bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil tillage reduces arthropod biodiversity and has lag effects within organic and conventional crop rotations
Authors: Patterson Eli S. P. , Sanderson Roy A. , Eyre Michael D.
Published: December 2018

Crop rotation systems in organic and conventional farming systems differ in crop types, management and duration. However, changes in arthropod communities over the entire rotation system are poorly understood, as many studies have surveyed only single years or have not covered the entire rotation period. Here, we describe changes in arthropods in two contrasting systems at a split organic‐conventional farm: an 8‐year organically managed rotation with five crops and a 5‐year conventionally managed rotation with three crops. Arthropods were classified into three functional groups, representing epigeal predators, foliar predators/parasitoids and herbivores/pollinators. Epigeal predators were particularly reduced by soil tillage which occurred annually in the conventional rotation, but was intermittent in the organic. Arthropods were most abundant on the conventional rotation, but most taxonomically diverse on the organic. In the conventional system, all functional groups showed a cyclical change in their taxonomic composition that closely matched the crop rotation sequence, whereas in the organic rotation, the cycle was less clear. Whilst the current year's crop type was the major determinant of arthropod community composition, there was a significant “lag effect” for many taxa from the preceding year's crop. Our results suggest that both the amounts of soil tillage (e.g., in no‐till systems) and crop rotation order have major impacts on arthropods in agroecosystems. Rotations with excessive soil tillage are likely to reduce the abundance of some groups of beneficial arthropods, especially epigeal predators.
Demographics of Lagocephalus inermis in the Arabian Sea unveils complex conservation challenges
Authors: Anju Chakkalathara Venu , Dahanukar Neelesh , Sidharthan Arya , Ranjeet Kutty , Raghavan Rajeev
Published: December 2018

The first assessment of the demographics of Lagocephalus inermis, a species associated with pufferfish bites and fishing down the food web in the Arabian Sea, south‐west coast of India, was performed based on length structured population dynamics of 1601 individuals caught in commercial fisheries. Analysis revealed that the current level of exploitation is 90% of the predicted exploitation producing maximum relative yield per recruit (Emax), suggesting high levels of exploitation with potential for significant negative consequences for trophic cascades.
Anatomical, microbiological, and genetic considerations in treatment of Chinese periodontal patients
Authors: Goh Edwin X. J. , Ong Marianne M. A.
Published: December 2018

The aim of the present narrative review was to highlight considerations when treating Chinese patients with periodontal diseases. These considerations can be broadly categorized into anatomical, microbiological, and genetic considerations. Anatomical considerations are tooth‐related factors causing site‐specific issues, and these include incisal palatal groove, root concavities, three‐rooted permanent mandibular first molar, furcation entrance dimensions, cervical enamel projections, root trunk length, and molar root fusion. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was found to be commensal in the oral flora of Chinese. The association between a single gene polymorphism and periodontal disease has not been unequivocally proven in Chinese populations. Despite these subtle differences compared to other ethnic populations, studies of Chinese participants from various geographic regions have demonstrated that periodontal disease in this particular ethnic group can be successfully treated.
Reevaluation and discovery of new species of the rare genus Watanabea and establishment of Massjukichlorella gen. nov. (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta) using an integrative approach
Authors: Darienko Tatyana , Pröschold Thomas
Published: December 2018

Chlorella–like coccoid green algae are widely distributed in almost all terrestrial habitats and belong to different lineages of the Chlorophyceae and Trebouxiophyceae. The Watanabea clade of the Trebouxiophyceae shows a high genetic biodiversity. Re‐investigation of the authentic strain of the rarely found W. reniformis showed several morphological differences compared to the original description. To clarify the taxonomic status of Watanabea, we compared several new isolates with similar morphology. Phylogenetic analyses of the SSU and SSU+ITS rDNA sequences revealed that all new isolates were distinct from W. reniformis. The ITS‐2/CBC approach clearly demonstrated that the strains belonging to Watanabea represented species. We emended the generic diagnosis of Watanabea, and proposed four new species. One strain, SAG 2552, represented a separate lineage that we propose as a new genus Massjukichlorella with one species M. epiphytica.
Insufficiency of urinary acid excretion of overweight or obese patients with chronic kidney disease and its involvement with renal tubular injury
Authors: Eguchi Koji , Izumi Yuichiro , Nakayama Yushi , Inoue Hideki , Marume Takahiro , Matsuo Naomi , Hiramatsu Akiko , Ono Makoto , Kakizoe Yutaka , Kuwabara Takashige , Nonoguchi Hiroshi , Mukoyama Masashi
Published: December 2018

Aim

Metabolic acidosis occurs due to insufficient urinary ammonium excretion as chronic kidney disease (CKD) advances. Because obese subjects tend to have excessive consumption of protein and sodium chloride, they are prone to chronic acid loading and may therefore be predisposed to acid‐induced kidney injury. We investigated the involvement of obesity in ammoniagenesis within damaged kidneys.

Methods

In the clinical study, urinary ammonium excretion was compared between 13 normal‐weight and 15 overweight/obese CKD outpatients whose creatinine clearance was higher than 25 mL/min. For animal experiments, NH4Cl was loaded to KKAy/TaJcl (KKAy), a metabolic syndrome model, and control BALB/c mice for 20 weeks. Kidney injury was evaluated through histological analysis and the expression of proinflammatory markers.

