bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Core Health Outcomes in Childhood Epilepsy (CHOICE): Development of a core outcome set using systematic review methods and a Delphi survey consensus
Authors: Crudgington Holly , Rogers Morwenna , Bray Lucy , Carter Bernie , Currier Janet , Dunkley Colin , Gibbon Frances M. , Hughes Dyfrig , Lyle Samantha , Roberts Deborah , Tudur Smith Catrin , Gringras Paul , Pal Deb K. , Morris Christopher
Published: April 2019

Objective

Establishing a core set of outcomes to be evaluated and reported in intervention trials aims to improve the usefulness of health research. There is no established core outcome set (COS) for childhood epilepsies. The aim of this study was to select a COS to be used in evaluative research of interventions for children with rolandic epilepsy (RE).

Methods

We followed guidance from the COMET (Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials) Initiative. First, we identified outcomes that had been measured in research through a systematic review. Second, young people with RE, parents, and professionals were invited to take part in a Delphi survey in which participants rated the importance of candidate outcomes. Last, a face‐to‐face meeting was convened to seek consensus on which outcomes were critical to include and to ratify the final COS.

Results

From 37 eligible papers in the review, we identified and included 48 candidate outcomes in the survey. We sent invitations to 165 people registered to take part in the survey; of these, 102 (62%) completed Round 1, and 80 (78%) completed Round 2 (three young people, 16 parents, 61 professionals). In Round 2 we included four additional outcomes suggested by participants in Round 1. The consensus meeting included two young people, four parents, and nine professionals who were eligible to vote and ratified the COS as 39 outcomes across 10 domains.

Significance

Our methodology was a proportionate and pragmatic approach toward producing a COS for evaluating research on interventions aiming to improve the health of children with RE.
Itching for an answer: A review of potential mechanisms of scalp itch in psoriasis
Authors: Leon Argentina , Rosen Jordan D. , Hashimoto Takashi , Fostini Anna C. , Paus Ralf , Yosipovitch Gil
Published: April 2019

Scalp psoriatic itch is a common complaint and often poses a therapeutic challenge. The pathophysiology of this phenomenon is unclear. The unique anatomy of the scalp contains richly innervated hair follicles, abundant vasculature and perifollicular inflammatory cytokines which may all contribute to this common sensory complaint. The mast cell, in particular, is portrayed as one of the main itch conductors for its ability to trigger neurogenic inflammation, activate the peripheral hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal‐axis, process and integrate itch signalling through its interactions with the scalp hair follicles. Herein, we explain and speculate upon potential mechanisms underlying itchy scalp psoriasis, involving interconnections between the neuroimmune, neurovascular and neuroendocrine systems. Many factors may play roles in itchy scalp psoriasis including the scalp hair structure, immune system, endocrine system, nervous system and vascular system. These may warrant further exploration as therapeutic targets that go beyond the application of mere anti‐inflammatory agents.
MHC class I polymorphic Alu insertion (POALIN) allele and haplotype frequencies in the Arabs of the United Arab Emirates and other world populations
Authors: Kulski Jerzy K. , Mawart Aurelie , Marie Kirsten , Tay Guan K. , AlSafar Habiba S.
Published: April 2019

Polymorphic Alu insertions (POALINs) are found throughout the human genome and have been used in various studies to infer geographic origin of human populations. The main aim of this study was to determine the allele and haplotype frequencies of five POALINs, AluHF, AluHG, AluHJ, AluTF and AluMICB, within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I region of 95 UAE Arabs, and correlate their frequencies to those of the HLA‐A, HLA‐C and HLA‐B class I allele lineages. Evolutionary relationships between the POALINs of the Arabs and those previously studied in populations of African, Asian and European descent were compared. At each of the five Alu loci (AluHF, AluHG, AluHJ, AluTF and AluMICB), Alu insertion was designated as Alu(locus)*02 and absence was Alu(locus)*01. The AluHG insertion (AluHG*02) had the highest frequency (0.332), followed by AluHF*02 (0.300), AluHJ*02 (0.263), AluMICB*02 (0.111) and AluTF*02 (0.058). Of the 270 Alu‐HLA haplotypes pairs in the UAE Arabs, 110 had no Alu insertion, and 54 had an Alu insertion at >50% per haplotype. An Alu insertion >75% per haplotype was found between AluMICB*02 and HLA‐B*14, HLA‐B*22, HLA‐B*44, HLA‐B*55, HLA‐B*57 and HLA‐B*73, and with HLA‐C*01 and HLA‐C*18; AluHJ*02 with HLA‐A*01, HLA‐A*19, HLA‐A*24 and HLA‐A*32; AluHG*02 with HLA‐A*02 and HLA‐B*18; and AluHF*02 with HLA‐A*10. The genotyped allele and haplotype frequencies of the MHC POALINs in UAE Arabs were compared with the results of 30 previously published Asian, European, American and African populations. Phylogenetic and multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis of the relative MHC POALINs allele and haplotype frequencies revealed that the UAE Arabs have a similar lineage to Caucasians and the most distant genetic relationship to the Waorani native American population of Ecuador. The structure of both the phylogenetic tree and the MDS analysis supports the Out of Africa theory of human evolution. The nature of the clusters suggests the Arabian Middle East represents a crossroads from which human populations migrated towards Asia in the east and Europe to the north‐west.
The double burden of food insecurity and obesity among Latino youth: Understanding the role of generational status
Authors: Flórez Karen R. , Katic Bozena J. , López‐Cevallos Daniel F. , Murillo Rosenda , Cancel‐Tirado Doris , Aponte‐Soto Lisa , Echeverria Sandra E.
Published: April 2019

Background

Obesity is linked to food insecurity and generational status; however, little is known about how both impact obesity risk among Latino youth.

