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Warm (several eV to 100 eV) ions are an important, and still poorly understood, component of the magnetospheric plasma environment. We present the first comprehensive statistical analysis of several distinct populations of warm ions in the dayside middle and outer magnetosphere. We analyze 7 months (1 September 2015–31 March 2016) of Magnetospheric Multiscale Hot Plasma Composition Analyzer data comprising 734,200 moments (density, temperature) and energy‐dependent pitch angle distributions (PADs) of three major ion species (H+, He+, and O+) with energy ≤100 eV. PADs are represented by an energy‐averaged index that characterizes the shape of the PAD as field‐aligned (FA), pancake, or isotropic. We use filtering by temperature, pitch angle, and concentration to distinguish different populations, and obtain new and more complete information about average density, temperature, PADs, and composition. Our analysis explores two known populations of warm ions: the warm plasmasphere (WPS) and the warm cloak/trough (C/T). The WPS is a higher‐temperature, higher‐L extension of the duskside plasmaspheric bulge, containing mostly trapped (pancake/isotropic) ions with an H+:He+:O+ order of ion dominance. The C/T contains mostly FA warm ions with a dawnward (duskward) temperature gradient for H+ (He+ and O+), lower densities, and an H+:O+:He+ order of ion dominance. The WPS‐C/T overlap contains a mixture of the two populations (e.g., FA He+ in WPS, trapped O+ in C/T). Pancake (FA) PADs are correlated with higher (lower) density/temperature. Our analysis also identifies warm ions in the low‐energy plasma sheet. Our work consolidates and systematically extends the characterizations of warm ions reported in previous studies. Plain Language Summary: The plasmasphere is often defined as the cold and dense innermost region of the magnetosphere. The ring current may be defined as the torus of hot ions encircling the planet at several Earth radii of geocentric distance. Warm plasma (several eV to 100 eV) is an intermediate‐energy population. In this paper, we present the first comprehensive statistical analysis of several distinct populations of warm ions in the dayside middle and outer magnetosphere. We analyze 7 months (1 September 2015–31 March 2016) of data from the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission. Several‐eV to 100‐eV ions constitute a large reservoir of mass and momentum that can influence numerous basic, system‐level aspects of the magnetosphere. Warm ions are also a "bridge population" whose intermediate‐energy dynamics reveal heating and energization processes that trap ions to enable plasmaspheric refilling and transform very cold, ionospheric‐origin plasma into an integral component of the stormtime plasma sheet and ring current. Key Points: Statistical analysis of dayside warm (≤100 eV) ions uses 734,200‐point database of density, temperature, and pitch angle (PA) distributionsFiltering by temperature, PA, and concentration helps distinguish and separate different warm ion populationsThis analysis consolidates and systematically extends the characterizations of the warm plasmasphere and the warm cloak/trough (C/T) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of cost-effective and green enzyme immobilisation techniques will facilitate the adoption of continuous flow biocatalysis (CFB) by industry and academia. In this work, a relatively mild sulfite pulping process was employed to remove lignin and hemicellulose from wood with minimal disruption of its native porous structure, resulting in aligned macroporous cellulosic monoliths termed cellulose scaffolds (CSs). By engineering carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) onto the termini of recombinant proteins, the CSs could be employed as low-cost, renewable and biodegradable materials for enzyme immobilisation without any further chemical functionalisation. CBM-tagged fluorescent proteins were initially employed to demonstrate proof-of-principle and to optimise immobilisation conditions; this resulted in initial protein loadings as high as 5.24 wt% and immobilisation efficiencies as high as 97.1%. The process was then translated to a CBM-tagged ω-transaminase (ωTA) from Bacillus megaterium, obtaining enzyme loadings and immobilisation efficiencies as high as 3.99 wt% and 82.4%, respectively. A demonstrative CFB reaction with the immobilised CBM-tagged ωTA displayed ca. 95 ± 5% conversion efficiency relative to the free enzyme in solution under analogous conditions, suggesting that CBM-tagged recombinant enzymes immobilised on wood-derived CSs could potentially compete with other, more complex and costly enzyme immobilisation technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presented are the first interferometric images of cool starspots on the chromospherically active giant λ Andromedae. Using the Michigan Infra-Red Combiner coupled to the Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy Array, 26 interferometric observations were made between 2008 August 17 and 2011 September 24. The photometric time series acquired at Fairborn Observatory spanning 2008 September 20 to 2011 January 20 is also presented. The angular diameter and power-law limb-darkening coefficient of this star are 2.759 ± 0.050 mas and 0.229 ± 0.111, respectively. Starspot properties are obtained from both modeled and SQUEEZE reconstructed images. The images from 2010 through 2011 show anywhere from one to four starspots. The cadence in the data for the 2010 and 2011 data sets is sufficient to measure a stellar rotation period based on apparent starspot motion. This leads to estimates of the rotation period (P2010 = 61 ± 4.0 days, P2011 = 54.0 ± 2.4 days) that are consistent with the photometrically determined period of 54.8 days. In addition, the inclination and position angle of the rotation axis are computed for both the 2010 and 2011 data sets; values (= 21.