Results

Urinary ammonium excretion was lower in overweight/obese patients than in normal‐weight patients, while intakes of protein and sodium chloride were higher in overweight/obese patients, implying that subclinical metabolic acidosis occurs in overweight/obese patients. The increase in urinary ammonium excretion induced by NH4Cl loading was attenuated in KKAy mice after 16 weeks, whereas the increase was maintained in BALB/c mice throughout the study period. Histological study and real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed proximal tubular injury and enhanced expression levels of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) protein and messenger RNA, respectively, in KKAy mice but not in BALB/c mice. Finally, urinary NGAL concentration was higher in overweight/obese patients than in normal‐weight patients in the early stage of CKD.

Conclusion

Obesity could facilitate the induction of subclinical metabolic acidosis and acid accumulation in the kidney, which may potentially exacerbate kidney injury in CKD patients.
Amomum hainanense (Zingiberaceae), a new species from Hainan, China
Authors: Zou Pu , Li Rong‐Tao , Ye Yu‐Shi , Huang Jian‐Ping , Liao Jing‐Ping
Published: December 2018

Amomum hainanense sp. nov., a new species of the genus Amomum (Zingiberaceae), is described and illustrated from the Hainan Province, China. The species is closely related to A. repoeense and A. plicatum, but can be distinguished from the latter by being less tall and having few flowers that are open simultaneously (only two), a membranous ligule and 6–8‐winged fruit ridges (not 9‐winged). The species is known only from Hainan Island.
A new species and a new variety of Lamiaceae from Zhejiang, eastern China
Authors: Jin Xiao‐Feng , Chen Zheng‐Hai , Ding Bing‐Yang
Published: December 2018

Meehania hongliniana and Paraphlomis shunchangensis var. pubicarpa, a new species and a new variety of Lamiaceae from Zhejiang, eastern China, are described with illustrations. Meehania hongliniana is morphologically similar to M. faberi, but differs in its dimorphic stems, ovate and serrate bracts and longer calyces. Paraphlomis shunchangensis var. pubicarpa differs from the autonymous variety by having 4‒12‐flowered verticillasters, sparsely pubescent filaments and corolla, pubescent ovaries and apex of nutlets densely short‐hirsute.
Diverse NLR immune receptors activate defence via the RPW8‐NLR NRG1
Authors: Castel Baptiste , Ngou Pok‐Man , Cevik Volkan , Redkar Amey , Kim Dae‐Sung , Yang Ying , Ding Pingtao , Jones Jonathan D. G.
Published: December 2018

Most land plant genomes carry genes that encode RPW8‐NLR Resistance (R) proteins. Angiosperms carry two RPW8‐NLR subclasses: ADR1 and NRG1. ADR1s act as ‘helper’ NLRs for multiple TIR‐ and CC‐NLR R proteins in Arabidopsis. In angiosperm families, NRG1 co‐occurs with TIR‐NLR Resistance (R) genes. We tested whether NRG1 is required for signalling of multiple TIR‐NLRs.

Using CRISPR mutagenesis, we obtained an nrg1a‐nrg1b double mutant in two Arabidopsis accessions, and an nrg1 mutant in Nicotiana benthamiana.

These mutants are compromised in signalling of all TIR‐NLRs tested, including WRR4A, WRR4B, RPP1, RPP2, RPP4 and the pairs RRS1/RPS4, RRS1B/RPS4B, CHS1/SOC3 and CHS3/CSA1. In Arabidopsis, NRG1 is required for the hypersensitive cell death response (HR) and full oomycete resistance, but not for salicylic acid induction or bacterial resistance. By contrast, nrg1 loss of function does not compromise the CC‐NLR R proteins RPS5 and MLA. RPM1 and RPS2 (CC‐NLRs) function is slightly compromised in an nrg1 mutant. Thus, NRG1 is required for full TIR‐NLR function and contributes to the signalling of some CC‐NLRs.

Some NRG1‐dependent R proteins also signal partially via the NRG1 sister clade, ADR1. We propose that some NLRs signal via NRG1 only, some via ADR1 only and some via both or neither.
Deep‐water dunes on drowned isolated carbonate terraces (Mozambique Channel, south‐west Indian Ocean)
Authors: Miramontes Elda , Jorry Stephan J. , Jouet Gwenael , Counts John W. , Courgeon Simon , Le Roy Pascal , Guerin Charline , Hernández‐Molina F. Javier
Published: December 2018