Objective

To investigate the joint effect of generational status and food insecurity on obesity prevalence among Latino youth.

Methods

We pooled data from the 2011 to 2017 waves of the National Health Interview Survey to derive a sample Latino youth aged 12 to 17 (N = 7532). Four generational categories were constructed: first generation (foreign‐born children); second generation (US‐born child; foreign‐born parent[s]); 2.5 generation (US‐born child; one foreign‐born parent and one US‐born parent); third generation (US‐born child; U.S.‐born parent[s]). Food insecurity was defined by monthly instances of food scarcity over the past year. Obesity was measured using age‐ and sex‐specific body mass index percentile cut‐offs. Log‐binomial multivariable regression models estimated the association between generational status and food insecurity categories on obesity.

Results

Obesity percentages among food‐insecure households ranged from 12.8% in the first generation, 15.8% in the second, 24.3% in the 2.5, and 19.2% in the third. In fully adjusted models, 2.5 generation food secure youth had the highest prevalence of obesity (aPR: 1.53; 95% CI, 1.09‐2.16) when compared with first generation food secure youth, followed by third generation food insecure youth (aPR: 1.49; 95% CI, 1.01‐2.20).

Conclusions

Food security status is associated with increased obesity prevalence among Latino youth across the generations. Given that obesity is a risk factor for top causes of mortality and morbidity, growing rates among this population is of public health and clinical importance.
Interfacial optimization of SiC nanocomposites reinforced by SiC nanowires with high volume fraction
Authors: Ruan Jing , Yang Jinshan , Dong Shaoming , Yan Jingyi , Zhang Xiangyu , Ding Yusheng , Zhou Haijun , Hu Jianbao
Published: April 2019

High volume fraction SiC nanowires‐reinforced SiC composites (SiCNWs/SiC) were prepared by hybrid process of chemical vapor infiltration and polymer impregnation/pyrolysis in this research. SiCNWs networks are first to be made promising a high volume fraction (20 vol%), and the pyrolytic carbon (PyC) interphase with 5 nm is designed on SiCNWs surface to optimize the bonding condition between SiCNWs and SiC matrix. Nanoindentation shows a modulus of 494 ± 14 GPa of SiCNWs/SiC composites without interphase comparing to the one with PyC interphase of 452 ± 13 GPa. However, the 3‐point bending test shows a higher strength of the composite with PyC interphase (273 ± 32 MPa) comparing with the one without interphase (240 ± 38 MPa). The fracture surface is observed under SEM, which shows a longer SiCNWs pullout of the composite with PyC interphase. The energy dissipation during the 3‐point bending test is calculated by the length of nanowire pull‐out, it demonstrates that the SiCNWs with PyC interphase possess better performance for toughening composite. Further characterization proves that the PyC interphase can give SiCNWs/SiC composites higher fracture toughness (4.49 ± 0.44 MPa·m1/2) than the composites without interphase (3.66 ± 0.28 MPa·m1/2).
One‐step synthesis of coral‐like high‐entropy metal carbide powders
Authors: Ye Beilin , Ning Shanshan , Liu Da , Wen Tongqi , Chu Yanhui
Published: April 2019

The synthesis of high‐entropy metal carbide powders is critical for implementing their extensive applications. However, the one‐step synthesis of high‐entropy metal carbide powders is rarely studied. Herein, the synthesis possibility of high‐entropy metal carbide powders, namely (Zr0.25Ta0.25Nb0.25Ti0.25)C (ZTNTC), via one‐step carbothermal reduction was first investigated theoretically by analyzing chemical thermodynamics and lattice size difference based on the first‐principle calculations, and then the ZTNTC powders with particle size of 0.5‐2 μm were successfully synthesized experimentally. The as‐synthesized powders not only had a single rock‐salt crystal structure of metal carbides, but also possessed high‐compositional uniformity from nanoscale to microscale. More interestingly, they exhibited the distinguished coral‐like morphology with the hexagonal step surface, whose growth was governed by a classical screw dislocation growth mechanism.
1.8–13 μm supercontinuum generation by pumping at normal dispersion regime of As–Se–Te glass fiber
Authors: Wu Zhihao , Yang Lei , Xu Yinsheng , Zhang Peiqing , Nie Qiuhua , Wang Xunsi
Published: April 2019

