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Leafless Bossiaea species are a unique group of plants endemic to Australia that present intriguing challenges in taxonomy and conservation because of their morphological simplicity and often small, disjunct populations. We employed whole genome reduced representation sequencing (DArTseq) to enhance our understanding of the population dynamics, diversity and taxonomy of leafless Bossiaea species. Our dataset comprised 52,539 single-nucleotide polymorphisms across 283 samples from 7 leafless Bossiaea species, including 6 listed threatened species. We examined population structure, phylogenetic relationships, kinship and gene flow within and among populations. On the basis of our population-genomic analyses, we propose recognition of the novel taxon Bossiaea vombata subsp. orientalis and a change in status from species (B. milesiae) to subspecies for B. fragrans subsp. milesiae. Additionally, we show extensive clonal reproduction across species and limited gene flow at distances of >1 km, shedding light on the challenges faced by these species. We advocate a coordinated approach to conservation, focusing on restoring self-sustaining populations and leveraging genetic rescue strategies. By addressing the population dynamics of multiple species simultaneously in taxonomically challenging lineages, we can make informed choices to safeguard biodiversity and evolutionary potential. This study investigates the population dynamics, diversity and taxonomy of leafless Bossiaea species, a distinctive group of Australian plants, by using whole-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism data. The findings suggest recognition of a new subspecies, Bossiaea vombata subsp. orientalis , and a change in status for B. milesiae to B. fragrans subsp. milesiae. We also highlight challenges in reproduction and gene flow among Bossiaea populations, emphasising the need for coordinated conservation efforts. (Image credit: Keith McDougall.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, several papers reported the discovery of giant permittivity and low dielectric loss in (Nb+In) co-doped TiO2. A series of tests was performed which included the measurement of the frequency dependence of the dielectric permittivity and alternating current (ac) conductivity of co-doped (Nb+In)TiO2 as a function of electrode type, sample thickness, and temperature. The data suggest that the measurements are strongly affected by the electrodes. The consistency between four-contact van der Pauw direct current conductivity measurements and bulk conductivity values extracted from two-contact ac conductivity measurements suggest that the values of colossal permittivity are, at least in part, a result of Schottky barrier depletion widths that depend on electrode type and temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multinucleation (MNB), which is defined as a blastomere containing more than a single interphase nucleus is often seen and easily detected in early cleavage embryos either in 2-cell or 4-cell stage under the time-lapsed monitoring system. To retrospectively analyse the occurrence of MNB as observed through time-lapsed video monitoring and to examine the association with the ploidy status, clinical pregnancy and live birth following IVF-PGTA treatments. Multinucleation at the 2-cell stage was present in 277 of 528 embryos (52.5%). Out of 528 embryos, 128 (24.2%) showed at one blastomere to be multinucleated at 2-cell stage while 149 (28.2%) were seen with multinucleation on both blastomeres. Percentage of MNB seen has 73.8% of binucleation and 26.2% with more than 2 nuclei. We noted that MNB did not appear to be associated with an increased rate of aneuploidy (Aneuploidy rate for MNB vs non-MNB: 34.7% vs 31.9% respectively) and no difference was seen in the euploidy rates between MNB and non-MNB (46.8 vs 43.8%, respectively) derived blastocysts. Age of patients did not seem to affect the MNB rate but we did observe slightly higher MNB incidence in younger patients and patients with more than 10 oocytes collected during the oocyte pick-up procedures. Our data also did not show any correlation between male factor infertility and percentage of MNB in the cohort. Pregnancy and live birth rate seemed to be higher in non-MNB euploid embryos being transferred as compared to MNB positive euploid embryos. MNB had no correlation with the age of the patients, ploidy rate of the embryos screened and male infertility. MNB were often noticed in patients with higher number of oocytes collected during oocyte retrieval procedure. High incidence of MNB in 2-cells stage were reverted in 4-cells stage as the embryos grew. The effect of MNB somehow was observed to produce lower clinical pregnancy and live birth rate even though euploid embryos were being transferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider approaches for conserving genetic diversity from plant populations whose destruction is imminent. We do this using SNP genotype data from two endangered species, Pimelea spicata and Eucalyptus sp. Cattai. For both species, we genotyped plants from a 'condemned' population and designed ex situ collections, characterizing how the size and composition of the collection affected the genetic diversity preserved. Consistent with previous observations, populations where genetic diversity was optimized captured more alleles than populations of equal size chosen at random. This benefit of optimization was larger when the propagation population was small. That is, small numbers of individuals (e.g. 20) needed to be selected carefully to capture a comparable proportion of alleles to optimized populations, but larger random populations (e.g. >48) captured almost as many alleles as optimized populations. We then examined strategies for generating translocation populations based on the horticultural constraints presented by each species. In P. spicata, which is readily grown from cuttings, we designed translocation populations of different sizes, using different numbers of ramets from each member of propagation populations. We then performed simulations to predict the loss of alleles from these populations over 10 generations. Large translocation populations were predicted to maintain a greater proportion of source population alleles than smaller translocation populations, but this effect was saturated beyond 200 individuals. In E. sp. Cattai, we examined strategies to promote the diversity of progeny from a conservation planting scenario with 36 individuals. This included the optimization of the spatial arrangement of the planting and supplementing the diversity of the condemned population with individuals from additional sites. In sum, we studied approaches for designing genetically diverse translocations of condemned populations for two species that require contrasting methods of propagation, illustrating the application of approaches that were useful in different circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is shown that a variety of single crystal substrates (Al2O3, LaAlO3, SrTiO3, TiO2, and ZnO), purchased from commercial suppliers, contain a ferromagnetic component to the magnetization in addition to the expected linear magnetic response. This ferromagnetic contribution is only observed on the unpolished surfaces and can be eliminated by either polishing or annealing at 600 °C in air, but not by annealing at 600 °C in a vacuum of 5 × 10-6 Torr. Particle induced x-ray emission spectra demonstrate that there is excess Fe on the unpolished surfaces of these single crystal substrates. While defect related ferromagnetic signals have been reported in some of these substrates, and while our results do not exclude this origin of ferromagnetism, we clearly show that the ferromagnetic signals observed in our samples are largely due to excess iron on the unpolished surfaces, possibly in the form of a mixture of Fe, Fe3O4, and or γ-Fe2O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate whether an outbreak of Actinobacillus lignieresii was caused by one or multiple strains. Methods: Nine isolates of A. lignieresii were obtained from the lymph nodes of 15 affected cattle from two farms to determine whether a single strain was involved. An enterobacterial repetitive insertion consensus sequence (ERIC) PCR was used for genotyping, and the repeats‐in‐toxin genes were analysed by PCR and sequencing. Results: Isolates from the two farms belonged to two and three genotypes, with a total of four genotypes detected. Genes of the apxICABD operons of some strains had deletions in the apxIA (~697 bp) and in the apxID (~187 bp) genes. The toxin gene deletions and the ERIC PCR patterns suggested the involvement of different A. lignieresii genotypes. Conclusion: There was no evidence that a unique genotype was associated with actinobacillosis on the two farms, confirming that this disease was associated with other contributing factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with a study which calculated the refractive-index change due to free carriers for various doped gallium arsenide using a quantum-mechanical approach. Background on carrier-related optical absorptions; Differential refractive index; Conclusion.

