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Science News for November 12, 2014


Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

UC Davis investigational medication used to resolve life-threatening seizures in children

Researchers at UC Davis and Northwestern University have found an investigational medication to effectively treat children with life-threatening seizures, resolving symptoms without adverse effects. The medication, a formulation of allopregnanolone, showed promising results in two clinical cases, where patients were weaned off general ...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateNov 12, 2014
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Study at SLAC explains atomic action in high-temperature superconductors

Scientists suggest using natural vibrations in one material to boost superconductivity in another, opening a new chapter in the quest for room temperature superconductors. The study reveals that iron selenide superconductor operates at much higher temperatures when placed atop STO material.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 2014

Do homing pigeons navigate with gyroscope in brain?

Researchers discovered that homing pigeons use an internal gyroscope to guide themselves home, even when encountering disturbances in the gravity field. The study found that birds initially set a bearing home by comparing their home gyroscope setting with their local gyroscope reading.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 12, 2014

Primordial galaxy bursts with starry births

Astronomers have discovered a galaxy, AzTEC-3, that gives birth to 1,100 suns annually, creating about three suns each day. This ancient galaxy is one of the earliest examples of a starburst galaxy, fuelled by massive material and galactic mergers.

SourceCornell University·DateNov 12, 2014

Climate change puts coastal crabs in survival mode, study finds

A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology found that climate change is affecting the survival abilities of coastal crabs. The researchers found that while the crabs can adapt to a warming climate, they will not have enough energy for other activities beyond basic survival.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 12, 2014
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Hope for those with social anxiety disorder: You may already be someone's best friend

People with social anxiety disorder tend to think their friendships are worse than they really are, but a new study reveals this perception may be misplaced. The study found that friendships of people with social anxiety disorder were not significantly worse than those without the disorder, contrary to their self-reported experiences.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateNov 12, 2014

New materials for more powerful solar cells

Researchers at INRS have developed a new class of multiferroic materials for solar cells, increasing conversion efficiency to 8.1%. The team's triple-layer coating captures different wavelengths of light, converting more light into electricity.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 12, 2014
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Self-inflation harms kids' relationships at school

A new study by Katrin Rentzsch and Michela Schröder-Abé found that unrealistic views of one's academic abilities can damage a child's relationship with others in the classroom. Students who tend to feel unrealistically superior to their peers are less liked by them, even at habitual levels.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateNov 12, 2014

How does the brain develop in individuals with autism?

A new mouse model demonstrates that a genetic mutation in the FOXP1 gene leads to brain degeneration, causing perception and behavior problems. The study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying autism.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 12, 2014

'Smart' drugs won't make smart people smarter

A recent study by Dr. Ahmed Dahir Mohamed found that Modafinil slowed down reaction times and impaired the ability to respond in a timely manner in healthy participants. The drug did not improve cognitive performance or enhance creativity, contrary to its marketed claims.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 12, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Large-scale study on vein filter use launches

The PRESERVE study aims to determine the safety and effectiveness of IVC filters in preventing pulmonary embolism. It will enroll 2,100 patients at over 60 centers across the US and assess patient outcomes every six months for up to two years.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateNov 12, 2014

HIV virulence depends on where virus inserts itself in host DNA

Researchers at KU Leuven discovered that HIV's integration site determines disease progression. The team found that manipulating the integration site can lead to faster disease progression in some cases, but also opens up possibilities for developing new therapies by targeting safer regions of host DNA.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateNov 12, 2014
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

A twisted world -- chemists build a molecular banister

Researchers at the University of Basel have created a helical molecule with unique properties, where one strand winds around a central axis like a staircase banister. This 'twisted world' enables dynamic changes in chirality, opening up new possibilities for basic research and industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 12, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

The backwards brain? Study shows how brain maps develop to help us perceive the world

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute found that moving forward trains the brain to perceive the world normally and calibrates time perception. The study's findings have implications for treating sensory processing disorders like autism and could lead to retraining the brain after stroke or other conditions.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2014
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Picture emerges of how kids get head injuries

A study of over 43,000 children with head trauma found that falls were the most common cause of head injuries in children under 12, while assaults, sports, and car crashes were more prevalent in teenagers. The findings suggest that CT scans may be overused during diagnosis, and could help policy makers develop injury-prevention measures.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 12, 2014

