bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exogenous melatonin enhances salt stress tolerance in maize seedlings by improving antioxidant and photosynthetic capacity
Authors: Chen Yang‐Er , Mao Jing‐Jing , Sun Liang‐Qi , Huang Bo , Ding Chun‐Bang , Gu Yu , Liao Jin‐Qiu , Hu Chao , Zhang Zhong‐Wei , Yuan Shu , Yuan Ming
Published: April 2018

Melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine) is an important biological hormone in many abiotic stress responses and developmental processes. In this study, the protective roles of melatonin were investigated by measuring the antioxidant defense system and photosynthetic characteristics in maize under salt stress. The results indicated that NaCl treatment led to the decrease in plant growth, chlorophyll contents and photochemical activity of photosystem II (PSII). However, the levels of reactive oxygen species increased significantly under salt stress. Meanwhile, we found that application of exogenous melatonin alleviated reactive oxygen species burst and protected the photosynthetic activity in maize seedlings under salt stress through the activation of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, 100 μM melatonin‐treated plants showed high photosynthetic efficiency and salinity. Immunoblotting analysis of PSII proteins showed that melatonin application alleviated the decline of 34 kDa PSII reaction center protein (D1) and the increase of PSII subunit S protein. Taken together, our study promotes more comprehensive understanding in the protective effects of exogenous melatonin in maize under salt stress, and it may be involved in activation of antioxidant enzymes and regulation of PSII proteins.
Hindu pluralism: A prehistory
Authors: Fisher Elaine M.
Published: April 2018

Sectarianism is a term that has become firmly ingrained in Western scholarly literature on Hinduism for more than a century—and with a definition that, at best, may seem peculiarly idiosyncratic, and at worst dangerously misleading. In emplotting theistic difference as deviance, previous scholarship has gone too far in erasing the variegated textures of the Indic religious landscape, layers of difference that persist unabated to this day beneath the guise of Hindu unity. By reframing the diversity of Hinduism in light of its early modern precursors, this article aims to re‐situate Hindu sectarianism as a precolonial, and distinctively non‐Western form of religious pluralism. The sectarian religious publics of early modern South India provide us with an opportunity to rethink the very criteria for a non‐Western pluralism, founded not on the prescriptive model of a Western civil society but on a historically descriptive account of the role of religion in public space.
“I Come Back a Better Person”: Identity Construction and Maintenance at a Regional Burn Festival
Authors: Austin Rachel L. , Fitzgerald Scott T.
Published: April 2018

Burn festivals are participatory, non‐commodified festivals based in self‐expression, creativity, and community and are structured in the model of the original Burning Man festival, established in 1986. This study addresses reflexive identity processes among participants within the context of a regional burn festival. Building on prior research addressing identity processes in counter‐cultural social spheres we conceptualize a regional burn festival as a site for identity construction and maintenance. Specifically, we examine participants’ (1) involvement within this culturally subversive community as it may facilitate reflexive identity processes, (2) discursive and interactive negotiations of authenticity and who/what invokes the “spirit” of Burning Man, (3) conceptions of the relevance that this community and its guiding principles hold to participants’ everyday lives, and (4) politicized sensibilities and forms of lifestyle‐based action. Further, we specify the mechanisms through which identity is formed and elucidate the tensions involved in maintaining consistency between one's beliefs and actions while participating in festivals and living in the day‐to‐day “default” world.
The characteristics of asymmetric pedestrian behavior: A preliminary study using passive smartphone location data
Authors: Malleson Nick , Vanky Anthony , Hashemian Behrooz , Santi Paolo , Verma Santosh K. , Courtney Theodore K. , Ratti Carlo
Published: April 2018

Understanding the movements of people is essential for the design and management of urban areas. This article presents a novel approach to understanding the asymmetry in route choice (i.e., the degree to which people choose different walking routes for their outbound and return journeys). The study utilizes a large volume of traces of individual routes, captured using a smartphone application. The routes are aggregated to a regular grid, and matrix statistics are developed to estimate the aggregate degree of route asymmetry for different types of route (shortest, longest, weekday, weekend, etc.). The results suggest that people change their route approximately 15% of the time. Although this varied little when observing trips made at the weekend or on a weekday, people taking journeys that deviated substantially from the shortest possible path were 6 percentage points less likely to change their routes than those taking journeys that were closest to the shortest path (14 and 20% asymmetry, respectively). The absolute length also impacted on the asymmetry of journeys, but not as substantially. This result is important because, for the first time, it reports a correlation between deviation from shortest route and aggregate pedestrian choice.
Experience of haemovigilance in Japan
Authors: Satake M.
Published: April 2018

