bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sympatric serpentine endemic Monardella (Lamiaceae) species maintain habitat differences despite hybridization
Authors: Kay Kathleen M. , Woolhouse Suzie , Smith Brett A. , Pope Nathaniel S. , Rajakaruna Nishanta
Published: April 2018

Ecological differentiation and genetic isolation are thought to be critical in facilitating coexistence between related species, but the relative importance of these phenomena and the interactions between them are not well understood. Here, we examine divergence in abiotic habitat affinity and the extent of hybridization and introgression between two rare species of Monardella (Lamiaceae) that are both restricted to the same serpentine soil exposure in California. Although broadly sympatric, they are found in microhabitats that differ consistently in soil chemistry, slope, rockiness and vegetation. We identify one active hybrid zone at a site with intermediate soil and above‐ground characteristics, and we document admixture patterns indicative of extensive and asymmetric introgression from one species into the other. We find that genetic distance among heterospecific populations is related to geographic distance, such that the extent of apparent introgression is partly explained by the spatial proximity to the hybrid zone. Our work shows that plant species can maintain morphological and ecological integrity in the face of weak genetic isolation, intermediate habitats can facilitate the establishment of hybrids, and that the degree of apparent introgression a population experiences is related to its geographic location rather than its local habitat characteristics.
Hierarchical decision‐making balances current and future reproductive success
Authors: Ringler Eva , Szipl Georgine , Harrigan Ryan J. , Bartl‐Binder Perta , Mangione Rosanna , Ringler Max
Published: April 2018

Parental decisions in animals are often context‐dependent and shaped by fitness trade‐offs between parents and offspring. For example, the selection of breeding habitats can considerably impact the fitness of both offspring and parents, and therefore, parents should carefully weigh the costs and benefits of available options for their current and future reproductive success. Here, we show that resource‐use preferences are shaped by a trade‐off between parental effort and offspring safety in a tadpole‐transporting frog. In a large‐scale in situ experiment, we investigated decision strategies across an entire population of poison frogs that distribute their tadpoles across multiple water bodies. Pool use followed a dynamic and sequential selection process, and transportation became more efficient over time. Our results point to a complex suite of environmental variables that are considered during offspring deposition, which necessitates a highly dynamic and flexible decision‐making process in tadpole‐transporting frogs.
Comparing methods for detecting multilocus adaptation with multivariate genotype–environment associations
Authors: Forester Brenna R. , Lasky Jesse R. , Wagner Helene H. , Urban Dean L.
Published: April 2018

Identifying adaptive loci can provide insight into the mechanisms underlying local adaptation. Genotype–environment association (GEA) methods, which identify these loci based on correlations between genetic and environmental data, are particularly promising. Univariate methods have dominatedGEA, despite the high dimensional nature of genotype and environment. Multivariate methods, which analyse many loci simultaneously, may be better suited to these data as they consider how sets of markers covary in response to environment. These methods may also be more effective at detecting adaptive processes that result in weak, multilocus signatures. Here, we evaluate four multivariate methods and five univariate and differentiation‐based approaches, using published simulations of multilocus selection. We found that Random Forest performed poorly forGEA. UnivariateGEAs performed better, but had low detection rates for loci under weak selection. Constrained ordinations, particularly redundancy analysis (RDA), showed a superior combination of low false‐positive and high true‐positive rates across all levels of selection. These results were robust across the demographic histories, sampling designs, sample sizes and weak population structure tested here. The value of combining detections from different methods was variable and depended on the study goals and knowledge of the drivers of selection. Re‐analysis of genomic data from grey wolves highlighted the unique, covarying sets of adaptive loci that could be identified usingRDA. Although additional testing is needed, this study indicates thatRDAis an effective means of detecting adaptation, including signatures of weak, multilocus selection, providing a powerful tool for investigating the genetic basis of local adaptation.
Genomewide signatures of selection in Epichloë reveal candidate genes for host specialization
Authors: Schirrmann Melanie K. , Zoller Stefan , Croll Daniel , Stukenbrock Eva H. , Leuchtmann Adrian , Fior Simone
Published: April 2018

Host specialization is a key process in ecological divergence and speciation of plant‐associated fungi. The underlying determinants of host specialization are generally poorly understood, especially in endophytes, which constitute one of the most abundant components of the plant microbiome. We addressed the genetic basis of host specialization in two sympatric subspecies of grass‐endophytic fungi from the Epichloë typhina complex: subsp. typhina and clarkii. The life cycle of these fungi entails unrestricted dispersal of gametes and sexual reproduction before infection of a new host, implying that the host imposes a selective barrier on viability of the progeny. We aimed to detect genes under divergent selection between subspecies, experiencing restricted gene flow due to adaptation to different hosts. Using pooled whole‐genome sequencing data, we combined FST and DXY population statistics in genome scans and detected 57 outlier genes showing strong differentiation between the two subspecies. Genomewide analyses of nucleotide diversity (π), Tajima's D and dN/dS ratios indicated that these genes have evolved under positive selection. Genes encoding secreted proteins were enriched among the genes showing evidence of positive selection, suggesting that molecular plant–fungus interactions are strong drivers of endophyte divergence. We focused on five genes encoding secreted proteins, which were further sequenced in 28 additional isolates collected across Europe to assess genetic variation in a larger sample size. Signature of positive selection in these isolates and putative identification of pathogenic function supports our findings that these genes represent strong candidates for host specialization determinants in Epichloë endophytes. Our results highlight the role of secreted proteins as key determinants of host specialization.
For Cryptococcus neoformans, responding to the copper status in a colonization niche is not just about copper
Authors: Kosman Daniel J.
Published: April 2018