Presents a study that calculated the change of refractive index due to free carriers in various doped silicon using a quantum-mechanical approach. Details of the quantum-mechanical approach used; Derivation of formulas for free-carrier absorption in a spherical nonparabolic band model; Analysis of the doping dependence of the doping dependence of optical absorption.

Presents the calculation of the refractive-index change due to free carriers for a type of gallium arsenide. Use of quantum theory and empirical relations to formulate the carrier-related absorption spectrum; Information on the absorption region near the energy-band gap; Results and discussion.

Abstract: Aim: To evaluate how biogeographical and ecological processes influenced species distributions and community assembly in a continental rain forest flora with mixed biogeographical origins. Location: Continental Australia. Methods: We identified 795 species with Sahul ancestry (Australian rain forest flora of Gondwanan origin) and 604 species with Sunda ancestry (rain forest plant lineages of Indo‐Malaysian origin) from a total of 1,872 free‐standing Australian woody rain forest taxa. We then compared the distribution of Sunda to Sahul species in relation to variation in species richness and phylogenetic endemism at continental scale, and local species distributions in available plot data from the Tropics (Cape York and the Australian Wet Tropics in northern Queensland) and subtropics (Nightcap‐Border Ranges, Washpool and Dorrigo, in northern New South Wales). We compared the dispersal and persistence characteristics, and key functional traits (leaf size, fruit size, wood density and maximum height at maturity) of the Sunda and Sahul components of the continental rain forest flora. The influence of climate (temperature) and local environmental (altitude) factors in driving fine‐scale distributional patterns was evaluated. Results: Sunda rain forest species richness decreased with increasing latitude but maintained high levels of endemism, including in the south. Sunda species traits suggest more efficient dispersal and faster growth than Sahul lineages. Resprouting (persistence) was less evident in species with Sunda than Sahul ancestry. We show that Sunda lineage distributions were influenced by interacting environmental and climatic factors, as well as historical contingencies. Main conclusions: Efficient dispersal and relatively fast growth likely facilitated the establishment and spread of Sunda lineages in Australia. However, the Sunda invasion was resisted in stable, saturated communities of Sahul lineages, and in the temperate south where climate acted as a strong filter. The results highlight the importance of integrating historical biogeography and contemporary ecological processes to study continental‐scale rain forest distribution and assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the diversity among isolates of the Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serovars most common in Australia (serovars 1, 5, 7 and 15) and to examine the Apx toxin profiles in selected representative isolates. Design: A total of 250 isolates selected from different farms were examined for their genotypic profiles and a subset of 122 isolates for their toxin profiles. Methods: The isolates of serovars 1, 5, 7 and 15 selected for this study came from different farms and different Australian states and were submitted for serotyping to the reference laboratory. The overall diversity of the strains was explored with the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) PCR and the presence of the toxin genes was investigated with a toxin PCR assay. Results: Some degree of variation was observed in the ERIC‐PCR pattern within all four serovars, ranging from 38% to 61% genetic diversity. When looking at the toxin gene profile and, therefore, the predicted ability to produce the expected toxin pattern, one isolate each of serovars 1 (n = 20) and 7 (n = 47) and 17 isolates of serovar 15 (n = 40) showed variation to the expected gene profile. Conclusion: The variations in toxin gene patterns, as detected by PCR, found in this study could be related to significant changes in the gene sequence or total absence of the gene. Variation in toxin gene sequences has been observed in other countries. This variation in the toxin profile could also explain possible variation in pathogenicity observed in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new version of transverse electromagnetic parallel plates with irregular plate's width and plate separation has been developed for dielectric measurement. The separations between the plates are supported by four rectangular Teflon block and 1 mm of groove is proposed at the center of the upper plate to maintain the measurement repeatability. The groove enables the samples which are slightly higher than 2 cm to be fitted well between the plates without introducing extra force to the plates. The performance of both parallel plates has been compared in the frequency range from 100 MHz to 1.1 GHz. It is found that the upgraded parallel plate offers better return loss and insertion loss above 500 MHz compared to the previous parallel plate. It is reported from this work that the return loss of the parallel plate must be lower than -15 dB in order to achieve accurate dielectric constant. However, the insertion loss of the parallel plates does not influence the real permeability significantly. The upgraded TEM parallel plate produces a consistent reading with a standard deviation of less than 0.05 above frequency 200 MHz. The dielectric measurement of Polypropylene (PP) has proven the capability of this upgraded TEM parallel plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background International guidelines recommend the fallopian tubes be removed at the time of hysterectomy, to lower the incidence of ovarian cancer in women. Aims To determine the rate of salpingectomy at the time of hysterectomy at our institution and to discuss a standard rate. Materials and Methods Hysterectomies ( n = 200) performed for benign indications from 13 January 13, 2015 until 26 April 26, 2016 were reviewed. Results The overall rate of salpingectomy was 76.0%. Factors associated with non-completion were uterovaginal prolapse indication and vaginal surgical approach. Conclusions Rates of completing salpingectomy with hysterectomy are high. There may be additional opportunity for ovarian cancer reduction. No standard rate has been published but considering difficulty with removal of fallopian tubes in certain cases, it may not be 100%. Our data allows for comparison by other units performing similar studies. We recommend the formal adoption of local guidelines regarding salpingectomy at the time of hysterectomy for benign indications in order to keep local practice up to date with international recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which discussed a silicon diverging beam modulator fabricated by part of metal-oxide-silicon process modules. Use of a device simulation program called PISCES-IIB to simulate for injected carrier distribution of the modulator; Observations on the modulation index; Mechanisms which can cause intensity modulation when carriers are injected into the core.