Subaqueous sand dunes are common bedforms on continental shelves dominated by tidal and geostrophic currents. However, much less is known about sand dunes in deep‐marine settings that are affected by strong bottom currents. In this study, dune fields were identified on drowned isolated carbonate platforms in the Mozambique Channel (south‐west Indian Ocean). The acquired data include multibeam bathymetry, multi‐channel high‐resolution seismic reflection data, sea floor imagery, a sediment sample and current measurements from a moored current meter and hull‐mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler. The dunes are located at water depths ranging from 200 to 600 m on the slope terraces of a modern atoll (Bassas da India Atoll) and within small depressions formed during tectonic deformation of drowned carbonate platforms (Sakalaves Seamount and Jaguar Bank). Dunes are composed of bioclastic medium size sand, and are large to very large, with wavelengths of 40 to 350 m and heights of 0·9 to 9·0 m. Dune migration seems to be unidirectional in each dune field, suggesting a continuous import and export of bioclastic sand, with little sand being recycled. Oceanic currents are very intense in the Mozambique Channel and may be able to erode submerged carbonates, generating carbonate sand at great depths. A mooring located at 463 m water depth on the Hall Bank (30 km west of the Jaguar Bank) showed vigorous bottom currents, with mean speeds of 14 cm sec−1 and maximum speeds of 57 cm sec−1, compatible with sand dune formation. The intensity of currents is highly variable and is related to tidal processes (high‐frequency variability) and to anticyclonic eddies near the seamounts (low‐frequency variability). This study contributes to a better understanding of the formation of dunes in deep‐marine settings and provides valuable information about carbonate preservation after drowning, and the impact of bottom currents on sediment distribution and sea floor morphology.
Soil tillage and cover crop on soil CO2 emissions from sugarcane fields
Authors: Farhate Camila V. V. , de Souza Zigomar M. , La Scala Newton , de Sousa Allan Charlles M. , Santos Ana Paula G. , Carvalho João Luis N.
Published: December 2018

Soil tillage is an agricultural practice that directly affects the global carbon cycle. Our study sought to assess the implications of adopting sunn hemp cover crops with different tillage practices on CO2 emissions for two soil types (clayey and sandy soil) cultivated with sugarcane in Brazil. The experimental design was a split‐plot with randomized blocks, with the main plots being with cover crop or fallow and sub‐plots being under conventional or minimum tillage. Our results indicate that during the first 50 days after soil tillage, the variation in soil CO2 emissions was stimulated by cover crop and soil tillage, while after that, it became dominated by the root respiration of sugarcane plants. We also found that over the first 97 days after the tillage, the clayey soil showed differences between minimum tillage with cover crop and fallow. Conversely, for sandy soil over the first 50 days following, there were differences between the tillage systems under cover cropping. Emissions from sugarcane rows were found to be greater than those from inter‐row positions. We concluded that soils under different textural classes had distinct patterns in terms of soil CO2 emissions. The correct quantification of CO2 emissions during the sugarcane renovation period should prioritize having a short assessment period (~50 days after soil tillage) as well as including measurements at row and inter‐row positions.
CHARACTERIZATION OF MAJOR ALLERGENS OF MACROBRACHIUM ROSENBERGII (GIANT RIVER PRAWN) BY ALLERGENOMIC APPROACH AND THEIR THERMOSTABILITY PROPERTIES
Authors: Misnan Rosmilah , Sockalingam Komathi , Mohamad Yadzir Zailatul Hani , Abdullah Noormalin , Bakhtiar Faizal , Murad Shahnaz
Published: December 2018

Prawn allergy is a common cause of allergic reactions in countries where crustacean is a famous seafood. Macrobrachium rosenbergii (giant river prawn) is declared as a local major food allergens, causes severe symptoms like asthma and anaphylactic shock. Therefore, the goal concerning this research is to identify the allergenicity of heat treated of M. rosenbergii. Prawn extracts have been prepared using fresh raw prawn and three heat-treated prawn flesh (boiled, steamed, fried), then afterward analyzed by the usage of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in conformity with their protein profiles. Allergenic proteins were identified by means of immunoblotting by the use of sera from 30 prawn-allergic patients. The identities of selective major allergens were then determined by mass-spectrometry analysis. The raw prawn has 27 protein fractions between 6 to 207 kDa, while the heat-treated prawns have reduced number of protein bands. Six prominent bands at 72, 65, 48, 38, 36, and 30 kDa were considered as the major allergens of raw extract. Meanwhile, after heat remedies applied, most of the IgE-binding bands were disappeared except for three major allergens at 38, 36 or 30 kDa which were still remain to be seen, suggesting as highly thermostable allergens. Among heat-treated prawns, steamed and boiled elicited more allergenic bands, contrast to fried prawn extract. Mass spectrometry analysis identified two selected major allergens at 36 and 48 kDa as tropomyosin and arginine kinase, respectively. As a conclusion, this study indicated that both thermostable and thermolabile proteins from M. rosenbergii were allergenic. Tropomyosin and arginine kinase were identified as the most important major allergens. Thus, the knowledge on thermostability of prawn allergens are crucial for improving diagnosis and management of prawn allergic patients in this county.
PARAMETRIC ESTIMATION METHODS FOR BIVARIATE COPULA IN RAINFALL APPLICATION
Authors: Mohd Lokoman Rahmah , Yusof Fadhilah
Published: December 2018

This study focuses on the parametric methods: maximum likelihood (ML), inference function of margins (IFM), and adaptive maximization by parts (AMBP) in estimating copula dependence parameter. Their performance is compared through simulation and empirical studies. For empirical study, 44 years of daily rainfall data of Station Kuala Krai and Station Ulu Sekor are used. The correlation of the two stations is statistically significant at 0.4137. The results from the simulation study show that when the sample size is small (n <1000) for correlation level less than 0.80, IFM has the best performance. While, when the sample size is large (n ≥ 1000) for any correlation level, AMBP has the best performance. The results from the empirical study also show that AMBP has the best performance when the sample size is large. Thus, in order to estimate a precise Copula dependence parameter, it can be concluded that for parametric approaches, IFM is preferred for small sample size and has correlation level less than 0.80 and AMBP is preferred for larger sample size and for any correlation level. The results obtained in this study highlight the importance of estimating the dependence structure of the hydrological data. By using the fitted copula, Malaysian Meteorological Department will able to generate hydrological events for a system performance analysis such as flood and drought control system.
KINETICS, EQUILIBRIUM AND MECHANISMS OF NI (II) AND Pb (II) ION BIOSORPTION USING BIOSORBENT MIXTURE OF RHIZOPHORA APICULATE SP. AND ELAEIS GUINEENSIS SP.
Authors: Nicodemus Ujih M. B. , Mohamadin Mohammad Isa , Asli Millaa-Armila , Mohamed Bebe Norlita
Published: December 2018

