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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the acute effects of exercise mode and intensity on postprandial macronutrient metabolism. Methods: Ten healthy men age 39 ± 10 yr with chronic paraplegia (13.2 ± 8.8 yr, ASIA A--C) completed three isocaloric bouts of upper-body exercise and a resting control. After an overnight fast, participants completed circuit resistance exercise (CRE) first and the following conditions in a randomized order, separated by >48 h: i) control (CON), ~45-min seated rest; ii) moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE), ~40-min arm cranking at a resistance equivalent to ~30% peak power output (PPO); and iii) high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), ~30 min arm cranking with resistance alternating every 2 min between 10% PPO and 70% PPO. After each condition, participants completed a mixed-meal tolerance test consisting of a 2510-kJ liquid meal (35% fat, 50% carbohydrate, 15% protein). Blood and expired gas samples were collected at baseline and regular intervals for 150 min after a meal. Results: An interaction (P < 0.001) was observed, with rates of lipid oxidation elevated above CON in HIIE until 60 min after a meal and in CRE at all postprandial time points up to 150 min after a meal. Postprandial blood glycerol was greater in MICE (P = 0.020) and CRE (P = 0.001) compared with CON. Furthermore, nonesterified fatty acid area under the curve had a moderate-to-strong effect in CRE versus MICE and HIIE (Cohen's d = -0.76 and -0.50, respectively). Conclusions: In persons with paraplegia, high-intensity exercise increased postprandial energy expenditure independent of the energy cost of exercise. Furthermore, exercise combining resistance and endurance modes (CRE) showed the greater effect on postprandial lipid oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Whole body energy expenditure and lipid oxidation (Lox) are upregulated during and after exercise. Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) generally have a blunted ability to utilize fat during exercise, but it is unknown if their substrate partitioning is affected during recovery from exercise. Purpose: To determine the effect of a single session of upper body circuit resistance exercise (CRE) on energy expenditure and Lox during exercise recovery in persons with and without SCI. Methods: Twenty four persons (3 groups; 7 male and 1 female per group) without paralysis (neurologically intact; N) or with chronic (≥ 1 yr) paraplegia (P) or tetraplegia (T) participated. Energy expenditure and substrate partitioning were assessed via indirect calorimetry before, during, and three times after (up to 120 min after) a single session of CRE, or time-matched seated control (CON). Results: During CRE, all groups experienced a similar relative increase in oxygen consumption (49 ± 13, 55 ± 11, and 48 ± 15% VO2peak for N, P, and T, respectively). The Post0-120 energy expenditure was greater following CRE vs. CON (P < 0.01) and independent of injury characteristics (10.6, 22.6, and 14.3% higher than CON for N, P, and T; P = 0.21). The absolute increase in Lox above CON during recovery was similar for N, P, and T (5.74 ± 2.81, 6.62 ± 3.10, and 4.50 ± 3.91 g, respectively; P = 0.45). Conclusions: Energy expenditure and lipid utilization was increased similarly following circuit exercise in persons without and with spinal cord injury in a manner independent of level of injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The offshore wind industry is growing rapidly around the world. Many governments have set ambitious targets for growth to achieve their decarbonisation goals. As the industry grows it can become more challenging to build and operate wind farms safely. Wind farms are being constructed further from shore in tougher weather and sea conditions. In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive has raised concerns about safety performance. This paper aims to review the current state of health and safety in the offshore wind industry. It reviews the latest research, injury statistics and the state of legislation covering the sector. It also considers how the risk profile of the industry may change in coming years. The paper finds there is a need for more research specific to the safety challenges of offshore wind. Injury rate statistics show that performance is 3–4 times worse than comparable industries, and industry reports do not currently include large parts of the sector. Rapid growth and the implementation of new technologies will create additional challenges. Regulators should consider the implementation of industry specific safety legislation to manage the unique challenges of offshore wind. [Display omitted] • Injury rates are up to 4 times higher than the offshore oil and gas industry. • Risk exposure to workers is expected to increase due to growth and technology. • Safety legislation requires reform to address specific industry risks. • Innovations from other industries in safety management should be adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychological Sense of Community (PSOC) represents a formative conceptual offering of Community Psychology to the social sciences. Nearly five decades ago, PSOC offered a window into the influence of ecological factors to understanding the emotional and behavioral well‐being of members of disenfranchised and underserved segments of the population, especially members of minority and low‐income subgroups. Our discipline's founders viewed PSOC as one promising vehicle for pursuing the desired paradigmatic shift from individual to systemically focused interventions to achieve intended outcomes of the emerging community mental health movement. This Commentary reflects the authors' shared thoughts to the adoption of PSOC by conservative spokespersons to explain the resistance of some to the diversification of the population and growing voice of progressive advocates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astorino, TA, Robson, T, and McMillan, DW. Classifying intensity domains from arm cycle ergometry differs versus leg cycling ergometry. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2192-2199, 2023--This study compared the distribution of exercise intensity domains in response to progressive leg cycle ergometry (LCE) and arm cycle ergometry (ACE). Seventeen active men and women (age and body fat 5 26 6 7 years and 18 6 3%) initially performed graded exercise on each modality to assess maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and peak power output (PPO). Using a randomized crossover design, they subsequently performed moderate intensity continuous exercise consisting of three 15-minute bouts at 20, 40, and 60% PPO on each modality. Gas exchange data (VO2, VCO2, and VE), respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLa), and perceptual responses were acquired. Only 2 subjects were classified in the same intensity domains across modalities, with LCE eliciting more subjects exercising at "vigorous" and "near-maximal" intensities than ACE. Time spent above 70 (22 6 7 vs. 15 6 8 minutes, d 5 1.03) and 80 %HRmax (15 6 6 vs. 9 6 6 minutes, d 5 1.04) was significantly greater with LCE vs. ACE. Compared with ACE, LCE revealed significantly higher (p,0.05) peak (9466 vs. 8869 %HRmax, d50.81) and mean HR (7366 vs. 6666 %HRmax, d51.20), VO2 (5465 vs. 50 6 7 %VO2max, d 5 0.68), and BLa (5.5 6 2.0 vs. 4.7 6 1.5 mM, d 5 0.48). The results exhibit that progressive leg cycling at identical intensities elicits a greater cardiometabolic stimulus than ACE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relation between stock market volatility and macroeconomic fundamentals for G-7 countries using monthly data over the period from July 1985 to June 2015.Design/methodology/approach The empirical methodology is based on two steps: in the first step, the authors obtain the conditional volatilities of stock market returns and macroeconomic variables through the GARCH family of models. The authors also incorporate the impact of early 2000s dotcom and the global financial crises. In the second step, the authors estimate multivariate vector autoregressive model to analyze the dynamic relation between stock markets return and macroeconomic variables.Findings The overall results for G-7 countries indicate a weak volatility transmission from macroeconomic factors to stock market volatility at individual level but the collective impact of volatility transmission is highly significant. Although, the results of block exogeneity indicate a bidirectional causality except UK, but the causal linkage is quite weak from stock market to macroeconomic variables. Moreover, the local financial variables excluding interest rate are closely integrated, and the volatility of industrial production growth and oil price are identified as the most significant macroeconomic factors that could possibly influence the directions of stock markets.Originality/value This research establishes the nature of the links between stock market and macroeconomic volatility. Research to date has been unable to satisfactorily establish the empirical nature of such links. The authors believe this paper begins to do this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The offshore wind industry has historically focused on setting up new projects, with the decommissioning phase receiving little attention. This can cause future problems as decommissioning needs to be planned at the beginning to prevent complications that may arise, as it implies important operations and high costs. There are numerous features that make decommissioning a challenge, such as the marine environment, the technical limitations of vessels and the lack of specific regulations that determine what should be done, increasing the uncertainty of the process. Additionally, the unique characteristics of the sites involve exclusive optimal solutions for each project. This article analyses the main operation parameters that affect the decommissioning process, identifying the benefits and drawbacks of the influencing variables. A model is designed to compare different transportation strategies, searching for cost reduction. A decommissioning methodology is been proposed based on this analysis, taking into consideration the technical aspects of the process, and minimising environmental impacts. The model forecasts that the predicted duration and costs of this process are not being adequately captured in site decommissioning plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silk spinning defines the morphologically constrained embiopterans. All individuals spin for protection, including immatures, adult males and the wingless females. Enlarged front tarsi are packed with silk glands and clothed with ejectors. They spin by stepping with their