A comparison between storm‐time TIMED/GUVI FUV spectra in thermospheric composition disturbed (O/N2 <∼140 km> depleted and NO <∼110 km> enhanced) and undisturbed regions reveals the following features: (1) A clear decrease in N2 LBHS (140–150 nm) band intensities compared to that between 150 and 160 nm; (2) A significant spectral decrease around O 164.1 nm; (3) Two enhanced peaks between 170 and 185 nm. The feature (2) is clearly due to atomic oxygen density decrease in the low thermosphere. The feature (3) is caused by storm‐time production and transport of nitric oxide. An AURIC simulation reproduced feature (1) confirming that storm‐time enhancement in O2 density (∼120–170 km) and the wavelength dependent O2 absorption cross section are the source of observed feature (1). On the other hand, the feature (1) was not observed in the regions without O/N2 depletion. This further supports that O2 density enhancement is responsible for feature (1). Plain Language Summary: Observations by a FUV spectrograph imager on NASA TIMED satellite revealed two interesting features in the storm‐time disturbed thermosphere: (1) a relative decrease in N2 LBH intensities at 140–150 nm versus 150–160 nm, (2) significant decrease in O 164.1 nm radiance and enhanced emission between 170 and 185 nm. The feature (2) is well known and due to O density depletion and production of nitric oxide. The feature is not well understood. A model simulation indicates the feature (1) is due to storm‐time O2 density increase and wavelength dependent O2 absorption cross section which peaked around 140 nm. This result indicates that FUV spectrograph imager is capable to detect storm‐time O2 density changes. Key Points: (1) FUV spectral difference between storm‐quiet time shows a relative decrease in N2 LBH intensities at 140–150 nm versus 150–160 nmThe FUV spectrograph difference between undisturbed regions did not show the above feature(3) Simulations confirm indicate that enhanced O2 density and absorption causes the observed FUV spectral differences [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognition that the critically endangered mallee Eucalyptus sp. Cattai (Gregson s.n. 28 Aug 1954) is a distinct species has been complicated by close morphological similarity between it and other members of E. subgenus Symphyomyrtus section Latoangulatae series Annulares. Recent genomic evidence has demonstrated that it is distinct from other species. In this study, we provide E. sp. Cattai with the new species name, E. cryptica T.C.Wilson, S.Rutherf. & S.M.Douglas, and use genomic scans of adults and seedlings to assist in its description and support its conservation by identifying hybrids. Accompanying the description of E. cryptica are images, diagnostic illustrations and an updated part of the Eucalyptus key for the Flora of New South Wales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis) is a rare Southern conifer with striking morphological similarity to fossil pines. A small population of W. nobilis was discovered in 1994 in a remote canyon system in the Wollemi National Park (near Sydney, Australia). This population contains fewer than 100 individuals and is critically endangered. Previous genetic studies of the Wollemi pine have investigated its evolutionary relationship with other pines in the family Araucariaceae, and have suggested that the Wollemi pine genome contains little or no variation. However, these studies were performed prior to the widespread use of genome sequencing, and their conclusions were based on a limited fraction of the Wollemi pine genome. In this study, we address this problem by determining the entire sequence of the W. nobilis chloroplast genome. A detailed analysis of the structure of the genome is presented, and the evolution of the genome is inferred by comparison with the chloroplast sequences of other members of the Araucariaceae and the related family Podocarpaceae. Pairwise alignments of whole genome sequences, and the presence of unique pseudogenes, gene duplications and insertions in W. nobilis and Araucariaceae, indicate that the W. nobilis chloroplast genome is most similar to that of its sister taxon Agathis. However, the W. nobilis genome contains an unusually high number of repetitive sequences, and these could be used in future studies to investigate and conserve any remnant genetic diversity in the Wollemi pine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Prosthetic reinforcement is a critical component of hernia repair. For massive defects, mesh overlap is often limited by the dimensions of commercially available implants. In scenarios where larger mesh prosthetics are required for adequate reinforcement, it may be necessary to join several pieces of mesh together using non-absorbable suture. Here, we report our outcomes for abdominal wall reconstructions in which 'quilted' mesh was utilized for fascial reinforcement. Methods: Patients undergoing open incisional hernia repair utilizing posterior component separation and transversus abdominis muscle release, with use of quilted synthetic mesh placed in the retromuscular position, were reviewed. Main outcome measures included patient, hernia, and operative characteristics and post-operative outcomes, including surgical site occurrence (SSO), surgical site infection (SSI), and recurrence. Results: Thirty-two patients (mean age 55.7 ± 9.3, BMI 38.3 ± 5.8 kg/m) underwent open ventral hernia repair with 'quilted' mesh placed in the retromuscular position. The mean defect area was 760.1 ± 311.0 cm with a mean width of 24.7 ± 6.4 cm. Quilted meshes consisted of two-piece (69 %), three-piece (19 %) and four-piece (12 %) configurations. Wound morbidity consisted of eight (25 %) SSOs, including four (13 %) SSIs, all of which resolved without mesh excision. With mean follow-up of 9.0 ± 13.6 months, there were two (6.3 %) lateral recurrences, both unassociated with mesh-to-mesh suture line failure. Conclusions: Massive ventral hernias that require giant mesh prosthetics, currently not commercially available, may be successfully repaired using multiple mesh pieces sewn together in a quilt-like fashion. Such retromuscular repairs are durable, without added morbidity due to the mesh-to-mesh suture line. However, additional operative time is required for quilting the mesh together, prompting strong calls for manufacturing of larger mesh prosthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to survey the current state of oncology sperm banking services provided by fertility clinics across Canada. A total of 78 Canadian fertility facilities were invited to complete a questionnaire related to the availability, accessibility, affordability and utilisation of sperm banking services for cancer patients. The total response rate was 59%, with 20 (69%) in