The existence of metal ions in water supply has become a severe issue and created an awareness in order to find the significant methods for the removal of heavy metals (HM). In this study, the biosorbent used are Oil Palm Mesocarp Fibe (OPMF) (Elaeis guineensis sp.) and Mangrove Bark (Rhizophora apiculate sp.). These biosorbents mixed to form the biosorbent mixture (BM) to enhance the biosorption performance towards Ni (II) and Pb (II) ions. Four parameters applied to investigate the biosorption performance, i.e. reaction time, ratio/dosage, initial concentration and pH values. The biosorption performance for Pb (II) (90%, 5.7mg/g) was higher than Ni (II) (55%, 3.9mg/g). Five kinetic models were exercised to investigate the kinetic mechanisms namely pseudo-first and second-order, Bangham's theory, intra-particles diffusion and Elovich equation. The isotherm models viz. Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Temkin Isotherm exercised to analyse the equilibrium biosorption data. Overall, pseudo-second-order discovered to act as biosorption kinetics for both Ni (II) and Pb (II) ions. The equilibrium biosorption data of Pb (II) was followed Temkin Isotherm, and Ni (II) supported by Freundlich Isotherm.
DETERMINATION OF STRUCTURAL, PHYSICAL, AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF BIOCOMPOSITE THIN FILM FROM WASTE BANANA PEEL
Authors: Nik Yusuf Nik Alnur Auli , Abdul Razab Mohammad Khairul Azhar , Abu Bakar Mohamad Bashree , Jia Yen Khor , Wing Tung Chee , Mohd Ghani Ros Syazmini , Nordin Mohd Nasha'ain
Published: December 2018

This study summarizes the research on organic fillers, where eggshells were used as the reinforcement and banana peels as the matrix in the manufacturing of biocomposite thin film. Banana peel fibers exhibit a good characteristic of renewable material for the substitution of cement-based composites. However, biocomposite properties are limited by the poor adhesion between natural fiber interface and polymer matrix, which can be improved by chemical modification of fibers. In this research, banana peels were subjected to silane treatment. Biocomposite thin film manufacturing processes were carried out using blending and hand lay-up techniques with various concentrations of epoxy/waste banana peels/eggshell filler (EWE) ratios (EWE 0%, EWE 5%, and EWE 10%). X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and thickness swelling test were conducted on silane-treated and untreated banana peel biocomposite samples. In XRD analysis, it was found that EWE 10% sample had the highest crystallinity compared to EWE 0% and EWE 5%, and silane-treated samples had higher crystallinity than untreated samples.  For FTIR test, lignin component was removed in silane treatment based on the changes of IR peak characteristic where the new bonds (-Si-O-C-, -Si-O-Si-, and -Si-C-) were found in treated samples. Besides, TGA results showed that the thermal stability of silane-treated samples was improved significantly with the increase of eggshell filler percentage, which was proven by the decrease in the decomposition stage. In thickness swelling test, the samples achieved higher swelling percentage as the percentage of eggshell filler increased. However, the decrease of 5–6% in thickness swelling of treated samples was possibly offset by the enhancement in fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion.
Learning to Teach: Patterns of Reflective Practice in Written Journal
Authors: Bee Choo Yee , Abdullah Tina , Mohd Nawi Abdullah
Published: December 2018

Reflective practice is essential for teacher education and pre-service teachers (PSTs) often reflect on their learning and teaching experiences to develop themselves into effective teachers in school later. In a case study of a PST in an institute of teacher education in Malaysia, this paper presents the levels of reflection practiced by the PST in his written journals after his digital storytelling presentation in a micro-teaching session. A six-level framework for reflective practice was derived from the written journal. The findings showed that the PST tended to reflect descriptively on the surface level rather than at the deepest level. It is recommended to provide more real teaching contexts for PSTs during teacher education in order to connect theoretical learning to practice.
Compressible Modal Instability Onset in an Aerodynamically Mistuned Transonic Fan
Authors: Brandstetter Christoph , Paoletti Benoit , Ottavy Xavier
Published: December 2018

This paper describes observed modal oscillations arising from a feedback mechanism between an acoustic resonance in the exit flow channel and aerodynamic and aeroelastic disturbances in a transonic fan stage. During tests, the fan suffered from rotating stall and surge which were preceded by low frequency pressure fluctuations. Through a range of aerodynamic and aeromechanical instrumentations, it was possible to determine a clear chain of cause and effect, whereby geometrical asymmetries trigger local instabilities and modal oscillations through an interaction with the system acoustics. To the authors knowledge, this is the first time that modal oscillations occurring before stall are attributed to multiphysical interactions, showing that acoustic characteristics of the system can influence the aerodynamic as well as the aeromechanical stability of fans. This bears implications for the stability assessment of fans and compressors because first, the stability margin may be affected by standing waves generated in bypass ducts or combustion chambers, and second, geometrical variations of the rotor blades which are believed to be beneficial for aeromechanical stability may lead to complex coupling phenomena.
Nonlinear Response of an Inextensible, Cantilevered Beam Subjected to a Nonconservative Follower Force
Authors: McHugh Kevin A. , Dowell Earl H.
Published: December 2018

