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Cohesion is an important property of teams that can affect individual teammates and team outcomes. However, cohesion in teams that include autonomous systems as teammates is an underexplored topic. We examine the extant literature on cohesion in human teams, then build on that foundation to advance the understanding of cohesion in human–autonomy teams, both similarities and differences. We describe team cohesion, the various definitions, factors, dimensions and associated benefits and detriments. We discuss how that element may be affected when the team includes an autonomous teammate with each description. Finally, we identify specific factors of human–autonomy interaction that may be relevant to cohesion, then articulate future research questions critical to advancing science for effective human–autonomy teams. Relevance Statement: The human team literature has provided a foundation onto which human–autonomy team research can build, but the team dynamics, and subsequent states, established in multi-human teams are expected to differ in human–autonomy teams. This manuscript focuses on cohesion, one such state and synthesises elements of human team cohesion and human–autonomy interaction to detail expectations for cohesion in human–autonomy teams. These expectations can serve as a launch point for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the effects of communication style on human performance, workload, situation awareness, and trust in a robot in a human-robot team. In a 2 × 2 mixed factor study, participants were teamed with a simulated robot to conduct a cordon-and-search style task. Participants were assigned to a communication style (Directive vs. Non-directive; between subjects), and both groups experienced varied periods of task load (high vs. low task load; within-subjects). Results indicate that task load influenced the participants' task performance more than communication style. However, there were some differential effects on response time and workload due to communication style. Participants in the Non-directive group did not report a higher workload than those in the Directive condition, even though objective measures of workload (i.e., eye-tracking measures) indicated they experienced a higher workload. These results may be due to the presence of feedback inherent in the differing communication styles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our understanding of interactions among intestinal helminths, gut microbiota and host is still in its infancy in fish. In this study, the effects of Schyzocotyle acheilognathi infection on the intestinal microbiota, growth and immune reactions of grass carp were explored under laboratory conditions. 16S rDNA amplification sequencing results showed that S. acheilognathi infection altered the composition of intestinal microbiota only at the genus level, with a significant increase in the relative abundance of Turicibacter and Ruminococcus (P < 0.05) and a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Gordonia, Mycobacterium and Pseudocanthomonas (P < 0.05). Schyzocotyle acheilognathi infection had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the alpha diversity indices (including Chao1, ACE, Shannon, Simpson index) of intestinal microbiota in grass carp, but PERMANOVA analysis showed that microbial structure significantly (P < 0.01) differed between hindgut and foregut. PICRUST prediction showed that some metabolism-related pathways were significantly changed after S. acheilognathi infection. The relative abundance of Turicibacter was positively correlated with the fresh weight of tapeworm (foregut: r = 0.48, P = 0.044; hindgut: r = 0.63, P = 0.005). There was no significant difference in the body condition of grass carp between the S. acheilognathi infected group and the uninfected group (P > 0.05). Intestinal tissue section with HE staining showed that S. acheilognathi infection severely damaged the intestinal villi, causing serious degeneration, necrosis and shedding of intestinal epithelial cells. The real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR results showed that S. acheilognathi infection upregulated the mRNA expression of the immune-related genes: Gal1-L2, TGF-ß1 and IgM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myofibrils within skeletal muscle are composed of sarcomeres that generate force by contraction when their myosin-rich thick filaments slide past actin-based thin filaments. Although mutations in components of the sarcomere are a major cause of human disease, the highly complex process of sarcomere assembly is not fully understood. Current models of thin filament assembly highlight a central role for filament capping proteins, which can be divided into three protein families, each ascribed with separate roles in thin filament assembly. CapZ proteins have been shown to bind the Z-disc protein α-actinin to form an anchoring complex for thin filaments and actin polymerisation. Subsequent thin filaments extension dynamics are thought to be facilitated by Leiomodins (Lmods) and thin filament assembly is concluded by Tropomodulins (Tmods) that specifically cap the pointed end of thin filaments. To study thin filament assembly in vivo, single and compound loss-of-function zebrafish mutants within distinct classes of capping proteins were analysed. The generated lmod3- and capza1b-deficient zebrafish exhibited aspects of the pathology caused by variations in their human orthologs. Although loss of the analysed main capping proteins of the skeletal muscle, capza1b, capza1a, lmod3 and tmod4, resulted in sarcomere defects, residual organised sarcomeres were formed within the assessed mutants, indicating that these proteins are not essential for the initial myofibril assembly. Furthermore, detected similarity and location of myofibril defects, apparent at the peripheral ends of myofibres of both Lmod3- and CapZα-deficient mutants, suggest a function in longitudinal myofibril growth for both proteins, which is molecularly distinct to the function of Tmod4. Author summary: The force-generating contractile apparatus is a highly organised structure mainly composed of thick and thin filaments of uniform length. Three families of capping proteins are described to play a role in the regulation of thin filament length. Current models suggest that thin filament assembly is initiated by CapZ, extended by Leiomodins (Lmods) and concluded by Tropomodulins (Tmods). To better understand the role of these capping proteins, we analysed single and double loss-of-function zebrafish mutants for these capping proteins. We find that lmod3- and capza1b-deficient zebrafish model aspects of the human disorders caused by variations in their orthologs. Surprisingly, although pivotal for sarcomere formation, our results reveal that none of the analysed capping proteins, capza1b, capza1a, lmod3 and tmod4, are absolutely required for thin filament assembly, as suggested by current models. Our