A haemovigilance system was established in Japan in 1993 by the Japanese Red Cross (JRC) headquarters, with the initial purpose of collecting reports of adverse transfusion reactions from medical facilities. Although this is a voluntary reporting system, the JRC, in co‐operation with medical facilities, collects almost all serious adverse reactions caused by blood transfusion. Non‐haemolytic transfusion reactions account for >90% of all reported events and transfusion‐transmitted infection (TTI) account for 5–6%. The JRC haemovigilance system is supported by laboratory analyses conducted in the JRC Central Blood Institute and other laboratories. The JRC collects pre‐ and post‐transfusion blood samples from patients who have experienced adverse reactions. These samples together with repository blood samples obtained from corresponding blood donations are analysed to investigate the pathogenesis of adverse events. Data obtained using these samples are helpful in increasing our understanding of transfusion‐related events such as TTI, transfusion‐related anaphylaxis and transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI). Each country has its own history of establishing blood programmes. The relationship between government, blood facilities, transfusion societies and physicians or clinical fields may differ greatly between countries, and the structure of national haemovigilance systems will differ according to these relationships. Whatever haemovigilance system is established, extensive collaboration and adequate information exchange are essential among stakeholders. Strong leadership by a national transfusion society in addition to legislative measures is required if a comprehensive national haemovigilance system is to be established.
Human CD31 on porcine cells suppress xenogeneic neutrophil‐mediated cytotoxicity via the inhibition of NETosis
Authors: Wang Han‐Tang , Maeda Akira , Sakai Rieko , Lo Pei‐Chi , Takakura Chihiro , Jiaravuthisan Patmika , Mod Shabri Afifah , Matsuura Rei , Kodama Tasuku , Hiwatashi Shohei , Eguchi Hiroshi , Okuyama Hiroomi , Miyagawa Shuji
Published: April 2018

Background

Xenotransplantation is one of the promising strategies for overcoming the shortage of organs available for transplant. However, many immunological obstructions need to be overcome for practical use. Increasing evidence suggests that neutrophils contribute to xenogeneic cellular rejection. Neutrophils are regulated by activation and inhibitory signals to induce appropriate immune reactions and to avoid unnecessary immune reactivity. Therefore, we hypothesized that the development of neutrophil‐targeted therapies may have the potential for increased graft survival in xenotransplantation.

Methods

A plasmid containing a cDNA insert encoding the human CD31 gene was transfected into swine endothelial cells (SEC). HL‐60 cells were differentiated into neutrophil‐like cells by culturing them in the presence of 1.3% dimethyl sulfoxide for 48 hours. The cytotoxicity of the differentiated HL‐60 cells (dHL‐60) and peripheral blood‐derived neutrophils was evaluated by WST‐8 assays. To investigate the mechanism responsible for hCD31‐induced immunosuppression, citrullinated histone 3 (cit‐H3) and phosphorylation of SHP‐1 were detected by a cit‐H3 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting, respectively.

Results

A significant decrease in dHL‐60 and neutrophil‐mediated cytotoxicity in SEC/hCD31 compared with SEC was seen, as evidenced by a cytotoxicity assay. Furthermore, the suppression of NETosis and the induction of SHP‐1 phosphorylation in neutrophils that had been co‐cultured with SEC/CD31 were confirmed by cit‐H3 ELISA and Western blotting with an anti‐phosphorylated SHP‐1.

Conclusion

These data suggest that human CD31 suppresses neutrophil‐mediated xenogenic cytotoxicity via the inhibition of NETosis. As CD31 is widely expressed in a variety of inflammatory cells, human CD31‐induced suppression may cover the entire xenogeneic cellular rejection, thus making the generation of human CD31 transgenic pigs very attractive for use in xenografts.
Boundary layer flow of mixed convection viscoelastic micropolar fluid over a horizontal circular cylinder with aligned magnetohydrodynamic effect
Authors: Aziz Laila Amera , Mohd Kasim Abdul Rahman , Salleh Mohd Zuki , Shafie Sharidan , Wan Yusoff Wan Nur Syahidah
Published: April 2018

The boundary layer flow of a viscoelastic micropolar fluid over a horizontal circular cylinder with aligned magnetohydrodynamic effect is considered. The governing boundary layer equations are transformed into non-dimensional form by using appropriate dimensionless variables. The non-dimensional governing equations are then transformed into similarity equations and solved using an implicit finite difference scheme known as the Keller box method. Numerical results on the distributions of velocity and temperature of fluid are obtained for a range of values of magnetic parameter, M, viscoelastic parameter, K, material parameter, K1, and mixed convection parameter.The graphical representation of the results are presented and it shows that the investigated parameters are significance and affected the fluid flow.
Effective school cooperative-mart queuing system
Authors: Hamdan Ahmad Ridhuan , Ishak Ruzana , Usop Mohd Fais
Published: April 2018

Queuing Theory is a branch of knowledge in operation research that concerning the analysis of queues when a customer arrives at a service centre and shall queue in a line to get some service. The theory pays attention to how organizations can serve a large number of customers who demand a quality services and a queue of customers waiting to be served. Eventually, the store owners have to attend to large numbers of customers at a time have attempted to measure and manage queues to reduce the customer procession time. Besides, to increase sales and profit, productivity and operation efficiency, satisfaction levels and customer loyalty in using the service provided. In line to the situation, this study is to determine the effectiveness of the waiting line using Queuing Theory at cooperative-mart. Until today, no research conducted about school cooperatives-mart to observe and solve the massive inflow of customers at lines at a given time especially during lunch hour. The purposes of this study are to determine the customer congestion at the payment counter and to propose the effective queuing system at Cooperative-mart. Waiting and services times of customers at cooperative-mart is studied in three times period that to be considered as peak hours in two types of counter which are for male and female.  Data collection was observed by using queuing theory and the M/M/1/∞/∞ queuing model has been implemented.  The results show that for optimum service level, the counter must be changed from one to two counters each side.  The summary and finding of the study shall be used as guideline for the management of cooperative-mart in deciding improvement of its operation.
Survival analysis of companies’ delisting time in Indonesian stock exchange using Bayesian multiple-period logit approach
Authors: Prastyo Dedy Dwi , Miranti Titis , Iriawan Nur
Published: April 2018