The dynamic stability of a cantilevered beam actuated by a nonconservative follower force has previously been studied for its interesting dynamical properties and its applications to engineering designs such as thrusters. However, most of the literature considers a linear model. A modest number of papers consider a nonlinear model. Here, a system of nonlinear equations is derived from a new energy approach for an inextensible cantilevered beam with a follower force acting upon it. The equations are solved in time, and the agreement is shown with published results for the critical force including the effects of damping (as determined by a linear model). This model readily allows the determination of both in-plane and out-of-plane deflections as well as the constraint force. With this novel transparency into the system dynamics, the nonlinear postcritical limit cycle oscillations (LCO) are studied including a concentration on the force which enforces the inextensibility constraint.
Vinyasa Flow: Metabolic Cost and Validation of Hip- and Wrist-Worn Wearable Sensors
Authors: Huberty Jennifer L. , Matthews Jeni L. , Toledo Meynard , Smith Lindsay , Jarrett Catherine L. , Duncan Benjamin , Buman Matthew P.
Published: December 2018

Purpose: To estimate the energy expenditure (EE) of Vinyasa Flow and validate the Actigraph (AG) and GENEActiv (GA) for measuring EE in Vinyasa Flow. Methods: Participants (N = 22) were fitted to a mask attached to the Oxycon. An AG was placed on the left hip and a GA was placed on the non-dominant wrist. Participants were randomized to an initial resting activity before completing a 30-minute Vinyasa Flow video. AG data was scored using the Freedson VM3 (2011) and the Freedson Adult (1998) algorithms in the Actilife software platform. EE from GA were derived using cut points from a previous study. Date and time filters were added corresponding to the time stamps recorded by the tablet video files of each yoga session. Kcals and METs expended by participants were calculated using bodyweight measured during their visit. Data was analyzed using SPSS. A dependent samples t-test, an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and mean absolute difference were used to determine agreement between variables. Results: According to the Oxycon, participation in Vinyasa Flow required an average EE of 3.2 ± 0.4 METs. The absolute agreement between the Oxycon, AG, or GA was poor (ICC < .20). The mean difference in METs for the AG was −2.1 ± 0.6 and GA was −1.4 ± 0.6 (all p < .01). Conclusion: According to the Oxycon, participation in Vinyasa Flow met the criteria for moderate-intensity physical activity. The AG and GA consistently underestimated EE. More research is needed to determine an accurate measurement for EE during yoga using a wearable device appropriate for free-living environments.
Virulence Role of the GlcNAc Side Chain of the Lancefield Cell Wall Carbohydrate Antigen in Non-M1-Serotype Group AStreptococcus
Authors: Henningham Anna , Davies Mark R. , Uchiyama Satoshi , van Sorge Nina M. , Lund Sean , Chen Kelsey T. , Walker Mark J. , Cole Jason N. , Nizet Victor
Published: December 2018

Classification of streptococci is based upon expression of unique cell wall carbohydrate antigens. All serotypes of group AStreptococcus(GAS;Streptococcus pyogenes), a leading cause of infection-related mortality worldwide, express the group A carbohydrate (GAC). GAC, the classical Lancefield antigen, is comprised of a polyrhamnose backbone withN-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) side chains. The immunodominant GlcNAc epitope of GAC is the basis of all rapid diagnostic testing for GAS infection. We previously identified the 12-gene GAC biosynthesis gene cluster and determined that the glycosyltransferase GacI was required for addition of the GlcNAc side chain to the polyrhamnose core. Loss of the GAC GlcNAc epitope in serotype M1 GAS resulted in attenuated virulence in two animal infection models and increased GAS sensitivity to killing by whole human blood, serum, neutrophils, and antimicrobial peptides. Here, we report that the GAC biosynthesis gene cluster is ubiquitous among 520 GAS isolates from global sources, representing 105 GASemmserotypes. Isogenic ΔgacImutants were constructed in M2, M3, M4, M28, and M89 backgrounds and displayed an array of phenotypes in susceptibility to killing by whole human blood, baby rabbit serum, human platelet releasate, human neutrophils, and antimicrobial peptide LL-37. The contribution of the GlcNAc side chain to GAS survivalin vivoalso varied by strain, demonstrating that it is not a prerequisite for virulence in the murine infection model. Thus, the relative contribution of GAC to virulence in non-M1 serotypes appears to depend on the quorum of other virulence factors that each strain possesses.