front feet and releasing silk against substrates and onto pre-existing silk, often cloth-like. Spinning is stereotypical and appears to differ between species in frequency and probability of transition between two spin-step positions. This spinning choreography was assessed using thousands of spin-steps scored in the laboratory for 22 species to test: (1) the body size hypothesis predicting that spinning would be more complex for larger species; and (2) the phylogeny hypothesis which predicted that spinning would display phylogenetic signal. Tests relied on published phylogenies for the order Embioptera. Independent contrast analysis revealed relationships between five spin characteristics and body size, whereby, for example, larger webspinners invested in relatively larger prothoracic tarsi used for spinning and in spin-steps that would yield expansive silk coverings. Spin-step dynamics displayed a phylogenetic signal for the frequency of six spin-steps and for 16 spin-step transitions. Discussion focuses on patterns revealed by analysis of phylogenetic signal and the relationship to life style and to recently discovered chemical characteristics of silk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, a self-paced protocol demonstrated higher maximal oxygen uptake versus the traditional ramp protocol. The primary aim of the current study was to further explore potential differences in maximal oxygen uptake between the ramp and self-paced protocols using simultaneous measurement of cardiac output. Active men and women of various fitness levels ( N = 30, mean age = 26.0 ± 5.0 years) completed 3 graded exercise tests separated by a minimum of 48 h. Participants initially completed progressive ramp exercise to exhaustion to determine maximal oxygen uptake followed by a verification test to confirm maximal oxygen uptake attainment. Over the next 2 sessions, they performed a self-paced and an additional ramp protocol. During exercise, gas exchange data were obtained using indirect calorimetry, and thoracic impedance was utilized to estimate hemodynamic function (stroke volume and cardiac output). One-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to determine differences in maximal oxygen uptake and cardiac output between ramp and self-paced testing. Results demonstrated lower ( p < 0.001) maximal oxygen uptake via the ramp (47.2 ± 10.2 mL·kg-1·min-1) versus the self-paced (50.2 ± 9.6 mL·kg-1·min-1) protocol, with no interaction ( p = 0.06) seen for fitness level. Maximal heart rate and cardiac output ( p = 0.02) were higher in the self-paced protocol versus ramp exercise. In conclusion, data show that the traditional ramp protocol may underestimate maximal oxygen uptake compared with a newly developed self-paced protocol, with a greater cardiac output potentially responsible for this outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates the significance of the work of Willem F. Zuurdeeg for the later work of James Wm. McClendon Jr. and James M. Smith as they developed the concept of convictions in the hope of contributing a means of addressing convictional conflicts. The paper also provides a summary of McClendon and Smith's critique and development of Zuurdeeg's thinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung inflammation can result from exposure to multiple types of inflammatory stimuli. Fibroblasts, key structural cells in the lung that are integral to inflammation and wound healing, produce inflammatory mediators after exposure to stimuli such as IL-1β. We and others have shown that the NF-кB member RelB has anti-inflammatory properties in mice. Little is known, however, about the anti-inflammatory role of RelB in human cells and how it functions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a novel class of small, noncoding RNAs, can mediate inflammatory signaling pathways, including NF-кB, through regulation of target gene expression. Our goal was to analyze the anti-inflammatory properties of RelB in human lung fibroblasts. We hypothesized that RelB regulates inflammatory mediator production in lung fibroblasts in part through a mechanism involving miRNAs. To accomplish this, we transfected human lung fibroblasts with a plasmid encoding RelB and small interfering (si)RNA targeting RelB mRNA to overexpress and downregulate RelB, respectively. IL-1β, a powerful proinflammatory stimulus, was used to induce NF-кB-driven inflammatory responses. RelB overexpression reduced IL-1β-induced cyclooxygenase (Cox)-2, PGE2, and cytokine production, and RelB downregulation increased Cox-2 expression and PGE2 production. Furthermore, RelB overexpression increased IL-1β-induced expression of miRNA-146a, an NF-кBdependent miRNA with anti-inflammatory properties, whereas RelB downregulation reduced miRNA-146a. miR-146a overexpression ablated the effects of RelB downregulation on IL-1β-induced Cox-2, PGE2, and IL-6 production, suggesting that RelB mediates IL-1β-induced inflammatory mediator production in lung fibroblasts through miRNA-146a. RelB and miRNA-146a may therefore be new therapeutic targets in the treatment of lung inflammation caused by various agents and conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined whether western fence lizards Sceloporus occidentalis occurring in thermally divergent environments display differential responses to high temperature in locomotor performance and heat-shock protein (Hsp) expression. We measured