Multiple-period logit model is equivalent to hazard model. This model is able to accommodate time varying predictor. In this work, the parameters of multiple-period model are estimated by using Bayesian inferences. There are three prior distributions used, i.e. improper uniform distribution, multivariate normal distribution, and Cauchy distribution. Criterion which is used to evaluate the proposed technique is C-index. The proposed method is applied to model the delisting time of companies listed in Indonesian Stock Exchange. The survival (delisting) time is driven by firm-specific predictors, i.e. financial ratios, that are calculated from quarterly financial report of companies in manufacturing sector span from the first quarter of 1990 until the third quarter of 2015. Two macroeconomic indicators are also considered as predictors. The empirical results show that the most appropriate prior is multivariate normal distribution. In addition, the proposed model is applied on windowing scheme by reducing the interval time as window in which the model estimator perform by its best.
Solar radiation forecast using hybrid SARIMA and ANN model
Authors: Mukaram Muhammad Zillullah , Yusof Fadhilah
Published: April 2018

Solar Energy have an enormous potential for generating renewable electricity. In the tropics solar energy are abundance all year long but suffer from uncertainty caused by rain and clouds. Accurate prediction of solar radiation can increase the affectivity and productivity of solar energy sources. Monthly average of solar radiation data are obtained from stations in Malaysia. The data are modeled using the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model, artificial neural network (ANN) model and Hybrid ANN and SARIMA model. The SARIMA model is a reliable tool in forecasting seasonal data, on the other hand the ANN model have been proven to be a good model in forecasting non-linear data. By combining both model a more accurate model can be obtained. Finally the forecasting performance each model is compared by using mean absolute error (MAE), the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and root mean square error (RMSE). The result shows that the hybrid model is better in forecasting solar radiation data.
Different material properties of cancellous bone influence analysis of glenoid component loosening: A finite element study
Authors: Abdul Wahab Abdul Hadi , Abdul Kadir Mohammed Rafiq , Noor Harun Muhammad , Syahrom Ardiyansyah , Ramlee Mohammad Hanif
Published: April 2018

Glenoid component loosening is one of common complications after total shoulder arthroplasty. In investigating the glenoid component loosening, the finite element study is one of methods that have been utilised by experts. Therefore, assigning material properties for all finite element models become crucial to avoid any misinterpretation which, later, lead to wrong prediction on the performance of glenoid implant. This study was conducted to achieve two objectives; (1) to analyse the effect of different bone properties towards micromotion and stress at implant and cement, and (2) to clarify simplification of bone properties in evaluating glenoid component loosening. A load of 750N was simulated at three different glenoid locations (centre – C, superior-anterior-SA, superior-posterior-SP) which imitate concentric and eccentric loadings for elderly people daily activities. Our result showed that large different in micromotion and stress at implant between orthotropic model and another two model (isotropic and full cortical) does not allow simplification for assigning material properties for bone. Thus, assigning cancellous bone as orthotropic material was a realistic material property to represent the real bone condition in evaluating glenoid implant loosening.
Investigation of nanoporosities fabricated on metallic glass surface by hydroxyapatite mixed EDM for orthopedic application
Authors: Aliyu Abdul Azeez Abdu , Abdul-Rani Ahmad Majdi , Ginta Turnad Lenggo , Prakash Chander , Axinte Eugen , Fua-Nizan Rosdayanti
Published: April 2018

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) have exceptional biomechanical characteristics like low elastic modulus, outstanding fracture strength, superior wear and corrosion resistance compared to routinely used biomaterials. The major downside of BMG is its inability to osteointegrate to the surrounding living tissues. To solve this problem, a biocompatible and bone-like nanoporous layer are normally imparted on the implant surface. In this study, a very hard, biocompatible and nano-porous layer was deposited on the Zr-based metallic glass surface, by hydroxyapatite mixed electrical discharge machining (HA-EDM). FESEM was employed to observe the pore distribution, geometry, and sizes. The result reveals the formation of rough, narrow craters and interconnected nanoporosities in the range of 558.2 nm to 893 nm in diameter and surface area of 244764 nm2 to 626596 nm2. However, the XRD and EDX characterization revealed the deposition of ZrC, TiC and CaTiO3 on the HA-EDMed surface. The surface produced by HA-EDM is expected to facilitate higher tissue in-growth and bone-implant adhesion.
Toxicity studies of agarwood essential oil in vero cells using electrical impedance sensor
Authors: Mohd Mansor Ahmad Fairuzabadi , Abbas Phirdaous , Hamdan Taufik Hakim , Hashim Yumi Zuhanis Has-Yun , Nordin Anis Nurashikin
Published: April 2018