vitro fertilisation clinics and 26 (53%) other fertility centres returning the survey. A total of 24 responding facilities accepted oncology sperm banking referrals. The time frame to book the first banking appointment for 19 (79%) facilities was within 2 days. Inconsistent practice was found regarding the consent process for cancer patients who are of minority age. Eight (33%) facilities did not provide any subsidy and charged a standard banking fee regardless of patients' financial situations. Overall, the utilisation of oncology sperm banking services was low despite its availability and established efficacy, suggesting that Canadian cancer patients are notably underserved. The study has highlighted some important issues for further consideration in improving access to sperm banking services for cancer patients, especially for adolescents. Better collaboration between oncology and reproductive medicine to target healthcare providers would help to improve sperm banking rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) membrane transporters determine the disposition of many drugs, metabolites and endogenous compounds. Coding region variation in ABC transporters is the cause of many genetic disorders, but much less is known about the genetic basis and functional outcome of ABC transporter expression level variation. We used genotype and mRNA transcript level data from human lymphoblastoid cell lines to assess population and gender differences in ABC transporter expression, and to guide the discovery of genomic regions involved in transcriptional regulation. Nineteen of 49 ABC genes were differentially expressed between individuals of African, Asian and European descent, suggesting an important influence of race on expression level of ABC transporters. Twenty-four significant associations were found between transporter transcript levels and proximally located genetic variants. Several of the associations were experimentally validated in reporter assays. Through influencing ABC expression levels, these single-nucleotide polymorphisms may affect disease susceptibility and response to drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal peptide transporters, including hPEPT1, facilitate the absorption of cephalosporins and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and have been investigated as a means to improve oral drug absorption. Renal peptide transporters including hPEPT2, may also facilitate renal reabsorption of such compounds. In vitro and animal studies suggest that co-administration of peptidomimetic compounds may alter oral pharmacokinetics, although this has not been well studied in humans. The purpose of this study was to determine whether co-administration of the hPEPT substrates captopril and cephradine alters the oral pharmacokinetics of either agent. Nine healthy male volunteers received a single oral 25-mg dose of captopril, a single oral 500-mg dose of cephradine, or concurrent ingestion of captopril and cephradine in a cross-over manner. Venous blood samples were taken and captopril and cephradine pharmacokinetics were determined using noncompartmental analyses. No significant differences were observed in captopril or cephradine pharmacokinetics when administered together as compared to each agent alone (a marginal decrease in C(max) was observed for both captopril and cephradine during co-administration [5-15%]; however, differences were not statistically significant). The results of our study suggest that hPEPT1 and hPEPT2 are unlikely to contribute to clinically important drug interactions in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence and multiplicity of grossly observed and microscopic lesions of the respiratory tract of A/J mice exposed nose-only to mainstream smoke (50, 200, or 400 mg total particulate matter/m3 from 2R4F cigarettes) was compared to those of filtered air controls. Animals were necropsied at the end of exposure (5 mo) or following 4 or 7 mo of recovery. Lungs were visually inspected for tumors at all necropsies and examined histopathologically at 9 and 12 mo. At 5 mo no tumors were recorded. No significant elevations in tumor incidence or multiplicity were recorded although at 9 mo multiplicity was elevated in the mid-exposure group (0.90 versus 0.55 tumors per animal for controls). At 12 mo, multiplicity was increased over the 9-mo necropsy at all exposures except 200 mg/m3; however, there were no dose-related trends in multiplicity or incidence. Histopathological alterations included hyperplasia, metaplasia, and inflammation of the nose and larynx and proliferative lesions of the lungs. At 9 mo, the multiplicity of focal lung lesions was 1.4 per animal in controls but averaged 1.0 among smoke-exposed groups. There was an inverse relation (p < .059) between smoke concentration and the percentage of hyperplastic lesions at 9 mo. At 12 mo the high-exposure group had slightly increased multiplicity of 2.3 lesions compared with 1.6 among controls, while the percentage of hyperplasic lesions was similar between groups. Nose-only inhalation of mainstream tobacco smoke resulted in chronic inflammatory changes of the respiratory tract yet failed to produce statistically significant changes in tumor incidence or multiplicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bubble motion is the primary means of inducing particle motion in fluidised beds. The objective of this study is to link bubble motion to the particle motion. The technique used is positron emission particle tracking (PEPT), which enables a single particle tracer to be tracked in milliseconds and in 3D movement. Features investigated include particle velocity and particle “jump” behaviour. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A power system is an inherently highly nonlinear and complex system. Many tuning methods involving parameter optimisation used in the past, were often based on small-signal stability theory and linearised system equations. Such optimisation usually involves the optimising of frequency-domain characteristics such as damping and damping factors of the system critical eigenvalues. The use of frequency-domain information does not allow for the direct improvement of the time-domain characteristics of the system response, e.g. settling time. A simple method is proposed that directly optimises the nonlinear system by using system time response to large disturbances. The properties of the method and its application specifics are discussed in detail. The effectiveness of the method in the co-ordinated tuning of multiple power system stabilisers is illustrated on a multimachine test power system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Gluconacetobacter xylinum is well known for its ability to produce large amounts of cellulose, however, little