Moschis 1992). The outcome of these changes is that the older person experiences increasing difficulty in absorbing new information and evaluating unfamiliar stimuli (Moschis 1994). In particular, it appears more difficult for older audiences to remember new information that contradicts previously learned information (Rice and Okun 1994). Despite these changes in cognitive capacity, older people are reported as being able to assimilate information effectively if given ample time to do so (Moschis 1992; Tongren 1988). In addition, ensuring that new information relates to existing knowledge is likely to enhance comprehension and retention (Clark et al. 1999; Rice and Okun 1994). Implications for text style and presentation Age-related changes in visual acuity and cognitive processing result in the need for modifications in styles and presentation of text to maximise comprehension by older audiences. In terms of text style, font size may need to be slightly larger (Braus 1995), but not too large as people of all ages can experience reading difficulties when text is too large or too small (Akutsu et al. 1991). There are warnings against the use of all upper-case text as this impacts negatively on readability (Braus 1995). Colour may need to be manipulated to maximise contrasts to facilitate text discernment (Fairley et al 1997; Spotts and Schewe 1989). Black on white provides a high level of contrast, while shades of the same colour (for example, dark brown on light brown) provide much lower levels of contrast. Colours in the blue-green range can be particularly difficult for older eyes to discern (Braus 1995; Spotts and Schewe 1989). The use of bright colours such as red, orange, and yellow are recommended as they are relatively easy to distinguish (Clark et al. 1999). Text should be printed on matte rather than glossy paper and presented in non-glare environments to enhance readability (Braus 1995; Spotts and Schewe 1989). In terms of text presentation, the emphasis is on selecting an appropriate message and locating it carefully. There is general consensus that information should be confined to a small number of important points that are communicated simply and explicitly (Clark et al. 1999; Rice and Okun 1994; Spotts and Schewe 1989; Tooth, Clark, and McKenna 2000). This means using concrete terms whenever possible and using abstract terms only when necessary (Clark et al. 1999). It is important to ensure that extraneous information is excluded and the most pertinent information provided first to reduce processing workload (Spotts and Schewe 1989; Tooth et al. 2000). Repetition appears particularly critical in ensuring information is retained by older audiences (Clark et al. 1999). As older readers have greater trouble differentiating between previously learned information and new information (Clark et al. 1999), it is important to ensure that messages contain information that is related to existing knowledge in a way that will enhance assimilation (Rice and Okun 1994). It helps to locate information in uncluttered contexts and to use short lines and paragraphs (Fairley et al. 1997; Spotts and Schewe 1989). Using pictures to reinforce the message in the text can be effective (Moschis 1992), although the pictures should also be concrete rather than abstract (Clark et al. 1999). It is particularly important to test written materials designed for older audiences prior to dissemination to ensure the right messages are being received (Clark et al. 1999; Tooth et al. 2000). To conclude, there co-exists an awareness of population ageing and a cultural bias against older people that has resulted in relatively little knowledge of the optimal design of text for older people. This article has argued that the physical changes associated with aging have significant implications for the design and presentation of text. Steps should thus be taken to ensure that written communications are modified to better meet the needs of older audiences. Works Cited Akutsu, H., G. E. Legge, J. A. Ross, and K. J. Schuebel. "Psychophysics of Reading - X. Effects of Age-Related Changes in Vision". Journal of Gerontology 46.6 (1991): 325-331. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Older People, Australia: A Social Report, Canberra, 1999. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2001 Census Basic Community Profile and Snapshot, Australia, Canberra, (2002. Braus, P. "Vision in an Aging America". American Demographics 17.6 (1995): 34-38 Chafetz, P. K., H. Holmes, K. Lande, E. Childress, and H. R. Glazer. "Older Adults and the News Media: Utilization, Opinions, and Preferred Reference Terms". Gerontologist 38.4 (1998): 481-489. Clark, K. L., R. AbuSabha, A. von Eye, and C. Achterberg. "Text and Graphics: Manipulating Nutrition Brochures to Maximize Recall". Health Education Research 14.4 (1999): 555-564. de Luce, J. "Silence at the Newsstands". Generations 25.3 (2001): 39-43. Fairley, S., G. P. Moschis, H. M. Meyers, and A. Thiesfeldt. "The Experts Sound Off". Brandweek 38.30 (1997): 24-25. Grossman, L. K. "Aging Viewers: The Best is Yet to Be". Columbia Journalism Review 36.5 (1998): 68. Moschis, G. P. Marketing to Older Consumers. Westport, Connecticut: Quorum, 1992. Moschis, G. P. Marketing Strategies for the Mature Market. Westport, Connecticut, Quorom, 1994. Napoli, P. N. "Audience Valuation and Minority Media: An Analysis of the Determinants of the Value of Radio Audiences". Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media 46.2 (2002): 169-184. Nielson, J. and K. Curry. "Creative Strategies for Connecting with Mature Individuals". Journal of Consumer Marketing 14.4 (1997): 310-322. Rice, G. E. and M. A. Okun. "Older Readers' Processing of Medical Information that Contradicts their Beliefs". Journal of Geronotology 49.3 (1994): 119-128. Szmigin, I. and M. Carrigan. "Learning to Love the Older Consumer". Journal of Consumer Behaviour 1.1 (2001): 22-34. Spotts, H. E. and C. D. Schewe. "Communicating with the Elderly Consumer: The Growing Health-Care Challenge". Journal of Health Care Marketing 9.3 (1989): 36-44. Stuen, C. and E. E. Faye. "Vision Loss: Normal and Not Normal Changes among Older Adults". Generations 27.1 (2003): 8-14. Thomas, V. and D. B. Wolfe. "Why Won't Television Grow Up?" American Demographics 17.5 (1995): 24 Tongren, H. N. "Determinant Behavior Characteristics of Older Consumers". Journal of Consumer Affairs 22.1 (1988): 136-157. Tooth, L., M. Clark, and K. McKenna. "Poor Functional Health Literacy: The Silent Disability for Older People". Australasian Journal on Ageing 19.1 (2000): 14-22. Wahl, H. and V. Heyl. "Connections Between Vision, Hearing, and Cognitive Function in Old Age". Generations 27.1 (2003): 39-45. World Health Organization. Action Towards Active Ageing. Geneva, (1999). Available: http://www.who.int/archives/whday/en/pages1999/whd99_8.html. Accessed 13/11/2001. World Health Organization. Health and Ageing: A Discussion Paper. Geneva, 2001. Citation reference for this article MLA Style Pettigrew, Simone. "Creating Text for Older Audiences" M/C: A Journal of Media and Culture <http://www.media-culture.org.au/0401/010-pettigrew.php>. APA Style Pettigrew, S. (2004, Jan 12). Creating Text for Older Audiences. M/C: A Journal of Media and Culture, 7, <http://www.media-culture.org.au/0401/010-pettigrew.php>

In the contemporary era, media spectacle organizes and mobilizes economic life, political conflict, social interactions, culture, and everyday life. My recently published book Media Spectacle explores a profusion of developments in hi-tech culture, media-driven society, and spectacle politics. Spectacle culture involves everything from film and broadcasting to Internet cyberculture and encompasses phenomena ranging from elections to terrorism and to the media dramas of the moment. For ‘Logo’, I am accordingly sketching out briefly a terrain I probe in detail in the book from which these examples are taken.1 During the past decades, every form of culture and significant forms of social life have become permeated by the logic of the spectacle. Movies are bigger and more spectacular than ever, with high-tech special effects expanding the range of cinematic spectacle. Television channels proliferate endlessly with all-day movies, news, sports, specialty niches, re-runs of the history of television, and whatever else can gain an audience. The rock spectacle reverberates through radio, television, CDs, computers networks, and extravagant concerts. The Internet encircles the world in the spectacle of an interactive and multimedia cyberculture. Media culture excels in creating megaspectacles of sports championships, political conflicts, entertainment, "breaking news" and media events, such as the O.J. Simpson trial, the Death of Princess Diana, or the sex or murder scandal of the moment. Megaspectacle comes as well to dominate party politics, as the political battles of the day, such as the Clinton sex scandals and impeachment, the 36 Day Battle for the White House after Election 2000, and the September 11 terrorist attacks and subsequent Terror War. These dramatic media passion plays define the politics of the time, and attract mass audiences to their programming, hour after hour, day after day. The concept of "spectacle" derives from French Situationist theorist Guy Debord's 1972 book Society of the Spectacle. "Spectacle," in Debord's terms, "unifies and explains a great diversity of apparent phenomena" (Debord 1970: #10). In one sense, it refers to a media and consumer society, organized around the consumption of images, commodities, and spectacles. Spectacles are those phenomena of media culture which embody contemporary society's basic values, and dreams and nightmares, putting on display dominant hopes and fears. They serve to enculturate individuals into its way of life, and dramatize its conflicts and modes of conflict resolution. They include sports events, political campaigns and elections, and media extravaganzas like sensational murder trials, or the Bill Clinton sex scandals and impeachment spectacle (1998-1999). As we enter a new millennium, the media are becoming ever more technologically dazzling and are playing an increasingly central role in everyday life. Under the influence of a postmodern image culture, seductive spectacles fascinate the denizens of the media and consumer society and involve them in the semiotics of a new world of entertainment, information, a semiotics of a new world of entertainment, information, and drama, which deeply influence thought and action. For Debord: "When the real world changes into simple images, simple images become real beings and effective motivations of a hypnotic behavior. The spectacle as a tendency to make one see the world by means of various specialized mediations (it can no longer be grasped directly), naturally finds vision to be the privileged human sense which the sense of touch was for other epochs; the most abstract, the most mystifiable sense corresponds to the generalized abstraction of present day society" (#18). Today, however, I would maintain it is the multimedia spectacle of sight, sound, touch, and, coming to you soon, smell that constitutes the multidimensional sense experience of the new interactive spectacle. For Debord, the spectacle is a tool of pacification and depoliticization; it is a "permanent opium war" (#44) which stupefies social subjects and distracts them from the most urgent task of real life -- recovering the full range of their human powers through creative praxis. The concept of the spectacle is integrally connected to the concept of separation and passivity, for in passively consuming spectacles, one is separated from actively producing one's life. Capitalist society separates workers from the products of their labor, art from life, and consumption from human needs and self-directing activity, as individuals passively observe the spectacles of social life from within the privacy of their homes (#25 and #26). The situationist project by contrast involved an overcoming of all forms of separation, in which individuals would directly produce their own life and modes of self-activity and collective practice. Since Debord's theorization of the society of the spectacle in the 1960s and 1970s, spectacle culture has expanded in every area of life. In the culture of the spectacle, commercial enterprises have to be entertaining to prosper and as Michael J. Wolf (1999) argues, in an "entertainment economy," business and fun fuse, so that the E-factor is becoming major aspect of business.2 Via the "entertainmentization" of the economy, television, film, theme parks, video games, casinos, and so forth become major sectors of the national economy. In the U.S., the entertainment industry is now a $480 billion industry, and consumers spend more on having fun than on clothes or health care (Wolf 1999: 4).3 In a competitive business world, the "fun factor" can give one business the edge over another. Hence, corporations seek to be more entertaining in their commercials, their business environment, their commercial spaces, and their web sites. Budweiser ads, for instance, feature talking frogs who tell us nothing about the beer, but who catch the viewers' attention, while Taco Bell deploys a talking dog, and Pepsi uses Star Wars characters. Buying, shopping, and dining out are coded as an "experience," as businesses adopt a theme-park style. Places like the Hard Rock Cafe and the House of Blues are not renowned for their food, after all; people go there for the ambience, to buy clothing, and to view music and media memorabilia. It is no longer good enough just to have a web site, it has to be an interactive spectacle, featuring not only products to buy, but music and videos to download, games to play, prizes to win, travel information, and "links to other cool sites." To succeed in the ultracompetitive global marketplace, corporations need to circulate their image and brand name so business and advertising combine in the promotion of corporations as media spectacles. Endless promotion circulates the McDonald’s Golden Arches, Nike’s Swoosh, or the logos of Apple, Intel, or Microsoft. In the brand wars between commodities, corporations need to make their logos or “trademarks” a familiar signpost in contemporary culture. Corporations place their logos on their products, in ads, in the spaces of everyday life, and in the midst of media spectacles like important sports events, TV shows, movie product placement, and wherever they can catch consumer eyeballs, to impress their brand name on a potential buyer. Consequently, advertising, marketing, public relations and promotion are an essential part of commodity spectacle in the global marketplace. Celebrity too is manufactured and managed in the world of media spectacle. Celebrities are the icons of media culture, the gods and goddesses of everyday life. To become a celebrity requires recognition as a star player in the field of media spectacle, be it sports, entertainment, or politics. Celebrities have their handlers and image managers to make sure that their celebrities continue to be seen and positively perceived by publics. Just as with corporate brand names, celebrities become brands to sell their Madonna, Michael Jordan, Tom Cruise, or Jennifer Lopez product and image. In a media culture, however, celebrities are always prey to scandal and thus must have at their disposal an entire public relations apparatus to manage their spectacle fortunes, to make sure their clients not only maintain high visibility but keep projecting a positive image. Of course, within limits, “bad” and transgressions can also sell and so media spectacle contains celebrity dramas that attract public attention and can even define an entire period, as when the O.J. Simpson murder trials and Bill Clinton sex scandals dominated the media in the mid and late 1990s. Entertainment has always been a prime field of the spectacle, but in today's infotainment society, entertainment and spectacle have entered into the domains of the economy, politics, society, and everyday life in important new ways. Building on the tradition of spectacle, contemporary forms of entertainment from television to the stage are incorporating spectacle culture into their enterprises, transforming film, television, music, drama, and other domains of culture, as well as producing spectacular new forms of culture such as cyberspace, multimedia, and virtual reality. For Neil Gabler, in an era of media spectacle, life