Mid‐infrared (MIR) band supercontinuum (SC) light source has highly important application prospects in aerospace, biomedicine, MIR sensing, and pollutant monitoring. As–Se–Te glass has high nonlinear refractive index, wide MIR transmission range and weak crystallization ability. As40Se40Te20 glass fiber is suitable for producing wide MIR–SC spectrum. In this study, purified As40Se40Te20 glass was prepared and unclad and step‐index fibers were drawn. An unclad As40Se40Te20 glass fiber with minimum loss of 1.7 dB/m at 8.8 μm was obtained. By pumping the unclad fiber in the normal dispersion region at 5 μm, we recorded the broadest SC generation spectrum, which covered 1.8–13 μm with a 30 dB spectral flatness, from a fiber with 15 cm length. Besides, As40Se40Te20/As40Se42Te18 step‐index fiber with minimum loss of 5.6 dB/m at 5 μm was drawn from isolation extruded preform. The step‐index fiber was pumped in the normal dispersion region at 5 μm, and the SC spectrum, covering 2.1–11.2 μm with a 40 dB spectral flatness, was recorded from a fiber with 15 cm length. The SC spectrum, which was achieved by pumping the As40Se40Te20 fiber, covered almost all the transparent range of material.
Diversity and composition of the gut microbiota of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farmed in Irish waters
Authors: Fogarty Colin , Burgess Catherine M. , Cotter Paul D. , Cabrera-Rubio Raul , Whyte Paul , Smyth Conor , Bolton Declan J.
Published: April 2019

Aims

Information on the gut microbiota of salmon is essential for optimizing nutrition while maintaining host health and welfare. This study’s objectives were to characterize the microbiota in the GI tract of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farmed in waters off the west coast of Ireland and to investigate whether there is a difference in microbiota diversity between the proximal and distal regions of the intestine.

Methods and Results

The microbiota from the proximal and distal intestine (PI and DI, respectively) of Atlantic salmon was examined using MiSeq Illumina high-throughput sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The PI region had greater bacterial diversity than the DI region. Six phyla were present in the DI samples, dominated by Tenericutes and Firmicutes. These six phyla were also amongst the 12 phyla detected in the PI samples. The PI microbiota was dominated by Tenericutes, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. A core microbiota of 20 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) common to both regions was observed.

Conclusions

It was concluded that Tenericutes were the dominant phylum in both PI and DI samples, and the PI region had greater Shannon and Simpson diversity of bacteria. However, further work is required to identify the functionality of the salmon microbiota.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Our study determined the composition and diversity of the intestinal microbiota in adult salmon from a commercial fishery and provides data to improve our understanding of their contributions to the nutrition, health and welfare of Atlantic salmon farmed in Irish waters.
Use of group records of feed intake to select for feed efficiency in rabbit
Authors: Piles Miriam , Sánchez Juan Pablo
Published: April 2019

Models for genetic evaluation of feed efficiency (FE) for animals housed in groups when they are either fed ad libitum (F) or on restricted (R) feeding were implemented. Definitions of FE on F included group records of feed intake () and individual records of growth rate (GF) and metabolic weight (MF). Growth rate (GR) as FE measurement on R was used. Data corresponded to 5,336 kits from a rabbit sire line, from 1,255 litters in 14 batches and 667 cages. A five‐trait mixed model (also with metabolic weight on R, MR) was implemented including, for each trait, the systematic effects of batch, body weight at weaning, parity order and litter size; and the random effects of litter, additive genetic and individual. A Bayesian analysis was performed. Conditional traits such as and were obtained from elements of additive genetics ( and ) or phenotypic ( and ) (co)variance matrices. In the first case, heritabilities were low (0.07 and 0.06 for and , respectively) but null genetic correlation between the conditional and conditioning traits is guaranteed. In the second case, heritabilities were higher (0.22 and 0.16 for and , respectively) but the genetic correlation between and was moderate (0.58). Heritability of GR was low (0.08). This trait was negatively correlated with and of animals on F, which indicate a different genetic background. The correlation between GR and GF was also low to moderate (0.48) and the additive variance of GF was almost four times that of GR, suggesting the presence of a substantial genotype by feeding regimen interaction.
Signatures of selection in Charolais beef cattle identified by genome‐wide analysis
Authors: Jahuey‐Martínez Francisco Joel , Parra‐Bracamonte Gaspar Manuel , Sifuentes‐Rincón Ana María , Moreno‐Medina Victor Ricardo
Published: April 2019

Charolais cattle are one of the most important breeds for meat production worldwide; in México, its selection is mainly made by live weight traits. One strategy for mapping important genomic regions that might influence productive traits is the identification of signatures of selection. This type of genomic features contains loci with extended linkage disequilibrium (LD) and homozygosity patterns that are commonly associated with sites of quantitative trait locus (QTL). Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the signatures of selection in Charolais cattle genotyped with the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler Bovine HD panel consisting of 77 K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A total 61,311 SNPs and 819 samples were used for the analysis. Identification of signatures of selection was carried out using the integrated haplotype score (iHS) methodology implemented in the rehh R package. The top ten SNPs with the highest piHS values were located on BTA 4, 5, 6 and 14. By identifying markers in LD with top ten SNPs, the candidate regions defined were mapped to 52.8–59.3 Mb on BTA 4; 67.5–69.3 on BTA 5; 39.5–41.0 Mb on BTA 6; and 26.4–29.6 Mb on BTA 14. The comparison of these candidate regions with the bovine QTLdb effectively confirmed the association (p < 0.05) with QTL related to growth traits and other important productive traits. The genomic regions identified in this study indicated selection for growth traits on the Charolais population via the conservation of haplotypes on various chromosomes. These genomic regions and their associated genes could serve as the basis for haplotype association studies and for the identification of causal genes related to growth traits.
HIV/AIDS – yesterday, today, and tomorrow
Authors: Freedman D.
Published: April 2019