Rice University program models more detailed evolutionary networks from genetic data

Rice University researchers have developed PhyloNet, an open-source software package that models more detailed evolutionary networks from genetic data. The software uses a maximum likelihood method to infer network models that better describe the evolution of certain groups of species than traditional tree models.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2014

A tale of two seas: Last Ice Age has shaped sharks across Europe

Research reveals genetic differences between catsharks in the Mediterranean and North East Atlantic, suggesting they may be more vulnerable to over-fishing. The study's findings also highlight sex-specific migration patterns among catshark populations.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 12, 2014
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

NIDA researchers confirm important brain reward pathway

Researchers have confirmed a critical brain reward pathway involving glutamate, linking it to the activation of the dopamine system. This discovery sheds light on the neurobiology of drug addiction and opens new avenues for research into motivation disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 2014

Single molecular switch may contribute to major aging-related diseases

A study at Massachusetts General Hospital identified nitric oxide's impact on SIRT1 protein, which regulates inflammation in various aging-related disorders. Blocking nitric oxide effects may disrupt this inflammatory process and prevent conditions like diabetes, atherosclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Signaling·DateNov 12, 2014
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New partnership to further commercialization of graphene

The UK's National Physical Laboratory and the University of Manchester are collaborating to speed up the application of graphene, accelerating its commercialization through accurate metrology and characterisation. This partnership aims to establish a Joint Centre of Excellence and make the UK a leading authority on graphene standards.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·DateNov 12, 2014

Stock market models help NYU researchers predict animal behavior

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a mathematical model that can predict aspects of animal behavior using stock market models. This new model allows for more efficient experimentation and improved data analysis, enabling researchers to replace some experiments with computer modeling.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateNov 12, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Virtual reality helps people to comfort and accept themselves

Researchers have developed a new method using virtual reality to improve self-compassion in individuals, particularly those with high levels of self-criticism. The study found that women who experienced a first-person perspective through the eyes of a virtual child showed increased feelings of contentment and reduced self-criticism.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 12, 2014

Live longer? Save the planet? Better diet could nail both

A new study shows that adopting healthier traditional Mediterranean, pescatarian, or vegetarian diets could boost human lifespan and quality of life while slashing greenhouse gas emissions and saving habitat for endangered species. The research predicts that this dietary shift would prevent massive environmental damage, increase global...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 2014

Linking diet to human and environmental health

A new paper reveals that global dietary trends are diminishing human health and harming the environment. Alternative diets offer substantial health benefits and could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land clearing, and species extinctions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 2014

Did men evolve navigation skills to find mates?

A University of Utah study found that men with better spatial skills traveled farther and had more children with multiple women. The researchers tested members of two African tribes and discovered a link between spatial ability, navigation, and reproductive success.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateNov 12, 2014

Valuable movies and valued movies may be two different things

A study of 582 films over 30 years reveals that entertainment can be more important than a simple diversion, providing audiences with ways to grapple with life's questions. Serious movies may not sell as well as action flicks at the box office, but they are still deeply appreciated and memorable.

SourcePenn State·JournalMass Communication & Society·DateNov 12, 2014
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Study: Vitamin B may not reduce risk of memory loss

A new study published in Neurology suggests that taking vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements may not reduce the risk of memory and thinking problems. The study involved 2,919 people with high blood levels of homocysteine and found no significant difference between those who took supplements and those who did not.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 12, 2014

Bilingual brains better equipped to process information

Research reveals bilingual speakers' brains better filter out competing language words, enhancing inhibitory control. This constant brain exercise can have benefits in everyday life and may even offer protection against Alzheimer's and dementia.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalBrain and Language·DateNov 12, 2014
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Ethanol and heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production

Researchers have found that using ethanol instead of methanol in biodiesel production increases the speed of reaction, allowing for greater reactor capacity. Heterogeneous catalysts are used to overcome the separation challenges associated with homogeneous catalysts.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalFuel Processing Technology·DateNov 12, 2014

In preschoolers, office test overestimates eye's ability to change focus, reports Optometry and Vision Science

A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that preschoolers' ability to change focus is lower than subjective tests suggest. The test results showed a significant difference between the objective and subjective measures of accommodation amplitude in young children, with the former being about half of the latter.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·DateNov 12, 2014
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Shaking the topological cocktail of success