itself is becoming like a movie and we create our own lives as a genre like film, or television, in which we become "at once performance artists in and audiences for a grand, ongoing show" (1998: 4). On Gabler’s view, we star in our own "lifies," making our lives into entertainment acted out for audiences of our peers, following the scripts of media culture, adopting its role models and fashion types, its style and look. Seeing our lives in cinematic terms, entertainment becomes for Gabler "arguably the most pervasive, powerful and ineluctable force of our time--a force so overwhelming that it has metastasized into life" to such an extent that it is impossible to distinguish between the two (1998: 9). As Gabler sees it, Ralph Lauren is our fashion expert; Martha Stewart designs our sets; Jane Fonda models our shaping of our bodies; and Oprah Winfrey advises us on our personal problems.4 Media spectacle is indeed a culture of celebrity who provide dominant role models and icons of fashion, look, and personality. In the world of spectacle, celebrity encompasses every major social domain from entertainment to politics to sports to business. An ever-expanding public relations industry hypes certain figures, elevating them to celebrity status, and protects their positive image in the never-ending image wars and dangers that a celebrity will fall prey to the machinations of negative-image and thus lose celebrity status, and/or become figures of scandal and approbation, as will some of the players and institutions that I examine in Media Spectacle (Kellner 2003). Sports has long been a domain of the spectacle with events like the Olympics, World Series, Super Bowl, World Soccer Cup, and NBA championships attracting massive audiences, while generating sky-high advertising rates. These cultural rituals celebrate society's deepest values (i.e. competition, winning, success, and money), and corporations are willing to pay top dollar to get their products associated with such events. Indeed, it appears that the logic of the commodity spectacle is inexorably permeating professional sports which can no longer be played without the accompaniment of cheerleaders, giant mascots who clown with players and spectators, and raffles, promotions, and contests that feature the products of various sponsors. Sports stadiums themselves contain electronic reproduction of the action, as well as giant advertisements for various products that rotate for maximum saturation -- previewing environmental advertising in which entire urban sites are becoming scenes to boost consumption spectacles. Arenas, like the United Center in Chicago, America West Arena in Phoenix, on Enron Field in Houston are named after corporate sponsors. Of course, after major corporate scandals or collapse, like the Enron spectacle, the ballparks must be renamed! The Texas Ranger Ballpark in Arlington, Texas supplements its sports arena with a shopping mall, office buildings, and a restaurant in which for a hefty price one can watch the athletic events while eating and drinking.5 The architecture of the Texas Rangers stadium is an example of the implosion of sports and entertainment and postmodern spectacle. A man-made lake surrounds the stadium, the corridor inside is modeled after Chartes Cathedral, and the structure is made of local stone that provides the look of the Texas Capitol in Austin. Inside there are Texas longhorn cattle carvings, panels of Texas and baseball history, and other iconic signifiers of sports and Texas. The merging of sports, entertainment, and local spectacle is now typical in sports palaces. Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay, Florida, for instance, "has a three-level mall that includes places where 'fans can get a trim at the barber shop, do their banking and then grab a cold one at the Budweiser brew pub, whose copper kettles rise three stories. There is even a climbing wall for kids and showroom space for car dealerships'" (Ritzer 1998: 229). Film has long been a fertile field of the spectacle, with "Hollywood" connoting a world of glamour, publicity, fashion, and excess. Hollywood film has exhibited grand movie palaces, spectacular openings with searchlights and camera-popping paparazzi, glamorous Oscars, and stylish hi-tech film. While epic spectacle became a dominant genre of Hollywood film from early versions of The Ten Commandments through Cleopatra and 2001 in the 1960s, contemporary film has incorporated the mechanics of spectacle into its form, style, and special effects. Films are hyped into spectacle through advertising and trailers which are ever louder, more glitzy, and razzle-dazzle. Some of the most popular films of the late 1990s were spectacle films, including Titanic, Star Wars -- Phantom Menace, Three Kings, and Austin Powers, a spoof of spectacle, which became one of the most successful films of summer 1999. During Fall 1999, there was a cycle of spectacles, including Topsy Turvy, Titus, Cradle Will Rock, Sleepy Hollow, The Insider, and Magnolia, with the latter featuring the biblical spectacle of the raining of frogs in the San Fernando Valley, in an allegory of the decadence of the entertainment industry and deserved punishment for its excesses. The 2000 Academy Awards were dominated by the spectacle Gladiator, a mediocre film that captured best picture award and best acting award for Russell Crowe, thus demonstrating the extent to which the logic of the spectacle now dominates Hollywood film. Some of the most critically acclaimed and popular films of 2001 are also hi-tech spectacle, such as Moulin Rouge, a film spectacle that itself is a delirious ode to spectacle, from cabaret and the brothel to can-can dancing, opera, musical comedy, dance, theater, popular music, and film. A postmodern pastiche of popular music styles and hits, the film used songs and music ranging from Madonna and the Beatles to Dolly Parton and Kiss. Other 2001 film spectacles include Pearl Harbor, which re-enacts the Japanese attack on the U.S. that propelled the country to enter World War II, and that provided a ready metaphor for the September 11 terror attacks. Major 2001 film spectacles range from David Lynch’s postmodern surrealism in Mulholland Drive to Steven Spielberg’s blending of his typically sentimental spectacle of the family with the formalist rigor of Stanley Kubrick in A.I. And the popular 2001 military film Black-Hawk Down provided a spectacle of American military heroism which some critics believed sugar-coated the actual problems with the U.S. military intervention in Somalia, causing worries that a future U.S. adventure by the Bush administration and Pentagon would meet similar problems. There were reports, however, that in Somalian cinemas there were loud cheers as the Somalians in the film shot down the U.S. helicopter, and pursued and killed American soldiers, attesting to growing anti-American sentiment in the Muslim world against Bush administration policies. Television has been from its introduction in the 1940s a promoter of consumption spectacle, selling cars, fashion, home appliances, and other commodities along with consumer life-styles and values. It is also the home of sports spectacle like the Super Bowl or World Series, political spectacles like elections (or more recently, scandals), entertainment spectacle like the Oscars or Grammies, and its own spectacles like breaking news or special events. Following the logic of spectacle entertainment, contemporary television exhibits more hi-tech glitter, faster and glitzier editing, computer simulations, and with cable and satellite television, a fantastic array of every conceivable type of show and genre. TV is today a medium of spectacular programs like The X-Files or Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, and spectacles of everyday life such as MTV's The Real World and Road Rules, or the globally popular Survivor and Big Brother series. Real life events, however, took over TV spectacle in 2000-2001 in, first, an intense battle for the White House in a dead-heat election, that arguably constitutes one of the greatest political crimes and scandals in U.S. history (see Kellner 2001). After months of the Bush administration pushing the most hardright political agenda in memory and then deadlocking as the Democrats took control of the Senate in a dramatic party re-affiliation of Vermont’s Jim Jeffords, the world was treated to the most horrifying spectacle of the new millennium, the September 11 terror attacks and unfolding Terror War that has so far engulfed Afghanistan and Iraq. These events promise an unending series of deadly spectacle for the foreseeable future.6 Hence, we are emerging into a new culture of media spectacle that constitutes a novel configuration of economy, society, politics, and everyday life. It involves new cultural forms, social relations, and modes of experience. It is producing an ever-proliferating and expanding spectacle culture with its proliferating media forms, cultural spaces, and myriad forms of spectacle. It is evident in the U.S. as the new millennium unfolds and may well constitute emergent new forms of global culture. Critical social theory thus faces important challenges in theoretically mapping and analyzing these emergent forms of culture and society and the ways that they may contain novel forms of domination and oppression, as well as potential for democratization and social justice. Works Cited Debord, Guy. Society of the Spectacle. Detroit: Black and Red, 1967. Gabler, Neil. Life the Movie. How Entertainment Conquered Reality. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1998. Kellner, Douglas. Grand Theft 2000. Lanham, Md.: Rowman and Littlefield, 2001. Kellner, Douglas. From 9/11 to Terror War: Dangers of the Bush Legacy. Lanham, Md.: Rowman and Littlefield, 2003. Kellner, Douglas. Media Spectacle. London and New York: Routledge, 2003. Ritzer, George. The McDonaldization Thesis: Explorations and Extensions. Thousand Oaks, Cal. and London: Sage, 1998. Wolf, Michael J. Entertainment Economy: How Mega-Media Forces are Transforming Our Lives. New York: Times Books, 1999. Notes 1 See Douglas Kellner, Media Spectacle. London and New York: Routledge, 2003. 2 Wolf's book is a detailed and useful celebration of the "entertainment economy," although he is a shill for the firms and tycoons that he works for and celebrates them in his book. Moreover, while entertainment is certainly an important component of the infotainment economy, it is an exaggeration to say that it drives it and is actually propelling it, as Wolf repeatedly claims. Wolf also downplays the negative aspects of the entertainment economy, such as growing consumer debt and the ups and downs of the infotainment stock market and vicissitudes of the global economy. 3 Another source notes that "the average American household spent $1,813 in 1997 on entertainment -- books, TV, movies, theater, toys -- almost as much as the $1,841 spent on health care per family, according to a survey by the US Labor Department." Moreover, "the price we pay to amuse ourselves has, in some cases, risen at a rate triple that of inflation over the past five years" (USA Today, April 2, 1999: E1). The NPD Group provided a survey that indicated that the amount of time spent on entertainment outside of the home –- such as going to the movies or a sport event – was up 8% from the early to the late 1990s and the amount of time in home entertainment, such as watching television or surfing the Internet, went up 2%. Reports indicate that in a typical American household, people with broadband Internet connections spend 22% more time on all-electronic media and entertainment than the average household without broadband. See “Study: Broadband in homes changes media habits” (PCWORLD.COM, October 11, 2000). 4 Gabler’s book is a synthesis of Daniel Boorstin, Dwight Macdonald, Neil Poster, Marshall McLuhan, and other trendy theorists of media culture, but without the brilliance of a Baudrillard, the incisive criticism of an Adorno, or the understanding of the deeper utopian attraction of media culture of a Bloch or Jameson. Likewise, Gabler does not, a la cultural studies, engage the politics of representation, or its economics and political economy. He thus ignores mergers in the culture industries, new technologies, the restructuring of capitalism, globalization, and shifts in the economy that are driving the impetus toward entertainment. Gabler does get discuss how new technologies are creating new spheres of entertainment and forms of experience and in general describes rather than theorizes the trends he is engaging. 5 The project was designed and sold to the public in part through the efforts of the son of a former President, George W. Bush. Young Bush was bailed out of heavy losses in the Texas oil industry in the 1980s by his father's friends and used his capital gains, gleaned from what some say as illicit insider trading, to purchase part-ownership of a baseball team to keep the wayward son out of trouble and to give him something to do. The soon-to-be Texas governor, and future President of the United States, sold the new stadium to local taxpayers, getting them to agree to a higher sales tax to build the stadium which would then become the property of Bush and his partners. This deal allowed Bush to generate a healthy profit when he sold his interest in the Texas Rangers franchise and to buy his Texas ranch, paid for by Texas tax-payers (for sources on the scandalous life of George W. Bush and his surprising success in politics, see Kellner 2001 and the further discussion of Bush Jr. in Chapter 6). 6 See Douglas Kellner, From 9/11 to Terror War: Dangers of the Bush Legacy. Lanham, Md.: Rowman and Littlefield Citation reference for this article Substitute your date of access for Dn Month Year etc... MLA Style Kellner, Douglas. "Engaging Media Spectacle " M/C: A Journal of Media and Culture< http://www.media-culture.org.au/0306/09-mediaspectacle.php>. APA Style Kellner, D. (2003, Jun 19). Engaging Media Spectacle . M/C: A Journal of Media and Culture, 6,< http://www.media-culture.org.au/0306/09-mediaspectacle.php>

Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often have heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HF-REF), and previous work has shown that the co-occurrence of those conditions confers a higher rate of poor outcomes than either condition alone. But few studies have examined whether CKD confers a clinically meaningful difference in outcomes among heart failure patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HF-PEF). Compared to previous work, our study uses more granular renal function estimates and a large, contemporary cohort. Methods: Using data from the NHLBI-sponsored Cardiovascular Research Network (CVRN), we identified a community-based cohort of patients with HF. Electronic medical record data, including manual review where necessary, were used to classify heart failure type (HF-PEF and HF-REF), based on quantitative and qualitative estimates. Renal function was assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and by dipstick proteinuria. We followed patients between 2005 and 2008 for a median of 22.1 months for outcomes of death and hospitalization (HF-specific and all cause). We used Cox regression with time-updated covariates to estimate relative-risk of outcomes by level of CKD, separately for HF-PEF and HF-REF. Results: We identified 14,579 patients with HF-PEF and 9,762 with HF-REF. Compared to patients with eGFR between 60-89 ml/min/1.73m2, lower eGFR was associated with an independent graded increased risk of death and hospitalization; this relation did not meaningfully differ by type of heart failure. For example, among patients with HF-PEF, compared to patients with eGFR 60-89 ml/min/1.73m2, the relative risk of death was 1.57 (95% CI 1.41, 1.76) for eGFR 15-29 ml/min/1.73m2; for those with HF-REF the same relative risk was 2.15 (95% CI 1.87, 2.48). Results were similar with renal function estimates using dipstick proteinuria. Conclusions: Renal dysfunction is common among patients with heart failure, and is an important independent predictor of death and hospitalization across the spectrum of left ventricular systolic function. Whether patients with heart failure respond differentially to treatments by level of renal function is not clear; Our study highlights the need to develop new and effective interventions for the growing number of patients with heart failure complicated by CKD.