Linked article: Mandel et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 33: 959–965. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15390.
Parasitism offers large rewards but carries high risks: Predicting parasitic strategies under different life history conditions in lampreys
Authors: Evans Thomas M. , Limburg Karin E.
Published: April 2019

The loss of parasitism in metazoan lineages is often seen as unlikely, but it has occurred in some lineages (e.g., leeches, lampreys). How and why parasitism is lost is aptly addressed by studying lampreys, because extant species include a range of feeding modes and parasitism has been lost repeatedly. An individual‐based model was developed to determine whether variations in survival and growth rates in the larval and juvenile stages could favour parasitic or nonparasitic strategies. A realization of the model for a Lampetra spp. population, a genus which includes parasitic and nonparasitic animals, indicated that both strategies could be successful. A different model realization of the nonparasitic species Lethenteron appendix also agreed with expectations, and only nonparasitic strategies were successful. Modelling anadromous Petromyzon marinus produced only parasitic animals, as expected, but suggested two different adult sizes should appear in the population, which has not been reported in the literature. Finally, a realization of an Ichthyomyzon castaneus population, known to be parasitic only, rarely selected for parasitism (c. 7% of model iterations), possibly because the population used to parameterize the model was unusual for the species. The results suggest that nonparasitic lineages in lampreys are common because parasitism, while offering better growth, also has lower survival. Additionally, nonparasitic species may be generated at different rates because growth and survival thresholds in the model favouring parasitism are close to observed estimates in some populations. Loss of parasitism can occur when life stages have different trade‐offs in growth and survivability.
Aflatoxins in almonds: Monitoring and exposure assessment
Authors: Kanik Tugce , Kabak Bulent
Published: April 2019

Aflatoxins (AFs) are naturally occurring contaminants classified as human carcinogens. This article describes presence and concentrations of AFs in both raw and roasted almonds collected from Turkey from September 2017 to February 2018. Long‐term exposure to AFs was then calculated using the per capita consumption of almonds and the concentration of AFs in almonds. AFs were determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to fluorescence detector (HPLC‐FLD). The analytical method fulfilled the requirements on method performance according to Commission Regulation (EC) No 401/2006. AFs were detected in 15% of almonds, but at levels far below the European Union (EU) maximum levels (MLs). The long‐term mean exposure to AFB1 and total AFs via the consumption of almonds for Turkish consumer were calculated as 0.0019 and 0.0021 ng kg−1 b.w. day−1 at the lower bound, and 0.0043 and 0.0067 ng kg−1 b.w. day−1 at the upper bound, respectively.

Practical applications

The present work was focused on aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) contamination levels of raw and roasted almond kernels consumed in Turkey. The exposure assessment of general Turkish population to AFs through the consumption of almonds was also assessed. This study underlines the importance of periodic monitoring studies to provide a high level of food safety. This is the first report on exposure to AFs through the consumption of almond kernels for Turkish consumers.
Evaluation of the effectiveness and usability of an educational portion size tool, ServARpreg, for pregnant women
Authors: Brown H. M. , Collins C. E. , Bucher T. , Rollo M. E.
Published: April 2019

Background

Elevated blood glucose levels in pregnancy increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Modifying consumption of carbohydrate‐rich foods is important for blood glucose regulation; however, the tools commonly used to assist in guiding portion control are impractical. The present study aimed to evaluate usability of ServARpreg, a mobile phone‐based nutrition tool, and its effectiveness with respect to improving carbohydrate and standard serve size knowledge in pregnant women.

Methods

A baseline survey assessed knowledge of carbohydrates and standard serve sizes of pregnant women. A subset of women living in Newcastle were invited to use ServARpreg, containing pregnancy nutrition information and augmented reality guidance on portion control. A follow‐up survey was sent to all women 4 weeks after baseline and women who received ServARpreg also received a process evaluation survey after 10 weeks.

Results

Responses were received from 186 pregnant women for the baseline survey, with 97 completing the follow‐up (52.2%). Of the 56 women eligible to receive ServARpreg in the sub‐study, 47 accepted (83.9%) and, of these, 40 completed the process evaluation survey (85.1%). At follow‐up, there was a significant group × time interaction in favour of the ServARpreg group for carbohydrate quantification knowledge (F1,279 = 9.705, P = 0.002). Standard serve size knowledge did not change between groups. In the process evaluation survey, 80% strongly agreed/agreed that ServARpreg made them more aware of how much they ate and 72.5% found ServARpreg easy to use.