study further indicates that the roles of CapZ and Lmod3 are distinct from Tmod4. Both Lmod3- as well as CapZα-deficient mutants feature specific defects at the peripheral ends of muscle cells. We conclude that, in addition to their non-essential role during thin filament assembly, both Lmod3- and CapZα proteins may function in the longitudinal growth of the contractile apparatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irradiance is one of the main limiting factors affecting the production of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in facility production. It is therefore important to measure the growth of pepper seedlings under low irradiance and to understand how to relieve low radiation stress. In this study, pepper seedlings were cultivated under low irradiance and were treated with gibberellic acid (GA3) and paclobutrazol (PP333). Agronomic and physiological characteristics of the pepper seedlings were analyzed. Under low irradiance, the plant height, leaf area, and the chlorophyll (Chl) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of pepper seedlings were higher than under normal irradiance, while the content of proline, and soluble protein and Chl a/b ratio of pepper seedlings were lower than those under normal irradiance; exogenous GA3 had a similar effect. When PP333 was applied to the seedlings, abnormal growth was mitigated. The effects of exogenous GA3 and PP333 on Chl fluorescence parameters were also analyzed. Under low irradiance, the maximum quantum yield reduction of photosystem (PS II) (Fv/Fm) increased significantly, and the reaction center initiated the corresponding defense mechanism for timely dissipation of excess excitation energy to reduce the damage to the plant. These results showed that spraying gibberellin under normal irradiance conditions had similar effects on pepper seedlings as under low irradiance conditions. Exogenous PP333 relieved the growth reduction by increasing the content of Chl and soluble protein and enhancing some photosynthetic parameters. These results suggest that exogenous PP333 can alleviate the abnormal growth of pepper under low radiation stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Species belonging to the genus Lernaea are cosmopolitan parasites that can infect many different freshwater fish hosts. Due to a high degree of morphological intraspecific variability and high levels of interspecific similarities, their classification is extremely difficult and controversial. Although the suitability of the shape of cephalic horns has been questioned decades ago by some experimental infection studies, this character still plays the central role in the identification of Lernaea spp. Methods: We used the nominal species Lernaea cyprinacea and Lernaea cruciata to test the hypothesis that the shape of the anchor can exhibit host-induced morphological variability, and that the two taxa may be synonymous. Results: We examined 517 wild or farmed specimens of five host fish species (four cyprinids and a mosquitofish), and found that all 16 parasite specimens collected from mosquitofish could be morphologically identified as L. cruciata, whereas the remaining 25 parasite specimens were all identified as L. cyprinacea. We experimentally infected goldfish and mosquitofish specimens with offspring (copepodids) of a single L. cyprinacea specimen: the adult parasites from goldfish were morphologically identified as L. cyprinacea, and those from mosquitofish as L. cruciata. We then used molecular data to corroborate that all these specimens are conspecific. Conclusions: Our results suggest that L. cyprinacea and L. cruciata may be synonyms, misidentified as different species as a result of host-induced morphological variation. Given the current shortage of molecular data for the genus Lernaea, in order to resolve the taxonomy of this genus (determine the exact number of species), future studies should aim to sequence as much molecular data as possible, and conduct further experimental infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vitamin D is important for maintaining physiological functions including cognition and its deficiency is associated with the occurrence of cognitive impairment. This study was to explore the association between preoperative vitamin D status and the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients undergoing major surgery.Methods: This was a predefined exploratory sub-analysis of one-centre data from a randomized controlled trial. In all, 123 elderly (≥ 65 years) patients who were scheduled to undergo major cancer surgery were recruited. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was measured before surgery. In total, 59 nonsurgical control subjects with comparable age and education level were also enrolled. A battery of neuropsychological tests was administered the day before and the 7th day after surgery in patients or at the same time interval in control subjects. POCD was diagnosed according to the ISPOCD1 definition.Results: 71.5% (88/123) of elderly patients had vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration < 12 ng/ml) before surgery; 24.4% (30/123) of them developed cognitive dysfunction at 1 week after surgery. After adjusting for confounding factors, high preoperative serum 25-hydroxyvitamine D concentration was related to a decreased risk of POCD (odds ratio [OR]: 0.829, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.708-0.971; P = 0.020), whereas preoperative vitamin D deficiency was associated with an increased risk of POCD (OR: 8.427, 95% CI: 1.595-44.511; P = 0.012).Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in elderly patients undergoing major cancer surgery and increases the risk of early POCD development. Whether prophylactic vitamin D supplementation can reduce POCD in the elderly deserves further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parasitic protozoans, helminths, alter the gut microbiota in mammals, yet little is known about the influence of intestinal cestodes on gut microbiota in fish. In the present study, the composition and diversity of the hindgut microbiota were determined in the intestine of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) infected with two tapeworm species, Khawia japonensis and Atractolytocestus tenuicollis. Results: The intestine contained a core microbiota composed of Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria and Tenericutes. Infection with the two cestode species had no significant effect on the microbial diversity and richness, but it altered the microbial composition at the genus level. PCoA analysis indicated that microbial communities in the infected and uninfected common carp could not be distinguished from each other. However, a Mantel test indicated that the abundance of K. japonensis was significantly correlated with the microbial composition (P = 0.015), while the abundance of A. tenuicollis was not (P = 0.954). According to Pearsonʼs correlation analysis, the abundance of