°5, = 78.°0) for each are nearly identical between the two years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biological and synthetic meshes may improve the outcomes of immediate implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) by facilitating single-stage procedures and improving cosmesis. Supporting evidence is, however, limited. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of biological and synthetic mesh on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of IBBR 18 months after surgery. Methods: Consecutive women undergoing immediate IBBR between February 2014 and June 2016 were recruited to the study. Demographic, operative, oncological and 3-month complication data were collected, and patients received validated BREAST-Q questionnaires at 18 months. The impact of different IBBR techniques on PROs were explored using mixed-effects regression models adjusted for clinically relevant confounders, and including a random effect to account for clustering by centre. Results: A total of 1470 participants consented to receive the questionnaire and 891 completed it. Of these, 67 women underwent two-stage submuscular reconstructions. Some 764 patients had a submuscular reconstruction with biological mesh (495 women), synthetic mesh (95) or dermal sling (174). Fourteen patients had a prepectoral reconstruction. Compared with two-stage submuscular reconstructions, no significant differences in PROs were seen in biological or synthetic mesh-assisted or dermal sling procedures. However, patients undergoing prepectoral IBBR reported better satisfaction with breasts (adjusted mean difference +6.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.65 to11.61; P = 0.009). PROs were similar to those in the National Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Audit 2008-2009 cohort, which included two-stage submuscular procedures only. Conclusion: This study found no difference in PROs of subpectoral IBBR with or without biological or synthetic mesh, but provides early data to suggest improved satisfaction with breasts following prepectoral reconstruction. Robust evaluation is required before this approach can be adopted as standard practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the UK, the NDE community is making a coordinated effort to underpin and enable the full benefits of the large-scale trend toward comprehensive digitalization and automation of industrial processes and assets, frequently referred to as "Industry 4.0". Certain facets of what is now considered to be NDE 4.0 have been the subject of research for some time and have already gained industrial traction, while others are quite new, with unexplored potential and pitfalls. However, in these areas there is scope for learning from progress in fields outside of, but related to, NDE such as dimensional metrology. This paper reviews progress to date based on UK activities, considers some planned and potential research tasks in this domain, and highlights the major challenges the NDE community must tackle. In particular, as interoperability and data reuse are key features of Industry 4.0 practices, international and cross-domain efforts on data format standardization are needed. It is clear that, without the NDE community stepping up to the challenge, much of Industry 4.0 cannot be realized; yet if the NDE 4.0 vision is implemented comprehensively, NDE has the potential to become more capable, more valuable, and therefore more highly valued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The University of KwaZulu-Natal has a bilingual language policy (2006) where students may receive instruction in isiZulu as well as in English. An online survey was carried out for all academic and support staff to gauge their linguistic capacity in isiZulu. Staff profiles were created in relation to their respective Colleges, Schools and Disciplines, and included age, language group, language use, language of schooling and years of experience in the Higher Education sector. It also included modules currently taught by staff through the medium of isiZulu; communicative language proficiency; instructional language proficiency; perceptions of own capacity to teach in isiZulu and perceptions of the time required to develop adequate proficiency to teach in isiZulu. Respondents were also asked to translate a complex sentence into isiZulu, the responses to which were later analysed into three categories: fluent, semi-fluent and not fluent for purposes of comparison with staff perceptions of their own proficiency. Findings revealed a serious gap between current staff capacity to teach in isiZulu, and the implementation of the policy within the projected timeframes. This study also reveals the complexities of teaching when discipline experts and students do not share a common language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aims of this study were to to assess the feasibility of simultaneous testing for the blood‐borne viruses (BBV), HIV, hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV), in the Emergency Department (ED) and ascertain the seroprevalence for these three viruses in this setting. Methods: A pilot BBV testing program was undertaken as part of routine clinical care in the ED. All ED attendees aged between 16 and 65 years old who were able to consent were tested over a 55 week period on an opt out basis. Patients with positive test results were linked to clinical services. Interventions aimed at improving testing rates were implemented and evaluated by quality improvement (QI) methodology. Results: Of 25,520 age‐eligible ED attendees, 6108 (24%) underwent BBV testing; an additional 1160 (4.5%) underwent a standalone HIV test (total