Natural products have traditionally been used for medicinal purposes in Asian communities. Toxicity studies typically use animal testing to predict the harmfulness of a particular substance to human health. For this study, in lieu of animal testing, we utilize cell-based biosensors to evaluate the toxicity of natural products. The cell-based biosensors are fabricated on a printed circuit board with copper electrodes and are equipped with PDMS cell culture chambers. Two different electrodes (interdigitated and circular) were designed. Vero cells were used to represent normal healthy cells. The cells are first cultured on biosensors and then are inoculated with natural products, Taxol (chemo drug – positive control) and DMSO (negative control). Impedances of these biosensors were then recorded at six-hour intervals for 80 hours to determine the growth of the cells. It was found that compared to Taxol, natural products has a very low toxicant values.
State machine of place-labelled petri net controlled grammars
Authors: Jan Nurhidaya Mohamad , Heng Fong Wan , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Turaev Sherzod
Published: April 2018

A place-labelled Petri net controlled grammar is, in general, a context-free grammar equipped with a Petri net and a function which maps places of the net to productions of the grammar. The languages of place-labelled Petri net controlled grammar consist of all terminal strings that can be obtained by parallel application of the rules of multisets which are the images of the sets of input places in a successful occurrence sequence of the Petri net. In this paper, we investigate the structural subclass of place-labelled Petri net controlled grammar which focus on the state machine. We also establish the generative capacity of state machine of place-labelled Petri net controlled grammars.
Free convection flow of micropolar fluids over an oscillating vertical plate
Authors: Khalid Asma , Khan Ilyas , Shafie Sharidan
Published: April 2018

An analytical investigation is carried out to study the unsteady free convection flow of micropolar fluids over an oscillating vertical plate. Wall couple stress is engaged at the bounding plate with isothermal temperature. Problem is modelled in terms of coupled partial differential equations together with some physical conditions and then written in non-dimensional form. Exact solutions are obtained using the Laplace transform technique. Analytical results of velocity, microrotation and temperature are plotted in graphs and discussed for various embedded parameters. Excellent validation of present results is achieved with existing results in literature. It is observed that, the velocity is smaller for micropolar fluids than for Newtonian fluids.
Effect of magnetic field on the synthesis of well-aligned TiO2-5CB by sol-gel method
Authors: Abu Bakar Nur Izzati , Chandren Sheela , Attan Nursyafreena , Wai Loon Leaw , Nur Hadi
Published: April 2018

This paper describes the approach by using a magnetic field as a technique in order to synthesize well-aligned materials. The magnetic field technique could be a potential method because it has advantage that all of the materials could be aligned by magnetic field as long as they have magnetic anisotropy. The aim of this research is to explore the effects of magnetic field and magnetic line in the synthesis of well-aligned material, namely titania (TiO2).  The synthesis of well-aligned titania with liquid crystal as the structure-aligning agent is demonstrated under magnetic field in the presence of liquid crystal, 4′-pentyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile (5CB), tetra-n-butyl orthotitanate (TBOT), 2-propanol and water. The mixture underwent slow hydrolysis and drying process under magnetic field (0.3 T) in ambient condition. The use of magnetic field and 5CB liquid crystal as the structure aligning agent has led to the successful formation of well-aligned TiO2-5CB via sol-gel method. When no magnetic field was applied, the TiO2-5CB obtained was spherical in shape and no alignment can be observed. This study demonstrated that magnetic field can play an important role in the synthesis of well-aligned TiO2-5CB.
High voltage powder spray coating as a new method for the preparation of carbon-titania coated stainless steel
Authors: Abdul Halim Farah Syuhada , Chandren Sheela , Aziz Madzlan , Loon Leaw Wai , Nur Hadi
Published: April 2018

High voltage powder spray coating (HVPSC) is one of the methods used for coating substrate with polymer powder in industries. This study utilizes HVPSC as a new deposition method of carbon-based powdered materials on stainless steel. Carbon-titania (C/TiO2) coated stainless steel was successfully prepared from the mixture of epoxide and titania powder, sprayed onto stainless steel plate using HVPSC, followed by pyrolysis at 300 °C under nitrogen atmosphere. The functional group of C/TiO2 was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, where the FTIR spectrum showed the presence of C─H sp3, C═O, C─O, and Ti─O peaks. The morphology of the C/TiO2 sample studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) clearly shows that the particles of TiO2 were coated with carbon on their surface.  The coating performance was evaluated through the abrasion test and showed no weight loss. Adhesion of C/TiO2 coating was also tested in the peel adhesion test and the result showed that the attachment of C/TiO2 on the stainless steel is very strong. It has been proven that the HVPSC method is not only a simple technique to coat materials but also a very durable one
Kinetic extraction of basic dye using vegetable oil as a solvent
Authors: Othman Norasikin , Mohamed Noah Norul Fatiha , Yi Ooi Zing , Rosly Muhammad Bukhari , Abdul Rahman Hilmi , Rashid Roslina
Published: April 2018