IMPORTANCEThe Lancefield group A carbohydrate (GAC) is the species-defining antigen for group AStreptococcus(GAS), comprising ~50% of the cell wall of this major human pathogen. We previously showed that the GlcNAc side chain of GAC contributes to the innate immune resistance and animal virulence phenotypes of the globally disseminated strain of serotype M1 GAS. Here, we use isogenic mutagenesis to examine the role of GAC GlcNAc in five additional medically relevant GAS serotypes. Overall, the GlcNAc side chain of GAC contributes to the innate immune resistance of GAS, but the relative contribution varies among individual strains. Moreover, the GAC GlcNAc side chain is not a universal prerequisite for GAS virulence in the animal model.
Impact of abolishing prescription fees in Scotland on hospital admissions and prescribed medicines: an interrupted time series evaluation
Authors: Williams Andrew James , Henley William , Frank John
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To identify whether the abolition of prescription fees in Scotland resulted in: (1) Increase in the number (cost to NHS) of medicines prescribed for which there had been a fee (inhaled corticosteroids). (2) Reduction in hospital admissions for conditions related to those medications for which there had been a fee (asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD))—when both are compared with prescribed medicines and admissions for a condition (diabetes mellitus) for which prescriptions were historically free.

Design

Natural experimental retrospective general practice level interrupted time series (ITS) analysis using administrative data.

Setting

General practices, Scotland, UK.

Participants

732 (73.6%) general practices across Scotland with valid dispensed medicines and hospital admissions data during the study period (July 2005–December 2013).

Intervention

Reduction in fees per dispensed item from April 2008 leading to the abolition of the fee in April 2011, resulting in universal free prescriptions.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Hospital admissions recorded in the Scottish Morbidity Record – 01 Inpatient (SMR01) and dispensed medicines recorded in the Prescribing Information System (PIS).

Results

The ITS analysis identified marked step reductions in adult (19–59 years) admissions related to asthma or COPD (the intervention group), compared with older or young people with the same conditions or adults with diabetes mellitus (the counterfactual groups). The prescription findings were less coherent and subsequent sensitivity analyses found that both the admissions and prescriptions data were highly variable above the annual or seasonal level, limiting the ability to interpret the findings of the ITS analysis.

Conclusions

This study did not find sufficient evidence that universal free prescriptions was a demonstrably effective or ineffective policy, in terms of reducing hospital admissions or reducing socioeconomic inequality in hospital admissions, in the context of a universal, publicly administered medical care system, the National Health Service of Scotland.
Differences in the outcomes of adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer prescribed by physicians in different disciplines: a population-based study in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh Cheng-I , Kuo Raymond Nien-Chen , Liang Chun-Chieh , Tsai Hsin-Yun , Chung Kuo-Piao
Published: December 2018

Objectives

One feature unique to the Taiwanese healthcare system is the ability of physicians other than oncologists to prescribe systemic chemotherapy. This study investigated whether the care paths implemented by oncologists and non-oncologists differ with regard to patient outcomes.

Setting

Data from the Taiwan Cancer Registry and National Health Insurance Database were linked to identify patients with colon cancer who underwent colectomy as first treatment within 3 months of diagnosis and adjuvant chemotherapy between 2005 and 2009.

Participants and methods

Postoperative patients who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy were included in this study. The exclusion criteria included patients with stage IV disease, a positive surgical margin and early disease recurrence. Among the patients presenting with multiple primary cancers, we also excluded patients who were diagnosed with colon cancer but for whom this was not the first primary cancer. The variables included sex, age, comorbidities, disease stage, chemotherapy cycle and changes in treatment regimen as well as the specialty of treatment providers and their case volume. Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used to examine differences in outcomes in the matched cohorts.

Results

We examined 3534 patients who were prescribed adjuvant chemotherapy by physicians from different disciplines. In terms of 5-year disease-free survival, no significant difference was observed between the groups of oncologists or surgeons among patients with stage II (90.02%vs88.99%) or stage III (77.64%vs79.99%) diseases. Patients who were subjected to changes in their chemotherapy regimens presented recurrence rates higher than those who were not.

Conclusions

The discipline of practitioners is seldom taken into account in most series. This is the first study to provide empirical evidence demonstrating that the outcomes of patients with colon cancer do not depend on the treatment path, as long as the selection criteria for adjuvant chemotherapy is appropriate. Further study will be required before making any further conclusions.
Clinical, neurocognitive and demographic factors associated with functional impairment in the Australian Brain and Mind Youth Cohort Study (2008–2016)
Authors: Lee Rico S C , Hermens Daniel F , Naismith Sharon L , Kaur Manreena , Guastella Adam J , Glozier Nick , Scott Jan , Scott Elizabeth M , Hickie Ian B
Published: December 2018

Objectives

We sought to determine the unique and shared contributions of clinical, neurocognitive and demographic factors to functional impairment in a large, transdiagnostic, clinical cohort of adolescents and young adults.

Design

Cross-sectional baseline data from a prospective, cohort study.

Setting

Help-seeking youth referred from outpatient services were recruited to theBrain and Mind Youth Cohort(2008–2016) in Sydney, Australia.

Participants

In total, 1003 outpatients were recruited, aged between 12 and 36 years (mean= 20.4 years, 54% female), with baseline diagnoses of affective, psychotic, developmental or behavioural disorders.

Interventions

Treatment as usual.

Primary outcome measures

Social and occupational functioning was used to index level of functional impairment. Structural equation modelling was used to examine associations between neurocognition, core clinical symptoms and alcohol and substance use, and clinician-rated and researcher-rated functional impairment. Moderator analyses were conducted to determine the potential influence of demographic and clinical factors (eg, medication exposure).