of 7268 (28%) individuals).There were 83/7268 (1.1%) non‐negative (ie reactive or equivocal) results for HIV and 103/6108 (1.7%) and 32/6108 (0.52%) for anti‐HCV IgG and HBsAg, respectively. Of these, 12 (0.17%), 16 (0.26%) and 8 (0.13%) were new reactive tests for HIV, HCV and HBV, respectively, which were able to be confirmed on a second test. Specific QI interventions led to temporary increases in testing rates. Conclusions: An opt out BBV testing program in the ED is feasible and effective at finding new cases. However, the testing rate was low at 24%. Although QI interventions led to some improvement in testing rates, further studies are required to identify ways to achieve sustained increases in testing in this setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By manipulating the reaction conditions, furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) was prepared by the biooxidation of hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) in a continuous one-pot reaction using galactose oxidase M3–5, periplasmic aldehyde oxidase (PaoABC), catalase and horseradish peroxidase. In addition, PaoABC was successfully entrapped in a SiO2 hydrogel and recycled 14 times without loss of activity. The catalyst was able to tolerate up to 200 mM DFF concentration giving FDCA in full conversion with very promising TOF and TON values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ( NAD+) is a ubiquitous metabolite that serves an essential role in the catabolism of nutrients. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in NAD+ biology, with the recognition that NAD+ influences many biological processes beyond metabolism, including transcription, signalling and cell survival. There are a multitude of pathways involved in the synthesis and breakdown of NAD+, and alterations in NAD+ homeostasis have emerged as a common feature of a range of disease states. Here, we provide an overview of NAD+ metabolism and summarise progress on the development of NAD+-related therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article contributes to a growing literature that takes a more nuanced approach to exploring the complexities of relationships and negotiations with gatekeepers. Using our study of young people living with a parent at the end of life as a ‘critical case’ of sensitive qualitative research, we discuss how far from being a smooth, linear process, participant recruitment was experienced as a series of overlapping challenges, characterised here as ‘wheels within wheels’. Each component of this multi-faceted process relied on identifying and engaging with key practitioners who acted as gatekeepers. We discuss how researcher and gatekeeper positionality influenced the outcome of negotiations with gatekeepers, and highlight potential implications for young people in exigent sets of circumstances. If the routes ‘in’ to access young people are difficult, then this also raises questions about routes ‘out’ for young people and their access to support when living through challenging times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metered dose inhalers (MDI) and multidose powder inhalers (MPDI) are commonly used for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and asthma. Currently, analytical tools to monitor particle/particle and particle/surface interaction within MDI and MPDI at the macro-scale do not exist. A simple tool capable of measuring such interactions would ultimately enable quality control of MDI and MDPI, producing remarkable benefits for the pharmaceutical industry and the users of inhalers. In this paper, we have investigated whether a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) could become such a tool. A QCM was used to measure particle/particle and particle/surface interactions on the macroscale, by additions of small amounts of MDPI components, in the powder form into a gas stream. The subsequent interactions with materials on the surface of the QCM sensor were analyzed. Following this, the sensor was used to measure fluticasone propionate, a typical MDI active ingredient, in a pressurized gas system to assess its interactions with different surfaces under conditions mimicking the manufacturing process. In both types of experiments the QCM was capable of discriminating interactions of different components and surfaces. The results have demonstrated that the QCM is a suitable platform for monitoring macro-scale interactions and could possibly become a tool for quality control of inhalers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two old (Huangsedadou and Longxixiaohuangpi (LX)) and two new (Jindou 19 (JD) and Zhonghuang 30 (ZH)) soya bean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cultivars were used to investigate the influence of soil drying on the abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation in leaves, stomatal conductance (gs), leaf water relations, osmotic adjustment (OA), leaf desiccation tolerance, yield and yield components. The greater ABA accumulation was induced by soil drying, which also inducing gs decreased at higher soil water contents (SWC) and leaf relative water content (RWC) significantly decreased at lower SWC in the new soya bean cultivars than in the old soya bean cultivars. The soil water threshold between the value at which stomata began to close and the RWC began to decrease was significantly broader in the new cultivars than in the old cultivars. The new cultivars had significantly higher OA and lower lethal leaf water potential than old cultivars when the soil dried. The old cultivars had greater biomass, but lower grain yield than the new cultivars in well-watered, moderate stress and severe stress conditions. Thus with soil drying, the new soya bean cultivars demonstrated greater adaptation to drought by inducing greater ABA