Most fungi express two transcription factors that regulate the expression of genes associated with copper uptake for nutritional needs, and with copper resistance when copper approaches a cytotoxic level. These factors are characterized by cysteine‐rich motifs which are associated with copper‐sensing, DNA‐binding and release, and/or cytoplasmic retention. Cryptococcus neoformans differs from most in that it expresses a single such copper‐sensing trans‐factor, Cuf1, a protein that up‐regulates copper uptake when copper is scarce, and up‐regulates copper sequestration when cells become super‐replete. For C. neoformans this is an essential task in as much as copper is relatively bioavailable in lung airways while the brain interstitium can be copper‐limiting for growth. While fungal dependence on and sensitivity to copper have long been considered targets for anti‐fungal chemistry, fungi have proven adept at finding ‘work arounds’ by using a chelated form of copper as nutrient or adapting to a copper‐surfaced hospital bed by increased resistance. However, the cohort of Cuf1 targets identified in this report represent far more than just the uptake and sequestration machinery, but include additional loci that, perhaps, are less easily ‘defended’ by the fungus. Garcia‐Santamarina et al. provide that list and thus lay the ground‐work for developing novel anti‐fungal reagents.
Mutation of a Nicotiana tabacum L. eukaryotic translation‐initiation factor gene reduces susceptibility to a resistance‐breaking strain of Potato virus Y
Authors: Takakura Yoshimitsu , Udagawa Hisashi , Shinjo Akira , Koga Kazuharu
Published: April 2018

Eukaryotic translation‐initiation factors eIF4E and eIF(iso)4E in plants play key roles in infection by potyviruses and other plant RNA viruses. Mutations in the genes encoding these factors reduce susceptibility to the viruses, and are the basis of several recessive virus resistance genes widely used in plant breeding. Because virus variants occasionally break such resistance, the molecular basis for this process must be elucidated. Although deletion mutants of eIF4E1‐S of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) resist Potato virus Y (PVY; the type member of the genus Potyvirus), resistance‐breaking strains of PVY threaten tobacco production worldwide. Here, we used RNA interference technology to knock down tobacco eIF4E2‐S and eIF4E2‐T genes or eIF(iso)4E‐S and eIF(iso)4E‐T genes. Transgenic plants with reduced transcript levels of both eIF(iso)4E‐S and eIF(iso)4E‐T showed reduced susceptibility to a resistance‐breaking PVY strain with a K105E mutation in the viral genome‐associated protein (VPg). By screening a population of chemically induced mutants of eIF(iso)4E‐S and eIF(iso)4E‐T, we showed that plants with a nonsense mutation in eIF(iso)4E‐T, but not eIF(iso)4E‐S, showed reduced susceptibility to the resistance‐breaking PVY strain. In a yeast two‐hybrid assay, VPg of the resistance‐breaking strain, but not wild‐type PVY, physically interacted with the eIF(iso)4E‐T protein. Thus, eIF4E1‐S is required for infection by PVY, but eIF(iso)4E‐T is required for infection by the resistance‐breaking strain. Our study provides the first evidence for the involvement of a host eukaryotic translation‐initiation factor in the infection cycle of a resistance‐breaking virus strain. The eIF(iso)4E‐T mutants will be useful in tobacco breeding to introduce resistance against resistance‐breaking PVY strains.
Primary lymphomatoid granulomatosis in the central nervous system: A report of three cases
Authors: Kim Joong‐Yub , Jung Kyeong Cheon , Park Sung‐Hye , Choe Ji‐Young , Kim Ji Eun
Published: April 2018

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by infiltration of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive large atypical B‐cells in an angiocentric fashion in a mixed inflammatory background. The histologic spectrum of LYG ranges from reactive proliferation to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma according to the number of EBV+ B‐cells. It is known that virtually all patients have pulmonary involvement, whereas primary LYG of the other organs has been rarely reported. Herein, we describe three cases of primary LYG of the central nervous system (CNS) without pulmonary lesions, and this is the first collection to be reported in Korea. All of the cases revealed multifocal enhancing necrotic brain lesions masking as metastatic tumors, infection or vasculitis. These patients were successfully managed by corticosteroids and immunomodulating agents without chemotherapy against malignant lymphoma even in grade 3 LYG. We assume that primary CNS LYG might be less aggressive and more controllable than pulmonary LYG. The clinicopathologic characteristics of the cases with a special regard to the differential diagnosis and clinical courses are discussed in combination with an overview of the literature.
Cerebellar high‐grade astrocytoma with IDH mutations in the elderly: A report of two cases
Authors: Matsumura Nozomi , Ikota Hayato , Yamazaki Tatsuya , Nakata Satoshi , Nobusawa Sumihito , Hirato Junko , Yoshimoto Yuhei , Yokoo Hideaki
Published: April 2018