Researchers at ETH Zurich create an artificial graphene system that breaks time-reversal symmetry using laser beams and ultracold atoms. This setup enables the testing of the topological Haldane model, a concept first proposed in 1988, and paves the way for new electronic applications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 2014

Electronic 'tongue' to ensure food quality

A low-cost electronic tongue has been developed to detect various substances in samples, including food, water, and blood, enabling accurate quality checks and monitoring for pollutants. The device's precision and affordability make it suitable for applications in medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical testing, and environmental monitoring.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 12, 2014

Tiny needles offer potential new treatment for two major eye diseases

Researchers have developed microneedles that can deliver drugs to specific areas within the eye, targeting two major diseases: glaucoma and corneal neovascularization. The treatment has shown promising results in reducing intraocular pressure and halting unwanted blood vessel growth.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateNov 12, 2014

Scientists unveil new targets, test to develop treatments for memory disorder

Scientists have identified new therapeutic targets for memory disorders and developed a high-throughput screening test to uncover compounds that may treat these conditions. The study reveals the importance of kinesin proteins in regulating synaptic function and identifies potential drug candidates.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2014

Humans' big brains might be due in part to newly identified protein

Researchers from UC San Francisco discovered a protein called PDGFD that is made in growing human brains but not in mice, driving brain cell growth. The protein's presence may have played an evolutionary role in the huge increase in cortical size in mammals leading to humans.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 2014
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Learning languages is a workout for brains, both young and old

Researchers found that successful language learners had more connected brain networks than less successful participants, both before and after learning. This suggests that learning a second language can lead to structural and functional changes in the brain.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Neurolinguistics·DateNov 12, 2014

New scientific review reveals huge gaps in understanding preterm birth

A new review reveals significant knowledge gaps about preterm birth, its causes, and prevention strategies, emphasizing the need for increased research efforts. The authors stress that identifying women at risk and developing effective interventions are crucial to addressing this global epidemic.

SourceSeattle Children's·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 12, 2014

Not all elderly Americans will surf to health

A study finds that elderly Americans with low health literacy are less likely to use the internet for health information. Interventions targeting health literacy among older adults may help bridge the digital divide.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 12, 2014

High blood pressure puts 1 in 4 Nigerians at risk, study says

A recent study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh estimates that more than 20 million Nigerians have hypertension, affecting one-third of men and one-fourth of women. The number of cases is projected to rise to 39 million by 2030, straining Nigeria's already-overburdened health system.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Hypertension·DateNov 12, 2014
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Mongoose sentinels respond flexibly to threats

Dwarf mongooses show real-time behavioral plasticity in response to threat indicators, altering their behavior based on environmental conditions and social signals. This flexible decision-making allows them to optimize foraging time versus vigilance, ensuring survival in a vulnerable predator-rich environment.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateNov 12, 2014

Fighting crime through crowdsourcing

University of Miami researchers create a new model combining human and machine efforts to solve complex tasks, improving accuracy in face recognition. The crowdsourced approach leverages the power of social networks and smartphones to facilitate efficient analysis.

SourceUniversity of Miami·DateNov 12, 2014

Genetic tweak gave yellow fever mosquitoes a nose for human odor

Researchers found that a genetic tweak in yellow fever mosquitoes makes them more sensitive to human odor, particularly sulcatone, allowing them to target humans. This discovery provides insight into the evolution of mosquito behavior and could help develop new ways to prevent their bites.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 2014
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

National study provides insights into childhood head injuries

A nationwide study of over 43,000 children with head trauma provides valuable data on epidemiology, mechanisms, diagnoses, and treatments. The study found that falls were the leading cause of injury in young children, while older kids more often suffered head injuries due to assaults or motor-vehicle crashes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 12, 2014

$2.5 million grant to support cancer research breakthroughs

The $2.5 million grant will support the establishment of the ACRF Breakthrough Technologies Laboratory, enabling research into common and deadly cancers. The laboratory will utilize CRISPR-Cas9 technology to modify specific genes in cancer cells, providing insights into cancer development and treatment resistance.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateNov 12, 2014

IU-led research team identifies genetic variant linked to better memory performance

A genetic variant associated with better memory performance was found in a large analysis of genomic data and memory test results from over 14,000 older adults. The researchers discovered that the gene FASTKD2 has not been linked to cognition before, but the G nucleotide variant showed a correlation with improved episodic memory.