accumulation, stomatal closure at higher SWC, enhanced OA and better water relations, associated with increased leaf desiccation tolerance, greater water use efficiency and higher yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report new CHARA/Michigan InfraRed Combiner interferometric observations of the Cepheid archetype δ Cep, which aimed at detecting the newly discovered spectroscopic companion. We reached a maximum dynamic range ΔH = 6.4, 5.8 and 5.2 mag, respectively, within the relative distance to the Cepheid r < 25 mas, 25 < r < 50 mas and 50 < r < 100 mas. Our observations did not show strong evidence of a companion. We have a marginal detection at 3s with a flux ratio of 0.21 per cent, but nothing convincing as we found other possible probable locations. We ruled out the presence of companion with a spectral type earlier than F0V, A1V and B9V, respectively for the previously cited ranges r. From our estimated sensitivity limits and the Cepheid light curve, we derived lower limit magnitudes in the H band for this possible companion to be Hcomp > 9.15, 8.31 and 7.77 mag, respectively, for r < 25 mas, 25 < r < 50 mas and 50 < r < 100 mas. We also found that to be consistent with the predicted orbital period (Anderson et al.), the companion has to be located at a projected separation <24 mas with a spectral type later than an F0V star. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is known to reduce chickpea yields in several regions of the world. Although ion toxicity associated with salinity leads to yield reductions in a number of other crops, its role in reducing yields in chickpea growing in saline soils is unclear. The purpose of this study was to (i) identify the phenological and yield parameters associated with salt stress tolerance and sensitivity in chickpea and (ii) identify any pattern of tissue ion accumulation that could relate to salt tolerance of chickpea exposed to saline soil in an outdoor pot experiment. Fourteen genotypes of chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) were used to study yield parameters, of which eight were selected for ion analysis after being grown in soil treated with 0 and 80 m m NaCl. Salinity delayed flowering and the delay was greater in sensitive than tolerant genotypes under salt stress. Filled pod and seed numbers, but not seed size, were associated with seed yield in saline conditions, suggesting that salinity impaired reproductive success more in sensitive than tolerant lines. Of the various tissues measured for concentrations of Cl−, Na+ and K+, higher seed yields in saline conditions were positively correlated with higher K+ concentration in seeds at the mid-filling stage ( R2 = 0.55), a higher K+/Na+ ratio in the laminae of fully expanded young leaves ( R2 = 0.50), a lower Na+ concentration in old green leaves ( R2 = 0.50) and a higher Cl− concentration in mature seeds. The delay in flowering was associated with higher concentrations of Na+ in the laminae of fully expanded young leaves ( R2 = 0.61) and old green leaves ( R2 = 0.51). We conclude that although none of the ions appeared to have any toxic effect, Na+ accumulation in leaves was associated with delayed flowering that in turn could have played a role in the lower reproductive success in the sensitive lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a vital role as both a sink for and source of atmospheric carbon. Revegetation of degraded arable land in China is expected to increase soil carbon sequestration, but the role of perennial legumes on soil carbon stocks in semiarid areas has not been quantified. In this study, we assessed the effect of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and two locally adapted forage legumes, bush clover (Lespedeza davurica S.) and milk vetch (Astragalus adsurgens Pall.) on the SOC concentration and SOC stock accumulated annually over a 2m soil profile. The results showed that the concentration of SOC in the bare soil decreased slightly over the 7 years, while 7 years of legume growth substantially increased the concentration of SOC over the 0-2.0m soil depth. Over the 7-year growth period the SOC stocks increased by 24.1, 19.9 and 14.6MgC ha-1 under the alfalfa, bush clover and milk vetch stands, respectively, and decreased by 4.2MgC ha-1 in the bare soil. The sequestration of SOC in the 1-2mdepth of the soil accounted for 79, 68 and 74% of the SOC sequestered in the 2m deep soil profile under alfalfa, bush clover and milk vetch, respectively. Conversion of arable land to perennial legume pasture resulted in a significant increase in SOC, particularly at soil depths below 1 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a vital role as both a sink for and source of atmospheric carbon. Revegetation of degraded arable land in China is expected to increase soil carbon sequestration, but the role of perennial legumes on soil carbon stocks in semiarid areas has not been quantified. In this study, we assessed the effect of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and two locally adapted forage legumes, bush clover (Lespedeza davurica S.) and milk vetch (Astragalus adsurgens Pall.) on the SOC concentration and SOC stock accumulated annually over a 2 m soil profile, and to estimate the long-term potential for SOC sequestration in the soil under the three forage legumes. The results showed that the concentration of SOC of the bare soil decreased slightly over the 7 years, while 7 years of legume growth substantially increased the concentration of SOC over the 0-2.0 m soil depth measured. Over the 7 year growth period the SOC stocks increased by 24.1, 19.9 and 14.6 Mg C ha-1 under the alfalfa, bush clover and milk vetch stands, respectively, and decreased by 4.2 Mg C ha-1 under bare soil. The sequestration of SOC in the 1-2 m depth of soil accounted for 79, 68 and 74 % of SOC sequestered through the upper 2 m of soil under alfalfa, bush clover and milk vetch, respectively. Conversion of arable land to perennial legume pasture resulted in a significant increase in SOC, particularly at soil depths below 1 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: Spinal anaesthesia (SA) and general anaesthesia (GA) are widely used techniques for vaginal surgery for pelvic floor disorders with inconclusive evidence of the superiority of either. We conducted a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to assess the feasibility of a full scale RCT aiming to examine the effect of anaesthetic mode for vaginal surgery on operative, patient reported and length of hospital stay (LOHS) outcomes. Methods: Patients undergoing vaginal surgery, recruited through a urogynaecology service in a University teaching hospital, were randomised to receive either GA or SA. Patients were followed up for 12 weeks postoperatively. Pain was measured on a visual analogue scale; nausea was assessed with a four-point verbal rating scale. Patient's subjective perception of treatment outcome, quality of life (QoL) and functional outcomes were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire (ICIQ) on vaginal symptoms and the SF-36 questionnaire. Results: Sixty women were randomised, 29 to GA and 31 to SA. The groups were similar in terms of age and type of vaginal surgery performed. No statistically significant differences were noted between the groups with regard to pain, nausea, quality of life (QoL), functional outcomes as well as length of stay in the postoperative recovery room, use of analgesia postoperatively and LOHS. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that a full RCT is feasible and should focus on the length of hospital stay in a subgroup of patients undergoing vaginal surgery where SA may help to facilitate enhanced recovery or day surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In semi-arid areas of north-west China, grain yields of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) are higher in recently bred cultivars than those released six decades earlier. The gas exchange, chloroplast activity and yield of six spring wheat cultivars grown in the 1950s, Hst and Gs96 (early), in the 1970s, Gy602 and Dx24 (intermediate), and in the 1990s, Gc20 and Lc8275 (modern) were compared with adequate water ( WET) and drought stress ( DRY) to determine the effects of drought stress among the cultivars. The results showed that in the WET treatment, the modern cultivars had significantly higher rates of leaf gas exchange, photosystem 2 ( PS2) maximal photochemical efficiency, actual quantum yield of PS2 (Ф PS2), photochemical quenching of chlorophyll (qp) and lower non-photochemical quenching ( NPQ) than early cultivars, but had significantly lower gas exchange rates, intercellular CO2 concentration, Ф PS2, qp and NPQ in the DRY treatment. In the WET treatment, the grain yield of early cultivars was significantly lower (10 %) than intermediate cultivars, but was significantly higher (17 %) than intermediate cultivars in the DRY treatment. The modern and intermediate cultivars had more sensitive stomata to water shortage, but the decreased activity of the PS2 reaction centre helped avoid damage from photoinhibition in these cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grass pea ( Lathyrus sativus L.) is an indeterminate grain legume considered adapted to dry environments, but the mechanisms of its adaptation are not well understood. Grass pea plants were exposed to terminal drought from podding, and the development of water deficit was measured together with its effects on leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, carbon remobilisation to the seeds, flower production and abortion, pod production and abortion, seed set, seed growth and the neurotoxin β-N-oxalyl-L-a, β-diaminopropionic acid (β- ODAP) concentration. Predawn leaf water potential (Ψleaf), stomatal conductance ( gs), rate of leaf photosynthesis ( Pn), flower production, pod production, filled pod number, seed number, seed size and yield decreased, while flower abortion, pod abortion and seed abortion increased, and the concentration of β- ODAP was unchanged under terminal drought conditions. gs and Pn began to decrease at a higher plant-available soil water content ( PAWC) (67.2 ± 2.3 % and 62.9 ± 2.3 %) than Ψleaf (43.7 ± 1.1 %). Flowers and pods ceased being produced only when the PAWC decreased below 40.1 ± 4.6 % and 35.3 ± 3.0 %, respectively, but seed set and seed growth ceased when PAWC decreased below 55.5 ± 1.6 % and 58.0 ± 3.7 %, respectively. The mobilization of 13C labelled assimilates from the stems was greater under terminal drought than under well-watered conditions, but the transfer to the seed was small. We conclude that seed set and seed growth decreased as the soil dried due to a reduction in current photosynthesis as a result of stomatal closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica rapa L. is a genetically diverse parent species of the allotetraploid species, oilseed rape ( B. napus) and a potential source of drought tolerance for B. napus. We examined the effect of a 13-day drought stress period during the early reproductive phase, relative to a well-watered (WW) control, on subsequent growth and development in nine accessions of B. rapa and one accession of Brassica juncea selected for their wide morphological and genetic diversity. We measured leaf water potential, stomatal conductance, water use, and leaf and bud temperatures during the stress period and aboveground dry weight of total biomass at maturity. Dry weight of seeds and reproductive tissue were not useful measures of drought tolerance due to self-incompatibility in B. rapa. The relative total biomass (used as the measure of drought