Vegetable oil such as palm oil and corn oil are more environmentally friendly and economic compared to petroleum based solvent. In this study, liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) of basic dye methylene blue (MB) from simulated textile wastewater using di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) in vegetable oil was investigated. The parameter of extraction studied included types of solvent, D2EHPA concentration, types and concentrations of stripping agent and initial pH of aqueous waste solution. D2EHPA concentration was varied in the range of 0.005 - 0.50M. The results showed that palm oil provided good potential as a solvent in the MB extraction. Almost 100% of MB was extracted at 0.1M D2EHPA in palm oil with distribution ratio of 38 which is reasonably high. The extracted MB in loaded organic phase are capable to re-extracted back for dye recovery using 0.6M of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) as a stripping solution.
Effectiveness of discharge education on outcomes in acute coronary syndrome patients: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Kourbelis Constance , Franzon Julie , Foote Jonathon , Brown Alex , Daniel Mark , Coffee Neil T. , Newman Peter , Nicholls Stephen , Clark Robyn A.
Published: April 2018

Review question:

The question of this review is what is the effectiveness of discharge education on outcomes in acute coronary syndrome patients?
A new species of Stigmaeus Koch (Acari: Stigmaeidae) from southern Brazil
Authors: Da Costa Tairis , Dos Santos Rocha Matheus , Ferla Noeli Juarez , Johann Liana
Published: April 2018

A new species of Stigmaeidae (Acari: Trombidiformes), namely Stigmaeus pampaensis Da-Costa & Johann n. sp., is described and illustrated based on the specimens collected from litter in the municipality of São Francisco de Assis, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. A key to the Brazilian species is provided.
Sport-Related-Concussions Pilot Study: Athletic Training Students’ Media Use and Perceptions of Media Coverage
Authors: Martin Tywan G. , Wallace Jessica , Suh Young Ik , Harriell Kysha , Tatman Justin
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine athletic training students’ media consumption to advance our understanding of the role the media play in reported incidences of sport-related concussion (SRC) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in American football and how media coverage of those injuries may potentially influence public perception. Participants who consumed more hours of television per day were more likely to disagree with the statements that reporting on SRC has helped to accurately educate the public, H(2) = 11.06, p = .01, and that reporting on CTE has helped to accurately educate the public, H(2) = 8.67, p = .01. Respondents who consumed more hours of Internet per day were more likely to disagree with the statements that accurate terminology is used to report SRC, H(2) = 7.78, p = .02, and that reporting of SRCs has helped to accurately educate the public, H(2) = 8.27, p = .02.
Measurement of Skeletal Muscle Area Improves Estimation of Aminoglycoside Clearance across Body Size
Authors: Crass Ryan L. , Ross Brian E. , Derstine Brian A. , Lichty Matt , Sullivan June A. , Su Grace L. , Wang Stewart C. , Pai Manjunath P.
Published: April 2018

A consistent approach to the dosing of aminoglycosides across the modern body size distribution has been elusive. We evaluated whether radiologically derived measures of body composition could explain more of the interpatient variability in aminoglycoside pharmacokinetics (PK) than standard body size metrics. This retrospective study included adult patients treated with gentamicin or tobramycin with at least three drug concentrations and computed tomography (CT) imaging available. Aminoglycoside volume and clearance (CL) estimates were computed using a two-compartment model by Bayesian analysis. Morphomic data were extracted from CT images using a custom algorithm. Bivariable and multivariable linear regression were used to assess relationships between PK parameters and covariates. A total of 335 patients were included with a median (minimum, maximum) of 4 (3, 16) aminoglycoside concentrations per patient. The median (minimum, maximum) age, height, and weight of included patients were 57 (21, 93) years, 170 (145, 203) centimeters, and 81 (42, 187) kilograms. Both standard and morphomic measures poorly explained variability in volume (
R
2
< 0.06). Skeletal muscle area and volume explained more of the interpatient variability in CL than weight or sex. Higher precision was observed using a modified Cockcroft-Gault equation with skeletal muscle area at L3 (
R
2
=
0.38) or L4 (
R
2
=
0.37) than the standard Cockcroft-Gault equation using lean (
R
2
=
0.23), adjusted (
R
2
=
0.23), or total (
R
2
=
0.22) body weights. These results highlight that skeletal muscle measurements from CT images obtained in the course of care can improve the precision of aminoglycoside CL estimation over current body size scalars.
Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 Utilizes both Sodium- and Proton-Pumping NADH Dehydrogenases during Aerobic Growth
Authors: Duhl Kody L. , Tefft Nicholas M. , TerAvest Michaela A.
Published: April 2018

Shewanella oneidensis
MR-1 is a metal-reducing bacterium with the ability to utilize many different terminal electron acceptors, including oxygen and solid-metal oxides. Both metal oxide reduction and aerobic respiration have been studied extensively in this organism. However, electron transport chain processes upstream of the terminal oxidoreductases have been relatively understudied in this organism, especially electron transfer from NADH to respiratory quinones. Genome annotation indicates that
S. oneidensis
MR-1 encodes four NADH dehydrogenases, a proton-translocating dehydrogenase (Nuo), two sodium ion-translocating dehydrogenases (Nqr1 and Nqr2), and an “uncoupling” dehydrogenase (Ndh), but none of these complexes have been studied. Therefore, we conducted a study specifically focused on the effects of individual NADH dehydrogenase knockouts in
S. oneidensis
MR-1. We observed that two of the single-mutant strains, the Δ
nuoN
and Δ
nqrF1
mutants, exhibited significant growth defects compared with the wild type. However, the defects were minor and only apparent under certain growth conditions. Further testing of the Δ
nuoN
Δ
nqrF1
double-mutant strain yielded no growth in minimal medium under oxic conditions, indicating that Nuo and Nqr1 have overlapping functions, but at least one is necessary for aerobic growth. Coutilization of proton- and sodium ion-dependent energetics has important implications for the growth of this organism in environments with varied pH and salinity, including microbial electrochemical systems.