K. japonensis exhibited an extremely significant (P < 0.001) positive correlation with the following gut microbiota taxa: Epulopiscium, U114, Bacteroides, Clostridium and Peptostreptococcaceae (0.8< r < 0.9); and a significant (P < 0.05) correlation with Enterobacteriaceae, Micrococcaceae, Rummeliibacillus, Lysinibacillusboronitolerans, Veillonellaceae, Oxalobacteraceae, Aeromonadaceae (negative), Marinibacillus and Chitinilyticum (0.4< r < 0.7). Conclusions: These results suggest that the composition of gut microbiota was somewhat affected by the K. japonensis infection. Additionally, increased ratios of pathogenic bacteria (Lawsonia and Plesiomonas) were also associated with the K. japonensis infection, which may therefore increase the likelihood of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the brief and incomplete original description of Gangesia pseudobagrae Chen, 1962 (Cestoda: Onchoproteocephalidea) and high morphological similarity to Gangesia oligonchis Roitman & Freze, 1964 parasitising the same host Tachysurus fulvidraco Richardson, the taxonomic validity of G. pseudobagrae in China remains questionable. Therefore, we sampled and identified specimens of Gangesia Woodland, 1924 from the intestine of T. fulvidraco from three lakes in central China. Morphologically, the sampled specimens almost perfectly corresponded both to G. oligonchis and the limited available description of G. pseudobagrae: rostellum-like organ armed with a single complete circle of hooks (24–31 in number); four uniloculate suckers covered with minute hooklets; genital pore irregularly alternated; testes medullary, spherical to oval; ovary medullary, bi-lobed, follicular; cirrus-sac thick-walled and long; uterus medullary. 28S rDNA sequence also exhibited the highest similarity to G. oligonchis (99.4–99.7%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that 11 individuals of Gangesia from the three lakes in China clustered with G. oligonchis from Russia (no sequence of G. pseudobagrae available on GenBank). Based upon the high similarity of morphology and high similarity of 28S rDNA sequences, the specimens of Gangesia from T. fulvidraco in central China were identified as G. oligonchis. Our results indicate that there is only one species of Gangesia in T. fulvidraco from the Palaearctic region, and thereby support the proposed synonymisation of G. pseudobagrae and G. oligonchis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent mitochondrial phylogenomics studies have reported a sister-group relationship of the orders Capsalidea and Dactylogyridea, which is inconsistent with previous morphology- and molecular-based phylogenies. As Dactylogyridea mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) are currently represented by only one family, to improve the phylogenetic resolution, we sequenced and characterized two dactylogyridean parasites, Lamellodiscus spari and Lepidotrema longipenis, belonging to a non-represented family Diplectanidae. Results: The L. longipenis mitogenome (15,433 bp) contains the standard 36 flatworm mitochondrial genes (atp8 is absent), whereas we failed to detect trnS1, trnC and trnG in L. spari (14,614 bp). Both mitogenomes exhibit unique gene orders (among the Monogenea), with a number of tRNA rearrangements. Both long non-coding regions contain a number of different (partially overlapping) repeat sequences. Intriguingly, these include putative tRNA pseudogenes in a tandem array (17 trnV pseudogenes in L. longipenis, 13 trnY pseudogenes in L. spari). Combined nucleotide diversity, non-synonymous/synonymous substitutions ratio and average sequence identity analyses consistently showed that nad2, nad5 and nad4 were the most variable PCGs, whereas cox1, cox2 and cytb were the most conserved. Phylogenomic analysis showed that the newly sequenced species of the family Diplectanidae formed a sister-group with the Dactylogyridae + Capsalidae clade. Thus Dactylogyridea (represented by the Diplectanidae and Dactylogyridae) was rendered paraphyletic (with high statistical support) by the nested Capsalidea (represented by the Capsalidae) clade. Conclusions: Our results show that nad2, nad5 and nad4 (fast-evolving) would be better candidates than cox1 (slow-evolving) for species identification and population genetics studies in the Diplectanidae. The unique gene order pattern further suggests discontinuous evolution of mitogenomic gene order arrangement in the Class Monogenea. This first report of paraphyly of the Dactylogyridea highlights the need to generate more molecular data for monogenean parasites, in order to be able to clarify their relationships using large datasets, as single-gene markers appear to provide a phylogenetic resolution which is too low for the task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Species composition and diversity of dactylogyrids were compared on gills of wild and cultured goldfish (silver crucian carp) Carassius auratus from 3 naturally populated lakes and 3 stocked aquaculture ponds in the Hubei province of China to examine the differences in the gill parasite community between these natural and farmed waters. Of the 7 Dactylogyrus spp. detected, all were found in lakes and 5 in ponds, with Dactylogyrus inexpectatus and Dactylogyrus anchoratus being absent from ponds. No significant correlation was found between the species richness and habitat area or host size, nor was there a significant difference in mean species richness between lakes (0.41–0.65) and ponds (0.30–0.76). Brillouin's diversity in lakes (0.049–0.067) was higher than that in ponds (0.024–0.046), but not significantly so. Although the diversity of parasite communities was higher in wild goldfish, higher mean abundance of some Dactylogyrus spp. was found in cultured goldfish. Based on Bray–Curtis similarity, it was difficult to differentiate parasite communities in lakes from those in ponds at the infracommunity level, whereas the 3 lakes and Guanqiao pond differed markedly from the remaining 2 ponds at the component community level. Although infracommunities differed among waterbodies, no effects of fish length or waterbody type were found on infracommunity or component community structure. Together, these results suggest that abundance and species richness of Dactylogyrus spp. on goldfish in lakes and farm ponds are influenced by habitat-specific environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of epidemiologic and physician‐diagnosed pollen‐induced AR (PiAR) in the grasslands of northern China and to study the impact of the intensity and time of pollen exposure on PiAR prevalence. Methods: A multistage, clustered and proportionately stratified random sampling with a field interviewer‐administered survey study was performed together with skin prick tests (SPT) and measurements of the daily pollen count. Results: A total of 6043 subjects completed the study, with a proportion of 32.4% epidemiologic AR and 18.5% PiAR. The prevalence was higher in males than females (19.6% vs 17.4%, P = .024), but no difference between the two major residential and ethnic groups (Han and Mongolian) was observed. Subjects from urban areas showed higher prevalence of PiAR than rural areas (23.1% vs 14.0%, P < .001). Most PiAR patients were sensitized to two or more pollens (79.4%) with artemisia, chenopodium, and humulus scandens being the most common pollen types, which were similarly found as the top three sensitizing pollen allergens by SPT. There were significant regional differences in the prevalence of epidemiologic AR (from 18.6% to 52.9%) and PiAR (from 10.5% to 31.4%) among the six areas investigated. PiAR symptoms were positively associated with pollen counts, temperature, and precipitation (P < .05), but negatively with wind speed and pressure P < .05). Conclusion: Pollen‐induced AR (PiAR) prevalence in the investigated region is extremely high due to high seasonal pollen exposure, which was influenced by local environmental and climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: After observing differences in the number of reproductive complexes per proglottid within the genus Ligula, the genus Digramma was erected. However, the validity of Digramma has been previously questioned due to a low variability in the cox1, nad1 and ITS rDNA sequences between the two genera. We undertook a study to greatly increase the amount of sequence data available for resolution of this question by sequencing and characterizing the complete mitogenomes of Digramma interrupta and Ligula intestinalis. Results: The circular mtDNA molecules of Digramma interrupta and Ligula intestinalis are 13,685 bp and 13,621 bp in size, respectively, both comprising 12 PCGs, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and two mNCRs. Both mitogenomes exhibit the same gene order and share 92.7% nucleotide identity, compared with 85.8–86.5% to the most closely related genus Dibothriocephalus. Each gene fromD. interrupta and L. intestinalis is almost of the same size, and the sequence identity ranges from 87.5% (trnD) to 100% (trnH, trnQ and trnV). NCR2 sequences of D. interrupta and L. intestinalis are 249 bp and 183 bp in length, respectively, which contributes to the main difference in length between their complete mitogenomes. A sliding window analysis of the 12 PCGs and two rRNAs indicated nucleotide diversity to be higher in nad5, nad6, nad2, nad4 and cox3, whereas the most conserved genes were rrnL and rrnS. Lower sequence identity was also found in nad2, nad4, nad5, nad6 and cox3 genes between the two diphyllobothriids. Within the Diphyllobothriidae, phylogenetic analysis indicated Ligula and Digramma to be most closely related to one another, forming a sister group with Dibothriocephalus. Conclusions: Owing to higher nucleotide diversity, the genes nad2, nad4, nad5, nad6 and cox3 should be considered optimal candidates to use as molecular markers for population genetics and species identification between the two closely related species. The phylogenetic results in combination with the comparative analysis of the two mitogenomes, consistently support the congeneric status of L. intestinalis and D. interrupta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paratetraonchoides inermis (Monogenea: Tetraonchoididae) is a flatworm parasitising the gills of uranoscopid fishes. Its morphological characteristics are ambiguous, and molecular data have never been used to study its phylogenetic relationships, which makes its taxonomic classification controversial. Also, several decades of unsuccessful attempts to resolve the relationships within the Monogenea present a strong indication that morphological datasets may not be robust enough to be used to infer evolutionary histories. As the use of molecular data is currently severely limited by their scarcity, we have sequenced and characterized the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of P. inermis. To investigate its phylogenetic position, we performed phylogenetic analyses using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood approaches using concatenated amino acid sequences of all 12 protein-coding genes on a dataset containing all available monogenean mt genomes. Results: The circular mt genome of P. inermis (14,654 bp) contains the standard 36 genes: 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, 12 protein-encoding genes (PCGs; Atp8 is missing) and a major non-coding region (mNCR). All genes are transcribed from the same strand. The A + T content of the whole genome (82.6%), as well as its elements, is the highest reported among the monogeneans thus far. Three tRNA-like cloverleaf structures were found in mNCR. Several results of the phylogenomic analysis are in disagreement with previously proposed relationships: instead of being closely related to the Gyrodactylidea, Tetraonchidea exhibit a phylogenetic affinity with the Dactylogyridea + Capsalidea clade; and the order Capsalidea is neither basal within the subclass Monopisthocotylea, nor groups with the Gyrodactylidea, but instead forms a sister clade with the Dactylogyridea. The mt genome of P. inermis exhibits a unique gene order, with an extensive reorganization of tRNAs. Monogenea exhibit exceptional gene order plasticity within the Neodermata. Conclusions: This study shows that gene order within monopisthocotylid mt genomes is evolving at uneven rates, which creates misleading evolutionary signals. Furthermore, our results indicate that all previous attempts to resolve the evolutionary history of the Monogenea may have produced at least partially erroneous relationships. This further corroborates the necessity to generate more molecular data for this group of parasitic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonequilibrium interface kinetics (NEIK) is expected to play an important role in coupled growth of eutectic alloys, when solidification velocity is high and intermetallic compound or topologically complex phases form in the crystallized product. In order to quantitatively evaluate the effect of NEIK on the rapid coupled eutectic growth, in this work, two nonequilibrium interface kinetic effects, i.e., atom attachment and solute trapping at the solid-liquid interface, were incorporated into the analyses of the coupled eutectic growth under the rapid solidification condition. First, a coupled growth model incorporating the preceding two nonequilibrium kinetic effects was derived. On this basis, an expression of kinetic undercooling (∆ T ), which is used to characterize the NEIK, was defined. The calculations based on the as-derived couple growth model show good agreement with the reported experimental results achieved in rapidly solidified eutectic Al-Sm alloys consisting of a solid solution phase ( α-Al) and an intermetallic compound phase (AlSm). In terms of the definition of ∆ T defined in this work, the role of NEIK in the coupled growth of the Al-Sm eutectic system was analyzed. The results show that with increasing the coupled growth velocity, ∆ T increases continuously, and its