The article considers the phenomenon of the video game industry growth as the latest trend in the development of the e-commerce market for digital products in the post-pandemic period. The latest technologies and the active promotion of the Internet usage have contributed to the emergence of a new type of games – video games. Video games are gradually replacing regular games and have a direct impact on how Internet users fill their free time, as they offer an expanded range of products and services, both gaming and non-gaming. Features of incomes volumes change in various directions of the entertainment industry for understanding of a share of video games in the general volume of its growth are outlined. The increase in interest in video games has been found to be due to a structural shift in the entertainment industry caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the forced self-isolation of most people around the world. The global costs of video games by types of devices were analyzed, which allowed to form an understanding of the increased interest of users in games presented in a format available for use on smartphones. In 2019, consumers spent $149 billion (excluding equipment) on video games, compared to $35 billion in 2004. The distinctive features of the demographics of gamers in the United States are listed, which can be taken as a basis for marketing research of e-commerce of computer games in other countries. The peculiarities of the marketing campaign of the company "CD Project RED" – a well-known giant on the market of development and implementation of computer games are researched. The key problem of "CD Project RED" management has been extremely high ambitions and the scale of statements that cannot be fulfilled on practice. As a result of marketing activities, gamers' expectations were so high that it was impossible to create a game that would satisfy the excitement that the company's marketers have been creating for eight years. Understanding the mistakes in marketing activities has already allowed the management of "CD Project RED" to smooth out the financial consequences of the previous failure. Unlike most sectors of the economy that suffered from the effects of forced downtime during the COVID-19 pandemic, the gaming sector "went against the flow" and found opportunities where other sectors suffered losses.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) is one of the top ten cereal crops in the world and is grown for fodder and seed purposes. During the fall of 2019 to 2022, a disease causing small to long streaks on leaves was observed in sorghum fields of Hisar (29° 9' 6.6996'' N, 75° 43' 16.0428'' E), Rohtak (28° 53' 43.8540'' N, 76° 36' 23.8068'' E) and Mohindergarh (28° 16' 6.0492'' N, 76° 9' 3.3552'' E) regions of Haryana between July and October. The reddish brown streaks were observed in the interveinal spaces of upper and lower leaves. The disease incidence reached 20-30% of plants in affected fields. The diseased leaf tissues were disinfected with 70% alcohol and placed in a tube with sterile water. After 30 minutes, 100 µl of the suspension was inoculated onto nutrient agar medium, incubated at 28 ± 2°C for three days, and a pure culture was obtained by restreaking on nutrient agar (Janse, 2005). The rod-shaped gram-negative bacterium with round, cream to white colonies was positive for methyl red, citrate utilization, urease activity, and glucose, lactose, sorbitol, rhamnose and sucrose fermentation tests. The genomic DNA of the bacterial suspension was extracted and 16S rDNA was amplified using universal 27F/1492R primers (Marchesi et al. 1998), resulting in tentative identification as Klebsiella sp. It was further confirmed with PCR amplification of Klebsiella specific primers (F:5ʹ-CGCGTACTATACGCCATGAACGTA-3ʹ; R:5ʹ-ACCGTTGATCACTTCGGTCAGG-3ʹ) for gyrA gene (Brisse and Verhoef 2001). Discrete PCR amplicons of 1,500 (16S rDNA) and 300 bp (gyrA) were observed in a 1% (w/v) agarose gel. Forward and reverse DNA sequencing of both amplicons of the Hisar isolate (VMKV101) was carried out using a BDT v3.1 Cycle sequencing kit and consensus sequences were generated by using the program SeqMan Ultra (DNASTAR Lasergene). Sequences of the PCR products were deposited in GenBank with accession numbers MZ569433 (16S rDNA) and OP390080 (gyrA). The 16S rDNA sequence was 97.32% similar to K. variicola strain 13450 (CP026013; 1,450/1,490 bp) and the gyrA sequence had 99.66% similarity to K. variicola strain FH-1 (CP054254; 297/298 bp). A 16S RNA-based phylogenetic tree done by MEGA11 (Tamura et al. 2021) using the Maximum Likelihood method showed that strain VMKV101 clustered with K. variicola type strain F2R9. The complete bacterial genome (GCA025629215), sequenced by the Ion GeneStudio S5 system using Ion 530 chips (Thermo Fisher Scientific), was 99.03% identical by average nucleotide identity (ANI) to the type genome (CP045783) of Klebsiella variicola, with 87.8% genome coverage. For pathogenicity testing, a bacterial suspension (10 ml, 1×107 colony forming units/ml) was injected into the whole whorl after mechanical injury on 15-20 days old seedlings of the susceptible genotype HC-171, then plants were incubated at 35 ± 2°C, >80% relative humidity. Control plants were injected with sterile distilled water. Initial symptoms were observed on leaves of inoculated plants after 5 to 7 days as narrow, small longitudinal reddish brown streaks. As the disease progressed, the streaks on the leaf blade increased in number and size maintaining the reddish brown color. These streaks had slightly wavy margins and were surrounded by bright yellow halos. After 15 to 20 days, the streaks were 0.5 to 2.0 mm wide and 1.0 to 5.0 cm long, occasionally up to 10.0 cm long on both side of the leaves. Over time, neighboring streaks coalesced to form large necrotic areas. All inoculated plants exhibited identical symptoms. No symptoms were observed on control leaves. The reisolated bacterium from diseased sorghum leaves showed exactly the same morphological, biochemical and 16S RNA and gyrA molecular characteristics. To our knowledge, this is the first report of K. variicola causing a leaf streak disease on sorghum. Klebsiella species primarily cause diseases in humans and animals, but K. variicola has been found to incite banana soft rot (Fan et al. 2015) and K. aerogenes to cause stem rot in pearl millet (Malik et al. 2021). Differences of prevalence, spread and control between K. variicola and two other bacteria (Xanthomonas vasicola pv. holcicola causing Bacterial leaf streak; Paraburkholderia andropogonis causing Bacterial leaf stripe) causing leaf streak diseases on sorghum need to be determined. The identification of Klebsiella leaf streak disease lays the groundwork for future investigations into epidemiology and management of K. variicola on sorghum.

Background Several prospective studies have reported a positive association for both long and short sleep duration with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Insomnia may also be a CHD risk factor. Our aims were to identify whether sleep duration and insomnia symptoms are associated with greater incident CHD among postmenopausal women. Methods Participants were 86,329 postmenopausal women, aged 50-79 at enrollment into the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) observational study, who reported information regarding sleep habits at baseline (1993-1998) and were followed for first occurrence of a coronary event. Cox proportional hazards models were developed using sleep duration and insomnia as the primary exposures. Person-years of follow up were calculated from the screening visit through August 2009. Results Compared to mid-range sleep duration (7-8 hours) women reporting shorter sleep (≤5 hours) and longer sleep (≥10 hours) had higher incident CHD (HR=1.21, 95% CI 1.09-1.33; HR=1.51, 95% CI 1.08-2.11), respectively, after adjusting for age and race. Only longer sleep remained significantly associated with incident CHD in fully adjusted models (HR=1.53, 95% CI 1.09-2.14). Women that scored high (≥9) for insomnia on the WHI Insomnia Rating Scale (WHIIRS) demonstrated the highest risk of CHD (HR=1.35, 95% CI 1.24-1.47, age- and race-adjusted; HR=1.18, 95% CI 1.08-1.30, fully adjusted models). When the analyses are stratified by the WHIIIRS, among those with high insomnia scores (≥9), long sleep almost doubled the risk of CHD (HR=1.97, 95% CI 1.18-3.30) versus mid-range sleep duration, whereas among those with lower WHIIRS scores (<9), long sleepers have a relatively lower increased risk of CHD (HR=1.49, 95% CI 1.08-2.06). Conclusions Women reporting ≥10 hours of sleep per night with high insomnia scores had a higher risk for incident CHD. A significant interaction between sleep duration and insomnia was observed (p<0.02), and both long sleep duration and a high insomnia score were associated with greater risk of CHD. Table 1. Cox proportional hazards models - sleep duration and incident CHD * among WHI participants stratified by level of insomnia Cases N High level of perceived insomnia (WHIIRS ≥ 9) Model adjusted for age, race Model fully adjusted † HR 95% CI P-value HR 95% CI P-value Sleep time ≤5 h 347 4580 1.16 1.02, 1.32 0.03 1.05 0.93, 1.18 0.46 6 h 679 9610 1.08 0.97, 1.20 0.14 1.00 0.91, 1.10 0.98 7-8 h (ref) 734 10919 REF REF REF REF REF REF 9 h 48 517 1.38 1.03, 1.85 0.03 1.26 0.97, 1.65 0.08 ≥10 h 12 114 1.98 1.12, 3.51 0.02 1.97 1.18, 3.30 0.01 Cases N Low level for perceived insomnia (WHIIRS < 9) Model adjusted for age, race Model fully adjusted † HR 95% CI P-value HR 95% CI P-value Sleep time ≤5 h 130 2209 1.12 0.96, 1.31 0.16 0.92 0.77, 1.09 0.34 6 h 768 13,416 0.99 0.92, 1.07 0.88 0.94 0.87, 1.02 0.12 7-8 h (ref) 2418 41347 REF REF REF REF REF REF 9 h 171 2934 1.06 0.93, 1.21 0.38 0.98 0.85, 1.13 0.73 ≥10 h 23 357 1.67 1.22, 2.28 0.01 1.49 1.08, 2.06 0.02 * Outcome includes myocardial infarction, CHD death, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, coronary artery bypass grafting or hospitalized angina † Model adjusted for age, race, education, income, smoking, BMI, physical activity, alcohol intake, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol medication, comorbid conditions

ObjectiveTo propose a computationally simple, fast, and reliable temporal method for early event detection in multiple data streamsIntroductionCurrent biosurveillance systems run multiple univariate statistical process control (SPC) charts to detect increases in multiple data streams1. The method of using multiple univariate SPC charts is easy to implement and easy to interpret. By examining alarms from each control chart, it is easy to identify which data stream is causing the alarm. However, testing multiple data streams simultaneously can lead to multiple testing problems that inflate the combined false alarm probability. Although methods such as the Bonferroni correction can be applied to address the multiple testing problem by lowering the false alarm probability in each control chart, these approaches can be extremely conservative.Biosurveillance systems often make use of variations of popular univariate SPC charts such as the Shewart Chart, the cumulative sum chart (CUSUM), and the exponentially weighted moving average chart (EWMA). In these control charts an alarm is signaled when the charting statistic exceeds a pre-defined control limit. With the standard SPC charts, the false alarm rate is specified using the in-control average run length (ARL0). If multiple charts are used, the resulting multiple testing problem is often addressed using family-wise error rate (FWER) based methods – that are known to be conservative - for error control.A new temporal method is proposed for early event detection in multiple data streams. The proposed method uses p-values instead of the control limits that are commonly used with standard SPC charts. In addition, the proposed method uses false discovery rate (FDR) for error control over the standard ARL0 used with conventional SPC charts. With the use of FDR for error control, the proposed method makes use of more powerful and up-to-date procedures for handling the multiple testing problem than FWER-based methods.MethodsThe proposed method can be applied to multiple univariate CUSUM or EWMA control charts. It can also be applied to a variation of the Hotelling T2 chart which is a common multivariate process monitoring method. The Hotelling T2 chart is analogous to the Shewart chart. Montgomery et. al2 proposed a variation of the Hotelling T2 chart where the T2 statistic is decomposed into components that reflect the contribution of each data stream.First, a tolerable FDR level specified. Then, at each new time step disease counts from each of the m geographic regions Y1t, Y2t, … , Ymt are collected. These disease counts are used to calculate the charting statistics S1t, S2t, … , Smt for each region. Meanwhile by inspecting historical data from each region, a non-outbreak period is identified. Using data from the non-outbreak period, bootstrap samples are drawn with replacement from each region and charting statistics are calculated. Using the charting statistics, empirical non-outbreak distributions are generated for each region. With the empirical non-outbreak distributions and the current charting statistic for each region S1t, S2t, … , Smt , corresponding p-values p1t, p2t, … , pmt are calculated. The multiple testing problem that occurs in comparing multiple p-values simultaneously is handled using the Storey -Tibshirani multiple comparison procedure3 to signal alarms.ResultsAs an illustration, all three methods – EWMA, CUSUM, and Hotelling T2 (components) - were applied to a data set consisting of weekly disease count data from 16 German federal sates gathered over a 11 year period from 2004-2014. The first two years of data from 2004-2005 were used to calibrate the model. Figure 1 shows the results for the state of Rhineland Palatinate. The three plots in Figure 1 show (a) the weekly disease counts for Rhineland Palatinate (b) the EWMA statistic (shown in red), the CUSUM statistic (shown in dark green) and (c) the component of the Hotelling T2 statistic corresponding to the illustrated state (shown in blue). The actual outbreak occurred on week 306 (shown by the orange line). Notice the two false alarms – alarms that occur before week 306 - with the Hotelling T2 statistic (dark green) on weeks 34 and 292; similarly, the CUSUM statistic signals a false alarm on week 57. However, the EWMA statistic does not signal any false alarms before the outbreak (red). Figure 2 zooms on the alarm statistics for the time period from weeks 280 – 330. The Hotelling T2 statistic misses the onset of actual outbreak on week 306. The CUSUM statistic detects the outbreak on week 307 – one week later. However, the EWMA statistic detects the outbreak right at the onset on week 306.ConclusionsExtensive simulation studies were conducted to compare the performance of the three control charts. Performance was compared in terms of (i) speed of detection and (ii) false alarm rates. Simulation results provide convincing evidence that the EWMA and the CUSUM are considerably speedier in detecting outbreaks compared to Hotelling T2 statistic: compared to the CUSUM, the EWMA is relatively faster. Similarly, the false alarm rates are larger for Hotelling T2 statistic compared to the EWMA and the CUSUM: false alarms are rare with both the EWMA and the CUSUM statistics with EWMA statistic having a slight edge. Overall, EWMA has the best performance out of the three methods with the new algorithm. Thus, the new algorithm applied to the EWMA statistic provides a simple, fast, and a reliable method for early event detection in multiple data streams.References1. Fricker RD. Introduction to Statistical Methods for Biosurveillance. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press; 2013. 399p.2. Runger GC, Alt FB, Montgomery DC. Contributors to Multivariate Statistical Process Control Signal. Communications in Statistics – Theory and Methods. 1996; 25(10): 2203-2213.3. Storey JD, Tibshirani R. Statistical significance for genomewide studies. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 2003; 100:9440–9445.