is known about its cell physiology. Our goal was to study the respiratory metabolism and components of the respiratory system of this bacterium in static cultures. To reach our goal, a medium formulation had to be designed to improve cell growth and cellulose production together with a novel method for the recovery of cells from cellulose pellicles. Methods and Results: Successive modifications of a nutrient medium improved G. xylinum cell growth 4·5-fold under static culture conditions. A blender homogenization procedure for the releasing of cells from the cellulose matrix gave a high yield of cells recovered. Respiratory activities of purified cells were greatly stimulated by exogenous substrates and showed to be resistant to KCN. Unexpectedly, exogenous NADH was oxidized at high rates. Cytochromes a, b, c and d were identified after spectral analyses. Conclusions: Partial bioenergetic characterization of G. xylinum cells allowed us to propose a scheme for its respiratory system. In addition, the growth medium for biomass production and the procedure for the efficient recovery of cells from cellulose pellicles were significantly improved. Significance and Impact of the Study: This work provides the first-ever bioenergetic characterization of G. xylinum grown in static cultures. In addition, a novel methodology to obtain purified cells in suitable quantities for biochemical research is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the Sevofluorane Blease Datum vaporiser used in general anesthesia administration. Key features and functionality; Compliance of the medical device with the guidelines released by the Anaesthetic Association; Overall performance of the product.

Maximising genetic diversity in conservation efforts can help to increase the chances of survival of a species amidst the turbulence of the anthropogenic age. Here, we define the distribution and extent of genomic diversity across the range of the iconic but threatened Acacia purpureopetala, a beautiful sprawling shrub with mauve flowers, restricted to a few disjunct populations in far north Queensland, Australia. Seed production is poor and germination sporadic, but the species occurs in abundance at some field sites. While several thousands of SNP markers were recovered, comparable to other Acacia species, very low levels of heterozygosity and allelic variation suggested inbreeding. Limited dispersal most likely contributed towards the high levels of divergence amongst field sites and, using a generalised dissimilarity modelling framework amongst environmental, spatial and floristic data, spatial distance was found to be the strongest factor explaining the current distribution of genetic diversity. We illustrate how population genomic data can be utilised to design a collecting strategy for a germplasm conservation collection that optimises genetic diversity. For this species, inclusion of all field sites will capture maximum genetic diversity for both in situ and ex situ conservation. Assisted cross pollination, within and between field sites and genetically structured groups, is recommended to enhance heterozygosity particularly at the most disjunct sites and further fragmentation should be discouraged to avoid loss of genetic connectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of polymer-based nanoparticulate delivery systems for siRNA is important for the clinical success of gene therapy. However, there are some major drawbacks that need to be overcome. Short interfering RNA (siRNA) has been investigated as a potential therapeutic drug to silence disease-associated genes, but its usage is limited due to the lack of effective and safe nanocarriers. In this study, DOPE-PEI, a nanoparticle consisting of the fusogenic lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) conjugated with low-molecular-weight, 600 Da, branched polyethylenimine (PEI) was produced and optimized for siRNA delivery. This delivery system was modified with other components such as 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethyleneglycol)2000] (DOPE-PEG2K), DOPE-PEG3.4K-bombesin and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine/1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOPE/DOTAP) and tested on PC-3 cells. The conjugation of DOPE to PEI polymer (DOPE-PEI) improved the efficiency of PEI to deliver siRNA into the cytosol and knockdown genes, but demonstrated high toxicity. The addition of DOPE-PEG2K reduced cellular toxicity by masking the surface positive charge of the DOPE-PEI/siRNA complex, with the incorporation of a gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) targeting peptide and DOPE/DOTAP components improving the cellular uptake of siRNA into targeted cells and the siRNA knockdown efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The use of crude herbs for well-being as well as curation and prevention of ailments is evident globally, including Malaysia. To understand the effectiveness and reliability, the presence of phytochemical compounds as the factor influencing the use of crude herbs shall be determined. This study was conducted to screen the presence of phytochemical compounds in the local crude herbs consumed by patients with chronic diseases. This is part of a larger study, where a cross-sectional study was conducted and reported elsewhere. Methods: In total, 15 types of crude herbs were reported by the patients with chronic diseases attending government health clinic at Kampar, Perak. The herbs were extracted using hot and standard cold methods respectively. Results: All the 15 crude herbs' hot and cold extracts revealed the presence of eight phytochemical compounds, namely, phenols, quinones, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, and alkaloids at varying intensity. Saponins, alkaloids, and glycosides were present in all the crude herbs extracts. However, terpenoids, tannins, and phenols were absent in Orthosiphon stamineus, Clinacanthus nutans, and Pandanus amaryllifolius extracts respectively. However, the cold extracts exhibited a higher intensity of phytochemicals compared to hot extracts. The present study confirms the presence of phytochemicals in the local crude herbs consumed by patients with chronic diseases. The screened phytochemicals are bioactive compounds that possess medicinal properties that may trigger the patients to treat their diseases' underlying conditions. However, the use of prescribed medicine, particularly among aging patients must be taken into account while consuming crude herbs. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that structured-evidence based crude herbs use interventions for patients with chronic diseases is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a letter to the editor on Chikungunya outbreak in Asia in 2008.

