bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Efficacy of Aedes aegypti Antimicrobial Peptide Cecropin A2 and Tetracycline against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Zheng Zhaojun , Tharmalingam Nagendran , Liu Qingzhong , Jayamani Elamparithi , Kim Wooseong , Fuchs Beth Burgwyn , Zhang Rijun , Vilcinskas Andreas , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: May 2017

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance has created an urgent need for alternative drugs with new mechanisms of action. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates that could address the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria, either alone or in combination with conventional antibiotics. We studied the antimicrobial efficacy and bactericidal mechanism of cecropin A2, a 36-residue α-helical cationic peptide derived from
Aedes aegypti
cecropin A, focusing on the common pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. The peptide showed little hemolytic activity and toxicity toward mammalian cells, and the MICs against most clinical
P. aeruginosa
isolates were 32 to 64 μg/ml, and its MICs versus other Gram-negative bacteria were 2 to 32 μg/ml. Importantly, cecropin A2 demonstrated synergistic activity against
P. aeruginosa
when combined with tetracycline, reducing the MICs of both agents by 8-fold. The combination was also effective
in vivo
in the
P. aeruginosa/Galleria mellonella
model (
P
< 0.001). We found that cecropin A2 bound to
P. aeruginosa
lipopolysaccharides, permeabilized the membrane, and interacted with the bacterial genomic DNA, thus facilitating the translocation of tetracycline into the cytoplasm. In summary, the combination of cecropin A2 and tetracycline demonstrated synergistic antibacterial activity against
P. aeruginosa
in vitro
and
in vivo
, offering an alternative approach for the treatment of
P. aeruginosa
infections.
Novel Translation Initiation Regulation Mechanism in Escherichia coli ptrB Mediated by a 5′-Terminal AUG
Authors: Beck Heather J. , Janssen Gary R.
Published: May 2017

Alternative translation initiation mechanisms, distinct from the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence-dependent mechanism, are more prevalent in bacteria than once anticipated. Translation of
Escherichia coli
ptrB
instead requires an AUG triplet at the 5′ terminus of its mRNA. The 5′-terminal AUG (5′-uAUG) acts as a ribosomal recognition signal to attract ribosomes to the
ptrB
mRNA rather than functioning as an initiation codon to support translation of an upstream open reading frame.
ptrB
expression exhibits a stronger dependence on the 5′-uAUG than the predicted SD sequence; however, strengthening the predicted
ptrB
SD sequence relieves the necessity for the 5′-uAUG. Additional sequences within the
ptrB
5′ untranslated region (5′-UTR) work cumulatively with the 5′-uAUG to control expression of the downstream
ptrB
coding sequence (CDS), thereby compensating for the weak SD sequence. Replacement of 5′-UTRs from other mRNAs with the
ptrB
5′-UTR sequence showed a similar dependence on the 5′-uAUG for CDS expression, suggesting that the regulatory features contained within the
ptrB
5′-UTR are sufficient to control the expression of other
E. coli
CDSs. Demonstration that the 5′-uAUG present on the
ptrB
leader mRNA is involved in ribosome binding and expression of the downstream
ptrB
CDS revealed a novel form of translational regulation. Due to the abundance of AUG triplets at the 5′ termini of
E. coli
mRNAs and the ability of
ptrB
5′-UTR regulation to function independently of gene context, the regulatory effects of 5′-uAUGs on downstream CDSs may be widespread throughout the
E. coli
genome.

IMPORTANCE
As the field of synthetic biology continues to grow, a complete understanding of basic biological principles will be necessary. The increasing complexity of the synthetic systems highlights the gaps in our current knowledge of RNA regulation. This study demonstrates that there are novel ways to regulate canonical Shine-Dalgarno-led mRNAs in
Escherichia coli
, illustrating that our understanding of the fundamental processes of translation and RNA regulation is still incomplete. Even for
E. coli
, one of the most-studied model organisms, genes with translation initiation mechanisms that do not fit the canonical Shine-Dalgarno sequence paradigm are being revealed. Uncovering diverse mechanisms that control translational expression will allow synthetic biologists to finely tune protein production of desired gene products.
The Long Hunt for
pssR
—Looking for a Phospholipid Synthesis Transcriptional Regulator, Finding the Ribosome
Authors: Bartoli J. , My L. , Belmudes Lucid , Couté Yohann , Viala J. P. , Bouveret E.
Published: May 2017

The phospholipid (PL) composition of bacterial membranes varies as a function of growth rate and in response to changes in the environment. While growth adaptation can be explained by biochemical feedback in the PL synthesis pathway, recent transcriptome studies have revealed that the expression of PL synthesis genes can also be tuned in response to various stresses. We previously showed that the BasRS two-component pathway controls the expression of the diacylglycerol kinase gene,
dgkA
, in
Escherichia coli
(A. Wahl, L. My, R. Dumoulin, J. N. Sturgis, and E. Bouveret, Mol Microbiol, 80:1260–1275, 2011,
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2958.2011.07641.x
). In this study, we set up a strategy to identify the mutation responsible for the upregulation of
pssA
observed in the historical
pssR1
mutant and supposedly corresponding to a transcriptional repressor (C. P. Sparrow and J. Raetz, J Biol Chem, 258:9963–9967, 1983).
pssA
encodes phosphatidylserine synthase, the first step of phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis. We showed that this mutation corresponded to a single nucleotide change in the anti-Shine-Dalgarno sequence of the 16S rRNA encoded by the
rrnC
operon. We further demonstrated that this mutation enhanced the translation of
pssA
. Though this effect appeared to be restricted to PssA among phospholipid synthesis enzymes, it was not specific, as evidenced by a global effect on the production of unrelated proteins.