ABSTRACT Background The protective effects of maternal folate on neural tube defects are well-established. Emerging evidence has shown paternal folate also is related to pregnancy outcome and offspring health. Objectives This study aimed to assess the status of red blood cell (RBC) folate and serum folate, vitamin B-12, and homocysteine (Hcy) and their associated factors in a cohort of pregnancy-preparing couples. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 14,178 participants from the extension of the Shanghai Preconception Cohort conducted in 2018–2021. Circulating biomarker concentrations were measured, and the prevalence of abnormal status was reported. Linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations of demographic factors (age, education, and income), lifestyle factors (smoking, drinking, and folic acid supplement use), and BMI with concentrations of the folate-related biomarkers, abnormal status of folate (deficiency and insufficiency) and vitamin B-12 (deficiency and marginal deficiency), and hyperhomocysteinemia. Results The geometric mean (95% CI) concentrations of RBC folate, serum folate, vitamin B-12, and Hcy were 490 nmol/L (485, 496 nmol/L), 20.1 nmol/L (19.8, 20.3 nmol/L), 353 pmol/L (350, 357 pmol/L), and 7.54 μmol/L (7.48, 7.60 μmol/L) in females, respectively, and 405 nmol/L (401, 409 nmol/L), 13.5 nmol/L (13.4, 13.7 nmol/L), 277 pmol/L (274, 279 pmol/L), and 12.0 μmol/L (11.9, 12.2 μmol/L) in males, respectively. Prevalence of abnormal status was higher in males than females for the 4 folate-related biomarkers: RBC folate deficiency (&lt;340 nmol/L, 32.2% compared with 18.9%), serum folate deficiency (&lt;10.0 nmol/L, 26.5% compared with 7.3%), RBC folate insufficiency (&lt;906 nmol/L, 96.6% compared with 90.1%), serum folate insufficiency (&lt;15.9 nmol/L, 65.5% compared with 31.4%), vitamin B-12 marginal deficiency (148–221 pmol/L, 21.4% compared with 8.8%), and hyperhomocysteinemia (&gt;15.0 μmol/L, 22.1% compared with 2.5%). Conclusions Most pregnancy-preparing couples failed to achieve the optimal RBC folate status (&gt;906 nmol/L) as recommended by the WHO. These findings call for attention to the insufficiency status of folate and promising strategies to improve the folate status of the pregnancy-preparing population not exposed to folic acid fortification.

What we wear signals our membership within groups, be theyorganised by gender, class, ethnicity or religion. Simultaneously our clothing signifies hierarchies and power relations that sustain dominant power structures. How we dress is an expression of our identity. For Veblen, how we dress expresses wealth and social stratification. In imitating the fashion of the wealthy, claims Simmel, we seek social equality. For Barthes, clothing is embedded with systems of meaning. For Hebdige, clothing has modalities of meaning depending on the wearer, as do clothes for gender (Davis) and for the body (Entwistle). For Maynard, “dress is a significant material practice we use to signal our cultural boundaries, social separations, continuities and, for the present purposes, political dissidences” (103). Clothing has played a central role in historical and contemporary forms of political dissent. During the French Revolution dress signified political allegiance. The “mandated costumes, the gold-braided coat, white silk stockings, lace stock, plumed hat and sword of the nobility and the sober black suit and stockings” were rejected as part of the revolutionary struggle (Fairchilds 423). After the storming of the Bastille the government of Paris introduced the wearing of the tricolour cockade, a round emblem made of red, blue and white ribbons, which was a potent icon of the revolution, and a central motif in building France’s “revolutionary community”. But in the aftermath of the revolution divided loyalties sparked power struggles in the new Republic (Heuer 29). In 1793 for example anyone not wearing the cockade was arrested. Specific laws were introduced for women not wearing the cockade or for wearing it in a profane manner, resulting in six years in jail. This triggered a major struggle over women’s abilities to exercise their political rights (Heuer 31).Clothing was also central to women’s political struggles in America. In the mid-nineteenth century, women began wearing the “reform dress”—pants with shortened, lightweight skirts in place of burdensome and restrictive dresses (Mas 35). The wearing of pants, or bloomers, challenged gender norms and demonstrated women’s agency. Women’s clothes of the period were an "identity kit" (Ladd Nelson 22), which reinforced “society's distinctions between men and women by symbolizing their natures, roles, and responsibilities” (Ladd Nelson 22, Roberts 555). Men were positioned in society as “serious, active, strong and aggressive”. They wore dark clothing that “allowed movement, emphasized broad chests and shoulders and presented sharp, definite lines” (Ladd Nelson 22). Conversely, women, regarded as “frivolous, inactive, delicate and submissive, dressed in decorative, light pastel coloured clothing which inhibited movement, accentuated tiny waists and sloping shoulders and presented an indefinite silhouette” (Ladd Nelson 22, Roberts 555). Women who challenged these dress codes by wearing pants were “unnatural, and a perversion of the “true” woman” (Ladd Nelson 22). For Crane, the adoption of men’s clothing by women challenged dominant values and norms, changing how women were seen in public and how they saw themselves. The wearing of pants came to “symbolize the movement for women's rights” (Ladd Nelson 24) and as with women in France, Victorian society was forced to consider “women's rights, including their right to choose their own style of dress” (Ladd Nelson 23). As Yangzom (623) puts it, clothing allows groups to negotiate boundaries. How the “embodiment of dress itself alters political space and civic discourse is imperative to understanding how resistance is performed in creating social change” (Yangzom 623). Fig. 1: 1850s fashion bloomersIn a different turn is presented in Mahatma Gandhi’s Khadi movement. Khadi is a term used for fabrics made on a spinning wheel (or charkha) or hand-spun and handwoven, usually from cotton fibre. Khadi is considered the “fabric of Indian independence” (Jain). Gandhi recognised the potential of the fabric to a self-reliant, independent India. Gandhi made the struggle for independence synonymous with khadi. He promoted the materials “simplicity as a social equalizer and made it the nation’s fabric” (Sinha). As Jain notes, clothing and in this case fabric, is a “potent sign of resistance and change”. The material also reflects consciousness and agency. Khadi was Gandhi’s “own sartorial choices of transformation from that of an Englishman to that of one representing India” (Jain). For Jain the “key to Khadi becoming a successful tool for the freedom struggle” was that it was a “material embodiment of an ideal” that “represented freedom from colonialism on the one hand and a feeling of self-reliance and economic self-sufficiency on the other”. Fig. 2: Gandhi on charkha The reappropriating of Khadi as a fabric of political dissent echoes the wearing of blue denim by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) at the 1963 National Mall Washington march where 250,000 people gather to hear Martin Luther King speak. The SNCC formed in 1960 and from then until the 1963 March on Washington they developed a “style aesthetic that celebrated the clothing of African American sharecroppers” (Ford 626). A critical aspect civil rights activism by African America women who were members of the SNCC was the “performance of respectability”. With the moral character of African American women under attack (as a way of delegitimising their political activities), the female activists “emphasized the outward display of their respectability in order to withstand attacks against their characters”. Their modest, neat “as if you were going to church” (Chappell 96) clothing choices helped them perform respectability and this “played an important performative role in the black freedom struggle” (Ford 626). By 1963 however African American female civil rights activists “abandoned their respectable clothes and processed hairstyles in order to adopt jeans, denim skirts, bib-and-brace overalls”. The adoption of bib-and-brace overalls reflected the sharecropper's blue denim overalls of America’s slave past.For Komar the blue denim overalls “dramatize[d] how little had been accomplished since Reconstruction” and the overalls were practical to fix from attack dog tears and high-pressure police hoses. The blue denim overalls, according to Komar, were also considered to be ‘Negro clothes’ purchased by “slave owners bought denim for their enslaved workers, partly because the material was sturdy, and partly because it helped contrast them against the linen suits and lace parasols of plantation families”. The clothing choice was both practical and symbolic. While the ‘sharecropper’ narrative is problematic as ‘traditional’ clothing (something not evident in the case of Ghandi’s Khandi Movement, there is an emotion associated with the clothing. As Barthes (6-7) has shown, what makes ‘traditional clothing,’ traditional is that it is part of a normative system where not only does clothing have its historical place, but it is governed by its rules and regimentation. Therefore, there is a dialectical exchange between the normative system and the act of dressing where as a link between the two, clothing becomes the conveyer of its meanings (7). Barthes calls this system, langue and the act of dressing parole (8). As Ford does, a reading of African American women wearing what she calls a “SNCC Skin” “the uniform [acts] consciously to transgress a black middle-class worldview that marginalised certain types of women and particular displays of blackness and black culture”. Hence, the SNCC women’s clothing represented an “ideological metamorphosis articulated through the embrace and projection of real and imagined southern, working-class, and African American cultures. Central to this was the wearing of the blue denim overalls. The clothing did more than protect, cover or adorn the body it was a conscious “cultural and political tool” deployed to maintain a movement and build solidarity with the aim of “inversing the hegemonic norms” via “collective representations of sartorial embodiment” (Yangzom 622).Fig. 3: Mississippi SNCC March Coordinator Joyce Ladner during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom political rally in Washington, DC, on 28 Aug. 1963Clothing in each of these historical examples performs an ideological function that can bridge, that is bring diverse members of society together for a cause, or community cohesion or clothing can act as a fence to keep identities separate (Barnard). This use of clothing is evident in two indigenous examples. For Maynard (110) the clothes worn at the 1988 Aboriginal ‘Long March of Freedom, Justice and Hope’ held in Australia signalled a “visible strength denoted by coherence in dress” (Maynard 112). Most noted was the wearing of colours – black, red and yellow, first thought to be adopted during protest marches organised by the Black Protest Committee during the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane (Watson 40). Maynard (110) describes the colour and clothing as follows:the daytime protest march was dominated by the colours of the Aboriginal people—red, yellow and black on flags, huge banners and clothing. There were logo-inscribed T-shirts, red, yellow and black hatband around black Akubra’s, as well as red headbands. Some T-shirts were yellow, with images of the Australian continent in red, others had inscriptions like 'White Australia has a Black History' and 'Our Land Our Life'. Still others were inscribed 'Mourn 88'. Participants were also in customary dress with body paint. Older Indigenous people wore head bands inscribed with the words 'Our Land', and tribal elders from the Northern Territory, in loin cloths, carried spears and clapping sticks, their bodies marked with feathers, white clay and red ochres. Without question, at this most significant event for Aboriginal peoples, their dress was a highly visible and cohesive aspect.Similar is the Tibetan Freedom Movement, a nonviolent grassroots movement in Tibet and among Tibet diaspora that emerged in 2008 to protest colonisation of Tibet. It is also known as the ‘White Wednesday Movement’. Every Wednesday, Tibetans wear traditional clothes. They pledge: “I am Tibetan, from today I will wear only Tibetan traditional dress, chuba, every Wednesday”. A chuba is a colourful warm ankle-length robe that is bound around the waist by a long sash. For the Tibetan Freedom Movement clothing “symbolically functions as a nonverbal mechanism of communication” to “materialise consciousness of the movement” and functions to shape its political aims (Yangzom 622). Yet, in both cases – Aboriginal and Tibet protests – the dress may “not speak to single cultural audience”. This is because the clothing is “decoded by those of different political persuasions, and [is] certainly further reinterpreted or reframed by the media” (Maynard 103). Nevertheless, there is “cultural work in creating a coherent narrative” (Yangzom 623). The narratives and discourse embedded in the wearing of a red, blue and white cockade, dark reform dress pants, cotton coloured Khadi fabric or blue denim overalls is likely a key feature of significant periods of political upheaval and dissent with the clothing “indispensable” even if the meaning of the clothing is “implied rather than something to be explicated” (Yangzom 623). On 21 January 2017, 250,000 women marched in Washington and more than two million protesters