tolerance in this study) of the 10 accessions exposed to drought stress ranged from 47 % to 117 % of the WW treatment and was negatively correlated with leaf-to-air and bud-to-air temperature difference when averaged across the 13-day stress period. Two wild-type ( B. rapa ssp. sylvestris) accessions had higher relative total and non-reproductive biomass at maturity and cooler leaves and buds than other types. We conclude that considerable genotypic variation for drought tolerance exists in B. rapa and cooler leaves and buds during a transient drought stress in the early reproductive phase may be a useful screening tool for drought tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a vital role as both a sink for and source of atmospheric carbon. Revegetation of degraded arable land in China is expected to increase soil carbon sequestration, but the role of perennial legumes on soil carbon stocks in semiarid areas has not been quantified. In this study, we assessed the effect of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and two locally adapted forage legumes, bush clover (Lespedeza davurica S.) and milk vetch (Astragalus adsurgens Pall.) on the SOC concentration and SOC stock accumulated annually over a 2 m soil profile, and to estimate the longterm potential for SOC sequestration in the soil under the three forage legumes. The results showed that the concentration of SOC of the bare soil decreased slightly over the 7 years, while 7 years of legume growth substantially increased the concentration of SOC over the 0-2.0 m soil depth measured. Over the 7year growth period the SOC stocks increased by 24.1, 19.9 and 14.6 Mg C ha-1 under the alfalfa, bush clover and milk vetch stands, respectively, and decreased by 4.2 Mg C ha-1 under bare soil. The sequestration of SOC in the 1-2 m depth of soil accounted for 79, 68 and 74% of SOC sequestered through the upper 2 m of soil under alfalfa, bush clover and milk vetch, respectively. Conversion of arable land to perennial legume pasture resulted in a significant increase in SOC, particularly at soil depths below 1 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Determining the effective temperature of Ap stars, including the roAp stellar pulsators, is a difficult task owing to their strong magnetic field and their related spotted surfaces. It is, however, an important step towards constraining models of their complex atmosphere and testing proposed pulsation excitation mechanisms. Aims. Using the unique angular resolution provided by long-baseline visible interferometry, we aim at deriving accurate angular diameters of a number of Ap targets, so as to determine their unbiased effective temperature (Teff) and their accurate position in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, to estimate their mass and age, and to test non-adiabatic pulsation models. Interferometric results on four Ap stars have been published in earlier works. Here we report the results on a fifth, significantly hotter star. Methods. We observed 78 Vir with the visible spectrograph VEGA installed at the combined focus of the CHARA long-baseline optical array. We derived the limb-darkened diameter of this Ap star from our interferometric measurements. Based on photometric and spectroscopic data available in the literature, we estimated the star's bolometric flux and used it, in combination with its parallax and angular diameter, to determine the star's luminosity and effective temperature. We then used the derived fundamental parameters to perform a non-adiabatic pulsation analysis. Results. We determined a limb-darkened angular diameter of 0.346 ± 0.006 mas and deduced a linear radius of R = 2.11 ± 0.04 R☉. Considering a bolometric flux of 2.73 ± 0.20 10-7 erg/cm2/s we obtained a luminosity of L/L☉ = 27 ± 2 and an effective temperature of Teff = 9100 ± 190 K. The non-adiabatic pulsation modeling allows us to predict that high overtone pulsations could be excited in 78 Vir at frequencies ranging from 1.2 to 1.9 mHz, provided that the magnetic field is capable of suppressing envelope convection in the polar regions. Conclusions. Visible long-baseline interferometry is a unique means of deriving accurate fundamental parameters of Ap stars. The Ap star 78 Vir is found to be a promising roAp-star candidate and one that would allow us to extend recent tests on the roAp stars' excitation mechanism towards the blue edge of the instability strip. Asteroseismic data of this star would, therefore, be of strong interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Long-baseline interferometry is an important technique to spatially resolve binary or multiple systems in close orbits. By combining several telescopes together and spectrally dispersing the light, it is possible to detect faint components around bright stars in a few hours of observations. Aims. We provide a rigorous and detailed method to search for high-contrast companions around stars, determine the detection level, and estimate the dynamic range from interferometric observations. Methods. We developed the code CANDID (Companion Analysis and Non-Detection in Interferometric Data), a set of Python tools that allows us to search systematically for point-source, high-contrast companions and estimate the detection limit using all interferometric observables, i.e., the squared visibilities, closure phases and bispectrum amplitudes. The search procedure is made on a N × N grid of fit, whose minimum needed resolution is estimated a posteriori. It includes a tool to estimate the detection level of the companion in the number of sigmas. The code CANDID also incorporates a robust method to set a 3σ detection limit on the flux ratio, which is based on an analytical injection of a fake companion at each point in the grid. Our injection method also allows us to analytically