IMPORTANCE
Bacteria adjust the phospholipid composition of their membranes to the changing environment. In addition to enzymatic regulation, stress response regulators control specific steps of the phospholipid synthesis pathway. We wanted to identify a potential regulator controlling the expression of the phosphatidylserine synthase gene. We showed that it was not the previously suggested
hdfR
gene and instead that a mutation in the anti-Shine-Dalgarno sequence of 16S RNA was responsible for an increase in
pssA
translation. This example underlines the fact that gene expression can be modulated by means other than specific regulatory processes.
Recent Advances and Future Prospects in Bacterial and Archaeal Locomotion and Signal Transduction
Authors: Bardy Sonia L. , Briegel Ariane , Rainville Simon , Krell Tino
Published: May 2017

The structure and function of two-component and chemotactic signaling and different aspects related to the motility of bacteria and archaea are key research areas in modern microbiology.Escherichia coliis the traditional model organism used to study chemotaxis signaling and motility. However, the recent study of a wide range of bacteria and even some archaea with different lifestyles has provided new insight into the ecophysiology of chemotaxis, which is essential for the establishment of different pathogens or beneficial bacteria in a host. The expanded range of model organisms has also permitted the study of chemosensory pathways unrelated to chemotaxis, multiple chemotaxis pathways within an organism, and new types of chemoreceptors. This research has greatly benefitted from technical advances in the field of cryomicroscopy, which continues to reveal with increasing resolution the complexity and diversity of large protein complexes like the flagellar motor or chemoreceptor arrays. In addition, sensitive instruments now allow an increasing number of experiments to be conducted at the single-cell level, thereby revealing information that is beginning to bridge the gap between individual cells and population behavior. Evidence has also accumulated showing that bacteria have evolved different mechanisms for surface sensing, which appears to be mediated by flagella and possibly type IV pili, and that the downstream signaling involves chemosensory pathways and two-component-system-based processes. Herein, we summarize the recent advances and research tendencies in this field as presented at the latest Bacterial Locomotion and Signal Transduction (BLAST XIV) conference.
Ready or Not: Microbial Adaptive Responses in Dynamic Symbiosis Environments
Authors: Cao Mengyi , Goodrich-Blair Heidi
Published: May 2017

In mutually beneficial and pathogenic symbiotic associations, microbes must adapt to the host environment for optimal fitness. Both within an individual host and during transmission between hosts, microbes are exposed to temporal and spatial variation in environmental conditions. The phenomenon of phenotypic variation, in which different subpopulations of cells express distinctive and potentially adaptive characteristics, can contribute to microbial adaptation to a lifestyle that includes rapidly changing environments. The environments experienced by a symbiotic microbe during its life history can be erratic or predictable, and each can impact the evolution of adaptive responses. In particular, the predictability of a rhythmic or cyclical series of environments may promote the evolution of signal transduction cascades that allow preadaptive responses to environments that are likely to be encountered in the future, a phenomenon known as adaptive prediction. In this review, we summarize environmental variations known to occur in some well-studied models of symbiosis and how these may contribute to the evolution of microbial population heterogeneity and anticipatory behavior. We provide details about the symbiosis betweenXenorhabdusbacteria andSteinernemanematodes as a model to investigate the concept of environmental adaptation and adaptive prediction in a microbial symbiosis.
Prophylactic use of eculizumab during surgery in chronic cold agglutinin disease
Authors: Tjønnfjord Eirik , Vengen Øystein A , Berentsen Sigbjørn , Tjønnfjord Geir Erland
Published: May 2017

Primary chronic cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is an autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in which a specific bone marrow lymphoproliferative disorder causes production of cold agglutinins (CA). Binding of CA to erythrocyte surface antigens results in a predominantly extravascular haemolysis that is entirely complement dependent. Because of complement activation, exacerbations are common during febrile infections, trauma or major surgery. Involvement of the terminal complement pathway with C5-mediated intravascular haemolysis is probably not prominent in stable disease but is supposed to be of importance in exacerbations following acute phase reaction.