Results

Independent of diagnosis, we found that neurocognitive impairments, and depressive, anxiety and negative symptoms, were significantly associated with functioning. The association of neurocognition with social and occupational functioning remained significant even when constraining for age (15–25-year-olds only) or diagnosis (affective disorders only) in the final model.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that, in a clinically representative sample of youth, the key determinants of functioning may not be disorder specific. Further, evidence of neurocognitive dysfunction suggests that interventions that target cognition and functioning should not necessarily be reserved just for older adults with established illness.
Trends of socioeconomic equality in mortality amenable to healthcare and health policy in 1992–2013 in Finland: a population-based register study
Authors: Lumme Sonja , Manderbacka Kristiina , Karvonen Sakari , Keskimäki Ilmo
Published: December 2018

Objective

To study trends in socioeconomic equality in mortality amenable to healthcare and health policy interventions.

Design

A population-based register study.

Setting

Nationwide data on mortality from the Causes of Death statistics for the years 1992–2013.

Participants

All deaths of Finnish inhabitants aged 25–74.

Outcome measures

Yearly age-standardised rates of mortality amenable to healthcare interventions, alcohol-related mortality, ischaemic heart disease mortality and mortality due to all the other causes by income. Concentration index (C) was used to evaluate the magnitude and changes in income group differences.

Results

Significant socioeconomic inequalities favouring the better-off were observed in each mortality category among younger (25–64) and older (65–74) age groups. Inequality was highest in alcohol-related mortality, C was −0.58 (95% CI −0.62 to −0.54) among younger men in 2008 and −0.62 (−0.72 to −0.53) among younger women in 2013. Socioeconomic inequality increased significantly during the study period except for alcohol-related mortality among older women.

Conclusions

The increase in socioeconomic inequality in mortality amenable to healthcare and health policy interventions between 1992 and 2013 suggests that either the means or the implementation of the health policies have been inadequate.
Angioedema of the small bowel caused by lisinopril
Authors: Mujer Mark Terence P , Rai Manoj P , Nemakayala Divyesh Reddy , Yam Julie L
Published: December 2018

In conjunction withBMJ Case Reports,DTBwill feature occasional drug-related cases that are likely to be of interest to readers. These will include cases that involve recently marketed drugs for which there is limited knowledge of adverse effects and cases that highlight unusual reactions to drugs that have been marketed for several years.
Reimagining energy in the Canadian boreal zone: policy needs to facilitate a successful transition to a low-carbon energy future1
Authors: Serran Jacqueline N. , Creed Irena F. , Ouellet Dallaire Camille , Nelson Harry , Potvin Catherine , Sharma Divya , Poelzer Greg
Published: December 2018

Canada will be unable to meet its greenhouse gas pledges—of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% over 2005 levels by 2030—without transitioning away from the current high-carbon economy. This transition will bring new challenges, especially to the Canadian boreal zone. The boreal zone continues to experience intensive natural resource activities including the extraction of forest, mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy products, which in combination with climate change, is placing the future sustainability of the boreal zone at risk. We explored policy options to reduce the risk to the future sustainability of the boreal zone in light of the inevitable energy transition to either a higher or a lower dependence on carbon and the uncertainty of society’s capacity to adapt to change. Current policies are putting us on a path towards failure to achieve sustainability of the boreal zone. While current policies may be moving us towards a low-carbon future, they lack a shared vision of what the energy transition will be and engagement by those members of society most impacted; they are top-down, prescriptive, and fragmented, and they lack capacity, accountability, and enforcement. Together these limitations create barriers to society’s capacity to adapt to the low-carbon future. Sustainability of the boreal zone will not only require a transition to a low-carbon economy but will require policies that overcome these barriers and create a higher capacity for society to adapt.
Outer synchronization of general colored networks with different-dimensional node via sliding mode control
Authors: Liu Shuang , Wang Qingyun
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a separated sliding mode strategy is proposed for the synchronization of network systems. To break the predicament caused by the inhomogeneity of nodes coupling in complex network, a colored network with different node systems and edges is given. According to the nonlinear subsystem of the colored complex networks, a separated sliding mode controller is designed, while for the linear subsystem, some appropriate system parameters are established to implement synchronization. Then, based on the Lyapunov stability theory, the performance of the sliding mode controller is appraised through the synchronization for the colored networks consisting of different-dimensional systems and nonidentical interactions. In the end, two simulation illustrations are employed to demonstrate the presented control method.
Electronic and magnetic properties of BN nanosheet superlattices: First-principles calculations
Authors: Feng Xiao-Qin , Lu Hong-Xia , Jia Jian-Ming , Wang Chang-Shun
Published: December 2018

Systematic ab initio calculations reveal that the electronic and magnetic properties are modified by superlattices of zigzag and armchair Boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS). Superlattices are constructed by partially hydrogenated B and N atoms of BNNS. The results show that only no more than half N atoms hydrogenated superlattices are antiferromagnetic. The electronic properties of zigzag BN nanosheet superlattices depend on the degree of hydrogenation of N atoms sensitively. As a result, changing the degree of hydrogenation of N atoms results in the transition from semiconductor to metal.
The stability of graphene-based Möbius strip with vacancy and at high-temperature
Authors: Yang Kaishuai , Zhang Chuanguo , Zheng Xiaohong , Wang Xianlong , Zeng Zhi
Published: December 2018