Ecosystem-based management involves the integration of ecosystem services and their human beneficiaries into decision making. This can occur at multiple scales; addressing global issues such as climate change down to local problems such as flood protection and maintaining water quality. At the local scale it can be challenging to achieve a consistent and sustainable outcome across multiple communities, particularly when they differ in resource availability and management priorities. A key requirement for consistent decision support at the community level is to identify common community objectives, as these can form the basis for readily transferable indices of ecosystem benefit and human well-being. We used a keyword-based approach to look for common terminology in community fundamental objectives as a basis for transferable indices of human well-being and then compared those commonalities to community demographics, location, and type. Analysis centered on strategic planning documents readily available from coastal communities in the conterminous United States. We examined strategic planning documents based on eight domains of human well-being, and found that Living Standards and Safety and Security were the most commonly addressed domains, and Health and Cultural Fulfillment were the least. In comparing communities, regional differences were observed in only one well-being domain, Safety and Security, while community type yielded significant differences in five of the eight domains examined. Community type differences followed an urban to rural trend with urban communities focusing on Education and Living Standards, and more rural communities focused on Social Cohesion and Leisure Time. Across all eight domains multivariate analysis suggested communities were distributed along two largely orthogonal gradients; one between Living Standards and Leisure Time and or Connection to Nature, and a second between Safety and Security and Social Priorities (Education/Health/Culture/Social Cohesion). Overall these findings demonstrate the use of automated keyword analysis for obtaining information from community strategic planning documents. Moreover, the results indicate measures and perceptions of well-being at the local scale differ by community type. This information could be used in management of ecosystem services and development of indices of community sustainability that are applicable to multiple communities with similar demographics, regional location, and type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing fasting plasma glucose (FG) is predictive of fetal morbidity especially macrosomia. However, no clear threshold for FG has been defined. We set out to compare outcomes in pregnancies with FG > 5mM but normal post glucose load (H/N) with normal (N/N) and gestational diabetes (N/H) pregnancies. A retrospective analysis of glucose tolerance tests (GTT) performed during pregnancy in 2000 was carried out. Two hundred and twenty GTTs were identified of which there were 11 H/N, 7 N/H subjects and 8 randomly selected N/N subjects. Clinical outcomes assessed in each group included emergency caesarean section, assisted delivery, shoulder dystocia, preterm delivery and macrosomia. Statistical analysis was carried out using single factor ANOVA and Pearson Chi-squared tests. A p value of <0.05 was deemed significant. FG was significantly different across the groups (N/NvsH/NvsN/H; 4.01±0.07vs 5.61±0.98 vs 4.4±0.22mM, p<0.0002). There were no differences in parity, past history of macrosomia, family history of Type 2 Diabetes or in pre-gravid co-morbidity across the groups. 71% of the N/H were managed with diet and/or insulin compared to diet alone in 10% of H/N (p= 0.01). Gestational age at delivery was different across the groups (40.3±0.6 vs 39.4±2.0vs38.4±4.1weeks, N/NvsH/NvsN/H, p=0.04;) reflecting early intervention in the N/H group. 70% N/H had intervention during delivery compared to 54% and 12% in the H/N and N/N groups (p=0.05) while 43% N/H deliveries required special care, mainly for neonatal hypoglycaemia, compared to 10% H/N (p= 0.05). There were also no differences in all fetal outcomes e.g. for birth weight, N/NvsH/NvsN/H; 3.70±0.40 vs 3.80±0.27 vs 3.4±0.17kg, p=0.57. In this study, a FG > 5mM did not translate into an increased risk in fetal morbidity. There was an increased risk to more intervention in the N/H group. There remains the possibility that a larger study might find an impact of FG on pregnancy outcomes. The finding of the Hyperglycemia and adverse Pregnancy outcome (HAPO) study is therefore eagerly anticipated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed dispersal is a key process in plant spatial dynamics. However, consistently applicable generalizations about dispersal across scales are mostly absent because of the constraints on measuring propagule dispersal distances for many species. Here, we focus on fleshy-fruited taxa, specifically taxa with large fleshy fruits and their dispersers across an entire continental rainforest biome. We compare species-level results of whole-chloroplast DNA analyses in sister taxa with large and small fruits, to regional plot-based samples (310 plots), and whole-continent patterns for the distribution of woody species with either large (more than 30 mm) or smaller fleshy fruits (1093 taxa). The pairwise genomic comparison found higher genetic distances between populations and between regions in the large-fruited species (Endiandm globosa), but higher overall diversity within the small-fruited species (Endiandm discolor). Floristic comparisons among plots confirmed lower numbers of large-fruited species in areas where more extreme rainforest contraction occurred, and re-colonization by small-fruited species readily dispersed by the available fauna. Species' distribution patterns showed that larger-fruited species had smaller geographical ranges than smaller-fruited species and locations with stable refugia (and high endemism) aligned with concentrations of large fleshy-fruited taxa, making them a potentially valuable conservation-planning indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Understanding evolutionary history and classifying discrete units of organisms remain overwhelming tasks, and lags in this workload concomitantly impede an accurate documentation of biodiversity and conservation management. Rapid advances and improved accessibility of sensitive high‐throughput sequencing tools are fortunately quickening the resolution of morphological complexes and thereby improving the estimation of species diversity. The recently described and critically endangered Banksia vincentia is morphologically similar to the hairpin banksia complex (B. spinulosa s.l.), a group of eastern Australian flowering shrubs whose continuum of morphological diversity has been responsible for taxonomic controversy and possibly questionable conservation initiatives. Methods: To assist conservation while testing the current taxonomy of this group, we used high‐throughput sequencing to infer a population‐scale evolutionary scenario for a sample set that is comprehensive in its representation of morphological diversity and a 2500‐km distribution. Results: Banksia spinulosa s.l. represents two clades, each with an internal genetic structure shaped through historical separation by biogeographic