We report on a patient with CAD prone to exacerbation of haemolysis during acute phase reactions who was scheduled for cardiac surgery. To prevent her having an exacerbation of haemolysis, we chose to treat her prophylactically with eculizumab along with the usual perioperative precautions. Aortic valve replacement was undertaken with full cardiopulmonary bypass at normothermia. The procedure was successful; no exacerbation of haemolysis was observed, and transfusion requirements did not exceed what could be expected.
Female phenotype with male karyotype: a clinical enigma
Authors: Sukumar Suja , Uppula Pavan , Kumar Santosh , Bhansali Anil
Published: May 2017

Development of gonadal and phenotypic sex during embryogenesis invariably corresponds to the genotypic sex. However, some disorders of sex development are associated with discordance between the chromosomal, gonadal or phenotypic sex which include complete androgen insensitivity syndrome, 46XY complete gonadal dysgenesis (Swyer syndrome) and, rarely, congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to CYP 17A1 (17α-hydroxylase) deficiency. The enzyme CYP17A1 includes 17α-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase which are required for the synthesis of cortisol and sex steroids, respectively. The consequent cortisol deficiency results in a compensatory increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) drive, which stimulates the production of deoxycorticosterone and corticosterone leading to hypertension and hypokalaemia. Concurrent lack of sex steroids results in sexual infantilism without ambiguity. Both the genotypic males and females present during adolescence with a female phenotype, sexual infantilism and hypertension depending on the severity of the enzyme deficiency. We describe a case of CYP17A1 deficiency in a phenotypic female with 46XY karyotype who presented with sexual infantilism but without hypertension.
A Rohingya refugee’s journey in Australia and the barriers to accessing healthcare
Authors: Jiwrajka Manasi , Mahmoud Ahmad , Uppal Maneeta
Published: May 2017

Australia’s processing of some asylum seekers on offshore detention centres has recently been brought to light by human rights organisation. While the internal politics of resettling refugees may be complex, Australia remains in the top five countries for resettlement per capita. However, these refugees remain a vulnerable patient population after immigrating. Refugee women, an understudied group, in particular experience higher adverse health outcomes.

In this case report, we follow the medical journey of KB, a 38-year-old Rohingya refugee diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus—the crux of all her health issues. We explore language differences as a barrier to healthcare and its near-fatal consequences, as well as communication breakdown in the context of the misalignment of health goals between the patient and the profession. As such, improving patient health literacy and cultural competency among doctors are core interventions in improving the delivery of refugee healthcare.

We have a global responsibility to improve health literacy among refugee patients and by providing the basic standard of healthcare to every individual as a human right, which empower refugees in this regard to have a role in their health outcomes.
Pancreatic metastasis from an osseous solitary fibrous tumour
Authors: Colvin Jennifer Sue , Morris-Stiff Gareth , Cruise Michael , Purysko Andrei
Published: May 2017

A 73-year-old man presented with a right-sided chest wall mass that showed an epitheloid neoplasm with mild cytologic atypia on core needle biopsy. He underwent surgical resection, and final pathology revealed solitary fibrous tumour/hemangiopericytoma with negative margins. Three years after surgical resection, the patient presented with fatigue, abdominal pain, weight loss and mildly elevated liver function tests. Further workup revealed a 1.2 cm hypervascular mass in the neck of the pancreas. This case report summarises the surgical treatment and outcomes for a patient who presented with this rare tumour.
Type 2 diabetes patient’s perspective on Ramadan fasting: a qualitative study
Authors: Lee Jun Yang , Wong Chee Piau , Tan Christina San San , Nasir Nazrila Hairizan , Lee Shaun Wen Huey
Published: May 2017

Objective

We evaluated the beliefs, experience and diabetes management strategies of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) Muslim patients that chose to fast during Ramadan.

Research design and methods

A semistructured focus group interview was conducted with 53 participants with T2DM. Participants were purposefully sampled and asked to share their perspective on Ramadan fasting. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically.

Results

Participants reported optimism towards fasting during Ramadan, as they believed that fasting was beneficial to their overall well-being, and a time for family bonding. Most participants made limited attempts to discuss with their doctors on the decision to fast and self-adjusted their medication based on experience and symptoms during this period. They also reported difficulty in managing their diet, due to fear of hypoglycemia and the collective social aspect of fasting.

Conclusion

Muslims are optimistic about their well-being when fasting during Ramadan. Many choose to fulfill their religious obligation despite being discouraged by their doctors. Collaboration with religious authorities should be explored to ensure patients receive adequate education before fasting during Ramadan.

Trial registration number

NCT02189135; Results.
Post-tuberculous fibrosing mediastinitis: a review of the literature
Authors: Wu Zhe , Jarvis Hannah , Howard Luke S , Wright Corrina , Kon Onn Min
Published: May 2017

Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a rare disease where there is thickening of the fibrous tissue in the mediastinum. While histoplasmosis is the the most common recognised cause, the link with tuberculosis (TB) has been rarely documented. We review the link between TB and FM, and describe a case of probable TB-related FM.Our case is of a 74-year-old man who presented with breathlessness 3 years after fully treated TB. Scans revealed a calcified soft tissue mass within the mediastinum, and a diagnosis of fibrosing mediastinitis resulting in pulmonary hypertension was made. Tests for histoplasmosis and IgG4 staining were negative. Surgical intervention was not felt to be beneficial, and he was treated with prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil.In the review, we highlight the two forms of mediastinitis—granulomatous versus fibrous, and how these two entities may be on a spectrum of disease progression. We also explore the prevalence, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, imaging techniques and treatment options of TB-related FM.
Manual ventilation and open suction procedures contribute to negative pressures in a mechanical lung model
Authors: Nakstad Espen Rostrup , Opdahl Helge , Heyerdahl Fridtjof , Borchsenius Fredrik , Skjønsberg Ole Henning
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Removal of pulmonary secretions in mechanically ventilated patients usually requires suction with closed catheter systems or flexible bronchoscopes. Manual ventilation is occasionally performed during such procedures if clinicians suspect inadequate ventilation. Suctioning can also be performed with the ventilator entirely disconnected from the endotracheal tube (ETT). The aim of this study was to investigate if these two procedures generate negative airway pressures, which may contribute to atelectasis.

