Fetus in fetu—from prenatal ultrasound and MRI diagnosis to postnatal confirmation

We report a case of fetus in fetu presented as a complex intra-abdominal heterogeneous cystic lesion during ultrasound examination of the fetus at 25 weeks of gestation. Progressive growth of this mass was noted in the prenatal period. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging provided additional information to aid in the prenatal diagnosis. This allows proper counselling for the parents and helps to plan the postnatal management. Surgical excision was carried out in the early neonatal period and the diagnosis of fetus in fetu was confirmed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Efficient energy use and well being

This paper reviews the evolution of energy use in Sweden since the early 1970s to shed light on the future, with emphasis on the role of energy efficiency. Between 1973 and 1989 improvements in end-use energy efficiency saved 8% of Sweden's primary energy use and 24% of Sweden's delivered energy use. These savings were concentrated in the residential and manufacturing sectors, with important savings also occurring in air travel and the heating of commercial buildings. Despite these accomplishments, we found that Sweden was well behind Denmark, FRGermany, Japan and the USA in energy savings during this period. At the beginning of the 1990s Sweden exhibited one of the most energy intensive economic structures in the OECD. Sweden now faces many dilemmas that will influence future energy use: the role of nuclear power, pricing and taxation policies for fuels and electricity, the future of subsidies for housing and travel, the role of Sweden's energy intensive exports, and indeed the very lifestyle of the Swedes.     

Ethical issues concerning potential global climate change on food production

Burning fossil fuel in the North American continent contributes more to the CO₂ global warming problem than in any other continent. The resulting climate changes are expected to alter food production. The overall changes in temperature, moisture, carbon dioxide, insect pests, plant pathogens, and weeds associated with global warming are projected to reduce food production in North America. However, in Africa, the projected slight rise in rainfall is encouraging, especially since Africa already suffers from severe shortages of rainfall. For all regions, a reduction in fossil fuel burning is vital. Adoption of sound ecological resource management, especially soil and water conservation and the prevention of deforestation, is important. Together, these steps will benefit agriculture, the environment, farmers, and society as a whole.     

Aphid soldier differentiation: density acts on both embryos and newborn nymphs

The mechanism of caste differentiation in a social aphid Tuberaphis styraci, which has a sterile soldier caste in the 2nd instar, was investigated using an artificial diet rearing system. High aphid density induced soldier production. Combinatorial prenatal and postnatal density treatments revealed that (1) either prenatal high density or postnatal high density is sufficient for soldier induction; (2) thus, embryos in the maternal body and newborn 1st instar nymphs are both responsive to high density; (3) the combination of prenatal high density and postnatal high density enhances soldier differentiation in a synergistic manner; and (4) the final determination of soldier differentiation occurs postnatally, probably at a late 1st instar stage. This study first throws light on the developmental aspects of caste differentiation in a social aphid.     

清洁生产在开发区项目准入中的实例研究

本文根据区域清洁生产特点,结合佛山禅城高新技术开发区环境影响评价过程,探讨开发区层面上实施清洁生产战略在项目准入中的可行性,并进行实例应用研究.