ratio to the total undercooling reaches 0.32 at the maximum growth velocity for coupled eutectic growth. Parametric analyses on two key alloy parameters that influence ∆ T , i.e., interface kinetic parameter ( μ ) and solute distribution coefficient ( k ), indicate that both μ and k influence the NEIK significantly and the decrease of either these two parameters enhances the NEIK effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: External segmentation and internal proglottization are important evolutionary characters of the Eucestoda. The monozoic caryophyllideans are considered the earliest diverging eucestodes based on partial mitochondrial genes and nuclear rDNA sequences, yet, there are currently no complete mitogenomes available. We have therefore sequenced the complete mitogenomes of three caryophyllideans, as well as the polyzoic Schyzocotyle acheilognathi, explored the phylogenetic relationships of eucestodes and compared the gene arrangements between unsegmented and segmented cestodes. Results: The circular mitogenome of Atractolytocestus huronensis was 15,130 bp, the longest sequence of all the available cestodes, 14,620 bp for Khawia sinensis, 14,011 bp for Breviscolex orientalis and 14,046 bp for Schyzocotyle acheilognathi. The A-T content of the three caryophyllideans was found to be lower than any other published mitogenome. Highly repetitive regions were detected among the non-coding regions (NCRs) of the four cestode species. The evolutionary relationship determined between the five orders (Caryophyllidea, Diphyllobothriidea, Bothriocephalidea, Proteocephalidea and Cyclophyllidea) is consistent with that expected from morphology and the large fragments of mtDNA when reconstructed using all 36 genes. Examination of the 54 mitogenomes from these five orders, revealed a unique arrangement for each order except for the Cyclophyllidea which had two types that were identical to that of the Diphyllobothriidea and the Proteocephalidea. When comparing gene order between the unsegmented and segmented cestodes, the segmented cestodes were found to have the lower similarities due to a long distance transposition event. All rearrangement events between the four arrangement categories took place at the junction of rrnS-tRNAArg (P1) where NCRs are common. Conclusions: Highly repetitive regions are detected among NCRs of the four cestode species. A long distance transposition event is inferred between the unsegmented and segmented cestodes. Gene arrangements of Taeniidae and the rest of the families in the Cyclophyllidea are found be identical to those of the sister order Proteocephalidea and the relatively basal order Diphyllobothriidea, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial distribution and seasonal variation in mean intensity and prevalence of monogeneans on the gills of grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idellus) were investigated from September 2012 to December 2014 in a fish pond in Wuhan, China. During this period, 2 species of Dactylogyrus were found, i.e., Dactylogyrus lamellatus and Dactylogyrus ctenopharyngodonis. Dactylogyrus lamellatus was present during the entire duration of the investigation, whereas D. ctenopharyngodonis was only detected after January 2014, when another batch of grass carp fingerlings was added to the pond. Prevalence of the 2 Dactylogyrus spp. was relatively high throughout the year, but significant seasonal changes were detected in the mean intensity of the 2 species ( P < 0.05). Mean intensity of D. lamellatus peaked in late winter and spring, and then dropped to the lowest point in summer. Dactylogyrus ctenopharyngodonis exhibited a high mean intensity in summer and autumn, but low in winter and spring. Spatial distribution of the 2 species was similar: the highest mean intensity was found on medial and distal parts of the second gill arch. Moreover, no evident change was detected in niche preference of D. lamellatus after the infection of D. ctenopharyngodonis occurred. There was no significant positive correlation in abundance between the 2 species ( P > 0.05). In addition, there were no significant differences in the percentage of mean intensity of the 2 species on each gill arch among low-, medium-, and high-intensity groups ( P > 0.05). These results suggest unsaturated gill niches and the absence of interspecific competition between the 2 Dactylogyrus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new approach to locating accuracy assessment sample units was used to quantify 2010 land cover accuracy, in addition to being able to make statements about 2006-2010 land cover change mapping accuracy for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP) data. Three customized tiers of sampling strata were created, as discussed, to meet these goals. Stratified random sampling was employed in each stratum with a six out of nine pixelhomogeneity criteria (different from the final minimum mapping unit) required for each sampling unit. Accuracy was assessed for nine regions in the coastal United States with overall accuracy ranging from 82.3 percent to 85.6 percent. Binary change was mapped with 88.7 percent accuracy, with the largest error being errors of commission (71.2 percent user accuracy). This sampling design also allowed for the identification of 137 locations where true change was not mapped, allowing for statements to be made about missed change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This study examined the education and work experience of immigrant and American-trained registered nurses from 1988 to 2008. Background The USA increasingly relies on immigrant nurses to fill a significant nursing shortage. These nurses receive their training overseas, but can obtain licenses to practice in different countries. Introduction Although immigrant nurses have been in the USA workforce for several decades, little is known about how their education and work experience compares with USA-trained nurses. Yet much is presumed by policy makers and administrators who perpetuate the stereotype that immigrant nurses are not as qualified. Methods We analysed the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses datasets from 1988 to 2008 using the Cochran- Armitage trend tests. Results Our findings showed similar work experience and upward trends in education among both groups of nurses. However, American-trained nurses were more likely to further advance their education, whereas immigrant nurses were more likely to have more work experience and practice in a wider range of healthcare settings. Discussion Although we discovered differences between nurses trained in the USA and abroad, we theorize that these differences even out, as education and work experience each have their own distinct caregiving advantages. Conclusion Immigrant nurses are not less qualified than their American-trained counterparts. However, healthcare providers should encourage them to further pursue their education and certifications. Implications for