around the world wearing pink knitted pussy hats in response to the remarks made by President Donald Trump who bragged of grabbing women ‘by the pussy’. The knitted pink hats became the “embodiment of solidarity” (Wrenn 1). For Wrenn (2), protests such as this one in 2017 complete with “protest visuals” which build solidarity while “masking or excluding difference in the process” indicates “a tactical sophistication in the social movement space with its strategic negotiation of politics of difference. In formulating a flexible solidarity, the movement has been able to accommodate a variety of races, classes, genders, sexualities, abilities, and cultural backgrounds” (Wrenn 4). In doing so they presented a “collective bodily presence made publicly visible” to protest racist, sexist, homophobic, Islamophobic, and xenophobic white masculine power (Gokariksel & Smith 631). The 2017 Washington Pussy Hat March was more than an “embodiment tactic” it was an “image event” with its “swarms of women donning adroit posters and pink pussy hats filling the public sphere and impacting visual culture”. It both constructs social issues and forms public opinion hence it is an “argumentative practice” (Wrenn 6). Drawing on wider cultural contexts, as other acts of dissent note here do, in this protest with its social media coverage, the “master frame” of the sea of pink hats and bodies posited to audiences the enormity of the anger felt in the community over attacks on the female body – real or verbal. This reflects Goffman’s theory of framing to describe the ways in which “protestors actively seek to shape meanings such that they spark the public’s support and encourage political openings” (Wrenn 6). The hats served as “visual tropes” (Goodnow 166) to raise social consciousness and demonstrate opposition. Protest “signage” – as the pussy hats can be considered – are a visual representation and validation of shared “invisible thoughts and emotions” (Buck-Coleman 66) affirming Georg Simmel’s ideas about conflict; “it helps individuals define their differences, establish to which group(s) they belong, and determine the degrees to which groups are different from each other” (Buck-Coleman 66). The pink pussy hat helped define and determine membership and solidarity. Further embedding this was the hand-made nature of the hat. The pattern for the hat was available free online at https://www.pussyhatproject.com/knit/. The idea began as one of practicality, as it did for the reform dress movement. This is from the Pussy Hat Project website:Krista was planning to attend the Women’s March in Washington DC that January of 2017 and needed a cap to keep her head warm in the chill winter air. Jayna, due to her injury, would not be able to attend any of the marches, but wanted to find a way to have her voice heard in absentia and somehow physically “be” there. Together, a marcher and a non-marcher, they conceived the idea of creating a sea of pink hats at Women’s Marches everywhere that would make both a bold and powerful visual statement of solidarity, and also allow people who could not participate themselves – whether for medical, financial, or scheduling reasons — a visible way to demonstrate their support for women’s rights. (Pussy Hat Project)In the tradition of “craftivism” – the use of traditional handcrafts such as knitting, assisted by technology (in this case a website with the pattern and how to knit instructions), as a means of community building, skill-sharing and action directed towards “political and social causes” (Buszek & Robertson 197) –, the hand-knitted pink pussy hats avoided the need to purchase clothing to show solidarity resisting the corporatisation of protest clothing as cautioned by Naomi Klein (428). More so by wearing something that could be re-used sustained solidarity. The pink pussy hats provided a counter to the “incoherent montage of mass-produced clothing” often seen at other protests (Maynard 107). Everyday clothing however does have a place in political dissent. In late 2018, French working class and middle-class protestors donned yellow jackets to protest against the government of French President Emmanuel Macron. It began with a Facebook appeal launched by two fed-up truck drivers calling for a “national blockade” of France’s road network in protest against rising fuel prices was followed two weeks later with a post urging motorist to display their hi-vis yellow vests behind their windscreens in solidarity. Four million viewed the post (Henley). Weekly protests continued into 2019. The yellow his-vis vests are compulsorily carried in all motor cars in France. They are “cheap, readily available, easily identifiable and above all representing an obligation imposed by the state”. The yellow high-vis vest has “proved an inspired choice of symbol and has plainly played a big part in the movement’s rapid spread” (Henley). More so, the wearers of the yellow vests in France, with the movement spreading globally, are winning in “the war of cultural representation. Working-class and lower middle-class people are visible again” (Henley). Subcultural clothing has always played a role as heroic resistance (Evans), but the coloured dissent dressing associated with the red, blue and white ribboned cockades, the dark bloomers of early American feminists, the cotton coloured natural fabrics of Ghandi’s embodiment of resistance and independence, the blue denim sharecropper overalls worn by African American women in their struggles for civil rights, the black, red and orange of Aboriginal protestors in Australia and the White Wednesday performances of resistance undertaken by Tibetans against Chinese colonisation, the Washington Pink Pussy Hat marches for gender respect and equality and the donning of every yellow hi-vis vests by French protestors all posit the important role of fabric and colour in protest meaning making and solidarity building. It is in our rage we consciously wear the colours and fabrics of dissent dress. ReferencesBarnard, Malcolm. Fashion as Communication. New York: Routledge, 1996. Barthes, Roland. “History and Sociology of Clothing: Some Methodological Observations.” The Language of Fashion. Eds. Michael Carter and Alan Stafford. UK: Berg, 2006. 3-19. Buck-Coleman, Audra. “Anger, Profanity, and Hatred.” Contexts 17.1 (2018): 66-73.Buszek, Maria Elena, and Kirsty Robertson. “Introduction.” Utopian Studies 22.1 (2011): 197-202. Chappell, Marisa, Jenny Hutchinson, and Brian Ward. “‘Dress Modestly, Neatly ... As If You Were Going to Church’: Respectability, Class and Gender in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Early Civil Rights Movement.” Gender and the Civil Rights Movement. Eds. Peter J. Ling and Sharon Monteith. New Brunswick, N.J., 2004. 69-100.Crane, Diana. Fashion and Its Social Agendas. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000. Davis, Fred. Fashion, Culture, and Identity. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1992.Entwistle, Joanne. The Fashioned Body: Fashion, Dress, and Modern Social Theory. Cambridge: Polity Press, 2000.Evans, Caroline. “Dreams That Only Money Can Buy ... Or the Shy Tribe in Flight from Discourse.” Fashion Theory 1.2 (1997): 169-88.Fairchilds, Cissie. “Fashion and Freedom in the French Revolution.” Continuity and Change 15.3 (2000): 419-33.Ford, Tanisha C. “SNCC Women, Denim, and the Politics of Dress.” The Journal of Southern History 79.3 (2013): 625-58.Gökarıksel, Banu, and Sara Smith. “Intersectional Feminism beyond U.S. Flag, Hijab and Pussy Hats in Trump’s America.” Gender, Place & Culture 24.5 (2017): 628-44.Goodnow, Trischa. “On Black Panthers, Blue Ribbons, & Peace Signs: The Function of Symbols in Social Campaigns.” Visual Communication Quarterly 13 (2006): 166-79.Hebdige, Dick. Subculture: The Meaning of Style. London: Routledge, 2002. Henley, Jon. “How Hi-Vis Yellow Vest Became Symbol of Protest beyond France: From Brussels to Basra, Gilets Jaunes Have Brought Visibility to People and Their Grievances.” The Guardian 21 Dec. 2018. <https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/21/how-hi-vis-yellow-vest-became-symbol-of-protest-beyond-france-gilets-jaunes>.Heuer, Jennifer. “Hats On for the Nation! Women, Servants, Soldiers and the ‘Sign of the French’.” French History 16.1 (2002): 28-52.Jain, Ektaa. “Khadi: A Cloth and Beyond.” Bombay Sarvodaya Mandal & Gandhi Research Foundation. ND. 19 Dec. 2018 <https://www.mkgandhi.org/articles/khadi-a-cloth-and-beyond.html>. Klein, Naomi. No Logo. London: Flamingo, London, 2000. Komar, Marlen. “What the Civil Rights Movement Has to Do with Denim: The History of Blue Jeans Has Been Whitewashed.” 30 Oct. 2017. 19 Dec. 2018 <https://www.racked.com/2017/10/30/16496866/denim-civil-rights-movement-blue-jeans-history>.Ladd Nelson, Jennifer. “Dress Reform and the Bloomer.” Journal of American and Comparative Cultures 23.1 (2002): 21-25.Maynard, Margaret. “Dress for Dissent: Reading the Almost Unreadable.” Journal of Australian Studies 30.89 (2006): 103-12. Pussy Hat Project. “Design Interventions for Social Change.” 20 Dec. 2018. <https://www.pussyhatproject.com/knit/>.Roberts, Helene E. “The Exquisite Slave: The Role of Clothes in the Making of the Victorian Woman.” Signs (1977): 554-69.Simmel, Georg. “Fashion.” American Journal of Sociology 62 (1957): 541–58.Sinha, Sangita. “The Story of Khadi, India's Signature Fabric.” Culture Trip 2018. 18 Jan. 2019 <https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/the-story-of-khadi-indias-fabric/>.Yangzom, Dicky. “Clothing and Social Movements: Tibet and the Politics of Dress.” Social Movement Studies 15.6 (2016): 622-33. Veblen, Thorstein. The Theory of the Leisure Class: An Economic Study of Institutions. New York: Dover Thrift, 1899. Watson, Lilla. “The Commonwealth Games in Brisbane 1982: Analysis of Aboriginal Protests.” Social Alternatives 7.1 (1988): 1-19.Wrenn, Corey. “Pussy Grabs Back: Bestialized Sexual Politics and Intersectional Failure in Protest Posters for the 2017 Women’s March.” Feminist Media Studies (2018): 1-19.

Hay consenso científico sobre un aumento en el nivel medio del mar global de alrededor de 0.20 metros durante el periodo 1901-2018 (IPCC, 2021). Este es global, pero no homogéneo, por lo que resultan relevantes los estudios a escalas menores. En este artículo se describe el análisis cuantitativo que se realizó para determinar el comportamiento actual y a futuro de la altura del nivel del mar en la costa central del golfo de México y determinar si presenta o no un aumento similar al reportado a escala global. Se busca determinar la naturaleza del comportamiento observado en el nivel del mar de la región. Tomando como base metodológica el trabajo de Zavala-Hidalgo et al. (2011), fueron seleccionadas tres estaciones pertenecientes a la Red Mareográfica Nacional para caracterizar la marea en la costa central del gofo de México: Coatzacoalcos (18°09’ N, -94°26’ W); Frontera (18°32’ N, -92°38’ W) y Veracruz (19°12’ N, -96°08’ W). Se graficaron los ciclos diarios y anuales para determinar el comportamiento actual de la marea. Posteriormente, utilizando registros horarios, se construyeron gráficas de la evolución temporal para los años disponibles en cada serie de tiempo. A cada una de estas gráficas se le asoció una línea de tendencia que describía las variaciones de la marea con el tiempo y fue calculado un valor numérico para cada línea de tendencia junto a su incertidumbre asociada. Finalmente, haciendo uso de extrapolaciones se estimaron valores a futuro para la altura del nivel del mar en la región. Estas predicciones fueron comparadas con las de otras bases para el análisis cualitativo. Los primeros resultados obtenidos indican un comportamiento estable y constante de la marea en la costa central del golfo de México, con ciclos a escala diaria y anual bien definidos. La tendencia global del nivel del mar en esta región es de -1.86 mm año-1 para el periodo 1999 a 2018. La tendencia global para la primera década es 3.6 mm año-1; la tendencia global para la segunda década es -1.26 mm año-1. En el periodo 2000 a 2010, el nivel medio del mar en la costa central del golfo de México aumentó en un orden de 0.03 metros. En el periodo 2011 a 2018 se observa una disminución en el nivel del mar de aproximadamente de 0.008 metros. A través de las predicciones construidas con extrapolaciones se estimó un aumento a futuro de alrededor de 0.47 a 1.07 metros hacia 2200, considerando las tendencias de la primera década, y una disminución de 0.41 a 0.02 metros hacia 2200, tomando en cuenta las tendencias de la segunda década. La tendencia global observada en el periodo 1999-2018 para la costa central del golfo de México corresponde a un descenso en la altura del nivel del mar en la región, pero sus efectos no han sido observados en el litoral centro del golfo de México. La primera década del periodo considerado presenta un aumento constante del nivel del mar hasta el 2010. A partir de 2011 el aumento es más lento y progresivo. La tendencia segmentada corregida de la primera década coincide con la tendencia media global establecida por el IPCC (2021). Las tendencias negativas no coinciden con ningún valor establecido por la literatura consultada. Las proyecciones de altura de nivel del mar subestiman el aumento respecto de las proyecciones asociadas a las RCP 2.6, 4.5 y 8.5. Dos de las tres estaciones mareográficas utilizadas en este artículo cortan sus registros un año entero –2011– y reanudan los datos con valores inferiores al inicio del corte. En este trabajo no se determinó la naturaleza de este hueco en las series de tiempo, pero se conjetura que esté asociado a recalibraciones del instrumento. Se desconoce el grado de influencia que este corte en los registros tiene en los resultados presentados, aunque no se descarta una posible causalidad.