maximum sprint speed in S. occidentalis from four populations at paired latitudes and elevations before and after exposure to an experimental heat treatment and then quantified hind-limb muscle Hsp70 expression. Lizards collected from northern or high-elevation collection sites suffered a greater reduction in sprint speed after heat exposure than lizards collected from southern or low-elevation sites. In addition, lizards from northern collection sites also exhibited an increase in Hsp70 expression after heat exposure, whereas there was no effect of heat exposure on Hsp70 expression in lizards from southern collection sites. Across all groups, there was a negative relationship between Hsp70 expression and sprint speed after thermal stress. This result is significant because (a) it suggests that an increase in Hsp70 alone cannot compensate for the immediate negative effects of high-temperature exposure on sprint speed and (b) it demonstrates a novel correlation between an emergent property at the intersection of several physiological systems (locomotion) and a cellular response (Hsp70 expression). Ultimately, geographic variation in the effects of heat on sprint speed may translate into differential fitness and population viability during future increases in global air temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection of the skin or throat by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) may result in a number of human diseases. To understand mechanisms that give rise to new genetic variants in this species, we used multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) to characterise relationships in the SDSE population from India, a country where streptococcal disease is endemic. The study revealed Indian SDSE isolates have sequence types (STs) predominantly different to those reported from other regions of the world. Emm-ST combinations in India are also largely unique. Split decomposition analysis, the presence of emm-types in unrelated clonal complexes, and analysis of phylogenetic trees based on concatenated sequences all reveal an extensive history of recombination within the population. The ratio of recombination to mutation (r/ m) events (11:1) and per site r/m ratio (41:1) in this population is twice as high as reported for SDSE from non-endemic regions. Recombination involving the emm-gene is also more frequent than recombination involving housekeeping genes, consistent with diversification of M proteins offering selective advantages to the pathogen. Our data demonstrate that genetic recombination in endemic regions is more frequent than non-endemic regions, and gives rise to novel local SDSE variants, some of which may have increased fitness or pathogenic potential [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a response to the Nowell and Boyd () article printed in this journal titled: Viewing Community as Responsibility as Well as Resource: Deconstructing the Theoretical Roots of Psychological Sense of Community. In that article, they argued that the McMillan theory of Sense of Community is a simplistic, needs-based theory that excludes responsibility as a part of Sense of Community. They base their critique of McMillan's theory on March and Olsen's many articles. In this article, McMillan responds. He argues that Nowell and Boyd () have yet to understand his theory and that they use a false dichotomy to critique it. He suggests that Third Position Thinking (Newbrough, ; Newbrough & McMillan, ) would help undo false dichotomies and provide a better description of the juxtaposition of human values. McMillan contends that responsibility is an inherent part of his theory. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) is an emerging global pathogen that can colonize and infect humans. Although most SDSE isolates possess the Lancefield group G carbohydrate, a significant minority have the group C carbohydrate. Isolates are further sub-typed on the basis of differences within the emm gene. To gain a better understanding of their molecular epidemiology and evolutionary relationships, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis was performed on SDSE isolates collected from Australia, Europe and North America. Methodology/Principal Findings: The 178 SDSE isolates, representing 37 emm types, segregate into 80 distinct sequence types (STs) that form 17 clonal complexes (CCs). Eight STs recovered from all three continents account for >50% of the isolates. Thus, a small number of STs are highly prevalent and have a wide geographic distribution. Both ST and CC strongly correlate with group carbohydrate. In contrast, eleven STs were associated with >1 emm type, suggestive of recombinational replacements involving the emm gene; furthermore, 35% of the emm types are associated with genetically distant STs. Data also reveal a history of extensive inter- and intra-species recombination involving the housekeeping genes used for MLST. Sequence analysis of single locus variants identified through goeBURST indicates that genetic change mediated by recombination occurred ∼4.4 times more frequently than by point mutation. Conclusions/Significance: A few genetic lineages with an intercontinental distribution dominate among SDSE causing infections in humans. The distinction between group C and G isolates reflects recent evolution, and no long-term genetic isolation between them was found. Lateral gene transfer and recombination