nursing and health policy Even though immigrant nurses' education and work experience are comparable with their American counterparts, workforce development policies may be particularly beneficial for this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 336 specimens of the goldfish Carassius auratus Linnaeus, 1758 were examined in the Baihe River, Henan Province, China, for the presence of the parasitic isopod Ichthyoxenus japonensis Richardson, 1913. Only 20 goldfish (5.95%) were infected with single and paired isopods, and seven fish were previously infected. There was no significant difference in mean body condition (as K = (EW/L3) × 100, where EW is the eviscerated body weight and L is fork length) between infected (mean 1.450) and uninfected fish (mean 1.448; P = 0.95). The weight of gonads of the infected fish (N = 20) was calculated as zero because the gonads were too small to weigh or to identify the sex. There was also no significant difference in the GSI (gonadosomatic indices) between the infected fish (mean 2.66) and the uninfected individuals (mean 4.80; P = 0.30). The results suggest that the reproductive ability of the host was severely reduced by infection of the isopod, but that the gonads of the castrated fish could recover after the loss of the isopods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tests for trend are important in a number of scientific fields when trends associated with binary variables are of interest. Implementing the standard Cochran-Armitage trend test requires an arbitrary choice of scores assigned to represent the grouping variable. Bartholomew proposed a test for qualitatively ordered samples using asymptotic critical values, but type I error control can be problematic in finite samples. To our knowledge, use of the exact probability distribution has not been explored, and we study its use in the present paper. Specifically we consider an approach based on conditioning on both sets of marginal totals and three unconditional approaches where only the marginal totals corresponding to the group sample sizes are treated as fixed. While slightly conservative, all four tests are guaranteed to have actual type I error rates below the nominal level. The unconditional tests are found to exhibit far less conservatism than the conditional test and thereby gain a power advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the challenging skills in golfing is the driver swing. There have been a large number of studies characterizing golf swings, yielding insightful instructions on how to swing well. As a result, achieving a sub-18 handicap is no longer the top problem for golfers. Instead, players are now most troubled by a lack of consistency during swing execution. The goal of this study was to determine how to consistently execute good golf swings. Using 3D motion capture and full-body biomechanical modeling, 22 experienced golfers were analysed. For characterizing both successful and failed swings, 19 selected parameters (13 angles, 4 time parameters, and 2 distances) were used. The results showed that 14 parameters are highly sensitive and/or prone to motor control variations. These parameters sensitized five distinct areas of swing to variation: (a) ball positioning, (b) transverse club angle, (c) transition, (d) wrist control, and (e) posture migration between takeaway and impact. Suggestions were provided for how to address these five distinct problem areas. We hope our findings on how to achieve consistency in golf swings will benefit all levels of golf pedagogy and help maintain/develop interests to involve more golf/physical activity for a healthy lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acanthocephalan Acanthosentis cheni was found in anadromous, freshwater, and landlocked stocks of its fish host, Coilia nasus. To examine the genetic variations of the acanthocephalan among the 3 populations with the adaptation of the host to the freshwater, the genetic structure of the helminth was investigated in anadromous (Zhoushan and Chongming islands, and Anqing), freshwater (Anqing, Ezhou, and Poyang Lake), and landlocked (Tian'ezhou Reserve) populations by sequencing intergenic transcribed spacers (ITS) of the ribosomal RNA coding genes. Low Fst values and high gene flow were found among the 7 populations ( Fst = 0.0135, P = 0.2723; Nm = 36.48) and the 3 ecotypes of Acanthosentis cheni ( Fst = 0.0178, P = 0.1044; Nm = 27.67). On the other hand, significant genetic differentiation of the C. nasus host populations was detected between the upstream and downstream areas of Xiaogu Mountain ( Fst = 0.1961, P = 0.0030; Nm = 2.05), which is the farthest location of spawning migration for C. nasus. However, the migration break of the fish host appeared not to cause significant genetic differentiation of A. cheni populations between the upper and lower reaches of Xiaogu Mountain. Other factors might promote genetic exchange of A. cheni populations such as dispersal of the intermediate host by flooding or other fish species serving as the definitive or paratenic hosts. In Anqing, nucleotide diversity of the acanthocephalan was highest in the freshwater population (0.0038) and lower in the anadromous population (0.0026). This suggested that new mutations may have occurred in the freshwater A. cheni population in Anqing when adapting to a freshwater environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study a turbocharged, medium duty compression ignition engine was alternatively fuelled with biodiesel to investigate the changes in particulate matter composition, relative to that taken with diesel fuel. The engine was operated on an AC electrical dynamometer in accordance with an 8-mode, steady-state cycle. The numbers of particles were estimated through electrical low pressure impactor, while sulfates and trace metals were analyzed by ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy, respectively. Nitric oxides and nitrogen dioxides were measured separately using SEMTECH-DS. Experimental results revealed that, on account of elevated ratios of nitrogen dioxide to nitrogen oxides, mean accumulation mode particles were 42 % lower with biodiesel. On the other hand, nuclei mode particles were higher with biodiesel, owing to heterogeneous nucleation and accounting for an increase in sulfate emissions up to 8 % with biodiesel as compared to diesel. On the average, trace metal emissions were significantly reduced showing 65-85.4 % reduction rates with biodiesel, relative to its counterpart. Further to this, individual congeners such as iron, calcium, and sodium were the predominant elements of the trace metals emitted from engine. The mean relative decrease in iron and calcium was 89-97.8 and 77.6-87 %, respectively, while the relative rise in sodium was in the range of 29-46 % with biodiesel. Further, elements such as zinc, chromium, and aluminum showed substantial abatement, whereas potassium, magnesium, and manganese exhibited irregular trends on account of variable engine loads and speeds during the various modes of cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nematodes Eustrongylides spp. collected from different fish species in China were examined for their intra- and interspecific evolutionary variations using the molecular markers mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (CO1) gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA regions. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that Eustrongylides species are divided into 3 wells-upported clades. The ITS divergence between the clades suggested that clades 2 and 3 might represent the same species, whereas clade 1 represent another cryptic species. The host specificity of these nematodes was analyzed according to prevalence data, host range, and phylogenetic information. Clade 1 was found in 4 fish species, i.e., Odontobutis obscurus, Silurus asotus, Culter mongolicus, and Acanthogobius flavimanus, but was predominant in the 2 perciform species, O. obscurus and A. flavimanus. Clade 2 was found in 3 fish species, Monopterus albus, Channa argus, and Channa asiatica, but was predominant in M. albus, reported to feed primarily on oligochaetes, the first intermediate host of Eustrongylides sp. Clade 3 was found in 9 species, but its low prevalence suggests accidental infection in all species. Although the larval nematode presented low host specificity, it exhibited some host preference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The autoantibodies against C1q (anti-C1q) have been reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the past decade, though there were increasing studies suggesting it is relatively specific in lupus nephritis (LN), its overall diagnostic value in LN has not been evaluated. The meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of autoantibodies against C1q in patients with LN, and to provide more precise evidence of a correlation between anti-C1q antibodies and activity of LN. We searched Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases and contacted authors if necessary. A total of 25 studies including 2,502 patients with SLE and 1,317 with LN met our inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. Among all 25 studies, 22 studies were available for comparison between SLE with and without LN, and 9 studies compared anti-C1q between patients with active and inactive LN. Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was used to summarize comprehensive test performance. The QUADAS tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. For the diagnosis of LN, the pooled sensitivity and specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of anti-C1q were 0.58 (0.56–0.61, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]), 0.75 (0.72–0.77, 95% CI), 2.60 (2.06–3.28, 95% CI), 0.51 (0.41–0.63, 95% CI), and 6.08 (3.91–9.47, 95% CI) respectively. The area under the SROC curve (AUC) was 0.7941. For comparison between active and inactive LN, the weighted sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR and DOR were 0.74 (0.68–0.79, 95% CI), 0.77 (0.71–0.82, 95% CI), 2.91 (1.83–4.65, 95% CI), 0.33 (0.19–0.56, 95% CI), and 10.56 (4.56–24.46, 95% CI) respectively. The AUC was 0.8378. In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates that anti-C1q antibodies have relatively fair sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of LN, suggesting that the presence of anti-C1q antibodies may be a valuable adjunct for predicting LN and assessing renal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the relationship between the species richness, diversity of helminth communities, and migration distance during upward migration from coast to freshwater, helminth communities in the anadromous fish Coilia nasus were investigated along the coast of the East China Sea, the Yangtze Estuary, and 3 localities on the Yangtze River. Six helminth species were found in 224 C. naslds. Changes in salinity usually reduced the survival time of parasites, and thus the number of helminth species and their abundance. Except for the 2 dominant helminths, the acanthocephalan Acanthosentis cheni and the nematode Contracaecum sp., mean abundance of other 4 species of helminths was rather low (<1.0) during the upward migration in the Yangtze River. Mean abundance of the 2 dominant helminths peaked in the Yangtze Estuary and showed no obvious decrease among the 3 localities on the Yangtze River. Mean species richness, Brillouin's index, and Shannon index were also highest in the estuary (1.93 ± 0.88, 0.28 ± 0.25, and 0.37 ± 0.34, respectively) and did not exhibit marked decline at the 3 localities on the Yangtze River. A significant negative correlation was not seen between the similarity and the geographical distance (R = -0.5104, P = 0.13 17). The strong salinity tolerance of intestinal helminths, relatively brief stay in the Yangtze River, and large amount of feeding on small fish and shrimp when commencing spawning migration perhaps were responsible for the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By means of ab initio HF methods, the ground state structures of 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) monomers and dimers were optimized using the 6-311+g* and 6-31G basis sets, respectively. The lowest singlet excited states of 8-HQ monomers and dimers have been studied by the single-excitation configuration interaction (CIS) approach at the same level. In the studies of the potential energy surface, it was found that all the stable configurations corresponded to enol form. The UV-vis and fluorescence spectra of 8-HQ monomers and dimers under a solvent effect condition were also calculated using the TD-B3LYP/6-31+G* method based on the HF- and CIS-optimized geometries. The computed absorption and fluorescence spectral characteristics for monomers and dimers were in good agreement with previously reported experimental values. The results also show that 8-HQ has very poor fluorescence in solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitivities for the measurement of four arsenic species, AsIII, AsV, monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), in environmental waters and rice extracts by a new neutron activation analysis (NAA) method using pre-separation of the species by liquid chromatography were determined. A manual fraction collection was used to isolate the species, followed by instrumental neutron activation analysis procedures. The sensitivities determined for arsenic species in the samples varied from 1.21 to 1.47 ng per vial or about 30 μg·L−1 in sample solutions which translates to about 900 ng arsenic per gram of rice for our HPLC-NAA experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystalline structures, mechanical properties, transparence and fracture behaviours of linear low density polyethylene blown moulding films with nucleating agents incorporated in were investigated. The results indicated that with the nucleating agents used, the melting temperature Tm, crystalline structures, general