If Continental social theory emerges from a climate of intensely cold winters and short mild summers, how does Australia (or any nation defined by its large masses of aridity) function as an environment in which to produce critical theory and new knowledge? Climate and weather are intrinsic to ambience, but what impact might they have on the conditions of producing academic work? How is ambience relevant to thinking and writing and research? Is there an ambient epistemology? This paper argues that the ambient is an unacknowledged factor in the production of critical thinking, and draws on examples of academics locating their writing conditions as part of their thinking. This means paying attention to the embodied work of thinking, and so I locate myself in order to explore what it might mean to acknowledge the conditions of intellectual work. Consequently I dwell on the impact of heat and light as qualities specific to where I work, but (following Bolt) I also argue that they are terms that are historically associated with new knowledge. Language, then, is already a factor in shaping the way we can think through such conditions, and the narratives available to write about them. Working these conditions into critical narratives may involve mobilising fictional tropes, and may not always be ambient, but they are potent in the academic imaginary and impact the ways in which we can think through location. Present Tense As I sit in Perth right now in a balmy 27 degrees Celsius with the local afternoon sea-breeze (fondly known as the Fremantle Doctor) clearing the stuffiness and humidity of the day, environmental conditions are near perfect for the end of summer. I barely notice them. Not long ago though, it was over 40 degrees for three days in a row. These were the three days I had set aside to complete an academic paper, the last days available before the university opened and normal work would resume. I’d arranged to have the place to myself, but I hadn’t arranged for cooling technologies. As I immersed myself in photocopies and textbooks the intellectual challenges and excitement were my preoccupation. It was hot, but I was almost unreceptive to recognising the discomforts of the weather until sweat began to drip onto pages and keyboards. A break in the afternoon for a swim at the local beach was an opportunity to clarify and see the bigger picture, and as the temperature began to slide into the evening cool it was easier to stay up late working and then sleep in late. I began to work around the weather. What impact does this have on thinking and writing? I remember it as a haze. The paper though, still seems clear and reasoned. My regimen might be read as working despite the weather, but I wonder if the intensity of the heat extends thinking in different directions—to go places where I wouldn’t have imagined in an ambiently cooled office (if I had one). The conditions of the production of knowledge are often assumed to be static, stable and uninteresting. Even if your work is located in exciting Other places, the ‘writing up’ is expected to happen ‘back home’, after the extra-ordinary places of fieldwork. It can be written in the present tense, for a more immediate reading experience, but the writing cannot always happen at the same time as the events being described, so readers accept the use of present tense as a figment of grammar that cannot accommodate the act of writing. When a writer becomes aware of their surroundings and articulates those conditions into their narrative, the reader is lifted out of the narrative into a metaframe; out of the body of writing and into the extra-diegetic. In her essay “Me and My Shadow” (1987), Jane Tompkins writes as if ‘we’ the reader are in the present with her as she makes connections between books, experiences, memories, feelings, and she also provides us with a writing scene in which to imagine her in the continuous present: It is a beautiful day here in North Carolina. The first day that is both cool and sunny all summer. After a terrible summer, first drought, then heat-wave, then torrential rain, trees down, flooding. Now, finally, beautiful weather. A tree outside my window just brushed by red, with one fully red leaf. (This is what I want you to see. A person sitting in stockinged feet looking out of her window – a floor to ceiling rectangle filled with green, with one red leaf. The season poised, sunny and chill, ready to rush down the incline into autumn. But perfect, and still. Not going yet.) (128)This is a strategy, part of the aesthetics and politics of Tompkins’s paper which argues for the way the personal functions in intellectual thinking and writing even when we don’t recognise or acknowledge it. A little earlier she characterises herself as vulnerable because of the personal/professional nexus: I don’t know how to enter the debate [over epistemology] without leaving everything else behind – the birds outside my window, my grief over Janice, just myself as a person sitting here in stockinged feet, a little bit chilly because the windows are open, and thinking about going to the bathroom. But not going yet. (126)The deferral of autumn and going to the bathroom is linked through the final phrase, “not going yet”. This is a kind of refrain that draws attention to the aesthetic architecture of locating the self, and yet the reference to an impending toilet trip raised many eyebrows. Nancy Millar comments that “these passages invoke that moment in writing when everything comes together in a fraction of poise; that fragile moment the writing in turn attempts to capture; and that going to the bathroom precisely, will end” (6). It spoils the moment. The aesthetic green scene with one red leaf is ruptured by the impending toilet scene. Or perhaps it is the intimacy of bodily function that disrupts the ambient. And yet the moment is fictional anyway. There must surely always be some fiction involved when writing about the scene of writing, as writing usually takes more than one take. Gina Mercer takes advantage of this fictional function in a review of a collection of women’s poetry. Noting the striking discursive differences between the editor’s introduction and the poetry collected in the volume, she suggestively accounts for this by imagining the conditions under which the editor might have been working: I suddenly begin to imagine that she wrote the introduction sitting at her desk in twin-set and pearls, her feet constricted by court shoes – but that the selection took place at home with her lying on a large beautifully-linened bed bestrewn by a cat and the poems… (4)These imaginary conditions, Mercer implies, impact on the ways we do our intellectual work, or perhaps different kinds of work require different conditions. Mercer not only imagines the editor at work, but also suggests her own preferred workspace when she mentions that “the other issue I’ve been pondering as I lay on my bed in a sarong (yes it’s hot here already) reading this anthology, has been the question of who reads love poetry these days?” (4). Placing herself as reader (of an anthology of love poetry) on the bed in a sarong in a hot climate partially accounts for the production of the thinking around this review, but probably doesn’t include the writing process. Mercer’s review is written in epistolary form, signaling an engagement with ‘the personal’, and yet that awareness of form and setting performs a doubling function in which scenes are set and imagination is engaged and yet their veracity doesn’t seem important, and may even be part of the fiction of form. It’s the idea of working leisurely that gains traction in this review. Despite the capacity for fiction, I want to believe that Jane Tompkins was writing in her study in North Carolina next to a full-length window looking out onto a tree. I’m willing to suspend my disbelief and imagine her writing in this place and time. Scenes of Writing Physical conditions are often part of mythologising a writer. Sylvia Plath wrote the extraordinary collection of poems that became Ariel during the 1962/63 London winter, reputed to have been the coldest for over a hundred years (Gifford 15). The cold weather is given a significant narrative role in the intensity of her writing and her emotional desperation during that period. Sigmund Freud’s writing desk was populated with figurines from his collection of antiquities looking down on his writing, a scene carefully replicated in the Freud Museum in London and reproduced in postcards as a potent staging of association between mythology, writing and psychoanalysis (see Burke 2006). Writer’s retreats at the former residences of writers (like Varuna at the former home of Eleanor Dark in the Blue Mountains, and the Katherine Susannah Pritchard Centre in the hills outside of Perth) memorialise the material conditions in which writers wrote. So too do pilgrimages to the homes of famous writers and the tourism they produce in which we may gaze in wonder at the ordinary places of such extraordinary writing. The ambience of location is one facet of the conditions of writing. When I was a doctoral student reading Continental feminist philosophy, I used anything at hand to transport myself into their world. I wrote my dissertation mostly in Townsville in tropical Queensland (and partly in Cairns, even more tropical), where winter is blue skies and mid-twenties in temperature but summers are subject to frequent build-ups in pressure systems, high humidity, no breeze and some cyclones. There was no doubt that studying habits were affected by the weather for a student, if not for all the academics who live there. Workplaces were icily air-conditioned (is this ambient?) but outside was redolent with steamy tropical evenings, hot humid days, torrential downpours. When the weather breaks there is release in blood pressure accompanying barometer pressure. I was reading contemporary Australian literature alongside French feminist theories of subjectivity and their relation through écriture féminine. The European philosophical and psychoanalytic tradition and its exquisitely radical anti-logical writing of Irigaray, Cixous and Kristeva seemed alien to my tropical environs but perversely seductive. In order to get ‘inside’ the theoretical arguments, my strategy was to interpolate myself into their imagined world of writing, to emulate their imagined conditions. Whenever my friend went on a trip, I caretook her 1940s unit that sat on a bluff and looked out over the Coral Sea, all whitewashed and thick stone, and transformed it into a French salon for my intellectual productivity. I played Edith Piaf and Grace Jones, went to the grocer at the bottom of the hill every day for fresh food and the French patisserie for baguettes and croissants. I’d have coffee brewing frequently, and ate copious amounts of camembert and chocolate. The Townsville flat was a Parisian salon with French philosophers conversing in my head and between the piles of book lying on the table. These binges of writing were extraordinarily productive. It may have been because of the imagined Francophile habitus (as Bourdieu understands it); or it may have been because I prepared for the anticipated period of time writing in a privileged space. There was something about adopting the fictional romance of Parisian culture though that appealed to the juxtaposition of doing French theory in Townsville. It intensified the difference but interpolated me into an intellectual imaginary. Derrida’s essay, “Freud and the Scene of Writing”, promises to shed light on Freud’s conditions of writing, and yet it is concerned moreover with the metaphoric or rather intellectual ‘scene’ of Freudian ideas that form the groundwork of Derrida’s own corpus. Scenic, or staged, like Tompkins’s framed window of leaves, it looks upon the past as a ‘moment’ of intellectual ferment in language. Peggy Kamuf suggests that the translation of this piece of Derrida’s writing works to cover over the corporeal banishment from the scene of writing, in a move that privileges the written trace. In commenting, Kamuf translates Derrida herself: ‘to put outside and below [metre dehors et en bas] the body of the written trace [le corps de la trace écrite].’ Notice also the latter phrase, which says not the trace of the body but the body of the trace. The trace, what Derrida but before him also Freud has called trace or Spur, is or has a body. (23)This body, however, is excised, removed from the philosophical and psychoanalytic imaginary Kamuf argues. Australian philosopher Elizabeth Grosz contends that the body is “understood in terms that attempt to minimize or ignore altogether its formative role in the production of philosophical values – truth, knowledge, justice” (Volatile 4): Philosophy has always considered itself a discipline concerned primarily or exclusively with ideas, concepts, reason, judgment – that is, with terms clearly framed by the concept of mind, terms which marginalize or exclude considerations of the body. As soon as knowledge is seen as purely conceptual, its relation to bodies, the corporeality of both knowers and texts, and the ways these materialities interact, must become obscure. (Volatile 4)In the production of knowledge then, the corporeal knowing writing body can be expected to interact with place, with the ambience or otherwise in which we work. “Writing is a physical effort,” notes Cixous, and “this is not said often enough” (40). The Tense Present Conditions have changed here in Perth since the last draft. A late summer high pressure system is sitting in the Great Australian Bite pushing hot air across the desert and an equally insistent ridge of low pressure sits off the Indian Ocean, so the two systems are working against each other, keeping the weather hot, still, tense, taut against the competing forces. It has been nudging forty degrees for a week. The air conditioning at work has overloaded and has been set to priority cooling; offices are the lowest priority. A fan blasts its way across to me, thrumming as it waves its head from one side to the other as if tut-tutting. I’m not consumed with intellectual curiosity the way I was in the previous heatwave; I’m feeling tired, and wondering if I should just give up on this paper. It will wait for another time and journal. There’s a tension with chronology here, with what’s happening in the present, but then Rachel Blau DuPlessis argues that the act of placing ideas into language inevitably produces that tension: Chronology is time depicted as travelling (more or less) in a (more or less) forward direction. Yet one can hardly write a single sentence straight; it all rebounds. Even its most innocent first words – A, The, I, She, It – teem with heteroglossias. (16)“Sentences structure” DuPlessis points out, and grammar necessitates development, chronological linearity, which affects the possibilities for narrative. “Cause and effect affect” DuPlessis notes (16), as do Cixous and Irigaray before her. Nevertheless we must press on. And so I leave work and go for a swim, bring my core body temperature down, and order a pot of tea from the beach café while I read Barbara Bolt in the bright afternoon light. Bolt is a landscape painter who has spent some time in Kalgoorlie, a mining town 800km east of Perth, and notes the ways light is used as a metaphor for visual illumination, for enlightening, and yet in Kalgoorlie light is a glare which, far from illuminating, blinds. In Kalgoorlie the light is dangerous to the body, causing cancers and cataracts but also making it difficult to see because of its sheer intensity. Bolt makes an argument for the Australian light rupturing European thinking about light: Visual practice may be inconceivable without a consideration of light, but, I will argue, it is equally ‘inconceivable’ to practice under European notions of light in the ‘glare’ of the Australian sun. Too much light on matter sheds no light on the matter. (204)Bolt frequently equates the European notions of visual art practice that, she claims, Australians still operate under, with concomitant concepts of European philosophy, aesthetics and, I want to add, epistemology. She is particularly adept at noting the material impact of Australian conditions on the body, arguing that, the ‘glare’ takes apart the Enlightenment triangulation of light, knowledge, and form. In fact, light becomes implicated bodily, in the facts of the matter. My pterygiums and sun-beaten skin, my mother and father’s melanomas, and the incidence of glaucoma implicate the sun in a very different set of processes. From my optic, light can no longer be postulated as the catalyst that joins objects while itself remaining unbent and unimplicated … (206).If new understandings of light are generated in Australian conditions of working, surely heat is capable of refiguring dominant European notions as well. Heat is commonly associated with emotions and erotics, even through ideas: heated debate, hot topics and burning issues imply the very latest and most provocative discussions, sizzling and mercurial. Heat has a material affect on corporeality also: dehydrating, disorienting, dizzying and burning. Fuzzy logic and bent horizons may emerge. Studies show that students learn best in ambient temperatures (Pilman; Graetz), but I want to argue that thought and writing can bend in other dimensions with heat. Tensions build in blood pressure alongside isometric bars. Emotional and intellectual intensities merge. Embodiment meets epistemology. This is not a new idea; feminist philosophers like Donna Haraway have been emphasizing the importance of situated knowledge and partial perspective for decades as a methodology that challenges universalism and creates a more ethical form of objectivity. In 1987 Haraway was arguing for politics and epistemologies of location, positioning, and situating, where partiality and not universality is the condition of being heard to make rational knowledge claims. These are claims on people’s lives. I am arguing for the view from a body, always a complex contradictory structuring and structured body versus the view from above, from nowhere, from simplicity. (Haraway 588)Working in intellectual conditions when the specificities of ambience is ignored, is also, I suggest, to work in a privileged space, in which there are no distractions like the weather. It is also to work ‘from nowhere, from simplicity’ in Haraway’s words. It is to write from within the pure imaginary space of the intellect. But to write in, and from, weather conditions no matter what they might be is to acknowledge the affect of being-in-the-world, to recognise an ontological debt that is embodied and through which we think. I want to make a claim for the radical conditions under which writing can occur outside of the ambient, as I sit here sweating over theory again. Drawing attention to the corporeal conditions of the scene of writing is a way of situating knowledge and partial perspective: if I were in Hobart where snow still lies on Mount Wellington I may well have a different perspective, but the metaphors of ice and cold also need transforming into productive and generative conditions of particularised knowledge. To acknowledge the location of knowledge production suggests more of the forces at work in particular thinking, as a bibliography indicates the shelf of books that have inflected the written product. This becomes a relation of immanence rather than transcendence between the subject and thought, whereby thinking can be understood as an act, an activity, or even activism of an agent. This is proposed by Elizabeth Grosz in her later work where she yokes together the “jagged edges” (Time 165) of Deleuze and Irigaray’s work in order to reconsider the “future of thought”. She calls for a revision of meaning, as Bolt does, but this time in regard to thought itself—and the task of philosophy—asking whether it is possible to develop an understanding of thought that refuses to see thought as passivity, reflection, contemplation, or representation, and instead stresses its activity, how and what it performs […] can we deromanticize the construction of knowledges and discourses to see them as labor, production, doing? (Time 158)If writing is to be understood as a form of activism it seems fitting to conclude here with one final image: of Gloria Anzaldua’s computer, at which she invites us to imagine her writing her book Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza (1987), a radical Chicana vision for postcolonial theory. Like Grosz, Anzaldua is intent on undoing the mind/body split and the language through which the labour of thinking can be articulated. This is where she writes her manifesto: I sit here before my computer, Amiguita, my altar on top of the monitor with the Virgen de Coatalopeuh candle and copal incense burning. My companion, a wooden serpent staff with feathers, is to my right while I ponder the ways metaphor and symbol concretize the spirit and etherealize the body. (75) References Anzaldua, Gloria. Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza. San Francisco: Aunt Lute Books, 1987. Bolt, Barbara. “Shedding Light for the Matter.” Hypatia 15.2 (2000): 202-216. Bourdieu, Pierre. The Logic of Practice. Cambridge: Polity, 1990. [1980 Les Edition de Minuit] Burke, Janine. The Gods of Freud: Sigmund Freud’s Art Collection. Milsons Point: Knopf, 2006. Cixous, Hélène, and Mireille Calle-Gruber. Rootprints: Memory and Life Writing. London: Routledge, 1997. [1994 Photos de Racine]. Derrida, Jacques, and Jeffrey Mehlman. "Freud and the Scene of Writing." Yale French Studies 48 (1972): 74-117. DuPlessis, Rachel Blau. Blue Studios: Poetry and Its Cultural Work. Tuscaloosa: Alabama UP, 2006. Gifford, Terry. Ted Hughes. Abingdon: Routledge, 2009. Graetz, Ken A. “The Psychology of Learning Environments.” Educause Review 41.6 (2006): 60-75. Grosz, Elizabeth. Volatile Bodies: Towards a Corporeal Feminism. St Leonards: Allen & Unwin, 1994. Grosz, Elizabeth. Time Travels: Feminism, Nature, Power. St Leonards: Allen & Unwin, 2005. Haraway, Donna. “Situated Knowledges: The Science Question in Feminism and the Privilege of Partial Perspective.” Feminist Studies 14.3 (1988): 575-99. Kamuf, Peggy. “Outside in Analysis.” Mosaic 42.4 (2009): 19-34. Mercer, Gina. “The Days of Love Are Lettered.” Review of The Oxford Book of Australian Love Poems, ed. Jennifer Strauss. LiNQ 22.1 (1995): 135-40. Miller, Nancy K. Getting Personal: Feminist Occasions and Other Autobiographical Acts. New York: Routledge, 1991. Pilman, Mary S. “The Effects of Air Temperature Variance on Memory Ability.” Loyola University Clearinghouse, 2001. ‹http://clearinghouse.missouriwestern.edu/manuscripts/306.php›. Tompkins, Jane. “Me and My Shadow.” New Literary History 19.1 (1987): 169-78.

Squirrels, like most other small mammals, have been poorly documented in the Indian subcontinent, which deters us from understanding species declines and prioritizing research on sensitive taxa (McKinney 1999, Koprowski and Nandini 2008). They are diverse in their habits and morphology and perform important ecological roles, including seed dispersal, pollination, and regulating plant growth. They also form a significant prey base for many predators. Squirrels respond strongly to pressures around them, including urbanization, habitat modification, and climate change, and can thus act as model study systems (Sol et al. 2013). The first step in understanding how species respond to such changes is by gaining knowledge of where they occur. The rapid spread of internet connectivity and access to mobile technology across India allow us to access large-scale secondary data in ways that were not possible around a decade ago. We created a pan-India database for 30 species of squirrels using primary data (from fieldwork) and secondary sources (museum records, published and gray literature), citizen science portals (six sources), and social media platforms (14 sources). The use of social media platforms is increasing exponentially across India, yet these remain a largely unexplored source for harvesting biodiversity information. Given low public awareness of squirrel species, we expected high error rates with contributors' assignment of species identity. A key of species images and calls was used while data gathering to maintain consistency across the team. A pipeline for the data collection and curation was created, and all volunteers on the project were trained to maintain consistency in data collection. To ensure verification of species identity, media (photographs, audio, and video data) are collected when possible or are cross-checked on the source site. Some (iNaturalist, Project Noah) citizen science platforms allow script-based or search-based downloads of bulk records without media. Each media record on such citizen science sites is manually checked to confirm species identification. On social media platforms (Fig. 1), species-wise searches were performed (using common and scientific names) within each platform. For all social media records, media (photograph, audio, video) data was downloaded along with location, date, observer, and relevant notes. Each entry was manually entered into a database by researchers (12 over two years, including volunteer interns). Each record was then manually verified for species by one or two of four curators (more curators for less-familiar species). Duplicates were manually removed by a curator, who compares species-specific data across multiple sources. The location for each entry was also curated, and a georeference was added when unavailable in the original post. All location data were imported into Google Sheets, and the map tool Geocode by Awesome Table were used to obtain latitude and longitude data for places. On many occasions, curators contacted observers on social media to confirm details before an entry was finalized. Over two years, the database grew to include 24,170 records with approximately 14,000 media files, with the team working for over 2200+ hours. About 48% (12,035) of the occurrence records came from social media sources, followed by 30% of records (7375) from traditional sources and 22% (4660) from citizen science portals (Fig. 1). We examined the temporal trends and bias for squirrel occurrence data for all three sources and assess the over and under-representation of squirrel occurrence based on body size, activity period, body-color, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status, range size, and habitat type. The majority of the occurrence records were that of tree squirrels (Fig. 2), followed by flying and ground squirrels. This is likely because tree squirrels are diurnal and more abundant, and hence are easier to record when compared to flying squirrels which are cryptic and nocturnal. The two species of ground squirrels in India are restricted to higher elevations in the Himalayas, making them difficult to record. There are, however, differences in records across regions in India. Based on a quick examination of the occurrence records, most of them are from urban areas, reflecting either bias in data collection (concentrated human densities) or species response to urbanization. Some species like Funambulus palmarum and Funambulus pennantii are known to be abundant in areas with higher human densities, which might be reflected in the number of occurrence records. In contrast, most other species seem restricted to areas with less anthropogenic disturbance. Therefore, recording fine-scale occurrences for this diverse group is crucial to understand species' responses to rapid landscape modifications such as urbanization. Our understanding of biodiversity in a changing world has been greatly improved by combining, harmonizing, and analyzing large amounts of heterogeneous ecological data (Hampton et al. 2013). The availability of more accurate data enables studies to address questions at increasingly large spatial and temporal scales with stronger inference and more accurate and predictive models, which, in turn, yield important biological insights (Lewis et al. 2018).

