Search

This study presents MP1D12T (=NRRL B-67553T=NCTC 14480T), an isolate from the ruminal content of an Angus steer fed a high grain diet. Phenotypic and genotypic traits of the isolate were explored. MP1D12T was found to be a strictly anaerobic, catalase-negative, oxidase-negative, coccoid bacterium that frequently grows in chains. Analysis of metabolic products as a result of carbohydrate fermentation showed succinic acid as the major organic acid produced with lactic acid and acetic acid as minor products. Phylogenetic analysis of MP1D12T based on 16S rRNA nucleotide sequence and amino acid sequences from the whole genome presents a divergent lineage from other members in the family Lachnospiraceae . 16S rRNA sequence comparison, whole genome average nucleotide identity digital DNA–DNA hybridization and average amino acid identity results suggest that MP1D12T represents a novel species in a novel genus within the family Lachnospiraceae . We propose the creation of the genus Chordicoccus in which MP1D12T represents the type strain for the novel species Chordicoccus furentiruminis.

To evaluate the effect of supplementing feedlot cattle with native rumen bacteria (NRB; Prevotella albensis, Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens, and Chordicoccus furentiruminis) in growth performance, carcass characteristics and gas emissions, Angus × SimAngus-crossbred (body weight (BW) 353 ± 64 kg) steers (n = 32) and heifers (n = 48) were used in randomized complete block design. Cattle stratified by BW were randomly assigned to 4 pens (2/treatment) and fed a corn silage-based diet for 49 d (backgrounding) followed by a ground corn-based diet for 84 d (finishing). When reaching desired finished BW, cattle were harvested. Diets were offered ad libitum and with (WNB) or without (CON) the inclusion of NRB feed supplement. Measurements of CH4 emissions were taken using the GreenFeed system (n = 12/ treatment). All data were analyzed as a mixed procedure (Table 1). There was a treatment (P ≤ 0.05) effect for CH4 emissions yield [g/kg dry matter intake (DMI)] and intensity [g/kg average daily gain (ADG)] during the growing period. Including NRB in the diet during growing, decreased CH4 emissions yield and intensity by 13.5% and 29%, respectively. During the first 84-d period on the finishing diet (d133), feeding NRB increased (P = 0.02) the ADG and tended to increase (P = 0.10) DMI. At d133, cattle fed NRB tended (P = 0.06) to be heavier than cattle in the CON treatment. Days on feed (DOF) was 9 days longer for CON animals than those of WNB animals (P = 0.04). No other differences (P ≥ 0.25) were detected throughout the experimental period and no differences (P ≥ 0.11) were observed in carcass characteristics. Results from this study indicate that feeding NRB decreased methane yield and intensity in the backgrounding period, improved finishing performance of beef cattle, and decreased DOF

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face barriers when establishing peer connections at school. This aim of this study is to explore how social network inclusion in the classroom is associated with playground peer engagement. Independent observers administered friendship surveys to determine social network inclusion in the classroom and recorded the playground engagement states of 55 children with ASD from 42 general education classrooms in 16 public elementary schools in the northeastern United States. Linear regression models were used to examine associations between social network inclusion and playground engagement. Results indicated an association between social network inclusion and playground engagement. Children who were included to a greater degree in their classrooms’ social network spent more time engaged with peers on the playground. These findings highlight the importance of supporting social interactions in multiple contexts in schools.

We present an analysis of image reconstruction quality that includes the use of traditional and deep-learning quality metrics for sparse reconstructions of three-dimensionally (3D) focused synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. A major goal of our analysis is to explore the usefulness of various metrics to demonstrate their utility in 3D focused scenarios. We make use of synthetic prediction to help fully span the large parameter space of a two-dimensional cross-range aperture. The analysis including the synthetic prediction will help guide future measurements of scale models in our compact radar range.1

We present experiments to explore the use of deep neural network classification models for estimating the orientation of objects with linear structures from polarimetric radar data. We derive all radar data from two physical model aircraft and their corresponding computerized surface models. We make extensive use of synthetic pre- diction to help fully span the large parameter space as is consistent with best practice. Synthetic predictions are based upon a linear quad-polarized (H: horizontal, V: vertical) Ka-band stepped frequency measurement inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) turntable system located inside the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Sensor Directorate's Indoor Range. The use of multiple polarimetric channels in a deep learning classification framework are shown to significantly help estimate orientation when the co-polarization channels significantly differ from each other. Future research directions are discussed.