profile of the stress–strain curves, tensile yield strength σy and essential work of fracture parameters before yield of the films, were almost unchanged, while the strain hardening phenomenon, tensile fracture strength σb, elongation at break &epsib, transparence and fracture parameters we and βwp were enhanced greatly. As the loading content of nucleating agent increasing, the crystallinity first decreased and then increased rapidly; the strain hardening phenomenon εb and σb increased to a maximum and then decrease to a stable value, while the Tm and σy were also unchanged; the haze decreased first and then reached a stable value; the we and we,y decreased remarkably first and then rapidly increased, even enormously exceeding the we of pure linear low density polyethylene, while βwp and βywp,y increased to a quite high value first and then dropped to a lower level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asthma is a complex polygenic disease in which gene-environment interactions are important. The gene encoding tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is one of several candidate loci for asthma pathogenesis and is highly polymorphic. A number of studies have investigated the polymorphism of TNFα-308 gene promoter (substitution G→A, designated as TNF1 and TNF2) in relation to asthma susceptibility in different populations. However, the results of individual studies have been inconsistent. Methods: To address the inconsistent findings in studies of the association of the polymorphism of TNFα-308 gene promoter with susceptibility to asthma, a systematic review was undertaken of the published data and a meta-analysis was performed. The MEDLINE database was searched for case-control studies published in English language lournals from 1966 to October 2005. Data were extracted using standardised forms and pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (Cis) were calculated. Results: Fifteen eligible studies, comprising 2409 patients with asthma and 3266 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. Using the random effects model, the pooled result showed that the TNF2 allele is associated with overall susceptibility to asthma (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.84, p=0.04). The ORs for asthma susceptibility in TNF2 homozygote individuals were significantly increased at 2.01 (95% CI 1 .26 to 3.20, p=0.009) and 1.51 (95% CI 1.02 to 2.22, p=0.04) compared with TNF1 homozygotes and TNF2⁄1 heterozygotes, respectively. In addition, the pooled OR for asthma risk in TNF2⁄1 heterozygotes was also significantly higher than that in TNF1⁄1 homozygotes (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.13, p = 0.045). Conclusions: The TNF2 allele confers a significant risk for developing asthma. A large scale case-control study is needed to clarify the functional effect of the polymorphism of the TNFα gene in the pathogenesis of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a theoretical model and related computational methods for examining the influence of inhomogeneous material properties on the crack driving force in elastic and elastic-plastic materials. Following the configurational forces approach, the crack tip shielding or anti-shielding due to smooth (e.g. graded layer) and discontinuous (e.g. bimaterial interface) distributions in material properties are derived. Computational post-processing methods are described to evaluate these inhomogeneity effects. The utility of the theoretical model and computational methods is demonstrated by examining a bimaterial interface perpendicular to a crack in elastic and elastic-plastic compact tension specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past few years have seen an increased number of articles using Drosophila as a model system to study fragile X syndrome. Phenotypic analyses have demonstrated an array of neuronal and behavioral defects similar to the phenotypes reported in mouse models as well as human patients. The availability of both cellular and molecular tools along with the power of genetics makes the tiny fruit fly a premiere model in elucidating the molecular basis of fragile X syndrome. Here, we summarize the advances made in recent years in the characterization of fragile X Drosophila models and the identification of new molecular partners in neural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most common chronic diseases in China. This aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of CVDs and risk factors in Chinese impaired glucose regulation subjects. Methods: We used a multistage, stratified sampling method to select subjects from the general Chinese population aged 20 years and older. Subjects underwent an oral glucose tolerance test to identify normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and impaired glucose regulation including isolated impaired fasting glucose (i-IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (i-IGT), and combined IFG/IGT and diabetic mellitus (DM). A logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between glucose abnormalities and CVD events. Results: We identifi ed that 34 293 subjects had NGT, 1 469 i-IFG, 4 571 i-IGT, 957 IFG/IGT and 4 949 DM. The age-sex standardized prevalence rate of cardiovascular disease was 1.06 % (95 % CI 0.87-1.28), 1.79 % (95 % CI 1.37-2.33) and 3.83 % (95 % CI 2.79-5.24) in NGT, impaired glucose regulation and DM, respectively. Among impaired glucose subjects, prevalence of defined CVD risk factors (smoking, overweight, obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia) was 29.52 % (95 % CI: 27.8- 31.21), 36.25 % (95 % CI: 34.29-38.26), 10.05 % (95 % CI: 8.86-11.37), 36.43 % (95 % CI: 34.53- 38.36) and 69.96 % (95 % CI: 67.87-71.98), respectively. Compared to 1 risk factor, the odds ratios (ORs) of CVDs with 2, 3 or 4 risk factors were 1.94 (95 % CI: 0.74-5.09), 2.76 (95 % CI: 1.06-7.21) and 5.84 (95 % CI: 1.68-20.26), respectively. Additionally, compared to i-IFGs, ORs of CVDs with i-IGT and IFG/IGT were 2.88 (95 %CI 1.36-6.01) and 2.12 (95 % CI 0.83-5.44), respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was high in the Chinese impaired glucose regulation population. The postprandial hyperglycemia is more associated with CVD than isolated fasting hyperglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 140 GHz silicon micromachined bandpass rectangular waveguide filters are firstly fabricated by the deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) processes for submillimeter wave applications. The filter circuit structure is once-formed using the ICP reactive ion etcher to etch through the full thickness of the silicon wafer, and then bonded together with the two metallized glass covers to form the waveguide cavity. The measured lowest insertion losses are lower than 0.5 dB. The unloaded quality factor can reach 160. It demonstrates a successful and practical way to fabricate these types of waveguide filters. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]