Methods

The effects of device insertion and suctioning in ETTs were examined in a mechanical lung model with a pressure transducer inserted distal to ETTs of 9 mm, 8 mm and 7 mm internal diameter (ID). A 16 Fr bronchoscope and 12, 14 and 16 Fr suction catheters were used at two different vacuum levels during manual ventilation and with the ETTs disconnected.

Results

During manual ventilation with ETTs of 9 mm, 8 mm and 7 mm ID, and bronchoscopic suctioning at moderate suction level, peak pressure (PPEAK) dropped from 23, 22 and 24.5 cm H2O to 16, 16 and 15 cm H2O, respectively. Maximum suction reduced PPEAKto 20, 17 and 11 cm H2O, respectively, and the end-expiratory pressure fell from 5, 5.5 and 4.5 cm H2O to –2, –6 and –17 cm H2O. Suctioning through disconnected ETTs (open suction procedure) gave negative model airway pressures throughout the duration of the procedures.

Conclusions

Manual ventilation and open suction procedures induce negative end-expiratory pressure during endotracheal suctioning, which may have clinical implications in patients who need high PEEP (positive end-expiratory pressure).
Validation of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire for self-administration in a European context
Authors: Wanner Miriam , Hartmann Christina , Pestoni Giulia , Martin Brian Winfried , Siegrist Michael , Martin-Diener Eva
Published: May 2017

Background/aim

Little is known about the measurement properties of the self-administered Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) in Europe. The aim was to validate the self-administered GPAQ against accelerometry in Switzerland in German, French and Italian.

Methods

Participants of this cross-sectional study were recruited among members of the Swiss Food Panel (German-speaking and French-speaking samples) and as a convenience sample (Italian-speaking sample). They completed the GPAQ and wore an Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer during 7 days in 2014/2015. GPAQ and accelerometer data on total physical activity and different intensities, as well as sitting time, were compared using Spearman correlations and Bland-Altman plots.

Results

Complete data were available for 354 participants (50.6% women, mean age: 47.0 years) on physical activity, and for 366 on sitting time. Correlations were highest for vigorous physical activity (r=0.46) and sitting time (r=0.47). A significant sex difference was apparent for vigorous physical activity (men: r=0.35 vs women: r=0.55; p=0.02). Some age differences were present especially for total physical activity, with the lowest correlations found for those aged 60+ years. The correlation for sitting time was significantly higher in the youngest age group (r=0.61) compared with the middle (r=0.38, p=0.01) and the oldest age groups (r=0.37, p=0.03). Total physical activity was 2.8 times higher according to the GPAQ than to accelerometer data.

Conclusions

The self-administered version of the GPAQ showed fair-to-moderate validity in the three languages tested, both for men and women and individuals aged ≤60 years. For older individuals, a careful interpretation of total physical activity is required.
Efficacy of Interventions for Adherence to the Immunosuppressive Therapy in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Zhu Yichen , Zhou Yifan , Zhang Lei , Zhang Jian , Lin Jun
Published: May 2017

Immunosuppressive treatment regimens are complex and require ongoing self-management. Medication adherence can be difficult to achieve for several reasons. The current meta-analysis and systematic review investigated whether adherence interventions improved immunosuppressive treatment adherence in kidney transplant recipients. Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched until October 17, 2016 using the following search terms: kidney transplantation, compliance, adherence, and immunosuppressive therapy. Randomized controlled trials and two-arm prospective, retrospective, and cohort studies were included. The primary outcomes were adherence rate and adherence score. Eight studies were included with a total for 546 patients. Among participants receiving intervention, the adherence rate was significantly higher than the control group (pooled OR=2.366, 95% CI 1.222 to 4.578, p=0.011). Participants in the intervention group had greater adherence scores than those in the control group (pooled standardized difference in means =1.706, 95% CI 0.346 to 3.065, p=0.014). Sensitivity analysis indicated that findings for adherence rate were robust. However, for adherence score, the significance of the association disappeared after removing one of the studies indicating the findings may have been overly influenced by this one study. Intervention programs designed to increase immunosuppressive adherence in patients with kidney transplant improve treatment adherence.
Higher number of live births is associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and adverse cardiac remodelling among US Hispanic/Latina women: results from the Echocardiographic Study of Latinos
Authors: Aggarwal Shivani R , Herrington David M , Vladutiu Catherine J , Newman Jill C , Swett Katrina , Gonzalez Franklyn , Kizer Jorge R , Kominiarek Michelle A , Tabb Karen M , Gallo Linda C , Talavera Gregory A , Hurwitz Barry E , Rodriguez Carlos J
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Female sex is a risk factor for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Previous literature suggests that some diastolic dysfunction (DD) develops during pregnancy and may persist postdelivery. Our objective was to examine the relationship between parity and cardiac structure and function in a population-based cohort.