Cerebellar high‐grade gliomas are rare, and likely to affect younger patients compared with those of cerebral origin. Recent genetic analyses have revealed that isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1/2 mutations are rare in infratentorial gliomas. In this paper, we report two elderly cases of IDH‐mutated cerebellar high‐grade glioma with unusual histological features and uncommon patient ages. One case was an 83‐year‐old man, whose tumor was predominantly composed of densely packed round‐to‐polygonal epithelioid cells. The other was a 75‐year‐old woman's high‐grade astrocytoma characterized by cord‐like structures and the perivascular papillary arrangements with varying amounts of myxoid matrix. The former harbored IDH1 R132H mutation, whereas the latter had IDH2 R172K mutation. According to our literature review, eight cases of IDH‐mutated infratentorial gliomas including the present cases have been reported, and four had mutations other than IDH1 R132H. Moreover, we herein report the first elderly case of IDH2‐mutation. Although the number is limited, IDH‐mutant infratentorial diffuse gliomas may have clinical, histological and genetic features different from supratentorial cases.
Efficient and flexible uptake system for mineral elements in plants
Authors: Che Jing , Yamaji Naoki , Ma Jian Feng
Published: April 2018

Contents

Summary
513

I.
Introduction
513

II.
Efficient uptake system formed by influx and efflux transporters of mineral elements
514

III.
Polarity of transporters for mineral elements
515

IV.
Regulation of transporters in response to environmental change
515

V.
Sensing and signaling pathways regulating the uptake of mineral elements
515

VI.
Conclusions and perspectives
516

Acknowledgements
516

References
516

Mineral elements required for plant growth and development must first be taken up by the roots from soil. Plants have developed an efficient uptake system for the radial transport of mineral elements from soil to central stele through the allocation of various transporters at different root cells. These transporters are regulated at transcriptional, translational and/or post‐translational level to cope with the fluctuation of mineral elements in soil. In this insight, we describe an efficient uptake system for mineral elements formed by influx and efflux transporters, regulatory mechanisms and polarity of these transporters, and sensing and signal pathways, in response to spatial and temporal changes of mineral elements in soil. An understanding of the mineral element uptake system in different plant species, and its regulatory network, will contribute to high and safe crop production under varying environments.
Working memory consolidation: insights from studies on attention and working memory
Authors: Ricker Timothy J. , Nieuwenstein Mark R. , Bayliss Donna M. , Barrouillet Pierre
Published: April 2018

Working memory, the system that maintains a limited set of representations for immediate use in cognition, is a central part of human cognition. Three processes have recently been proposed to govern information storage in working memory: consolidation, refreshing, and removal. Here, we discuss in detail the theoretical construct of working memory consolidation, a process critical to the creation of a stable working memory representation. We present a brief overview of the research that indicated the need for a construct such as working memory consolidation and the subsequent research that has helped to define the parameters of the construct. We then move on to explicitly state the points of agreement as to what processes are involved in working memory consolidation.
Pretia Victoriaeor Just an Occasional Bonus? Analysis of Iron Age Lead Artefacts from the Somerset Lake Villages
Authors: Ponting Matthew
Published: April 2018

This paper looks at the evidence for the extraction of silver from lead ores in Iron Age and Roman Britain. Analysis shows that many of the lead objects from the Somerset Lake Villages were made from Mendip lead, but their chemical composition suggests that they were not produced from lead that had been de‐silvered, but from smelted galena with variable silver content. Furthermore, analysis of a Roman lead pig, made from Charterhouse lead ores, shows that it was made of chemically identical lead. Does this mean that silver was not extracted from British lead in the Iron Age and Roman periods? The evidence discussed and the results of the analyses suggest that silver was not always extracted from lead even when it was economical to do so. This was a cultural choice and not a technological limitation, one also found in other times and places around the world.
Making and Keeping Promises: Regime Type and Power‐Sharing Pacts in Peace Agreements
Authors: Jarstad Anna , Nilsson Desirée
Published: April 2018