remove a detected component to 1) search for a second companion; and 2) set an unbiased detection limit. Results.We used CANDID to search for the companions around the binary Cepheids V1334 Cyg, AX Cir, RT Aur, AWPer, SU Cas, and T Vul. First, we showed that our previous discoveries of the components orbiting V1334 Cyg and AX Cir were detected at >25σ and >13σ, respectively. The astrometric positions and flux ratios provided by CANDID for these two stars are in good agreement with our previously published values. The companion around AW Per is detected at more than 15σ with a flux ratio of f = 1:22 ± 0:30%, and it is located at ρ = 32:16 ± 0:29 mas and PA = 67:1 ± 0:3°. We made a possible detection of the companion orbiting RT Aur with f = 0:22 ± 0:11%, and at ρ = 2:10 ± 0:23 mas and PA = -136 ± 6°. It was detected at 3.8σ using the closure phases only, and so more observations are needed to confirm the dectection. No companions were detected around SU Cas and T Vul. We also set the detection limit for possible undetected companions around these stars. We found that there is no companion with a spectral type earlier than B7V, A5V, F0V, B9V, A0V, and B9V orbiting the Cepheids V1334 Cyg, AX Cir, RT Aur, AW Per, SU Cas, and T Vul, respectively. This work also demonstrates the capabilities of the MIRC and PIONIER instruments, which can reach a dynamic range of 1:200, depending on the angular distance of the companion and the (u, v) plane coverage. In the future, we plan to work on improving the sensitivity limits for realistic data through better handling of the correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Stellar rotation is a key in our understanding of both mass-loss and evolution of intermediate and massive stars. It can lead to anisotropic mass-loss in the form of radiative wind or an excretion disk. Aims. We wished to spatially resolve the photosphere and gaseous environment of 51 Oph, a peculiar star with a very high vsini of 267 km s-1 and an evolutionary status that remains unsettled. It has been classified by different authors as a Herbig, a β Pic, or a classical Be star. Methods. We used the VEGA visible beam combiner installed on the CHARA array that reaches a submilliarcsecond resolution. Observation were centered on the Hα emission line. Results. We derived, for the first time, the extension and flattening of 51 Oph photosphere. We found a major axis of θeq = 8.08 ± 0.70 R☉ and a minor axis of θpol = 5.66 ± 0.23 R☉. This high photosphere distortion shows that the star is rotating close to its critical velocity. Finally, using spectro-interferometric measurements in the Hα line, we constrained the circumstellar environment geometry and kinematics and showed that the emission is produced in a 5.2 ± 2 R* disk in Keplerian rotation. Conclusions. From the visible point of view, 51 Oph presents all the features of a classical Be star: near critical-rotation and double-peaked Hα line in emission produced in a gaseous disk in Keplerian rotation. However, this does not explain the presence of dust as seen in the mid-infrared and millimeter spectra, and the evolutionary status of 51 Oph remains unsettled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Missing outcome data are a common threat to the validity of the results from randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which, if not analysed appropriately, can lead to misleading treatment effect estimates. Studies with missing outcome data also threaten the validity of any meta-analysis that includes them. A conceptually simple Bayesian framework is proposed, to account for uncertainty due to missing binary outcome data in meta-analysis. A pattern-mixture model is fitted, which allows the incorporation of prior information on a parameter describing the missingness mechanism. We describe several alternative parameterisations, with the simplest being a prior on the probability of an event in the missing individuals. We describe a series of structural assumptions that can be made concerning the missingness parameters. We use some artificial data scenarios to demonstrate the ability of the model to produce a bias-adjusted estimate of treatment effect that accounts for uncertainty. A meta-analysis of haloperidol versus placebo for schizophrenia is used to illustrate the model. We end with a discussion of elicitation of priors, issues with poor reporting and potential extensions of the framework. Our framework allows one to make the best use of evidence produced from RCTs with missing outcome data in a meta-analysis, accounts for any uncertainty induced by missing data and fits easily into a wider evidence synthesis framework for medical decision making. © 2015 The Authors. Statistics in MedicinePublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The classical T Tauri star (CTTS) AA Tau has presented photometric variability that was attributed to an inner disk warp, caused by the interaction between the inner disk and an inclined magnetosphere. Previous studies of the young cluster NGC 2264 have shown that similar photometric behavior is common among CTTS. Aims. The goal of this work is to investigate the main causes of the observed photometric variability of CTTS in NGC 2264 that present AA Tau-like light curves, and verify if an inner disk warp could be responsible for their observed variability. Methods. In order to understand the mechanism causing these stars' photometric behavior, we investigate veiling variability in their spectra and u-r color variations and estimate parameters of the inner disk warp using an occultation model proposed for AA Tau. We also compare infrared Spitzer IRAC and optical CoRoT light curves to analyze the dust responsible for the occultations. Results. AA Tau-like variability proved to be transient on a timescale of a few years. We ascribe this