Conclusions

ServARpreg has shown potential to educate pregnant women about carbohydrate quantification and increase portion size awareness. Further refinement of the tool and evaluation is needed to improve standard serve size knowledge.
At the Edge of Chaos: Poetics of American Monsters, here and there
Authors: Lepselter Susan
Published: April 2019

Although we often use the term “monster” in a self‐evident way, what that term signifies is highly varied and sometimes contradictory. What, in fact, is a monster? This paper explores various beings called “monsters,” from obese bodies on reality TV to occult lizard people in conspiracy theories. Taking off from classic anthropological theories of monsters as deconstructed and reassembled natural objects, I question their affective and meaningful associations in contemporary America, and explore why the idea of the monster, which has no stable referent, is nonetheless ubiquitous in a seemingly disenchanted world.
What Became of Bruce the Shark? From Man‐Eating Monster to Savable Subject in Forty Years of Conservation
Authors: Nason Patrick
Published: April 2019

Forty years after Jaws, sharks have become savable subjects. Through public advocacy and personal adventures, shark conservationists claim these animals are not monstrous, but misunderstood. On rare occasions, the success of their advocacy is tempered by a fatal encounter, or “attack.” When this happens, multiple intentionalities emerge around the aesthetic category of the monstrous. Drawing on ethnographic and archival research in Western Australia, New England, and South Florida, this article examines these ways of being‐toward‐sharks in ongoing colonial contexts, and asks what is at stake when humans enter the sea alongside these large predatory animals.
The impact of the Affordable Care Act on provision of endodontic services within a dental school setting in Oregon
Authors: Peck Joseph , Sedgley Christine M. , Schwarz Eli , Replogle Karan J.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

In January 2014 implementation of the Medicaid expansion of the Affordable Care Act (EACA) in Oregon increased the number of children and adults qualifying for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Simultaneously, dental care benefits for adult Medicaid members were restored in Oregon after a period of noncoverage. This study evaluated the impact of these changes on the receipt of endodontic services in the Graduate Endodontic Clinic (GEC) at Oregon Health & Science University.

Methods

A retrospective electronic health records (EHRs) database review was conducted from July 2010 through June 2017, a seven‐year period covering 3.5 years before (pre–EACA) and 3.5 years after (post–EACA) implementation of EACA. The number of completed anterior, premolar and molar non‐surgical root canal therapies (NS‐RCT) was retrieved from de‐identified EHRs by targeting dental codes. Pre– and post–EACA frequencies were compared and analyzed by patient age [<21 years (children) versus adults], payer mix [OHP versus non‐Medicaid (self‐pay and private insurance)], and tooth type (anterior, premolar and molar) using Chi‐square tests (P < 0.05).

Results

The number of procedures provided for patients covered by OHP post–EACA compared to pre–EACA was increased by 363 percent. There was an 18 percent decline in NS‐RCT provided for non‐OHP patients (P < 0.0001). Post–EACA increases in frequency applied to anterior, premolar, and molar NS‐RCT (P < 0.0001), with the greatest increase in frequency post–EACA occurring for premolar NS‐RCT procedures (666 percent).

Conclusions

By eliminating barriers to care greater numbers of vulnerable people in Oregon sought and received endodontic services at the GEC.
Robustness of Zero Crossing Estimator
Authors: Goto Yuichi , Taniguchi Masanobu
Published: April 2019

Zero crossing (ZC) statistic is the number of zero crossings observed in a time series. The expected value of the ZC specifies the first‐order autocorrelation of the processes. Hence, we can estimate the autocorrelation by using the ZC estimator. The asymptotic consistency and normality of the ZC estimator for scalar Gaussian processes are already discussed in 1980. In this article, first, we derive the joint asymptotic distribution of the ZC estimator for ellipsoidal processes. Next, we show the variance of the ZC estimator does not attain the Cramer–Rao lower bound (CRLB). However, it is shown that the ZC estimator has robustness when the process is contaminated by an outlier. In contrast with this, we observe that the quasi‐maximum likelihood estimator (QMLE) attains the CRLB. However, we can see that QMLE is sensitive for the outlier.
Simultaneously inhibiting undecaprenyl phosphate production and peptidoglycan synthases promotes rapid lysis in Escherichia coli
Authors: Jorgenson Matthew A. , MacCain William J. , Meberg Bernadette M. , Kannan Suresh , Bryant Joseph C. , Young Kevin D.
Published: April 2019

Peptidoglycan (PG) is a highly cross‐linked polysaccharide that encases bacteria, resists the effects of turgor and confers cell shape. PG precursors are translocated across the cytoplasmic membrane by the lipid carrier undecaprenyl phosphate (Und‐P) where they are incorporated into the PG superstructure. Previously, we found that one of our Escherichia coli laboratory strains (CS109) harbors a missense mutation in uppS, which encodes an enzymatically defective Und‐P(P) synthase. Here, we show that CS109 cells lacking the bifunctional aPBP PBP1B (penicillin binding protein 1B) lyse during exponential growth at elevated temperature. PBP1B lysis was reversed by: (i) reintroducing wild‐type uppS, (ii) increasing the availability of PG precursors or (iii) overproducing PBP1A, a related bifunctional PG synthase. In addition, inhibiting the catalytic activity of PBP2 or PBP3, two monofunctional bPBPs, caused CS109 cells to lyse. Limiting the precursors required for Und‐P synthesis in MG1655, which harbors a wild‐type allele of uppS, also promoted lysis in mutants lacking PBP1B or bPBP activity. Thus, simultaneous inhibition of Und‐P production and PG synthases provokes a synergistic response that leads to cell lysis. These findings suggest a biological connection that could be exploited in combination therapies.
Characterizing standard genetic parts and establishing common principles for engineering legume and cereal roots
Authors: Feike Doreen , Korolev Andrey V. , Soumpourou Eleni , Murakami Eiichi , Reid Dugald , Breakspear Andrew , Rogers Christian , Radutoiu Simona , Stougaard Jens , Harwood Wendy A. , Oldroyd Giles E. D. , Miller J. Benjamin
Published: April 2019