Power sharing is increasingly recognized as an important tool for creating sustainable peace in war‐torn societies. However, we have limited knowledge concerning why political, territorial, and military power‐sharing pacts are reached and implemented. This article addresses this gap by providing a global study examining the signing and implementation of power‐sharing pacts in intrastate armed conflicts. We focus on how the type of political regime can influence these choices and theorize about the strategic incentives for warring parties in different types of regimes to sign and implement different pacts. Our large‐N analysis is based on data on power‐sharing provisions in eighty‐three peace accords in forty intrastate armed conflicts between 1989 and 2004. In line with our theoretical expectations, we find that political and military pacts are more likely to be signed in autocracies, whereas territorial pacts are more common in democracies. Somewhat surprisingly, we find no difference in the implementation patterns across regimes.
Successful merging of data from the United Network for Organ Sharing and the Pediatric Health Information System databases
Authors: Getz Kelly D. , He Christy , Li Yimei , Huang Yuan‐Shung V. , Burstein Danielle S. , Rossano Joseph , Aplenc Richard
Published: April 2018

Data routinely collected through United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) lack the detailed information on medical resource utilization and treatment costs required to accomplish for center‐level comparisons of quality of care and cost for pediatric heart transplantation. We aimed to overcome this limitation by merging UNOS with the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database, an administrative database containing inpatient, emergency department, ambulatory surgery, and observation unit information from over 40 not‐for‐profit, tertiary care pediatric hospitals. Utilizing a probabilistic match based on center, date of birth, recipient gender, and transplant date within ±2 days, more than 90% of eligible UNOS patients (N = 2264) were successfully merged to their corresponding PHIS records. Thirty‐day and 1‐year mortality rates observed for the merged cohort (3.2% and 9.0%, respectively) were compared with those previously reported for pediatric heart transplants, as were the significant predictors of increased mortality. These results demonstrate that the established UNOS‐PHIS cohort will provide a valid platform for subsequent research aimed at identifying center‐level differences that could be exploited to optimize quality of care while minimizing cost across institutions.
Research progress on the immune mechanism of the silkworm Bombyx mori
Authors: Yang Yanhua , Tang Hanhan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhu Feifei , Lü Peng , Yao Qin , Chen Keping
Published: April 2018

The silkworm Bombyx mori L., representing an important economic insect and one of the best models for studying insect immunity, possesses an efficient and sophisticated innate immune system against invasive microorganisms. The innate immune system basically includes humoural immunity and cellular immunity. The humoural immunity, which functions via molecules including humoural factors, lysozymes, phenoloxidase, hemolin, lectins and, in particular, antimicrobial peptides, plays a central role in eliminating the invading pathogens. The cellular immunity is primarily carried out and mediated by plasmatocytes and granular cells of haemocytes in the haemolymph, usually followed by melanization. Additionally, apoptosis, a primary viral defence for insects lacking adaptive immunity, comprises an important part of the silkworm immune system. Currently, there is still the lack of a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the molecular mechanisms of silkworm immunity. We review the latest research progress on silkworm immune mechanisms, including phenoloxidase‐dependent melanization and apoptosis, which is conducive to improving our understanding of the silkworm immune mechanism, clarifying the relationship of various immune mechanisms, and also providing a theoretical basis and reference for the future research of insect immunity.
Proliferation of prostate epithelia induced by IL‐6 from stroma reacted with Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Kim J.‐H. , Han I.‐H. , Kim Y.‐S. , Noh C.‐S. , Ryu J.‐S.
Published: April 2018

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is characterized by the proliferation of stromal and epithelial cell types in the prostate, and interactions between the two types of cells. We demonstrated previously that proliferation of prostate stromal cells was induced by BPH epithelial cells in response to Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) infection via crosstalk with mast cells. In this study, we investigated whether IL‐6 released by the proliferating stromal cells in turn induce the BPH epithelial cells to multiply. When culture supernatants of the proliferating prostate stromal cells were added to BPH epithelial cells, the latter multiplied, and expression of cyclin D1, FGF2 and Bcl‐2 increased. Blocking the IL‐6 signalling pathway with anti‐IL‐6R antibody or JAK1/2 inhibitor inhibited the proliferation of the BPH epithelial cells and reduced the expression of IL‐6, IL‐6R and STAT3. Also, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition was detected in the proliferating BPH epithelial cells. In conclusion, IL‐6 released from proliferating prostate stromal cells induced by BPH epithelial cells infected with Tv in turn induces multiplication of the BPH epithelial cells. This result provides first evidence that the inflammatory microenvironment of prostate stromal cells resulting from Tv infection induces the proliferation of prostate epithelial cells by stromal‐epithelial interaction.
The pattern of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate oxidase induction in the tomato leaf petiole abscission zone is independent of expression of the ribonuclease‐LX‐encoding LeLX gene
Authors: Chersicola M. , Kladnik A. , Tušek Žnidarič M. , Lers A. , Dermastia M.
Published: April 2018

The abscission of tomato leaves occurs in the petiole abscission zone, and its late stage includes two spatially divided processes: cell separation and programmed cell death (PCD). Both of these processes are regulated by ethylene. The last step in ethylene biosynthesis is conversion of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid to ethylene, which is catalysed by the enzyme 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate oxidase (ACO); however, the location of ACO in the leaf petiole abscission zone is not known. The tomato gene LeLX encodes ribonuclease LX, which is a marker for PCD and is induced by ethylene during abscission, but its association with ACO has not been explored.