variability to stable accretion regimes and aperiodic variability to unstable accretion regimes and show that a transition, and even coexistence, between the two is common. We find evidence of hot spots associated with occultations, indicating that the occulting structures could be located at the base of accretion columns. We find average values of warp maximum height of 0.23 times its radial location, consistent with AA Tau, with variations of on average 11% between rotation cycles. We also show that extinction laws in the inner disk indicate the presence of grains larger than interstellar grains. Conclusions. The inner disk warp scenario is consistent with observations for all but one star with AA Tau-like variability in our sample. AA Tau-like systems are fairly common, comprising 14% of CTTS observed in NGC 2264, though this number increases to 35% among systems of mass 0:7 M☉ ⩽ M⩽ 2:0 M☉. Assuming random inclinations, we estimate that nearly all systems in this mass range likely possess an inner disk warp. We attribute this to a possible change in magnetic field configurations among stars of lower mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two thousand one hundred and eight agricultural soils (0-20 cm depth) collected at a density of one sample per 2500 km² under the auspices of the Geochemical Mapping of Agricultural Soils (GEMAS) project over most of the European continent have been analysed using the Mobile Metal Ion (MMI®) partial extraction technique with ICP-MS finish. For a number of elements, notably Ce, Ni, and Ca, coherent geogenic patterns have been observed which relate to underlying lithology. For Fe and Al, coherent patterns are also observed but the effects of weathering are evident, and provide a mechanism to explain the acidity of soils in high rainfall areas. Individual anomalies, many related to anthropogenic activity (mining, metallurgy, agriculture) have been observed for Ag, Au, Cu, Pb, Cd and Zn. Comparison of the results with aqua regia digestion and the equivalent National Geochemistry Survey of Australia (NGSA) provides insights into weathering processes and the concept of bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Prior studies have suggested improved outcomes for cancer patients managed in private centres, despite universal healthcare within Australia. Aims To compare patient, disease, treatment and survival data for metastatic colorectal cancer ( mCRC) managed in private versus public centres. Methods Analysis of prospectively collected registry data for consecutive patients with mCRC managed at 16 participating centres from July 2009. Results Data for 1065 patients were examined. Age, gender and Charlson comorbidity score were similar for public and private patients. Private patients were more commonly Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score 0-1 (85% vs 78%, P = 0.008), in the highest Index of Relative Socioeconomic Advantage and Disadvantage quintile (57% vs 18%, P < 0.001) or had a single metastatic site (62% vs 54%, P = 0.009). Patients treated in private were more likely to receive chemotherapy (84% vs 70%, P < 0.001), bevacizumab (59% vs 50%, P = 0.008), be treated with curative intent (37% vs 26%, P < 0.001) and undergo metastasectomy (30% vs 22%, P = 0.001). These management differences remained statistically significant after adjusting for baseline characteristics. Management in the private setting was associated with superior overall survival (median 27.9 vs 20 months, hazard ratio 0.7, 95% confidence interval: 0.57 to 0.86, P = 0.001), significant in multivariate analysis adjusting for all baseline covariates. Conclusions Significant differences in baseline characteristics were noted for private versus public patients. However, these do not explain the higher rates of treatment delivery in the private setting, which likely contributed towards the observed survival difference. Further studies are required to determine if the increased likelihood of intervention in the private setting is driven by patient, clinician and/or institutional factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Rossby wave instability (RWI) at dead zone boundaries may play an important role in planet formation. Viscous hydrodynamics results suggest RWI is excited only when the viscosity changes over a radial distance less than two density scale heights. However in the disks around Solar-mass T Tauri stars, it is not viscosity but magnetic forces that provide the accretion stress beyond about 10 AU, where surface densities are low enough so stellar X-rays and interstellar cosmic rays can penetrate. Aims. We explore the conditions for RWI in the smooth transition with increasing distance, from resistive and magnetically-dead to conducting and magnetically-active. Methods. We perform 3D unstratified MHD simulations with the Pencil code, using static resistivity profiles. Results. We find that in MHD, contrary to viscous models, the RWI is triggered even with a gradual change in resistivity extending from 10 to 40 AU (i.e., spanning 15 scale heights for aspect ratio 0.1). This is because magneto-rotational turbulence sets in abruptly when the resistivity reaches a threshold level. At higher resistivities the longest unstable wavelength is quenched, resulting in a sharp decline of the Maxwell stress towards the star. The sharp gradient in the magnetic forces leads to a localized density bump, that is in turn Rossby wave unstable. Conclusions. Even weak gradients in the resistivity can lead to sharp transitions in the Maxwell stress. As a result the RWI is more easily activated in the outer disk than previously thought. Rossby vortices at the outer dead zone boundary thus could underlie the dust asymmetries seen in the outer reaches of transition disks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]