Methods

Participants included 1172 Hispanic/Latina women, aged ≥45 years, enrolled in the Echocardiographic Study of Latinos from four US communities (Bronx, Miami, San Diego and Chicago). Standard echocardiographic techniques were used to measure cardiac volumes, left ventricular mass, systolic and diastolic function. Using sampling weights and survey statistics, multivariable linear and logistic regression models were constructed adjusting for age, body mass index, diabetes or prediabetes, systolic blood pressure, use of antihypertensive medications, smoking, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Results

In the target population, 5.0% were nulliparous (no live births) and 10.5% were grand multiparous (≥5 live births). Among the nulliparous women, 46% had DD as compared with 51%–58% of women with 1–4 live births and 81% of women with ≥5 live births (p<0.01). In full multivariate models, higher parity was significantly associated with greater left ventricular end-systolic volumes, end-diastolic volumes, left atrial volume indices and presence of DD (all p<0.01) but was not associated with ejection fraction. The log odds for having any grade of DD in grand-multiparous women was over three times that seen in nulliparous women (OR=3.4, 95% CI 1.5 to 7.9, p<0.01) in models further adjusted for income and education.

Conclusions

Higher parity is associated with increased cardiac mass, volumes and the presence of DD. Further studies are needed to elucidate this apparent deleterious relation and whether parity can help explain the increased risk of HFpEF in women.
Adequacy of postgraduate medical training: views of different generations of UK-trained doctors
Authors: Smith Fay , Goldacre Michael J , Lambert Trevor William
Published: May 2017

Background

Over the last decade, many changes have taken place in the UK, which have affected the training that doctors receive.

Aim

To assess doctors’ views on quality and adequacy of postgraduate training.

Methods

Questionnaires about training sent to UK-trained doctors who graduated between 1974 and 2012.

Results

Among trainees towards the end of their first year of medical work and training, 36% agreed that in their first year “Training was of a high standard”; 21% disagreed; 43% neither agreed nor disagreed. Only 16% agreed “I had to perform clinical tasks for which I felt inadequately trained”.

Among doctors 12 years into their careers, 83% agreed “My training has been long enough, and good enough, to enable me to practise adequately when I first become/became a consultant or GP”.

Among senior hospital doctors aged in their 50s or 60s, 21% agreed that “These days, the training of specialist doctors in the NHS is sufficient to enable them to practise adequately when they first become consultants”; 38% disagreed, and the rest neither agreed nor disagreed. Of senior GPs, 41% agreed “These days, the training of GP trainees in the NHS is sufficient to enable them to practise adequately when they first become GPs”; 28% disagreed.

Conclusions

Views on early career training were mixed, but few felt exposed to clinical situations beyond their ability. Most newly appointed consultants and GPs felt adequately trained for practice, though many senior doctors were unsure that this was the case.
Plausible failure mechanisms of wildlife-damaged earth levees: insights from centrifuge modeling and numerical analysis
Authors: Saghaee Gholamreza , Mousa Ahmad A. , Meguid Mohamed A.
Published: May 2017

Earth levees are subject to a wide range of wildlife intrusion patterns that cause mass removal and subsequent serious deformations. Such invasive activities leave the body of an earth embankment with burrow systems too complex to map and model using conventional techniques. This study investigates the impact of different idealized configurations of animal burrows on the geotechnical performance of levees. For this purpose, centrifuge testing was conducted on homogenous scaled-down 1 horizontal : 1 vertical (1H:1V) levee models built from silty sand material. Modeling involved introducing horizontal cylinder-shaped waterside and landside burrows at different elevations within the levee section. The reference (intact) and deteriorated levee models were subject to a centrifugal acceleration of 35g, which was kept constant as the water level behind the levee model was gradually increased. The deformation profile of the model was tracked, and the crest displacements were concurrently measured. Miniature pore pressure transducers (PPTs) embedded within the levee body provided pore pressure measurements. A three-dimensional finite element model was developed to investigate the hydraulic performance and verify the failure patterns of the deteriorated levees. Compared with an intact levee, the presence of animal intrusions was found to increase the exit hydraulic gradient for both waterside and landside intrusions. Lower animal burrows appeared to cause larger exit gradients than higher ones. Similarly, waterside burrows exhibited a notably higher pore pressure and larger hydraulic gradient. Waterside damage resulted in a quicker and more violent failure than landside burrows. The failure mechanisms for both the waterside and landside burrows are dissimilar despite their similarly abrupt nature.
Interactive effects of introduced Pacific salmon and brown trout on native brook trout: an experimental and modeling approach
Authors: Gerig Brandon S. , Weber David N. , Chaloner Dominic T. , McGill Lillian M. , Lamberti Gary A.
Published: May 2017

Pacific salmon (Oncoryhnchus spp.) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) are introduced species stocked in the Laurentian Great Lakes. In their native range, salmon deliver material that enhances growth, alters isotopic ratios, and increases contaminant burdens of resident fish. However, whether salmon subsidies mediate interactions between competing species is unknown. Here, we employed a mesocosm experiment and a simulation model to determine if salmon tissue consumption influences brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) growth, isotopic ratios, and mercury concentrations and whether these were modified by brown trout. Our results indicate that brook trout growth did not increase with provision of salmon tissue and was not reduced by brown trout. However, brook trout exhibited isotopic enrichment and increased mercury concentrations, suggesting dietary intake of salmon tissue. Because salmon eggs have a higher energy density and lower mercury concentration compared with salmon tissue, our simulation model suggests that consumption of salmon eggs rather than tissue can increase growth while reducing mercury accumulation. Overall, our results suggest that the role of introduced Pacific salmon is dependent on both food quantity and quality along with diet contaminant concentrations.
Cracking isotropic and anisotropic relativistic spheres
Authors: González G.A. , Navarro A. , Núñez L.A.
Published: May 2017