IMPORTANCE
Bacteria utilize a wide variety of metabolic pathways that allow them to take advantage of different energy sources, and to do so with varied efficiency. The efficiency of a metabolic process determines the growth yield of an organism, or the amount of biomass it produces per amount of substrate consumed. This parameter has important implications in biotechnology and wastewater treatment, where low growth yields are often preferred to minimize the production of microbial biomass. In this study, we investigated respiratory pathways containing NADH dehydrogenases with varied efficiency (i.e., the number of ions translocated per NADH oxidized) in the metal-reducing bacterium
Shewanella oneidensis
MR-1. We observed that two different respiratory pathways are used concurrently, and at least one pathway must be functional for growth under oxic conditions.
Clostridium difficile Toxoid Vaccine Candidate Confers Broad Protection against a Range of Prevalent Circulating Strains in a Nonclinical Setting
Authors: Quemeneur Laurence , Petiot Nadine , Arnaud-Barbe Nadège , Hessler Catherine , Pietrobon Patricia J. , Londoño-Hayes Patricia
Published: April 2018

Clostridium difficile
infection (CDI) is a leading cause of nosocomial and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. A vaccine, based on formalin-inactivated toxins A and B purified from anaerobic cultures of
C. difficile
strain VPI 10463 (toxinotype 0), has been in development for the prevention of symptomatic CDI. We evaluated the breadth of protection conferred by this
C. difficile
toxoid vaccine in cross-neutralization assessments using sera from vaccinated hamsters against a collection of 165 clinical isolates. Hamster antisera raised against the
C. difficile
toxoid vaccine neutralized the cytotoxic activity of culture supernatants from several toxinotype 0 strains and heterologous strains from 10 different toxinotypes. Further assessments performed with purified toxins confirmed that vaccine-elicited antibodies can neutralize both A and B toxins from a variety of toxinotypes. In the hamster challenge model, the vaccine conferred significant cross-protection against disease symptoms and death caused by heterologous
C. difficile
strains from the most common phylogenetic clades, including the most prevalent toxinotypes.
Safety of meningococcal group B vaccination in hospitalised premature infants
Authors: Kent Alison , Beebeejaun Kazim , Braccio Serena , Kadambari Seilesh , Clarke Paul , Heath Paul T , Ladhani Shamez
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To assess the risk of significant adverse events in premature infants receiving the novel 4-component group B meningococcal vaccine (4CMenB) with their routine immunisations at 2 months of age.

Participants, design and setting

In December 2015, Public Health England requested neonatal units across England to voluntarily participate in a national audit; 19 units agreed to participate. Anonymised questionnaires were completed for infants receiving 4CMenB alongside their routine immunisations. For comparison, a historical cohort of premature infants receiving their primary immunisations without 4CMenB or paracetamol prophylaxis was used.

Main outcome measures

Paracetamol use; temperature, cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological status before and after vaccination; and management and investigations postvaccination, including serum C reactive protein levels, infection screens and antibiotic use.

Results

Complete questionnaires were returned for 133 premature infants (<35 weeks’ gestation) who received their first dose of 4CMenB at 8 weeks of age, including 108 who received prophylactic paracetamol according to national recommendations. Overall, 7% (8/108) of infants receiving 4CMenB with paracetamol had fever (>38°C) after vaccination compared with 20% (5/25) of those receiving 4CMenB without paracetamol (P=0.06) and none of those in the historical cohort. There were no significant differences between cohorts in the proportion of infants with apnoea, bradycardia, desaturation and receiving respiratory support after vaccination.

Conclusions

4CMenB does not increase the risk of serious adverse events in hospitalised premature infants. This audit supports the current national recommendations to offer 4CMenB with other routine vaccinations and prophylactic paracetamol to premature infants at their chronological age.
Reliability of the Shoulder Symptom Modification Procedure and association of within-session and between-session changes with functional outcomes
Authors: Meakins Adam , May Stephen , Littlewood Chris
Published: April 2018

Background

Despite being a common problem, there is considerable diagnostic uncertainty with regard to shoulder pain. This uncertainty relates to the reliability and validity of current examination tests. The Shoulder Symptom Modification Procedure (SSMP) has been proposed as an alternative to existing approaches.

Objective

To evaluate interclinician reliability of the SSMP and the association of within-session and between-session changes on clinical outcome at 1 week, and at 1 and 3 months.

Design

A single-centre reliability study, with prospective follow-up.