involving housekeeping genes and the emm gene are important mechanisms driving genetic variability in the SDSE population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interaction of the M-protein of group A Streptococcus (GAS) with its numerous host binding partners might assist the bacteria in evading host immune responses. Although the extensive diversity of this protein has been highlighted by different GAS typing schemes, most of the structural and functional information has been obtained from a limited number of types. Increasing numbers of epidemiological, clinical and biological reports suggest that the structure and function of the M protein is less conserved than previously thought. This review focuses on the known interactions between M proteins and host ligand proteins, emphasizing that our understanding of this well-studied molecule is fragmented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Green Anole, Anolis carolinensis, has been widely studied in terms of its behavioral ecology. However, few studies have simultaneously compared the relative strengths of predation and male competition across temporal and spatial scales in Green Anoles, or other reptile species. We took an indirect experimental approach to compare these forces in Green Anoles by using attacks on clay models as a proxy for the relative intensity of predation and male competition. We measured the proportion of attacks on clay models in two divergent Green Anole populations with distinct habitats (discrete and continuous vegetation) across three seasons (fall, winter, and spring) and found strong evidence for spatial and temporal variation in the relative intensity of each component of selection. The frequency of bites from male Green Anoles was generally higher at an urban locality, whereas the frequency of bites from nonlizards was higher at a natural swamp locality. We also detected temporal variation in the intensity of these processes at both locations, with the intensity of male competition and predation changing in a concomitant fashion, the most intense periods occurring during the fall and spring months and the least intense during the winter months. Our results imply that mortality within some seasonal reptile species is composed of periods of relative calm punctuated by brief but intense "one-two punch" periods of selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Difficult economic conditions must not be allowed to inhibit investment in air traffic management, otherwise serious capacity shortfalls could result in the medium to long term. This problem is compounded by the correlation between lack of capacity and environmental impact; EUROCONTROL has several initiatives designed to combat both. This paper describes the flight efficiency plan that EUROCONTROL is carrying out with the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in addition to the Dynamic Management of the European Airspace Network (DMEAN) bridge to the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) programme. It also discusses collaborative decision making, continuous descent approaches, collaborative environmental management and bespoke airside airport capacity enhancement activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of wind turbines currently in operation have the conventional Danish concept design-that is, the three bladed rotor of such turbines is indirectly coupled with an electrical generator via a gearbox. Recent technological developments have enabled direct drive wind turbines to become economically feasible. Potentially, direct drive wind turbines may enjoy higher levels of availability due to the removal of the gearbox from the design. However, this is only a theory: so far not substantiated by detailed analytic calculation. By providing such a calculation, this paper enables us to quantitatively evaluate technical and economic merits of direct drive and gearbox-driven wind turbines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the state court's obligation to enforce section 1983 in the U.S. It highlights the events of Haywood, the antidiscrimination principle that requires state court to entertain federal claims, and the legitimacy of the state court's excuse to enforce the 1983 claims. Moreover, it analysis the state court's interest of removing its jurisdiction over the 1983 suit.

The article discusses the aspects of the Bible and the moral reasoning of Christians in relation to the issues of peace, justice, and reconciliation during the conflict in Northern Ireland. It offers a brief summary of the inseparable nature of religion and political identity during the conflict in the said region. Also highlighted is the Parushev model of moral reasoning in the context of conflict resolution.