Plant synthetic biology and cereal engineering depend on the controlled expression of transgenes of interest. Most engineering in plant species to date has relied heavily on the use of a few, well‐established constitutive promoters to achieve high levels of expression; however, the levels of transgene expression can also be influenced by the use of codon optimization, intron‐mediated enhancement and varying terminator sequences. Most of these alternative approaches for regulating transgene expression have only been tested in small‐scale experiments, typically testing a single gene of interest. It is therefore difficult to interpret the relative importance of these approaches and to design engineering strategies that are likely to succeed in different plant species, particularly if engineering multigenic traits where the expression of each transgene needs to be precisely regulated. Here, we present data on the characterization of 46 promoters and 10 terminators in Medicago truncatula, Lotus japonicus, Nicotiana benthamiana and Hordeum vulgare, as well as the effects of codon optimization and intron‐mediated enhancement on the expression of two transgenes in H. vulgare. We have identified a core set of promoters and terminators of relevance to researchers engineering novel traits in plant roots. In addition, we have shown that combining codon optimization and intron‐mediated enhancement increases transgene expression and protein levels in barley. Based on our study, we recommend a core set of promoters and terminators for broad use and also propose a general set of principles and guidelines for those engineering cereal species.
Genome of ‘Charleston Gray’, the principal American watermelon cultivar, and genetic characterization of 1,365 accessions in the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System watermelon collection
Authors: Wu Shan , Wang Xin , Reddy Umesh , Sun Honghe , Bao Kan , Gao Lei , Mao Linyong , Patel Takshay , Ortiz Carlos , Abburi Venkata L. , Nimmakayala Padma , Branham Sandra , Wechter Pat , Massey Laura , Ling Kai‐Shu , Kousik Chandrasekar , Hammar Sue A. , Tadmor Yaakov , Portnoy Vitaly , Gur Amit , Katzir Nurit , Guner Nihat , Davis Angela , Hernandez Alvaro G. , Wright Chris L. , McGregor Cecilia , Jarret Robert , Zhang Xingping , Xu Yong , Wehner Todd C. , Grumet Rebecca , Levi Amnon , Fei Zhangjun
Published: April 2019

Years of selection for desirable fruit quality traits in dessert watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) has resulted in a narrow genetic base in modern cultivars. Development of novel genomic and genetic resources offers great potential to expand genetic diversity and improve important traits in watermelon. Here, we report a high‐quality genome sequence of watermelon cultivar ‘Charleston Gray’, a principal American dessert watermelon, to complement the existing reference genome from ‘97103’, an East Asian cultivar. Comparative analyses between genomes of ‘Charleston Gray’ and ‘97103’ revealed genomic variants that may underlie phenotypic differences between the two cultivars. We then genotyped 1365 watermelon plant introduction (PI) lines maintained at the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System using genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS). These PI lines were collected throughout the world and belong to three Citrullus species, C. lanatus, C. mucosospermus and C. amarus. Approximately 25 000 high‐quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were derived from the GBS data using the ‘Charleston Gray’ genome as the reference. Population genomic analyses using these SNPs discovered a close relationship between C. lanatus and C. mucosospermus and identified four major groups in these two species correlated to their geographic locations. Citrullus amarus was found to have a distinct genetic makeup compared to C. lanatus and C. mucosospermus. The SNPs also enabled identification of genomic regions associated with important fruit quality and disease resistance traits through genome‐wide association studies. The high‐quality ‘Charleston Gray’ genome and the genotyping data of this large collection of watermelon accessions provide valuable resources for facilitating watermelon research, breeding and improvement.
Transcriptome analysis reveals regulation of gene expression during photoacclimation to high irradiance levels in Dunaliella salina (Chlorophyceae)
Authors: Li Yuanxiang , Gu Wenhui , Huang Aiyou , Xie Xiujun , Wu Songcui , Wang Guangce
Published: April 2019

The unicellular green alga Dunaliella salina is an attractive organism for studying photoacclimation responses. Changes in irradiance level during cell growth affect the organization and structure of the photosystem and the composition of pigments. In this study, D. salina was exposed to different irradiance levels, and cell growth, photosynthetic activity, pigments, and neutral lipids were analyzed. Photosystem II activity and chlorophyll content were reduced, carotenoids content and neutral lipids increased as light intensity increased, suggesting that photosynthetic apparatus was reduced and photoprotection mechanisms were activated. The RNA of D. salina was sequenced to investigate the transcriptomic response of the organism after transitioning from normal light conditions to higher light intensity. Genes encoding for enzymes involved in photosynthesis were downregulated, whereas genes involved in the metabolism of carotenoid and triacylglycerol were upregulated. Genes encoding for photoprotective enzymes related to reactive oxygen species scavenging and to the xanthophyll cycle were also upregulated at higher irradiance levels. The present transcriptomic study would assist in the comprehensive understanding of photoacclimation mechanisms of D. salina.
Secondary self‐deception
Authors: Jordan Maiya
Published: April 2019