Methods

Twenty-six patients with shoulder pain were recruited. Following an initial SSMP-based examination, a second examination was performed by a second physiotherapist, blinded to the results of the first examination. Clinical outcome data were completed after 1 week, 1 month and 3 months via theNumeric Pain Rating Scale and the Shoulder PainandDisability Index. Reliability was evaluated using kappa and associations were evaluated using Spearman’s r.

Results

Inter-rater reliability of the SSMP was moderate (κ=0.47). Association of within-session changes ranged from fair to poor in the short term (r=0.24–0.01) to poor in the mid-term (r=−0.03). The association of between-session changes ranged from substantial to moderate in the short term (r=0.74–0.47) but slight in the mid-term (r=0.22).

Conclusions

Based on this study, we cannot recommend the SSMP as a reliable tool for physical examination of patients with shoulder pain. The importance of within-session and between-session changes remains uncertain.
Long-term effects of daily physical education throughout compulsory school on duration of physical activity in young adulthood: an 11-year prospective controlled study
Authors: Lahti Amanda , Rosengren Björn E , Nilsson Jan-Åke , Karlsson Caroline , Karlsson Magnus K
Published: April 2018

Objectives

We examined whether daily physical activity (PA) during compulsory school encourages children to be more physically active during the intervention and 4 years after termination of the programme.

Methods

This prospective controlled intervention study followed the same 124 children (81 children in an intervention group and 43 controls) aged 7.7±0.6 (mean±SD) during a 7-year PA intervention and 4 years after the intervention when the children were 18.7±0.3 years old. The intervention included daily school physical education (PE) (200 min/week), whereas the controls continued with the Swedish standard of 60 min/week. Using a questionnaire, we gathered data about total PA, leisure time PA and sedentary activities (SA). Group comparisons are adjusted for age and gender, and data are provided as means with 95% CIs.

Results

At baseline, we found similar duration of PA and SA between groups. After a mean of 7 years with intervention, the intervention group was more physically active than the controls (+4.5 (2.9 to 6.0) hours/week), whereas SA was similar (+0.6 (−2.5 to 3.9) hours/week). Four years beyond the intervention, the intervention group was still more physically active than the controls (2.7 (0.8 to 4.7) hours/week), and SA was still similar (−3.9 (−9.7 to 1.7) hours/week).

Conclusions

Intervention with daily school PE throughout compulsory school is associated with higher duration of PA not only during the intervention but also 4 years after termination of the programme.
Seatbelt use is associated with lower risk of high-grade hepatic injury in motor vehicle crashes in a national sample
Authors: Renson Audrey , Musser Brynne , Schubert Finn D , Bjurlin Marc A
Published: April 2018

Background

Seatbelt use, alone and in conjunction with an airbag, is associated with lower risk of mortality, blunt abdominal trauma and kidney injury in motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). However, the effect of these protective devices on risk of severe liver injury is not well characterised.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patient admissions with liver injuries from MVCs from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB), collected from 2010 to 2015 in the USA. We examined associations between injury severity and seatbelt use and airbag presence individually and in the presence of additive interaction. Secondary outcomes were mortality, complications and discharge disposition.

Results

We analysed 55 543 records from the National Trauma Data Bank. In adjusted analysis, seatbelt use alone was protective against severe (AAST VI or above) hepatic injury (risk ratio (RR) 0.79, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.84), while airbag presence alone was not (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.8 to 1.12). The joint association of seatbelt use and airbag presence with injury severity was greater than seatbelts alone (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.79), with 13% of the joint lower risk attributable to interaction (95% CI 3% to 24%). The adjusted mortality risk of those without protective devices (10.3%, n=2297) was nearly double that of patients who used a seatbelt in conjunction with a present airbag (5.3%, n=699, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Seatbelts are associated with lower liver injury severity and are more protective with airbags present, while airbags without seatbelt use were not protective against severe injury among patients with liver injury.
Clinical and epidemiological variability in severe sepsis: an ecological study
Authors: Vakkalanka J Priyanka , Harland Karisa K , Swanson Morgan B , Mohr Nicholas M
Published: April 2018

Background

To assess clinical and epidemiological trends of severe sepsis.

Methods

Ecological study of patients presenting to the emergency department with severe sepsis or septic shock between 2005 and 2013. Patients were identified using the state-wide hospital administrative database. Key outcomes included incidence rates (IRs) and mortality rates (per 1000 population) by age and medically underserved areas (MUAs), sepsis case fatality rate (deaths per 100 sepsis cases), and proportions of transfer and comorbidities.

Results

There were 154 019 sepsis cases identified. In 2005, 85+ yo in non-MUAs had a 44% increase in IR compared with those in MUAs, and this difference rose to 74% by 2013. Mortality rates were 1.6 (95% CI 1.3 to 1.8) times greater among 85+ yo in non-MUAs. Mortality rates increased by 1.8% annually, while the sepsis case fatality rate decreased by 7.7%. The proportion of transfer among sepsis cases decreased by 2.1% per year (3.8% in non-MUAs, 0.7% in MUAs).