In a tomato transgenic line 1‐7 with inhibited expression of LeLX showing delayed leaf abscission, the morphology and ultrastructure of the leaf petiole abscission zone was examined. In this zone of the cv.’VF36’ and of a transgenic line 1‐7, spatiotemporal differences in expression of LeACO1 and LeACO4 were analysed and ACO protein was detected immunohistochemically.

In comparison to wild‐type plants, there were no obvious morphological and ultrastructural features in the abscission zone of plants of a transgenic line 1‐7 before and after abscission induction. LeACO1 expression was low before abscission induction, and increased 24 h after induction, although with no apparent spatial pattern. In contrast, LeACO4 was expressed before abscission induction, and its transcript level declined 24 h after induction on the distal side of the abscission zone fracture. In the LeLX‐inhibited transgenic line, there were no significant differences in LeACO1 and LeACO4 expression in the petiole abscission zone, in comparison to wild‐type plants. In addition, the ACO protein was immunolocalised to the vascular tissues that traverse the petiole abscission zone in plants of wild type and of a transgenic line 1‐7; and additionally in the plane of future abscission zone fracture of transgenic‐line plants.

The results suggest temporal differential expression of the LeACO genes in tomato leaf petioles and vascular localisation of ACO1 protein. Additionally, the results indicate that expression of LeACO genes is not affected by suppression of the LeLX expression.
Heartbeat counting is unrelated to heartbeat detection: A comparison of methods to quantify interoception
Authors: Ring Christopher , Brener Jasper
Published: April 2018

Recent research has identified individual differences in interoceptive sensitivity as a key source of variation in action, cognition, and emotion. This research has relied heavily on a single method for assessing interoceptive sensitivity: the accuracy of counting heartbeats while at rest. The validity of this method was assessed here by comparing the heartbeat counting (HBC) performance of 48 individuals with their heartbeat detection (HBD) performance. The HBC task required participants to report the numbers of heartbeats counted during brief signaled periods and indexed cardioceptive accuracy by the difference between the numbers of reported and actual heartbeats. In the HBD task, participants indicated the temporal location of heartbeat sensations relative to the onset of ventricular contraction. On each trial, they judged whether heartbeat sensations were or were not simultaneous with brief tones presented at one of six fixed delays following R waves of the ECG. In this method, cardioceptive accuracy or precision was indexed by variability in the temporal locations, relative to the R wave, of tones judged to be simultaneous with heartbeat sensations. Although intratask correlations indicated that each method yielded reliable scores, intertask correlations showed that HBC scores were unrelated to HBD scores. These results, which indicate that heartbeat detection and heartbeat counting are distinct processes, raise important questions about the assessment of interoceptive sensitivity and the involvement of this attribute in the psychological processes that have been associated with it on the basis of their correlations with HBC performance.
Normal lung function, do we need to go further than ethnic differences? More questions than answers
Authors: Thompson Bruce
Published: April 2018

See related Article
On the Front Lines of Implementing Environmental Regulation: The Perspective of the Regulated Community in Montana
Authors: Rinfret Sara , Pautz Michelle C.
Published: April 2018

Although discussions about environmental policy often focus on the federal level of decision making and action in the United States, implementation occurs predominately at the state level. The individuals largely responsible for implementation are the state regulators and members of the regulated community as they constitute the front lines in environmental regulation. Much of the existing research on regulatory interactions investigates the regulatory enforcement styles of regulators and the compliance motivations of firms. It is equally important to consider the perceptions and actual experiences of regulated community members. To examine this perspective, this exploratory study utilizes a mail survey to investigate the perceptions and experiences of members of the regulated community in Montana. The survey respondents report positive and cooperative interactions with environmental regulators. This survey provides much‐needed insight into the perspectives of some members of the regulated community, challenging traditional viewpoints that the regulated community is hostile toward regulation, and promotes adversarial relationships with regulators. Accordingly, this research encourages debate about the fundamental assumptions surrounding the interactions of regulators and the regulated community in U.S. environmental policy.
Laser surface roughening on copper analyzed using SEM-EDX
Authors: Bahaudin Mohd Zulfahmi , Bidin Noriah , Bakhtiar Hazri
Published: April 2018

Microstructure, and chemical composition changes on the copper surface were investigated using SEM-EDX analysis. A Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was focused at laser energy of 224 mJ and 465 mJ to roughening the copper surface. The higher the laser energy were responsible for the increasing laser surface roughening process. The rapid heat and cooling process introduced a non-equilibrium condition causing changes in the microstructure as well as the chemical composition of the roughening copper surface. Therefore, the heavier the roughening effect will affect the advantage of adhesive bonding between copper surfaces.
Insights into the physicochemical properties of the Malaysian oil palm leaves as an alternative source of industrial materials and bioenergy
Authors: Onoja Emmanuel , Attan Nursyafreena , Chandren Sheela , Abdul Razak Fazira Ilyana , Abdul Keyon Aemi Syazwani , Mahat Naji Arafat , Wahab Roswanira Abdul
Published: April 2018