barriers. This structure conflicts with the existing taxonomy for the group. Corroboration between phylogeny and population statistics aligns with the hypothesis that B. collina, B. neoanglica, and B. vincentia should not be classified as species. Conclusions: The pattern here supports how morphological diversity can be indicative of a locally expressed suite of traits rather than relationship. Oversplitting in the hairpin banksias is atypical since genomic analyses often reveal that species diversity is underestimated. However, we show that erring on overestimation can yield negative consequences, such as the disproportionate prioritization of a geographically anomalous population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) comprise a group of non-enzymatic post-translational modifications of proteins and are elevated in diabetic tissues. AGE-modification impairs the digestibility of collagen in vitro but little is known about its relation to collagen-degrading proteinases in vivo . N ε -carboxymethyllysine (CML) is a stable AGE that forms on lysyl side-chains in the presence of glucose, probably via a transition metal-catalysed mechanism. Here, rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and non-diabetic controls were treated for 8 weeks with placebo or the Cu(II)-selective chelator, triethylenetetramine (TETA), commencing 8 weeks after disease induction. Actions of diabetes and drug treatment were measured on collagen and collagen-degrading proteinases in kidney tissue. The digestibility and CML content of collagen, and corresponding levels of mRNAs and collagen, were related to changes in collagen-degrading-proteinases. Collagen-degrading proteinases, cathepsin L (CTSL) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were increased in diabetic rats. CTSL-levels correlated strongly and positively with increased collagen-CML levels and inversely with decreased collagen digestibility in diabetes. The collagen-rich mesangium displayed a strong increase of CTSL in diabetes. TETA treatment normalised kidney collagen content and partially normalised levels of CML and CTSL. These data provide evidence for an adaptive proteinase response in diabetic kidneys, affected by excessive collagen-CML formation and decreased collagen digestibility. The normalisation of collagen and partial normalisation of CML- and CTSL-levels by TETA treatment supports the involvement of Cu(II) in CML formation and altered collagen metabolism in diabetic kidneys. Cu(II)-chelation by TETA may represent a treatment option to rectify collagen metabolism in diabetes independent of alterations in blood glucose levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telopea speciosissima, the New South Wales waratah, is an Australian endemic woody shrub in the family Proteaceae. Waratahs have great potential as a model clade to better understand processes of speciation, introgression and adaptation, and are significant from a horticultural perspective. Here, we report the first chromosome‐level genome for T. speciosissima. Combining Oxford Nanopore long‐reads, 10x Genomics Chromium linked‐reads and Hi‐C data, the assembly spans 823 Mb (scaffold N50 of 69.0 Mb) with 97.8% of Embryophyta BUSCOs "Complete". We present a new method in Diploidocus (https://github.com/slimsuite/diploidocus) for classifying, curating and QC‐filtering scaffolds, which combines read depths, k‐mer frequencies and BUSCO predictions. We also present a new tool, DepthSizer (https://github.com/slimsuite/depthsizer), for genome size estimation from the read depth of single‐copy orthologues and estimate the genome size to be approximately 900 Mb. The largest 11 scaffolds contained 94.1% of the assembly, conforming to the expected number of chromosomes (2n = 22). Genome annotation predicted 40,158 protein‐coding genes, 351 rRNAs and 728 tRNAs. We investigated CYCLOIDEA (CYC) genes, which have a role in determination of floral symmetry, and confirm the presence of two copies in the genome. Read depth analysis of 180 "Duplicated" BUSCO genes using a new tool, DepthKopy (https://github.com/slimsuite/depthkopy), suggests almost all are real duplications, increasing confidence in the annotation and highlighting a possible need to revise the BUSCO set for this lineage. The chromosome‐level T. speciosissima reference genome (Tspe_v1) provides an important new genomic resource of Proteaceae to support the conservation of flora in Australia and further afield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reported previously that a signaling pathway consisting of Gi-Ras-NF-κB mediates lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-induced urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) upregulation in ovarian cancer cells. However, it is not clear what signaling components link Ras to nuclear factor (NF)-κB for this LPA-induced event. In the present study, we found that treatment of protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors including conventional PKC (cPKC) inhibitor Gö6976 abolished LPA-induced uPA upregulation in ovarian cancer cell lines tested, indicating the importance of cPKC activity in this LPA-induced event. Indeed, LPA stimulation led to the activation of PKCα and Ras–PKCα interaction. Although constitutively active mutants of PKCα (a cPKC), PKCθ (a novel PKC (nPKC)) and PKCζ (an atypical PKC (aPKC)) were all able to activate NF-κB and upregulate uPA expression, only dominant-negative PKCα mutant attenuated LPA-induced NF-κB activation and uPA upregulation. These results suggest that PKCα, rather than PKC isoforms in other PKC classes, participates in LPA-induced NF-κB activation and uPA upregulation in ovarian cancer cells. To determine the signaling components downstream of PKCα mediating LPA-induced uPA upregulation, we showed that forced expression of dominant-negative CARMA3 or silencing CARMA3, Bcl10 and MALT1 with specific siRNAs diminished these LPA-induced events. Furthermore, we demonstrated that PKCα/CARMA3 signaling axis is important in LPA-induced ovarian cancer cell in vitro invasion.Oncogene (2008) 27, 1273–1280; doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1210746; published online 27 August 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In multipatch landscapes, understanding the role of patch number and connectivity is key for the conservation of species under processes such as predation. The functional response is the most basic form of the predator–prey interaction. Two common response types exist: a decelerating curvilinear increase in prey consumption with prey density to a plateau (type II) and a sigmoidal-shaped curve (type III). Type II responses have been observed for a variety of predators, though only type III responses allow long-term persistence and are demographically stabilizing. We tested the hypothesis that the functional response type can change from a type II to a type III with increasing patch number and (or) decreasing connectivity. The predatory mite Amblyseius fallacis (Garman, 1948) has previously been shown to have a type II response when feeding on Panonychus ulmi (Koch, 1839). We examined this predator–prey interaction using experiments that varied in patch number, and simulations that varied in both patch number and connectivity. In no experimental or simulation trial did altering patch