According to doxastic accounts of self‐deception, self‐deception that P yields belief that P. For doxastic accounts, the self‐deceiver really believes what he, in self‐deception, professes to believe. I argue that doxastic accounts are contradicted by a phenomenon that often accompanies self‐deception. This phenomenon – which I term ‘secondary deception’ – consists in the self‐deceiver's defending his professed (deceit‐induced) belief to an audience by lying to that audience. I proceed to sketch an alternative, non‐doxastic account of how we should understand self‐deception in terms of the self‐deceiver's misrepresentation of himself as believing that P.
Phylogenetic relationships in the genus Lethrus (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae) reveal contrasting evolutionary history in Europe
Authors: Tóth János P. , Bereczki Judit , Rácz Rita , Varga Zoltán , Barta Zoltán , Sramkó Gábor
Published: April 2019

In this study we analysed for the first time the phylogenetic relationships among the European Lethrus species based on mitochondrial (COI, 16S) and nuclear (H3, wingless) markers. The phylogenetic inference based on these genes indicated that the European Lethrus species form a monophyletic group with two main lineages. One of them is distributed in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula (North Macedonia, northwestern Greece and southwestern Bulgaria) and includes five species (L. perun, L. raymondi, L. strymonensis, L. halkidikiensis and L. elephas). Three species of the other clade (L. schaumii, L. ares and L. schneideri) occur in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula (southeastern Bulgaria and northeastern Greece) while its fourth member, L. apterus, could colonize much larger areas in central and eastern Europe. Despite its large geographic distribution, L. apterus proved to be a single species. By contrast, we found strong intraspecific differentiation in both L. schaumii and L. halkidikiensis in spite of their restricted distribution. Surprisingly, two highly divergent mitogroups were also detected within a single L. schneideri population. As the microsatellite markers did not show any differentiation between them, this finding is likely to be accounted for by a unidirectional hybridization event. These findings highlight that phylogenetic studies or species descriptions should not be based on mitochondrial markers alone. Our study clearly demonstrates that allopatric speciation is the most important speciation mechanism in the European species of the genus Lethrus, although we also hypothesize that other well‐known factors, such as hybridization or the glacial‐interglacial dynamics, could significantly affect the speciation patterns of certain lineages.
The novel HLA‐DRB1*14:25:02 allele discovered in a Vietnamese cord blood specimen
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Phu Chi‐dung , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: April 2019

One nucleotide substitution in codon 4 of HLA‐DRB1*14:25:01 results in a new allele, HLA‐DRB1*14:25:02.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B*37:87 allele in a Saudi individual
Authors: Alanazi Aisha , Alburaq Mohammed , Alblaihed Asma , AlSebaiheen Farrah , Alshubaili Abdullah
Published: April 2019

HLA‐B*37:87 differs from HLA‐B*37:01 by a single‐nucleotide substitution (G → A) at position 2347.
The historical topography of the Battle of Hastings: A geographical reconstruction
Authors: Hewitt Christopher Macdonald
Published: April 2019

In 1066, English and Norman forces engaged in a decisive battle near Hastings. The battlefield itself provides an example of the way in which physical geography can contribute to our understanding of historical events. According to historical accounts, the rolling landscape of the Hastings battle site was unquestionably an important factor in understanding the conflict. Yet surprisingly few analyses of the local terrain exist to test this proposition. In part, this is because historians of the battle have largely affirmed that the current battle site bears little or no physical resemblance to that present in 1066, and thus is unsuitable for contemporary analysis that might shed light on the outcome of the battle itself. By applying advanced geographical analysis using the RUSLE model, this study demonstrates that there is in fact considerable evidence to suggest that a limited amount of sediment was removed, hence the battlefield has in fact changed very little since the battle. This finding is significant, insofar as it opens the door to new research on the Battle of Hastings which may shed additional light on the events that occurred there and the factors that influenced the outcome of this key conflict in British history.
Retrospective evaluation of the route and timing of nutrition in dogs with septic peritonitis: 68 cases (2007–2016)
Authors: Smith Kristin M. , Rendahl Aaron , Sun Yiwen , Todd Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To determine the impact of route of nutrition on length of hospitalization and survival to discharge in dogs with septic peritonitis.

Design

Retrospective study from 2007 to 2016.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Sixty‐eight dogs with septic peritonitis that survived ≥48 hours.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Nutritional strategy was categorized into 1 of 4 groups: voluntary, feeding tube, parenteral (PN), and combined feeding tube and PN. Body weight, body condition score, time without caloric intake before and during hospitalization, length of hospitalization, and percentage of resting energy requirements provided during the first 3 days of nutritional support were recorded. Overall, 54/68 dogs survived (79%). Survival Prediction Index 2 scores were not significantly different between groups. Dogs receiving PN only were less likely to survive than those receiving any enteral nutrition (OR 9.7; 95CI 1.84–58.75). Compared to dogs not receiving PN, dogs receiving any PN were significantly less likely to survive (OR 9.66; 95% CI 1.7–105.8), and were in hospital significantly longer (P = 0.025). Metabolic complications associated with PN were frequent but not associated with increased length of hospitalization or survival to discharge.

