SUMMARY. Thus these ions probably play a primary role in bringing polymers together directly. Imine bonds formed as a result of protein oxidation also contribute substantially to the stiffness of the glue. Disrupting these bonds with hydroxylamine caused a 33% decrease in storage modulus of the glue, while stabilizing them by reduction with sodium borohydride increased the storage modulus by 40%. Thus a combination of metal-based bonds operates in this glue. Most likely, cross-links directly involving calcium play a primary role in bringing together and stabilizing the polymer network, followed by imine bond formation and possible iron coordination.

Summary Objective During critical periods of brain development, both seizures and anticonvulsant medications can affect neurodevelopmental outcomes. In rodent models, many anticonvulsants trigger neuronal apoptosis. However, white matter apoptosis (WMA) has not been examined after anticonvulsant drug treatment. Here, we sought to determine if anticonvulsant drugs induced apoptosis in the developing white matter (WM) in rodent model. Methods Postnatal day (P)7 rats were treated with phenobarbital (PB-75), MK-801 (0.5), lamotrigine (LTG-20), carbamazepine (CBZ-100), phenytoin (PHT-50), levetiracetam (LEV-250) or saline; all doses are mg/kg. Brain tissue collected 24 h after treatment was stained using the TUNEL method. The number of degenerating cells within WM i.e. Anterior Commissure (AC), Corpus Callosum, Cingulum and Hippocampus-associated WM tracts was quantified. Results Saline-treated rats showed low baseline level of apoptosis in developing WM on P8 in all the areas examined. PB, PHT, and MK-801 significantly increased apoptosis in all 4 brain areas examined. Exposure to CBZ, LTG or LEV failed to increase apoptosis in all regions. Significance Commonly used anticonvulsants (PB, PHT) cause apoptosis in the developing WM in a rat model, the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 has a similar effect. These results are consistent with reports of anesthesia-induced WMA during brain development. Consistent with the lack of neuronal apoptosis caused by LTG, LEV and CBZ, these drugs did not not cause WMA. Many infants treated with anticonvulsant drugs have underlying neurological injury, including white matter damage (e.g., following intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) or hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)). The degree to which anticonvulsant drug treatment will alter outcomes in the presence of underlying injury remains to be examined, but avoiding drugs (when possible) that induce WMA may be beneficial.

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The purpose of this article is to review the dynamics of natural gas resources in Africa and evaluate how it can help solve the power challenges of the continent. This article develops from a descriptive analysis and desk review on natural gas and power. The key finding is that despite the increased discovery of natural gas in Africa, it has had minimal impact on power production. This study provides a descriptive overview and is limited to only natural gas. It does not consider how other energy sources can contribute to solving Africa's power challenges. This article draws the attention of both policymakers and the investment community to the opportunities in the 'natural gas-power' value chain and the need to invest in gas infrastructure. An overview of the power challenges and natural gas potential of Africa is provided.

Standard-Nutzungsbedingungen:Die Dokumente auf EconStor dürfen zu eigenen wissenschaftlichen Zwecken und zum Privatgebrauch gespeichert und kopiert werden.Sie dürfen die Dokumente nicht für öffentliche oder kommerzielle Zwecke vervielfältigen, öffentlich ausstellen, öffentlich zugänglich machen, vertreiben oder anderweitig nutzen.Sofern die Verfasser die Dokumente unter Open-Content-Lizenzen (insbesondere CC-Lizenzen) zur Verfügung gestellt haben sollten, gelten abweichend von diesen Nutzungsbedingungen die in der dort genannten Lizenz gewährten Nutzungsrechte. Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to review the reserves and production of natural gas in Africa and evaluate how it can help solve the power challenges of the continent. Terms of use: Documents inDesign/Methodology: This paper develops from a descriptive analysis and literature on natural gas and power. Findings:The key finding is that despite increased discovery of natural gas in Africa, it has had minimal impact on power production.Limitations:This study provides a descriptive overview and is limited to only natural gas. It does not consider how other energy sources can contribute to solving Africa's power challenges.Policy implications: This paper will draw the attention of both policy makers and the investment community to the opportunities in the 'natural gas-power' value chain and the need to invest in gas infrastructure.Originality: An overview of the power challenges and natural gas potential of Africa is provided.