SourceIndiana University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 12, 2014

Gene sequencing projects link two mutations to Ewing sarcoma subtype with poor prognosis

A collaboration between St. Jude Children's Research Hospital-Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project and Institut Curie-Inserm identified frequent mutations in genes STAG2 and TP53 that define a subtype of Ewing sarcoma associated with reduced survival. The study provides critical insights into the genetic changes that d...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCancer Discovery·DateNov 12, 2014
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Predicting US Army suicides after hospital discharge

A new study suggests that big data predictive analytics can identify high-risk US Army soldiers prior to hospital discharge, highlighting a targeted approach for suicide prevention. The analysis of 53,769 soldiers revealed that 5% of hospitalized individuals accounted for 52.9% of post-hospital suicides.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 12, 2014

Puree helps kids make smooth transition to vegetables

New research from the University of Leeds shows that adding vegetable puree to milk during weaning can significantly increase infants' vegetable intake. The study found that babies who consumed milk with added puree ate nearly half as many vegetables as those who only had plain milk.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAppetite·DateNov 12, 2014

A piece of the quantum puzzle

Researchers at UCSB's Martinis Lab successfully demonstrated a quantum version of Gauss's law using superconducting qubits. The team achieved full control over a two-qubit system, enabling precise measurement of local curvature through movement, showcasing the power of arbitrary control in quantum simulation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 2014
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

NYU professor wins premier award in the data visualization field

Claudio Silva, a NYU professor, won the IEEE Visualization Technical Achievement Award for his seminal contributions to data visualization and analysis. His work on VisTrails, an open-source data-exploration system, has significantly influenced researchers across various domains.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateNov 12, 2014

Oral cancer-causing HPV may spread through oral and genital routes

A McGill University study found that men who had female partners with oral and/or genital HPV infections were more likely to have oral HPV themselves. The prevalence of oral HPV was higher among male smokers, non-monogamous individuals, and those with a partner having oral or genital HPV infection.

SourceMcGill University·DateNov 12, 2014
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Semen directly impairs effectiveness of microbicides that target HIV

A new study reveals that microbicides targeting HIV are less effective when exposed to semen due to its amyloid fibrils, which enhance the virus's infectiousness. Researchers suggest creating a compound targeting both the virus and these protein aggregates to improve drug efficacy.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 12, 2014

Mothers nurture emotions in girls over boys, new study finds

A new study found that mothers tend to use more emotional words and content when conversing with their daughters than sons. This may lead to girls growing up more attuned to their emotions, having an edge in expressing themselves and coping with emotions.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalBritish Journal of Developmental Psychology·DateNov 12, 2014

Jackson Laboratory researchers discover lung regeneration mechanism

Researchers have identified a type of adult lung stem cell that contributes to lung regeneration after damage. The study found that these cells, known as p63+/Krt5+, proliferate upon injury and form new alveoli near sites of inflammation, highlighting their potential for therapeutic strategies.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 2014

Artificial retina could someday help restore vision

Researchers developed a wireless, light-sensitive film that can stimulate neurons and potentially treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The new device outperforms existing technologies in terms of durability, flexibility, and efficiency.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 12, 2014
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Insights into plant growth could curb need for fertilizers

Researchers found that nitric oxide signals plants to limit nitrogen uptake, allowing for optimal growth without excess pollution. This discovery could inform crop breeding and fertilizer use, resulting in more sustainable agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 2014

Understanding natural compounds

Researchers develop computer-based method to predict mechanism of action of natural substances, identifying potential target structures for 210,000 compounds. The software breaks down molecules into smaller fragments, discovering essential parts for the mechanism of action, which can be used to design less complex and easier-to-synthes...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 12, 2014

Errors in single gene may protect against heart disease

Researchers found that people with one inactive copy of the NPC1L1 gene had lower LDL cholesterol levels and a 50% reduced risk of coronary heart disease. The study suggests that targeting this gene may provide protection against heart attack, but further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 12, 2014

Atomic timekeeping, on the go

Researchers at MIT and Draper Laboratory have developed a new atomic timekeeping approach that could enable more stable and accurate portable atomic clocks. The system suppresses the AC Stark shift effect, allowing for smaller, less expensive devices with improved accuracy compared to current fountain clocks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review A·DateNov 12, 2014
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.