We explore the influence of density fluctuations on isotropic and anisotropic configurations, extending the concept of cracking for isotropic general relativistic fluid spheres. This concept, conceived to describe the behaviour of anisotropic matter distributions just after its departure from equilibrium, could provide some insight on potential instabilities and future evolution of relativistic fluids. We have refined the idea of cracking, considering local fluctuations—represented by any function of compact support defined in a closed interval—and their effect on the state variables and gradients through “barotropic” equations of state, P = P(ρ) and [Formula: see text]. Under this approach it is found that both isotropic and anisotropic models could exhibit cracking (or overturning), and that previous results for cracking (and overturning) instabilities on anisotropic matter configurations has to be revised.
Study of ground state binding energies of the single Ξ and Λ hypernuclei by using numerical computation
Authors: Armat A. , Hassanabadi H.
Published: May 2017

In this work, by using the analytical solution relativistic equation, we have calculated the ground state binding energy of the single cascade and lambda in hypernuclei. The derived results are compared with experimental data.
Fatty acid composition and concentration of alternative food of Semipalmated Sandpipers (Calidrispusilla) in the upper Bay of Fundy, Canada
Authors: Quinn J.T. , Hamilton D.J. , Hebert C.E.
Published: May 2017

Semipalmated Sandpipers (Calidris pusilla (L., 1766)) that migrate through the upper Bay of Fundy, Canada, depend on a rich food supply to fuel their continued migration. Although past studies have reported a diet dominated by the amphipod Corophium volutator (Pallas, 1766), an animal rich in n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), recent evidence suggests that sandpiper diets are broad. This is beneficial in that it allows Semipalmated Sandpipers to respond to a changing food base, but quality of food is also important. PUFAs are important in providing the energy required by migrating birds and may play a role in migratory preparation. We assessed fatty acid (FA) concentrations and proportions in three common food items. We found that polychaetes should adequately meet the needs of migrating sandpipers in terms of FA composition. Concentrations of FAs in biofilm were low, but proportionally, n–3 PUFAs were well represented, particularly in biofilm collected in Shepody Bay, where it forms a substantial part of the sandpiper diet. Therefore, provided that birds can consume a sufficient volume of biofilm, it is also probably a suitable source of essential FAs. Our results suggest that Semipalmated Sandpipers in the Bay of Fundy can meet their FA needs with a variety of dietary options.
Nonlocal correlation in Heisenberg spin models
Authors: Muthuganesan R. , Sankaranarayanan R.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we investigate nonlocal correlation (beyond entanglement) captured by measurement induced nonlocality and geometric quantum discord for a pair of interacting spin-1/2 particles at thermal equilibrium. It is shown that both the measures are identical in measuring the correlation. We show that nonlocal correlation between the spins exist even without entanglement and the correlation vanishes only for maximal mixture of product bases. We also observe that while interaction between the spins is responsible for enhancement of correlation, this non-classicality decreases with the intervention of external magnetic field.
The mechanical, optoelectronic and thermoelectric properties of NiYSn (Y = Zr and Hf) alloys
Authors: Hamioud Farida , Mubarak A. A.
Published: May 2017

First-principle calculations are performed using DFT as implemented in Wien2k code to compute the mechanical, electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties of NiYSn (Y = Zr and Hf) alloys. The computed lattice constants, bulk modulus and cohesive energy of these alloys at 0 K and 0 GPa are performed. NiZrSn and NiHfSn are found to be anisotropic and elastically stable. Furthermore, both alloys are confirmed to be thermodynamically stable by the calculated values of the standard enthalpy of formation. The Young’s and shear moduli values show that NiZrSn seems to be stiffer than NiHfSn. The optical properties are performed using the dielectric function. Some beneficial optoelectronic applications are found as exposed in the optical spectra. Moreover, the alloys are classified as good insulators for solar heating. The thermoelectric properties as a function of temperature are computed utilizing BoltzTrap code. The major charge carriers are found to be electrons and the alloys are classified as [Formula: see text]-type doping alloys.
New design graded refractive index antireflection coatings for silicon solar cells
Authors: Xiong Chao , Xu Weilong , Zhao Yu , Xiao Jin , Zhu Xifang
Published: May 2017

Reflectance spectrum of nanoporous silicon dioxide (SiO2) double layer was calculated by using the matrix method. The results were compared with the corresponding spectrum of silicon oxynitride (SiO[Formula: see text]N[Formula: see text])–porous silicon (PS) double layer which deposited on nanostructured black silicon coatings. The nanoporous silicon dioxide (SiO2) double layer deposited on nanostructure black silicon antireflection coating presents a lower reflectance in a broad range of solar spectrum. This research outcome may find a wide application in solar cell industry.
Geochemistry and U–Pb SHRIMP zircon geochronology of microgranular enclaves and host granitoids from the South Khasi Hills of the Meghalaya Plateau, NE India: evidence of synchronous mafic–felsic magma mixing–fractionation and diffusion in a post-collision tectonic environment during the Pan-African orogenic cycle
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Pieru Thepfuvilie , Rino Vikoleno , Hayasaka Yasutaka
Published: May 2017