The playground may be an important context to examine the social functioning of children with autism spectrum disorder. Previous literature on playground peer engagement has used quantitative methods, but there is limited research using qualitative observations to understand the nuances of playground behavior. Using a mixed-methods approach, 55 elementary school–aged children with autism spectrum disorder who are primarily included in general education settings were observed on the school playground using the Playground Observation of Peer Engagement. Quantitative and qualitative data were examined using a mixed-methods approach. The results showed that children with autism spectrum disorder: engage in solitary and peripheral activities; demonstrate appropriate initiations and responses to peers; display self-stimulatory, motoric behaviors most frequently during solitary activities; and often have neutral affect on the playground. These findings suggest that intervention and supports for children with autism spectrum disorder may be important to deliver at recess to address peer engagement.

We present a linear quad-polarized (H: horizontal, V: vertical) Ka-band stepped frequency measurement for a single configuration of a metal reconfigurable object and an analysis of the effectiveness of different polarization decompositions. The measurement was performed on April 4, 2017 in a small partially anechoic prep room inside the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Sensor Directorate's Indoor Range. The measurement and analysis are limited to a single configuration containing several geometric primitives, connecting rods, a hemispherical base and small regions of clutter. We show each polarization channel's (HH, VV, HV, VH) range profile and corresponding inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) image. We also show HH range profiles and corresponding ISAR images of two synthetic prediction methods for comparison to help understand the measurement. Additionally, four different polarimetric decompositions are presented and future research directions are discussed.

Objective To examine the association between organizational factors and provision of rehabilitation services that include physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) in residential care facilities (RCFs) in the United States. Design A cross-sectional, observational study conducted using a national sample from the 2010 National Survey of Residential Care Facilities conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. Settings U.S. RCFs. Participants RCFs (N=2302; weighted sample, 31,134 RCFs). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures The association between characteristics of the facilities, director and staff, and residents, and provision of PT and OT services was assessed using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results Among all RCFs in the United States, 43.9% provided PT and 40.0% provided OT. Medicaid-certified RCFs, larger-sized RCFs, RCFs with a licensed director, RCFs that used volunteers, and RCFs with higher personal care aide hours per patient per day were more likely to provide both PT and OT, while private, for-profit RCFs were less likely to provide PT and OT. RCFs with a higher percentage of white residents were more likely to provide PT, while RCFs with chain affiliation were more likely to provide OT. Conclusions Less than half of the RCFs in the United States provide PT and OT, and this provision of therapy services is associated with organizational characteristics of the facilities. Future research should explore the effectiveness of rehabilitation services in RCFs on residents' health outcomes.

There is considerable interest in developing a novel Bacillus anthracis vaccine that improves upon the shortcomings of the licensed vaccine for broader, more rapid protection of the population. Ideally, a vaccine would recognize the spore in addition to having anti-toxin effects as well as induce robust mucosal and lung-associated immunity for early recognition and clearance. Here, we investigate nanolipoprotein particles (NLPs) containing the Toll-like receptor 4 agonist monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) as a platform for intranasal vaccination against Bacillus anthracis. Modified lipids enabled attachment of disparate spore and toxin protein antigens. Intranasal vaccination of mice with B. anthracis antigen-MPLA-NLP constructs vs. delivery with free MPLA induced robust IgG and IgA responses in serum and in bronchoalveolar and nasal lavage. Typically, a single dose sufficed to induce sustained antibody titers over time. Robust T cell responses to various spore antigens were also detected in the lung. When multiple immunizations were required, specific antibodies were detected earlier in the boost schedule with MPLA-NLP-mediated delivery than with free MPLA. Administering combinations of constructs induced robust responses to all incorporated antigens, indicating potential for a multivalent vaccine preparation. Experiments to determine the efficacy of multivalent vaccine preparations against inhalational B. anthracis challenge are ongoing. In summary, the NLP platform enhances humoral, cellular and mucosal responses to intranasal immunization, indicating promise for NLPs as a flexible, robust vaccine platform against B. anthracis and potentially other inhalational pathogens.