The structural and electronic properties of mono-vacancy (MV) defect in graphene-based Möbius strip (GMS) are studied in the framework of density functional theory (DFT) combined with the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Two kinds of MV defects are observed: the 59-type MV (a configuration with one pentagon and one nonagon ring) located at the curved areas of Möbius strip, and the 5566-type MV (a configuration with two pentagon and two hexagon rings) with one sp3 hybridized carbon appeared in the twisted areas. The 5566-type MV defect is the most stable configuration at 0 K, while the DFT-MD calculations show that it is unstable at room-temperature and will transform into a 59-type MV. Additionally, the melting behavior of GMSs is investigated through empirical potential MD simulations, and we find that their melting temperatures are about 2750 K, which is lower than that of carbon nanotubes and graphene.
Preparation and properties of duplex NI-P-TIO2/NI nanocomposite coatings
Authors: Zhang Weihui , Cao Di , Qiao Yanxin , Wang Yuxin , Li Xiang , Gao Wei
Published: December 2018

Duplex Ni-P-TiO2/Ni coatings were deposited on the brass substrate by using two baths. Ni-P-TiO2nanocomposite coatings were electroplated as the outer layer on the Ni-plated brass substrate by adding transparent TiO2sol (0–50 mL/L) into the Ni-P plating solution. The microstructure, mechanical property and corrosion resistance of the duplex Ni-P-TiO2/Ni nanocomposite coatings were systemically investigated. The results show that the interface of duplex coating was uniform and the adhesion between two layers was extremely good. The microhardness of duplex Ni-P-12.5 mL/L TiO2/Ni coating was [Formula: see text]616 HV[Formula: see text] compared to [Formula: see text]539 HV[Formula: see text] of Ni-P /Ni coating and [Formula: see text]307 HV[Formula: see text] of single Ni coating. Meanwhile, the wear resistance and the corrosion resistance of the duplex nanocomposite coating have also been improved remarkably compared with single Ni coating. However, adding excessive TiO2sol (more than 12.5 mL/L) caused the agglomeration of TiO2nanoparticles and led to a porous structure in the outer layer, resulting in the deterioration of coating properties.
Synthesis, spectral and electrochemical redox properties of N-methyl fused nickel(II) porphyrin
Authors: Ahmad Dar Tawseef , Mandeep  , Sankar Muniappan
Published: December 2018

[Formula: see text]-methyl fused nickel(II) porphyrin was synthesized by a facile synthetic route in excellent yield. The effect of the electron-donating methyl group on spectral and electrochemical redox properties was analyzed by comparing the electrochemistry with that of its precursors. [Formula: see text]-methylated fused nickel(II) porphyrin exhibited a red-shifted absorption spectrum ([Formula: see text] 6–13 nm) and a 180[Formula: see text]mV anodic shift in the first ring oxidation as well as a 210[Formula: see text]mV shift in reduction with respect to its Ni(II)-fused porphyrin precursor (Ni[Formula: see text]-(NH)TPP). However, the absorption spectral features and redox potentials of N-methyl fused nickel(II) porphyrin are marginally shifted as compared to its immediate precursor, [Formula: see text]-formyl Ni(II)-fused porphyrin. Notably, Ni(II)(N-CH[Formula: see text](CHO)TPP exhibited a third oxidation at 1.51[Formula: see text]mV, corresponding to oxidation of Ni(II) to Ni(III) due to the presence of “push–pull” [Formula: see text] substituents.
OBESE AND SENIOR FACTORS INCREASE THE INCIDENCE OF LIPOMA IN DOGS WITH NON-MALIGNANT SKIN MASS
Authors: Huang Hsin-Hung , Chen Wen-Ying , Chang Shih-Chieh
Published: December 2018

Lipomas in dogs are a common benign mesenchymal tumor and are usually not life-threatening, but surgical management may be recommended if dogs develop discomfort and exercise inconvenience. To date, studies showing the relationship between body condition scores (BCSs) and the incidence rates of lipomas are rare, and definite risk factors are still unclear. The purpose of this retrospective, case–control study was to investigate the relationship between lipomas and obesity or high BCS. A total of 185 dogs were included in the study. There were 133 dogs diagnosed with lipomas in case group and 52 dogs without lipomas in control group. The diagnoses of control group included panniculitis, granulomas and non-neoplastic disease. To explore the relationship between BCS variables and lipomas, the binary logistic regression analysis was used. The results showed that, in dogs with lipomas, there were significant differences between those that were obese and those that had optimal body conditions. Dogs with [Formula: see text] had a higher risk than dogs with [Formula: see text], and the odds ratio was 5.04 ([Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]). On the contrary, seniors had a higher risk than adult. In conclusion, obesity and senior factor increase the incidence of lipomas in dogs with non-malignant skin mass.
TESTING THE LONG-RUN RISK MODEL: A KALMAN FILTER APPROACH
Authors: WANG JIANQIU , WU KE
Published: December 2018

This paper reevaluates the Long-Run Risk model proposed by Bansal and Yaron (2004) using the Kalman filter and Maximum Likelihood estimation method. Our findings show that the persistence of the small long-run predictable component in the consumption growth process is the key for the model performance. In our estimation exercises, if we relax the persistence restriction on the long-run risk parameter and adopt a Maximum Likelihood estimate, the Long-Run Risk model still requires a relative risk aversion at around 70 to fit the US data. However, we do not find strong empirical support for the persistence restriction from the data.