Felsic magmatism in the South Khasi Hills of the Meghalaya Plateau, NE India, referred herein as the South Khasi granitoids (SKG: 519.5±9.7 Ma), invariably contains rounded to elongate, fine- to medium-grained, mafic to porphyritic microgranular enclaves (ME: 515±13 Ma) showing sharp to crenulate contacts with the host SKG. Compositions of plagioclase, amphibole and biotite in the ME are slightly distinct or similar to those of the host SKG, which appear re-equilibrated through diffusion mechanisms during partial liquid (semi-solid) conditions prior to the complete solidification of the mafic–felsic interacting system maximum at shallow continental crustal depths of approximately 9.5 km (
c.
250 MPa) under oxidizing conditions. Although the ME are chemically modified, both the ME and SKG exhibit a wide chemical variation as high-K
2
O metaluminous (I-type) granitoids. Linear to near-linear variations of chemical elements against SiO
2
may suggest the origin of the ME as the result of the mixing of crystal-charged mafic and felsic magmas in various proportions. However, the data scatter and ill-defined chemical variations can be attributed to chaotic chemical mixing, diffusion and, to some extent, mechanical sorting of the crystals. The identical trace element patterns of the ME and the respective SKG have strengthened the idea of chemical re-equilibration at varying levels between them through diffusion during synchronous mixing–fractionation and mingling. Mean zircon
207
Pb/
206
Pb ages from the ME (515±13 Ma) and SKG (519.5±9.7 Ma) underline the co-existence of Cambrian mafic and felsic magmas formed during the later stages of the assembly of East Gondwanaland as an integral part of the Pan-Indian–African–Brasiliano orogenic cycle. The ME in SKG thus represent mingled, undercooled, heterogeneous hybrid magma globules formed by linear to chaotic mixing that was synchronous with fractionation of coeval crystal-charged mafic (enclave) and felsic (SKG) magmas, which experienced differential degrees of chemical exchange through diffusion with the surrounding felsic host in an open magma system.
Reaction textures, pressure–temperature paths and chemical dates of monazite from a new suite of sapphirine–spinel granulites from parts of the Eastern Ghats Province, India: insights into the final amalgamation of India and East Antarctica during the formation of Rodinia
Authors: Das Enakshi , Karmakar Subrata , Dey Anindita , Karmakar Shreya , Sengupta Pulak
Published: May 2017

A suite of Mg–Al granulites from two new localities in the Eastern Ghats Province are investigated to put constraints on: (a) the thermal and baric evolution of these rocks; (b) the timing of high-grade metamorphisms (chemical dating of monazite); (c) the tectonic setting where the high-grade metamorphisms occurred; and (d) a possible link between India and East Antarctica during the formation of the Rodinia supercontinent. Supporting the proposition of polymetamorphism over single metamorphism, our study documents at least two distinct phases of high-grade metamorphism that occurred in two contrasting tectonic settings. Reconstructed pristine spinel composition from oxide aggregates, the Al content of coronitic orthopyroxene over sapphirine and spinel, and the constraints of the FeO–MgO–Al
2
O
3
–SiO
2
(FMAS) topology in the FMAS system document temperatures in excess of 1070°C at 8–9 kbar pressure (>1100°C GPa
−1
). This study shows that such an extreme metamorphic condition was reached along a counter-clockwise
P
–
T
trajectory presumably in an extensional setting at approximately 1.2 Ga. The eventual collision of India and East Antarctica reworked the near-isobarically cooled assemblages of the first event, and triggered exhumation of the former lower crust to the upper-crustal depth along a steeply decompressive trajectory during the formation of the Rodinia supercontinent (
c.
0.95–0.90 Ga).

Supplementary material:
Representative electron microprobe analyses of monazite in wt%, calculated apparent ages and ±2σ error are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3771044
Inferring a Neoproterozoic orogeny preceding the Rodinia break-up in the Sirohi Group, NW India
Authors: Arora Devsamridhi , Pant Naresh C. , Fareeduddin  , Sharma Surbhi , Raghuram  , Sadiq Mohd.
Published: May 2017

Recent studies indicate the Delhi Orogeny to be a Grenvillian-age collision event in the NW Indian Shield. West of the southern part of the South Delhi Fold Belt, aeromagnetic anomalies show a high-angle relationship with the Delhi Fold Belt trend. We examined an argillaceous–calcareous metamorphosed sequence exposed within and adjacent to this aeromagnetic anomaly. This sequence, deposited over a granitic basement, is reported as the Sirohi Group. The basement granite is dated to be 892±10 Ma (Erinpura age) and this was partially reset at 815±43 Ma. The metapelites preserve a low- to medium-grade metamorphic assemblage (peak temperature of
c.
460°C) and the metamorphism took place at 822±29 Ma, which was partially reset at 723±65 Ma. The partial resetting can be ascribed to the Malani eruption. Control of accessory minerals on the garnet trace element chemistry is evident in the Y distribution of the two analysed garnets.