Conclusions

Dogs with septic peritonitis that received any PN were in hospital longer and less likely to survive but may have been sicker than those receiving other forms of nutritional support. Further studies are warranted to evaluate reasons for worse outcomes in dogs with septic peritonitis receiving PN.
Antibiotic use in critical illness
Authors: Stewart Samuel D. , Allen Sarah
Published: April 2019

Objective

To provide a review on the current use of antimicrobials with a discussion on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of antimicrobials in critically ill patients, the challenges of drug resistance, the use of diagnostic testing to direct therapy, and the selection of the most likely efficacious antimicrobial protocol.

Etiology

Patients in the intensive care unit often possess profound pathophysiologic changes that can complicate antimicrobial therapy. Although many antimicrobials have known pharmacodynamic profiles, critical illness can cause wide variations in their pharmacokinetics. The two principal factors affecting pharmacokinetics are volume of distribution and drug clearance. Understanding the interplay between critical illness, drug pharmacokinetics, and antimicrobial characteristics (ie, time‐dependent vs concentration‐dependent) may improve antimicrobial efficacy and patient outcome.

Diagnosis

Utilizing bacterial culture and susceptibility can aid in identifying drug resistant infections, selecting the most appropriate antimicrobials, and hindering the future development of drug resistance.

Therapy

Having a basic knowledge of antimicrobial function and how to use diagnostics to direct therapeutic treatment is paramount in managing this patient population. Diagnostic testing is not always available at the time of initiation of antimicrobial therapy, so empiric selections are often necessary. These empiric choices should be made based on the location of the infection and the most likely infecting bacteria.

Prognosis

Studies have demonstrated the importance of moving away from a “one dose fits all” approach to antimicrobial therapy. Instead there has been a move toward an individualized approach that takes into consideration the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variabilities that can occur in critically ill patients.
Comparison of New and Previous Net Energy Metering (NEM) Scheme in Malaysia
Authors: Razali Abdul Hafiz , Abdullah Md Pauzi , Hassan Mohammad Yusri , Hussin Faridah
Published: April 2019

The introduction of new Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme in 2016 in Malaysia is seen as an improvement from the previous FIT scheme. NEM allows a user to generate, use and export the net excess energy to the grid instead of selling all the generated energy as in FIT scheme. However, the NEM scheme (NEM 2016) still have a problem which is small size residential customers will not get benefited from the scheme in term of electricity bill savings. Therefore, the Malaysian government introducing a new NEM scheme (NEM 2019) to replace previous NEM scheme (NEM 2016) to overcome drawbacks of NEM 2016. This paper will investigate the performance of NEM 2019 overcome the previous problem by comparing the performance of NEM 2019 and against NEM 2016 in term of NPC (net present cost) and electricity cost savings by using HOMER software. The analysis is conducted on three different size of residential customers; small, medium and large with different PV panel sizes from 1kWp to 8kWp. The results show that NEM 2019 will produce lower NPC compared to NEM 2016 for most cases.
Investigation of the Effect of Long-Term Pilates and Step Aerobic Exercises on Functional Movement Screening Scores
Authors: Akkoç Orkun , Kırandı Özlem
Published: April 2019

This research aimed to investigate the variation in FMS scores of women performing Pilates exercises 2 days per week, and women performing 1 day of Pilates and 1 day of step aerobic exercise per week after 8 weeks. The research included 60 sedentary female volunteers aged from 35-50 years (age range: 30.4-54.2 years, mean: 41.2 ± 6.37). Subjects in the research were tested for basic movement patterns, stabilization and mobilization. The study was planned to last 8 weeks, with 2 training sessions per week. At the end of 8 weeks, FMS tests were repeated. Statistical analyses used the SPSS program. P values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The total score in the group with 2 days Pilates per week increased from 13.08 to 17,85, while the scores for the group with 1 day Pilates and 1 day aerobic exercise rose from 13 from 15 (p<0.05). The control group had pre-test measurement of 13.25 and post-test measurement of 13.19, with no significant change observed (p>0.05). While there was no difference between the groups for preliminary FMS results, there were significant differences between the final FMS results (pre-test p: 0.92, post-test p: 0.015). In conclusion, 2 days of Pilates exercise preserved and developed functional movement, stability and mobility and reduced the risk of injury. Though one day Pilates and one day aerobic exercise improved FMS scores, it did not reduce the risk of injury.
Is The Sport Management Course Curriculum Compatible With Football Governing Institutions?
Authors: Çelik Akın
Published: April 2019

Sport is becoming a global phenomenon. Moreover, it has been one of the major sources of income for the government in different countries. Therefore, sport management education is becoming increasingly important in the management of sports. Countries that spend more on the development of sports facilities have been associated with huge improvements in the sports industry. Similarly, clubs that spend more on acquiring new talents in the industry and availing sports facilities have been associated with higher performance. This led the European football clubs in the spending more than they earn so as to acquire the services of the best talents and avail the best sports facilities so as to perform better. Therefore UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) launched its financial fair play regulations. UEFA financial fair play regulations were introduced to prevent the European football clubs from overspending. This situation affects the education curriculum of the sports management departments in universities. The regulations have compelled the clubs to spend at the break-even point. This has led to the improvement in brand value, increased sponsors, and making decisions that do not lead the clubs to overspend. As a result, the clubs have grown economically and achieved higher financial stability. This research explores the adaptation of the sport management curriculum to these new situations.