Newbrough's Third Position is discussed in terms of its utility as a framework within which to understand and resolve interpersonal differences, seemingly irresolvable diametric differences, and conflictual situations. The framework's essential elements and its application is illustrated through the presentation of a series of fictitious scenarios that open with conflict and close with a resolution in which the interested parties feel heard and satisfied. The intent of the commentary is to re-introduce community psychologists to this framework and encourage its consideration, application, and investigation in responding to community-based conflicts and the resolution of seeming impasses. The Third Position is presented as a valuable tool for the community psychologist involved with conflict resolution, community consultation, and community development. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper applies log-periodogram estimators of the fractional difference parameter to the volatility of the US dollar exchange rate returns of 11 European currencies, and under temporal aggregation from an underlying half-hourly intra-day frequency. Particular attention is paid to the sequencing of the nonlinear transformation of returns and their temporal aggregation. The results reported confirm that long-memory in absolute returns constitutes an intrinsic and empirically significant characteristic of the exchange rates considered. At the practical level, our results lend support to the proposal that nonlinear transformation prior to temporal aggregation can return meaningful long-memory parameter estimates. Our findings also illustrate the advantages of long-memory parameter estimation based on the smoothed periodogram applied to absolute returns in controlling for noise induced by temporal aggregation in the processing of high-frequency data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this commentary, the authors review and critique Prilleltensky's model of psychopolitical validity and wellness. Although the overt recognition of power, oppression, and political forces are viewed most favorably, cautions are also given. Of most importance is the way in which his model is based in an undeclared North American model of psychology and culture. The authors examine the disjuncture between the stated aims of psychopolitical validity and the ways in which different cultures and social systems construe the world. The proposal for a political focus on power and oppression is welcomed, but cautions are offered about the commensurability of different worldviews and practices. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background. In spite of the emerging importance of Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (human group C streptococci [GCS] and group G streptococci [GGS]) in human health, its molecular makeup remains largely undefined. Apart from sharing a phylogenetic relationship with the human pathogen group A streptococci (GAS), GCS/GGS and GAS colonize the same ecological niche and exhibit considerable overlap in their disease profiles. Such similarities imply that the virulence factors associated with diseases may also be similar. Methods. In this study, we used a targeted microarray containing 216 GAS virulence genes to profile the virulence gene repertoires of 58 S. dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis isolates recovered during human infections. We performed comparative analyses to investigate the relationship between GAS virulence genes in and the invasive potential of GCS/GGS. Results. Up to one-half of the GAS virulence genes represented in the microarray were identified in GCS/GGS. No statistical differences were observed between isolates harboring the group C versus group G carbohydrates; however, clustering algorithms revealed 2 genetically distinct clusters of S. dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis isolates. No relationship was observed between the virulence profile of GCS/GGS and the propensity for disease or the tissue site of isolation. Conclusions. This is, to our knowledge, the first comprehensive analysis of the virulence profile of S. dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis, and it enables novel insights into the pathogen's genetic basis of disease propensity shared with GAS. Human group C and group G streptococci may not be considered to be separate species; in fact, they may constitute 2 distinct lineages. Additional incongruent relationships were observed between virulence profiles and GCS/GGS disease propensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a human pathogen associated with a wide range of human diseases that vary in symptoms and clinical severity. In this report we describe the use of a targeted low density array representing genes encoding classical virulence factors, purported virulence factors and other extracellular proteins to examine differences in the genetic profiles of 68 clinical GAS isolates. Of the 226 genes on the array (encoding 217 virulence factors or putative extracellular proteins and nine positive control house-keeping proteins) 62 had distributions that were statistically associated with specific GAS M-types. While 32 of these genes were bacteriophage related, the remaining 30 have not previously been described as bacteriophage associated. We show that these ‘non-bacteriophage related’ genes are found in 11 loci located in five greater chromosomal regions, often near classical GAS virulence factors, and often accompanied by genes associated with mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Many of these loci also demonstrated genetic variation within strains of the same M-type, suggesting these regions to be recombinatorial and mutational hotspots. Evidence for acquisition of genes from other species is also apparent in these loci. Our data suggests that imprecise recombination events involving MGEs not only result in acquisition of new genes, but can also result in deletion of flanking chromosomal genes. Thus MGE related events would appear to be the major contributor to variation of discrete