It is contended that the Rodinia break-up, marked by Malani Igneous Suite, was preceded by an orogenic event (the Sirohi Orogeny) which marked the culminating mountain-building event in the cratonization of the NW Indian Shield.
The Rauer–Rengali connection in the Indo-Antarctica amalgam: evidence from structure, metamorphism and geochronology
Authors: Sawant Amol Dayanand , Gupta Saibal , Clark Chris , Misra Surajit
Published: May 2017

India and East Antarctica collided during assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent at around 1 Ga. Granulites related to this orogeny are exposed in the Eastern Ghats Province (EGP) in India, and these are believed to have been contiguous with granulites of the Rayner Province in East Antarctica at that time. In the Indian segment, we describe a shear zone between the EGP and the Rengali Province to its north along which strongly foliated bands of garnetiferous quartzofeldspathic gneisses, khondalites and charnockites are intercalated. The foliation is consistently east–west trending and subvertical, with downdip intersection lineations. Maximum asymmetry in horizontal sections and textural analysis using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis confirm that the transport vector during shearing was horizontal. The shear zone is interpreted as a dextral strike-slip fault that operated under greenschist-facies conditions, juxtaposing 1 Ga EGP granulites with 2.8 Ga cratonic granulites to the north. The corresponding region in East Antarctica is represented by the Rauer Group, where intercalations between 2.8 and 1.0 Ga, vertically orientated lithologies, are observed alongside 0.5 Ga shear zones. These features in the Rauer Group can be correlated with those in the Rengali Province, further supporting existing palaeogeographical reconstructions of Gondwana.
Medical Marijuana and Marijuana Legalization
Authors: Pacula Rosalie Liccardo , Smart Rosanna
Published: May 2017

State-level marijuana liberalization policies have been evolving for the past five decades, and yet the overall scientific evidence of the impact of these policies is widely believed to be inconclusive. In this review we summarize some of the key limitations of the studies evaluating the effects of decriminalization and medical marijuana laws on marijuana use, highlighting their inconsistencies in terms of the heterogeneity of policies, the timing of the evaluations, and the measures of use being considered. We suggest that the heterogeneity in the responsiveness of different populations to particular laws is important for interpreting the mixed findings from the literature, and we highlight the limitations of the existing literature in providing clear insights into the probable effects of marijuana legalization.
Towards a Better Understanding of Sickness Absence in Adolescence: A Qualitative Study among Dutch Intermediate Vocational Education Students
Authors: Vanneste Yvonne T. M. , Feron Frans J. M. , van Mook Marlieke A. W. , de Rijk Angelique
Published: May 2017

An adequate approach to sickness absence can reduce school dropout which is a major problem in Intermediate Vocational Education (IVE). This practice-based study explores the sickness absence reasons and factors influencing reporting the sickness, from a student’s perspective. Semistructured interviews were held until saturation. Data were collected and analysed by a multidisciplinary research team including youth health care physicians working with IVE students. The results show that, according to the students, reasons for sickness reporting were health-related or related to problems at home or in school. Students view their sickness absence as necessity, as asking for understanding, or as pardonable. Their views depended on (1) the perception of medical legitimacy, (2) feeling able to take their own responsibility, (3) feeling being taken seriously at school, and (4) the perception that the sickness reporting procedure at school is anonymous and easy. In conclusion, reporting sickness seems more a reaction to a necessity or opportunity than the result of a conscious decision-making process. Personalizing the sickness reporting procedures and demonstrating interest rather than control while discussing the sickness absence with the individual IVE student might very well affect their sickness absence levels.
Influence of Fractional Differential on Correlation Coefficient between EC1:5 and Reflectance Spectra of Saline Soil
Authors: Xia Nan , Tiyip Tashpolat , Kelimu Ardak , Nurmemet Ilyas , Ding Jianli , Zhang Fei , Zhang Dong
Published: May 2017

Soil salinization is one of the most serious environmental issues in arid and semiarid area with severe social, economic, and ecological problems. At present, most inversion models are based on raw reflectance spectra or integer differential transform. In this study, we measured the hyperspectral reflectance and EC1:5 of soil samples collected form Ebinur Lake to analyze the influence of fractional differential on correlation coefficient between EC1:5 and reflectance spectra. The results showed that the fractional differential increased sensibly the accuracy for the analysis of the reflectance spectra. The study might provide a new insight for monitoring soil salinity using hyperspectral data, and further researches should be concentrated on physical meaning of fractional differential in hyperspectral data to provide theoretical basis to building, describing, and spreading inversion models.
Antiglomerular Basement Membrane Disease in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Master Sankar Raj Vimal , Warnecke Diana , Roberts Julia , Elhadi Sarah
Published: May 2017

Goodpasture’s syndrome (GPS) remains a very rare disease entity in the pediatric population characterized by the presence of pulmonary hemorrhage and rapidly evolving glomerulonephritis. We hereby describe the case of a 2-year-old girl who presented with renal failure and was diagnosed with GPS. A brief review of the literature in regard to data on demographics, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for renal recovery is also provided.