number or connectivity change the predator's functional response from type II to type III, even with an 80-fold decrease in patch connectivity. How do predators with this demographically destabilizing functional response persist? Hypotheses regarding metapopulations and alternative prey are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creek sandpaper fig of southeastern Australia, Ficus coronata Spin, is culturally significant to Australian traditional owners who made use of the leaves to smooth timber and ate the fruit. The species is thought to have a long history on the continent, with some suggesting a Gondwanan origin. However, distributional patterns and overall ecology suggest a recent expansion across suitable habitats. We used landscape genomic techniques and environmental niche modelling to reconstruct its history and explore whether the species underwent a recent and rapid expansion along the east coast of New South Wales. Genomic analysis of 178 specimens collected from 32 populations throughout the species' New South Wales distribution revealed a lack of genetic diversity and population structure. Some populations at the species' southern and western range limits displayed unexpected diversity, which appears to be the result of allele surfing. Field work and genetic evidence suggest a Holocene expansion which may have increased since European colonisation. We also present a novel method for detecting allele surfing—MAHF (minor allele at highest frequency). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pleurisy in pigs has economic impacts in the production stage and at slaughter. This study sought to establish if some micro‐organisms can be found in high numbers in lungs with pleurisy by assessing batches of pigs at an abattoir in Queensland Australia. Design: Samples of lung (including trachea/bronchus and lymph nodes) from a maximum of 5 pleurisy affected pigs were collected from 46 batches of pigs representing 46 Queensland farms. Procedure: Pleurisy‐affected lung areas were cultured by traditional bacteriological methods and bacteria quantified by plate scores. Additionally, tracheal or bronchial swabs and apical lobe fluid were tested for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae DNA and the superior tracheobronchial lymph nodes were tested for porcine circovirus type 2 DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All apparently significant bacteria were identified via PCR or sequencing. Typing was undertaken on some of the bacterial isolates. Results: The most prevalent pathogens were M. hyopneumoniae, Streptococcus suis and Porcine Circovirus type 2, being found in 34, 38 and 31 batches, respectively. Other bacteria found were Actinobacillus species (29 batches), Pasteurella multocida (24 batches), Mycoplasma flocculare (9 batches), Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (7 batches), Mycoplasma hyorhinis (4 batches), Bisgaard Taxon 10 (1 batch), Glaesserella parasuis (1 batch), Streptococcus minor (1 batch) and Streptococcus porcinus (1 batch). Most batches had more than one bacterial species. Conclusion: The high percentage of batches infected with S. suis (83%), M. hyopneumoniae (74%) and PCV2 (70%) and clustering by a batch of these pathogens, as well as the presence of many secondary pathogens, suggests synergy between these organisms may have resulted in pleurisy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Exchange of plant lineages between Australia and Southeast Asia has had a substantial impact on the evolution of Australia's northern, tropical flora, with important ramifications for its conservation and biosecurity. Despite this, floristic exchange tracks between northern Australia and Southeast Asia remain poorly understood. To address this, we conducted a molecular phylogeographic case study to identify exchange tracks between Australia and Southeast Asia. Location: India, Southeast Asia, Australia and Pacific islands. Taxon: The widespread tropical monsoonal tree species Aglaia elaeagnoidea (Meliaceae). Methods: We conducted a DArTseq phylogeographic study of 141 herbarium and silica‐dried samples sourced from across the range of A. elaeagnoidea. We analysed 176,331 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 90,456 loci using multivariate, admixture, genetic differentiation and coalescent methods to characterise phylogeographic and phylogenetic patterns. These analyses were considered in the context of an environmental niche model for the last glacial maximum. Results: Two exchange tracks were identified: one from New Guinea to Cape York Peninsula in north‐east Australia, and a second from Timor‐Leste to the Kimberley Plateau of north‐west Australia. The Cape York Peninsula track is contemporary, characterised by ongoing genetic exchange, whereas the Kimberley Plateau track is historic, facilitated by multiple past exposures of the Arafura Shelf during the Pleistocene. Overall, we suggest that phylogeographic patterns of A. elaeagnoidea have resulted from a combination of repeated range expansion and contraction cycles concurrent with Quaternary climate fluctuations and stochastic dispersal events. Main conclusions: This study provides the first molecular phylogeographic evidence for two floristic exchange tracks between northern Australia and Southeast Asia. It also highlights the influence of Quaternary climate fluctuations on the complex biogeography of the region, and supports the idea that the Kimberley Plateau and Cape York Peninsula in northern Australia have separate biogeographic histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of a novel tele-rehabilitation system on self-reported functional outcomes compared to usual care during the first three months after stroke.Methods: A parallel, two-arm, evaluator-blinded, randomised controlled trial was conducted. Adults aged ≥40 years who had suffered a stroke within four weeks of the start of the study were recruited from the general community. The intervention group received access to a novel tele-rehabilitation system and programme for three months. The primary outcome measures utilised were the frequency and limitation total scores of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) at three months.Results: A total of 124 individuals were recruited. The mean differences in the LLDFI frequency and limitation total scores at three months comparing the intervention and control groups were -3.30 (95% confidence interval (CI) -7.81 to 1.21) and -6.90 (95% CI -15.02 to 1.22), respectively. Adjusting for the respective baseline covariates and baseline Barthel Index also showed no significant difference between interventions in the LLFDI outcomes.Discussion: The intervention and control groups self-reported similar improvements in functional outcomes. Tele-rehabilitation may be a viable option to provide post-stroke rehabilitation services in Singapore while reducing barriers to continue rehabilitation conventionally after discharge from hospital and encouraging more participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the profile and annealing of interstitial iron in boron-doped silicon. Use of the deep level transient spectroscopy and double correlation technique; Range of temperature used in the study; Nonuniformity of interstitial iron distribution under the silicon surface.