This work was aimed at providing a comprehensive physicochemical characterization of the Malaysian oil palm leaves (OPL) that may be useful for industrial applications as well as providing new insights on minimizing the environmental impact of oil palm biomass wastes. The leaves of discarded oil palm fronds were collected, dried and ground. The leaves powder was subjected to acid and thermal treatments prior to physicochemical analyses. Physicochemical characterization included analyses of thermal gravimetry, ultimate analysis, Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and nitrogen sorption. Ultimate analysis revealed that the untreated OPL contained carbon (46.98 %), hydrogen (6.500 %), nitrogen (1.810 %) and sulfur (0.150 %) with a moderately high calorific value of 19.21 MJ/kg. Thermal gravimetric and derivative thermal gravimetric analyses indicated that OPL is a lignocellulosic material with little moisture and ash contents.   X-ray Florescence revealed Ca (39.20 %), K (22.10 %) and Si (19.20 %) as the three major elements in the ash of the untreated sample with Si (95.20%) being predominant for the treated ones. The ash of the acid treated sample was majorly amorphous silica which was slightly mesoporous with surface area of 160.59 m2g-1 as shown by X-ray diffraction and nitrogen sorption analyses respectively. These findings confirmed that the Malaysian OPL is a lignocellulosic biomass as well as a good source of amorphous silica, hence may prove useful as a potential renewable source of bioenergy and an alternative silica source for industrial applications.
Comparison of standard light-emitting diode (LED) and 385 nm ultraviolet A LED (UVA-LED) for disinfection of Escherichia coli
Authors: Malik Sameen Ahmed , Swee Tan Tian , Malek Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik , Abdul Kadir Mohammed Rafiq , Emoto Takahiro , Akutagawa Masatake , Meng Leong Kah , Hou Tan Jia , Tengku Alang Tengku Ahmad Iskandar
Published: April 2018

UV light has become an integral part of human life especially in performing wide range of disinfection. Most of the research on UVLEDs is limited to UVC region because of comparison with mercury based UV lamps which work typically at 254 nm. Limited research is found on the use of UVA-LEDs for inactivation of microorganisms in healthcare. In this study a standard 3 mm LED has been compared with 385 nm UVA-LED for inactivation of Escherichia coli.  E. coli strains were swabbed on control, LED and UVA-LED petri dishes using cotton bud. The LED and UVA-LED samples were exposed to standard LED light and UVA light respectively for 1 h. The analysis of bacteria by determining Colony forming units (CFU) and log inactivation were carried out to calculate the number of colonies present in each sample. Result showed negligible to none disinfection properties in standard LED light. LED samples had  CFU/ml colonies compared to control which is  CFU/ml. UVA-LED samples achieved maximum inactivation and only had  CFU/ml. Log inactivation results showed that LED samples observed 0.1-log inactivation whereas the UVA-LED had significant inactivation of 3.8-log inactivation corresponding to approximately 99.99 % E. coli reduction. The results demonstrate that UVA-LED at 385 nm is capable of efficiently providing inactivation of bacteria E. coli.
Comparison of tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles activation on balance training devices and hoverboard
Authors: Abdul Rahman Khairiyah , Azaman Aizreena , Mohd Latip Hadafi Fitri , Mat Dzahir Mohd Azuwan , Balakrishnan Malarvili
Published: April 2018

Balance training devices such as wobble board, basu ball and balance cushion are the tool use in balance training exercise programme in order to improve muscle strength and restore posture balance due degeneration of body function or injury. Recently, self-balancing scooter such as Segway and hover board showed a positive effects on rehabilitation. However, it is less known how these devices affect muscle physiological properties. This study aims to to measure ankle muscles activation on  difference balance training devices and hover board. Besides, a comparison between these device will be done in order to identify if hover board has a promising feature to be an alternative balance training device. In this research, surface EMG (sEMG) was used to record tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscle activities. Seventeen healthy subjects were required to stand on three different types of balance training device such as wobble board, balance cushion, bosu ball and a hover board. They were asked to maintain their standing position on each devices for two minutes. Both time domain and frequency domain analysis were used to identify the features of the EMG signal. Time domain analysis measurement involved average rectified value (ARV) and root mean square (RMS), meanwhile for frequency domain, median frequency (MDF) of the signal were measured. The results shows that, the RMS is differed significantly between the balance training devices (p<0.05) for tibialis anterior muscle but not gastrocnemius muscle. Meanwhile, no significant difference between the devices in the ARV and the MDF value (p>0.05). Besides, less stable devices increased muscle activity were observed. There is not much difference between hover board and the other devices in term of physiological effects of both tibialis anterior and gastrochemious muscle. It is also suggested that hover board offers a promising feature to be an alternative device for balance training device.
Ultrasound imaging characterization on tissue mimicking materials for cardiac tissue phantom: Texture analysis perspective
Authors: Mohd Yusof Nurul Shafiqa , Dewi Dyah Ekashanti Octorina , Mohd Faudzi Ahmad ‘Athif , Md Salih Nurulazirah , Abu Bakar Norzailin , Abdul Hamid Hamzaini
Published: April 2018