Conclusions

Sepsis incidence varies geographically, and access to healthcare is one proposed mechanism that may explain heterogeneity. Over time, we may be capturing higher acuity sepsis cases with better recognition and management, as well as observing differential diagnostic coding documentation by location.
A rapid and sensitive IC-ICP-MS method for determining selenium speciation in natural waters
Authors: Donner Mark W. , Siddique Tariq
Published: April 2018

Selenium (Se) is an element monitored by water quality agencies worldwide. The challenge of assessing its presence in aquatic systems is its low concentrations (parts per trillion) and the need for determining its chemical speciation. A method was developed using an ion chromatograph (IC) paired with a quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) equipped with a hydrogen reaction cell to provide analysts with a rapid and sensitive method to measure Se speciation with suitable accuracy and precision. The Se species selenite (SeIV) and selenate (SeVI) were separated within a 5 min span using dilute nitric acid as a mobile phase in a step-wise gradient (50–400 mmol L−1) and quantified using 80Se isotope that yielded low limits of detection (<10 ng L−1). Spectral interference from plasma generated diatomic argon ions (40Ar2+; m/z = 80) on 80Se was eliminated by hydrogen gas (H2) in the reaction cell. Polyatomic 79Br1H+ (m/z = 80) did not interfere with 80Se for quantification of common aquatic Se species (SeVI and SeIV) due to different column retention times. Two organic species (methylselenocysteine and selenomethionine) commonly found in aquatic and terrestrial plant tissues were also tested to rule out possible chromatographic interference and explore the potential application to biological samples. Urban rainwater and Canadian river water samples were analyzed for Se species to demonstrate the applicability of the method. Owing to its ability to rapidly determine Se species in water samples at environmentally relevant concentrations, the method may be useful for monitoring agencies to routinely measure Se species in freshwater aquatic systems.
Integrating risk management tools for regional forest planning: an interactive multiobjective value-at-risk approach
Authors: Eyvindson Kyle , Hartikainen Markus , Miettinen Kaisa , Kangas Annika
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we present an approach employing multiobjective optimization to support decision making in forest management planning under risk. The primary objectives are biodiversity and timber cash flow, evaluated from two perspectives: the expected value and the value-at-risk (VaR). In addition, the risk level for both the timber cash flow and biodiversity values are included as objectives. With our approach, we highlight the trade-off between the expected value and the VaR, as well as between the VaRs of the two objectives of interest. We employ an interactive method in which a decision maker iteratively provides preference information to find the most preferred management plan and learns about the interdependencies of the objectives at the same time. The method is illustrated with a case study in which biodiversity is assessed through an index calculated from the characteristics of the forest. Uncertainty is included both through modifying the input data according to the accuracy of current inventory methods and through growth model errors. This uncertainty is described using a set of 25 scenarios. Involving multiple components of risk is a highly relevant approach in multiobjective forestry; however, estimation of the uncertainty of biodiversity needs further attention.
Least action nodal solutions for a quasilinear defocusing Schrödinger equation with supercritical nonlinearity
Authors: Yang Minbo , Santos Carlos Alberto , Zhou Jiazheng
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we consider the existence of least action nodal solutions for the quasilinear defocusing Schrödinger equation in [Formula: see text]: [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a positive continuous potential, [Formula: see text] is of subcritical growth, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are two non-negative parameters. By considering a minimizing problem restricted on a partial Nehari manifold, we prove the existence of least action nodal solution via deformation flow arguments and [Formula: see text]-estimates.
The Wells exact sequence for the automorphism group of a Lie ring extension
Authors: Jamali A. R.
Published: April 2018

We give an explicit description of the Wells map for the automorphism group of a Lie ring extension. Using this map, we construct an exact sequence for the automorphism group of a Lie ring extension similar to that for group extensions.
Local Convergence of a Family of Iterative Methods with Sixth and Seventh Order Convergence Under Weak Conditions
Authors: liu Tianbao , Qin Xiwen , Wang Peng
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we study a local convergence analysis of a family of iterative methods with sixth and seventh order convergence for nonlinear equations, which was established by [Cordero et al. [2010] in “A family of iterative methods with sixth and seventh order convergence for nonlinear equations,” Math. Comput. Model. 52, 1190–1496]. Earlier studies have shown convergence using Taylor expansions and hypotheses reaching up to the sixth derivative. In our work, we make an attempt to study and establish a local convergence theorem by using only hypotheses the first derivative of the function and Lipschitz constants. We can also obtain error bounds and radii of convergence based on our results. Hence, the applicability of the methods is expanded. Moreover, we consider some different numerical examples and obtain the radii of convergence centered at the solution for different parameter values [Formula: see text] of the family. Furthermore, the basins of attraction of the family with different parameter values are also studied, which allow us to distinguish between the good and bad members of the family in terms of convergence and stable properties, and help us find the members with better or the best stable behavior.
Topological origin of holographic principle: Application to wormholes
Authors: Ahmed Nasr , Rafat H.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we suggest a mathematical representation to the holographic principle through the theory of topological retracts. We found that the topological retraction is the mathematical analog of the hologram idea in modern quantum gravity and it can be used to explore the geometry of the hologram boundary. An example has been given on the five-dimensional (5D) wormhole spacetime [Formula: see text] which we found can retract to lower-dimensional circles [Formula: see text]. In terms of the holographic principle, the description of this volume of spacetime [Formula: see text] is encoded on the lower-dimensional circle which is the region boundary.