Introduction Fashion has long been associated with resistance movements across Asia and Australia, from the hand-spun cotton Khadi of Mahatma Gandhi’s freedom struggle to the traditional ankle length robe worn by Tibetans in the ‘White Wednesday Movement’ (Singh et al.; Yangzom). There are many reasons why fashion and activism have been interlinked. Fashion can serve as a form of nonverbal communication (Crane), which can convey activists’ grievances and concerns while symbolising solidarity (Doerr). It can provide an avenue to enact individual agency against repressive, authoritarian regimes (Yangzom; Doerr et al.). Fashion can codify a degree of uniformity within groups and thereby signal social identity (Craik), while also providing a means of building community (Barry and Drak). Fashion, therefore, offers activists the opportunity to develop the three characteristics which unite a social or environmental movement: a shared concern about an issue, a sense of social identity, and connections between individuals and groups. But while these fashion functions map onto movement characteristics, it remains unclear whether activists across the world deliberately include fashion into their protest action repertoires. This uncertainty exists partly because of a research and media focus on large scale, mass protests (Lester and Hutchins), where fashion characteristics are immediately visible and amenable to retrospective interpretation. This focus helps explain the rich volume of research examining the manifestation of fashion in past protests, such as the black, red, and yellow colours worn during the 1988 Aboriginal Long March of Freedom, Justice, and Hope (Maynard Dress; Coghlan), and the pink anti-Trump ‘pussyhats’ (Thompson). However, the protest events used to identify these fashion characteristics are a relatively small proportion of actions used by environmental activists (Dalton et al.; Gulliver et al.), which include not only rallies and marches, but also information evenings, letter writing sessions, and eco-activities such as tree plantings. This article aims to respond to Barnard’s (Looking) call for more empirical work on what contemporary cultural groups visually do with what they wear (see also Gerbaudo and Treré) via a content analysis of 36,676 events promoted on Facebook by 728 Australian environmental groups between 2010 and 2019. The article firstly reports findings from an analysis of this dataset to identify how fashion manifests in environmental activism, building on research demonstrating the role of protest-related nonverbal communications, such as protest signage (Bloomfield and Doolin), images (Kim), and icons, slogans, and logos (Goodnow). The article then considers what activists may seek to achieve through incorporating fashion into their action repertoire, and whether this suggests solidarity with activists seeking to effect environmental change across the wider Asian region. Fashion Activism Fashion is created through a particular assemblage of clothes, accessories, and hairstyles (Barry and Drak), which in turn forms a prevailing custom or style of dress (Craik). It is a cultural practice, providing ‘real estate’ (Benda 7) for an individual to express their social roles (Craik) and political identity (Behnke). Some scholars argue that fashion became overtly political during the 1960s and 70s, as social movements politicised appearance (Edwards). This has only increased in relevance with the rise of far right, populist, and authoritarian regimes, whose sub-cultures enact politicised identities through their distinct fashion characteristics (Gaugele and Titton; Gaugele). Fashion can therefore play an important role in protest movements, as “political subjectivities, political authority, political power and discipline are rendered visible, and thereby real, by the way fashion co-establishes them” (Behnke 3). Across the literature scholars have identified two primary avenues by which fashion and activism are connected. The first of these relates to activism targeting the fashion industry. This type of activism is found in both Asia and Australia, and promotes sustainable consumption choices such as buying used goods and transforming existing items (Chung and Yim), as well as highlighting garment worker exploitation within the fashion industry (Khan and Richards). The second avenue is called ‘fashion activism’: the use of fashion to intentionally signal a message seeking to evoke social and/or political change (Thompson). In this conceptualisation, clothing is used to signify a particular message (Crane). An example of this type of fashion activism is the ‘SlutWalk’, a protest where participants deliberately wore outfits described as slutty or revealing as a response to victim-blaming of women who had experienced sexual assault (Thompson). A key element of fashion activism thus appears to be its message intentionality. Clothes are specifically utilised to convey a message, such as a grievance about victim-blaming, which can then be incorporated into design features displayed on t-shirts, pins, and signs both on the runway and in protest events (Titton). However, while this ‘sender/receiver’ model of fashion communication (Barnard, Fashion as) can be compelling for activists, it is complex in practice. A message receiver can never have full knowledge of what message the sender seeks to signify through a particular clothing item, nor can the message sender predict how a receiver will interpret that message. Particular arrangements of clothing only hold communicative power when they are easily interpreted and related to the movement and its message, usually only intelligible to a specific culture or subculture (Goodnow). Even within that subculture it remains problematic to infer a message from a particular style of dress, as demonstrated in examples where dress is used to imply sexual consent; for example, in rape and assault cases (Lennon et al.). Given the challenges of interpreting fashion, do activists appear to use the ‘real estate’ (Benda 7) afforded by it as a protest tool? To investigate this question a pre-existing dataset of 36,676 events was analysed to ascertain if, and how, environmental activism engages with fashion (a detailed methodology is available on the OSF). Across this dataset, event categories, titles, and descriptions were reviewed to collate events connecting environmental activism to fashion. Three categories of events were found and are discussed in the next section: street theatre, sustainable fashion practices, and disruptive protest. Street Theatre Street theatre is a form of entertainment which uses public performance to raise awareness of injustices and build support for collective action (Houston and Pulido). It uses costumes as a vehicle for conveying messages about political issues and for making demands visible, and has been utilised by protesters across Australia and Asia (Roces). Many examples of street theatre were found in the dataset. For example, Extinction Rebellion (XR) consistently promoted street theatre events via sub-groups such as the ‘Red Rebels’ – a dedicated team of volunteers specialising in costumed street theatre – as well as by inviting supporters to participate in open street theatre events, such as in the ‘Halloween Dead Things Disco’. Dressed as spooky skeletons (doot, doot) and ghosts, we'll slide and shimmy down Sydney's streets in a supernatural style, as we bring attention to all the species claimed by the Sixth Mass Extinction. These street theatre events appeared to prioritise spectacle rather than disruption as a means to attract attention to their message. The Cairns and Far North Environment Centre ‘Climate Action Float’, for example, requested that attendees: Wear blue and gold or dress as your favourite reef animal, solar panel, maybe even the sun itself!? Reef & Solar // Blue & Gold is the guiding theme but we want your creativity take it from there. Most groups used street theatre as one of a range of different actions organised across a period of time. However, Climacts, a performance collective which uses ‘spectacle and satire to communicate the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crisis’ (Climacts), utilised this tactic exclusively. Their Climate Guardians collective used distinctive angel costumes to perform at the Climate Conference of Parties 26, and in various places around Australia (see images on their Website). Fig. 1: Costumed protest against Downer EDI's proposed work on the Adani coalmine; Image by John Englart (CC BY-SA 2.0). Sustainable Fashion Practices The second most common type of event which connected fashion with activism were those promoting sustainable fashion practices. While much research has highlighted the role of activism in raising awareness of problems related to the fashion industry (e.g. Hirscher), groups in the dataset were primarily focussed on organising activities where supporters communally created their own fashion items. The most common of these was the ‘crafternoon’, with over 260 separate crafternoon events identified in the dataset. These events brought activists together to create protest-related kit such as banners, signs, and costumes from recycled or repurposed materials, as demonstrated by Hume Climate Action Now’s ‘Crafternoon for Climate’ event: Come along on Sunday arvo for a relaxed arvo making posters and banners for upcoming Hume Climate Action Now events… Bring: Paints, textas, cardboard, fabric – whatever you’ve got lying around. Don’t have anything? That’s cool, just bring yourself. Events highlighting fashion industry problems were less frequent and tended to prioritise sharing of information about the fashion industry rather than promoting protests. For example, Transition Town Vincent held a ‘Slowing Down Fast Fashion – Transition Town Vincent Movie Night’ while the Green Embassy promoted the ‘Eco Fashion Week’. This event, held in 2017, was described as Australia’s only eco-fashion week, and included runway shows, music, and public talks. Other events also focussed on public talks, such as a Conservation Council of ACT event called ‘Green Drinks Canberra October 2017: Summer Edwards on the fashion industry’ and a panel discussion organised by a group called SEE-Change entitled ‘The Sustainable Wardrobe’. Disruptive Protest and T-Shirts Few events in the dataset mentioned elements of fashion outside of street theatre or sustainable fashion practices, with only one organisation explicitly connecting fashion with activism in its event details. This group – Australian Youth Climate Coalition – organised an event called ‘Activism in Fashion: Tote Bags, T-shirts and Poster Painting!’, which asked: How can we consistently be involved in campaigning while life can be so busy? Can we still be loud and get a message across without saying a word? The iconic 21st century activist "t-shirt and tote-bag" combination is hard to miss these days! Unlike street theatre and sustainable fashion practices, fashion appeared to be a consideration for only a small number of disruptive protests promoted by environmental groups in Australia. XR Brisbane sought to organise a fashion parade during the 2019 Rebellion Week, while XR protesters in Melbourne stripped down to underwear for a march through Melbourne city arcades (see also Turbet). Few common fashion elements appeared consistently on individual activists participating in events, and these were limited to accessories, such as ‘Stop Adani’ earrings, or t-shirts sold for fundraising and promotional purposes. Indeed, t-shirts appeared to be the most promoted clothing item in the dataset, continuing a long tradition of their use in protests (e.g. Maynard, Blankets). Easy to create, suitable for displaying both text and imagery, t-shirts sharing anti-coal messages featured predominantly in the Stop Adani campaign, while yellow t-shirts were a common item in Knitting Nanna’s anti-coal seam gas mining protests. Fig. 2: Stop Adani earrings and t-shirts; Image by John Englart (CC BY-SA 2.0). The Role of Fashion in Environmental Activism As these findings demonstrate, fashion appears to be deliberately utilised in environmental activism primarily through street theatre and the promotion of sustainable fashion practices. While fewer examples of fashion in disruptive protest were found and no consistent fashion assemblage was identified, accessories and t-shirts were utilised by many groups. What may activists be seeking to achieve through incorporating fashion via street theatre and sustainable fashion practices? Some scholars have argued that incorporating fashion into protest allows activists to signal political dissent against authoritarian control. For example, Yanzoom noted that by utilising fashion as a means of communication, Tibetan activists were able to embody their political goals despite repression of speech and movement by political powerholders. However, a consistent fashion repertoire across protests in this Australian dataset was not found. The opportunities afforded by protected protest rights in Australia and absence of violent police repression of disruptive protests may be one explanation why distinctive dress such as the masks and black attire of Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters did not manifest in the dataset. Other scholars have observed that fashion sub-cultures also developed partly to express anti-establishment politics, such as the punk movement in the 1970s. Radical clothing accessorised by symbols, bright hair colours, body piercings, and heavy-duty books signalled opposition to the dominant political ideology (Craik). However, none of these purposes appeared to play a role in Australian environmental activism either. Instead, it appears that Maynard’s contention that Australian protest fashion barely deviates from everyday dress remains true today. Fashion within the events promoted in this large empirical dataset retained the ‘prevalence of everyday clothing’ (Maynard, Dress 111). The lack of a clearly discernible single protest fashion style within the dataset may be related to the shortcomings of the sender/receiver model of fashion communication. As Barnard (Fashion Statements) argued, fashion is not always used as a vehicle for conveying messages, but also as a platform for constructing and reproducing identity. Indeed, a multiplicity of researchers have noted how fashion acts as a signal of what social groups individuals belong to (see Roach-Higgins and Eicher). Activist groups have a variety of goals, which not only include promoting environmental change but also mobilising more people to join their cause (Gulliver et al., Understanding). Stereotyping can hinder achievement of these goals. It has been demonstrated, for example, that individuals who hold negative stereotypes of ‘typical’ activists are less likely to want to associate with them, and less likely to adopt their behaviours (Bashir et al.). Accordingly, some activist groups have been shown to actively promote dress associated with other identity groups, specifically to challenge cultural constructions of environmental activist stereotypes (see also Roces). For example, Bloomfield and Doolins’s study of the NZ anti-GE group MAdGE (Mothers against Genetic Engineering in Food and the Environment) demonstrated how visual protest artifacts conveyed the protesters’ social identity as mothers and customers rather than environmental activists, claiming an alternative cultural mandate for challenging the authority of science (see also Einwohner et al.). The data suggest that Australian activists are seeking to avoid this stereotype as well. The absence of a consistent fashion promoted within the dataset may reflect awareness of problematic stereotypes that activists may be then deliberately seeking to avoid. Maynard (Dress), for example, has noted how the everyday dress of Australian protesters serves to deflect stereotypical labelling of participants. This strategy is also mirrored by the changing nature of groups within the Australian environmental movement. The event database demonstrates that an increasing number of environmental groups are emerging with names highlighting non-stereotypical environmental identities: groups such as ‘Engineers Declare’ and ‘Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action’. Beyond these identity processes, the frequent use of costumed street theatre protest suggests that activists recognise the value of using fashion as a vehicle for communicating messages, despite the challenges of interpretation described above. Much of the language used to promote street theatre in the Facebook event listings suggests that these costumes were deliberately designed to signify a particular meaning, with individuals encouraged to dress up to be ‘a vehicle for myth and symbol’ (Lavender 11). It may be that costumes are also utilised in protest due to their suitability as an image event, convenient for dissemination by mass media seeking colourful and engaging imagery (Delicath and Deluca; Doerr). Furthermore, costumes, as with text or colours presented on t-shirts, may offer activists an avenue to clearly convey a visual message which is more resistant to stereotyping. This is especially relevant given that fashion can be re-interpreted and misinterpreted by audiences, as well as reframed and reinterpreted by the media (Maynard, Dress). While the prevalence of costumed performance and infrequent mentions of fashion in the dataset may be explained by stereotype avoidance and messaging clarity, sustainable fashion practices were more straightforward in intent. Groups used multiple approaches to educate audiences about sustainable fashion, whether through fostering sustainable fashion practices or raising awareness of fashion industry problems. In this regard, fashion in protest in Australia closely resembles Asian sustainable fashion activism (see e.g. Chon et al. regarding the Singaporean context). In particular, the large number of ‘crafternoons’ suggests their importance as sites of activism and community building. Craftivism – acts such as quilting banners, yarn bombing, and cross stitching feminist slogans – are used by many groups to draw attention to social, political and environmental issues (McGovern and Barnes). This type of ‘creative activism’ (Filippello) has been used to challenge aesthetic and political norms across a variety of contested socio-political landscapes. These activities not only develop activism skills, but also foster community (Barry and Drak). For environmental groups, these community building events can play a critical role in sustaining and supporting ongoing environmental activism (Gulliver et al., Understanding) as well as demonstrating solidarity with workers across Asia experiencing labour injustices linked to the fashion industry (Chung and Yim). Conclusion Studies examining protest fashion demonstrate that clothing provides a canvas for sharing protest messages and identities in both Asia and Australia (Benda; Yangzom; Craik). However, despite the fashion’s utility as communication tool for social and environmental movements, empirical studies of how fashion is used by activists in these contexts remain rare. This analysis demonstrates that Australian environmental activists use fashion in their action repertoire primarily through costumed street theatre performances and promoting sustainable fashion practices. By doing so they may be seeking to use fashion as a means of conveying messages, while avoiding stereotypes that can demobilise supporters and reduce support for their cause. Furthermore, sustainable fashion activism offers opportunities for activists to achieve multiple goals: to subvert the fast fashion industry, to provide participation avenues for new activists, to help build activist communities, and to express solidarity with those experiencing fast fashion-related labour injustices. These findings suggest that the use of fashion in protest actions can move beyond identity messaging to also enact sustainable practices while co-opting and resisting hegemonic ideas of consumerism. By integrating fashion into the vibrant and diverse actions promoted by environmental movements across Australia and Asia, activists can construct and perform identities while fostering the community bonds and networks from which movements demanding environmental change derive their strength. Ethics Approval Statement This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Queensland (2018000963). 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