Cardiac tissue phantom is a synthetic physical model to mimic the characteristics of actual cardiac tissues. Tissue Mimicking Materials have been widely used as materials for medical imaging phantom. In cardiac ultrasound imaging, phantoms have been used for system verification, simulation and training for cardiovascular radiography. In this study, we aimed to characterize the structure of cardiac tissue phantom by performing ultrasound imaging and texture analysis. The phantom samples were developed by mixing Silicone Rubber with Calcium Carbonate in different percentages. Ultrasound imaging with various Dynamic Range settings (30, 60, and 90 dB) was used to scan the phantom samples. First-, Second-, and Higher order Statistical Texture Analyses were used to quantify structural features of the phantom samples. As comparison, one ultrasound image of adult heart was also characterized. The results show that the addition of Calcium Carbonate affected the imaging structure of the phantom samples. Textural comparison with the ultrasound image of adult heart confirmed that phantom with Silicon Rubber and 8% of Calcium carbonate had closest texture features.
Single sphere model fitting of supercritical carbon dioxide extraction from Quercus infectoria galls
Authors: Mohd Nasir Hasmida , Md Salleh Liza , Ruslan Muhammad Syafiq Hazwan , Mohamed Zahari Mohd Amzar
Published: April 2018

Q. infectoria galls, locally knowns as ‘manjakani’ in Malaysia and Indonesia, is a traditional medicine commonly used for postpartum recovery due to its strong astringency. The astringent properties of Q. infectoria galls is due to the high amount of tannin available in the extract. In this study, supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) with the presence of absolute methanol (1:3 w/v) was used for the extraction of Q. infectoria galls. The SC-CO2 extraction of the galls involve the diffusion and mass transfer process, represented by the value of diffusion coefficient (De) and the external mass transfer coefficient (kf). Single sphere model (SSM) was adapted and fitted into the experimental data, and De was found to be in the range of 0.91 ×10-11 to 9.99 × 10-11 m2/s. The linear driving force approximation was used to determine the kf values, which calculated to be in the range of 4.60 ×10-6 m/s to 9.50 ×10-6 m/s. SSM also pointed out that the SC-CO2 extraction of Q. infectoria galls is governed by internal diffusion with Biot number (Bi) greater than 10.
Effect of coolant temperature and cooling time on fractional crystallization of biodiesel and glycerol
Authors: Samsuri Shafirah , Aini Amran Nurul , Zheng Loh Jia , Mohd Bakri Muhammad Muhaimin
Published: April 2018

In the middle of the era of technology and fast-growing industry nowadays, biodiesel (methyl ester) has been identified as a sustainable fuel to replace petroleum. Hence, the separation and purification of the methyl ester after the trans-esterification process is essential since the purification of methyl ester is compulsory for the fuel industry in order to fulfill the strict global standard particulars for methyl ester. One of the current method used for separation and purification of methyl ester is called wet washing technology. However, this technology has its own drawbacks such as huge amount of water consumption as well as high cost for the wastewater treatment process. Due to these drawbacks, fractional crystallization process is proposed in order to save water and minimize the time consumed for the process of separation and purification of methyl ester. Fractional crystallization is a process that involved a solid-liquid separation where the process takes place in a crystallizer. In this process, methyl ester was separated from the glycerol based on their differences in term of melting point of the components. By observing the layer formation of the components, the effect of cooling time and coolant temperature on the performance of separation and purification of methyl ester by fractional crystallization process were studied. The purified methyl ester obtained was placed in a gas chromatographer in order to test the purity of methyl ester and to evaluate the efficiency of the process based on two parameters that has been investigated which are effective partition constant (K) and concentration efficiency (Eff). It was found that to achieve highest effectiveness of fractional crystallization system and highest concentration efficiency where K and Eff are 0.51 and 47.71%, respectively, the fractional crystallization must operate at coolant temperature range of -10 to -12ºC and cooling time range of 30 to 35 minutes.
Effects of preoperative intrathecal morphine on postoperative intravenous morphine dosage: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Pitre Luke , Garbee Deborah , Tipton Julia , Schiavo Julie , Pitt Andrew
Published: April 2018

Review question/objective:

The purpose of this systematic review is to describe the effect of preoperative intrathecal morphine (ITM) on postoperative intravenous (IV) morphine dosage during the first postoperative day. This systematic review will compare the postoperative IV morphine dosage of patients receiving ITM plus morphine morphine-based patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), to patients receiving PCA morphine without ITM. This will establish the magnitude of the postoperative morphine sparing effect of ITM.

This review aims to answer the following specific question: In adult abdominal and thoracic surgery patients undergoing general anesthesia (GA), what is the effect of ITM plus PCA morphine, compared to PCA morphine alone, on total IV morphine dosage (in milligrams) during the first 24 hours after surgery?
Experiences of children exposed to parental post-traumatic stress disorder while growing up in military and veteran families: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Cramm Heidi , Murphy Susanne , Godfrey Christina M. , Dekel Rachel , McKeown Sandra
Published: April 2018

Review question/objective:

The objective of this review is to understand how parental Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) might impact children growing up in military and veteran families. The following question will guide and inform the review: What is the experience of children growing up in military families where the military or veteran parent is living with post-traumatic stress disorder?
Treatment of nipple pain in breastfeeding women in the postpartum ward of the University Hospital of Lausanne: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Avignon Valerie
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Breast milk represents the optimal nutrition for a child and is recommended during the first six months. However, nipple pain often occurs during the onset of lactation and may affect breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding duration rates. Multiple treatments are available in the postpartum units of the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland) and are used empirically, according to caregiver preferences.

Objectives

The aim of this project is to implement a care plan for nipple pain according to best recommendations and evidence-based studies.

Methods

The project was developed using the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (JBI-PACES). Five audit criteria were used in pre- and post-audits to observe any changes in compliance with the recommendations. The Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) was used between audits to identify stakeholders, barriers and facilitators of the project.

Results

Compliance in four criteria improved, with no increase in pain experienced by breastfeeding mothers. More women received adequate information (from 47% to 64%) and support (from 47% to 58%). Each item under criteria 2 (adequate information) and 3 (adequate support) showed improvement. The adequate management of nipple pain also increased from 8% to 31%. However, it remains an important issue to consider.

Conclusions

Despite the limitations associated with small samples, the results of this project show that implementation of best practice is possible, even though it involved the withdrawal of unnecessary treatment. Another evaluation is necessary in the future to consolidate and improve these results.
Guinea pig models for translation of the developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis into the clinic
Authors: Morrison Janna L. , Botting Kimberley J. , Darby Jack R. T. , David Anna L. , Dyson Rebecca M. , Gatford Kathryn L. , Gray Clint , Herrera Emilio A. , Hirst Jonathan J. , Kim Bona , Kind Karen L. , Krause Bernardo J. , Matthews Stephen G. , Palliser Hannah K. , Regnault Timothy R. H. , Richardson Bryan S. , Sasaki Aya , Thompson Loren P. , Berry Mary J.
Published: April 2018

Over 30 years ago Professor David Barker first proposed the theory that events in early life could explain an individual's risk of non‐communicable disease in later life: the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis. During the 1990s the validity of the DOHaD hypothesis was extensively tested in a number of human populations and the mechanisms underpinning it characterised in a range of experimental animal models. Over the past decade, researchers have sought to use this mechanistic understanding of DOHaD to develop therapeutic interventions during pregnancy and early life to improve adult health. A variety of animal models have been used to develop and evaluate interventions, each with strengths and limitations. It is becoming apparent that effective translational research requires that the animal paradigm selected mirrors the tempo of human fetal growth and development as closely as possible so that the effect of a perinatal insult and/or therapeutic intervention can be fully assessed. The guinea pig is one such animal model that over the past two decades has demonstrated itself to be a very useful platform for these important reproductive studies. This review highlights similarities in thein uterodevelopment between humans and guinea pigs, the strengths and limitations of the guinea pig as an experimental model of DOHaD and the guinea pig's potential to enhance clinical therapeutic innovation to improve human health.

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The hedgehog tick, Ixodes hexagonus (Leach, 1815) (Acari: Ixodidae); The natural history and ecology of a nest ectoparasite
Authors: Walker Mark David
Published: April 2018

Little is known about the biology of the tick, Ixodes hexagonus Leach 1815 a nest ectoparasite of hedgehogs. This is surprising as it is frequently encountered on domestic pets and is a known vector of various tick borne pathogens. This review examines the biology, life-history and population dynamics of I. hexagonus. The ability of I. hexagonus to transmit pathogens between hedgehog hosts means it could play an important role in the persistence of tick borne diseases. The favoured hedgehog hosts of I. hexagonus are frequently found in suburban habitats, thus it may be important in the maintenance of disease cycles in such areas.
Architecture of the complete oxygen-sensing FixL-FixJ two-component signal transduction system
Authors: Wright Gareth S. A. , Saeki Akane , Hikima Takaaki , Nishizono Yoko , Hisano Tamao , Kamaya Misaki , Nukina Kohei , Nishitani Hideo , Nakamura Hiro , Yamamoto Masaki , Antonyuk Svetlana V. , Hasnain S. Samar , Shiro Yoshitsugu , Sawai Hitomi
Published: April 2018

Combined experimental and modeling techniques reveal the mechanism of signal relay in the oxygen-sensing FixL-FixJ two-component system.
New connections: The complexity of simple signaling systems
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: April 2018

Bacterial two-component systems are efficient and versatile but not always simple.