virulence loci, which could account for the disease causing propensity of individual strains. We believe that profiling of the 11 loci could be a meaningful tool in epidemiological GAS typing studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The intensity of Earth’s magnetic field has been modeled as a continuing sequence of growths and decays due to a rotating parametric instability (RPI) of the fluid core. Taking paleomagnetic intensity as a proxy for the turbulent fluid velocity field, timescales of motion in the fluid core and geodynamo can be inferred from estimates of growth and decay. While such inferences may be in error from several possible sources, this work examines the effect of age errors on relative paleointensity data from cores of marine sediments. True temporal variations in paleomagnetic intensity are distorted by stretching and compressing the observations in time and displacement in age of paleomagnetic features due to errors in the ages of paleomagnetic samples. For the interval 0–75 ka, growths and decays previously found in three single-site records are seen in one composite stack but not in a second composite stack over the same age interval. The coherence spectra for all pairs of individual records that make up the stack illustrate the apparent smoothing of relative paleointensity records that are stacked over a common age interval. We further demonstrate that the events seen in both the stack and the single core records are predictable from the same method of pairwise coherence. Thus single-site and composite stacks can both be used to estimate growth and decay rates of the paleomagnetic field, provided constraints from coherence of pairs making up the stack are respected. It is also concluded that temporal properties of a growth and decay process are best obtained from individual records and then stacked by event, even though these events may appear at different times as a result of discrepancies in age models. The main contribution of this work is therefore to confirm the previous analysis of growth and decay in sequences of relative paleointensity using a newly developed analytical model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. The factors behind the reemergence of severe, invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) diseases are unclear, but it could be caused by altered genetic endowment in these organisms. However, data from previous studies assessing the association between single genetic factors and invasive disease are often conflicting, suggesting that other, as-yet unidentified factors are necessary for the development of this class of disease. Methods. In this study, we used a targeted GAS virulence microarray containing 226 GAS genes to determine the virulence gene repertoires of 68 GAS isolates (42 associated with invasive disease and 28 associated with noninvasive disease) collected in a defined geographic location during a contiguous time period. We then employed 3 advanced machine learning methods (genetic algorithm neural network, support vector machines, and classification trees) to identify genes with an increased association with invasive disease. Results. Virulence gene profiles of individual GAS isolates varied extensively among these geographically and temporally related strains. Using genetic algorithm neural network analysis, we identified 3 genes with a marginal overrepresentation in invasive disease isolates. Significantly, 2 of these genes, spa and mf4, encoded superantigens but were only present in a restricted set of GAS M-types. The third gene, spa, was found in variable distributions in all M-types in the study. Conclusions. Our comprehensive analysis of GAS virulence profiles provides strong evidence for the incongruent relationships among any of the 226 genes represented on the array and the overall propensity of GAS to cause invasive disease, underscoring the pathogenic complexity of these diseases, as well as the importance of multiple bacteria and/or host factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a suspected human carcinogen and a common groundwater contaminant. Chloral hydrate (CH) is the major metabolite of TCE formed in the liver by cytochrome P450 2E1. CH is metabolized to the hepatocarcinogen trichloroacetate (TCA) by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and to the noncarcinogenic metabolite trichloroethanol (TCOH) by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). ALDH and ADH are polymorphic in humans, and these polymorphisms are known to affect the elimination of ethanol. It is therefore possible that polymorphisms in CH metabolism will yield subpopulations with greater than expected TCA formation with associated enhanced risk of liver tumors after TCE exposure. METHODS: The present studies were undertaken to determine the feasibility of using commercially available, cryogenically preserved human hepatocytes to determine simultaneously the kinetics of CH metabolism and ALDH/ADH genotype. Thirteen human hepatocyte samples were examined. Linear reciprocal plots were obtained for 11 ADH and 12 ALDH determinations. RESULTS: There was large interindividual variation in the Vmax values for both TCOH and TCA formation. Within this limited sample size, no correlation with ADH/ALDH genotype was apparent. Despite the large variation in Vmax values among individuals, disposition of CH into the two competing pathways was relatively constant. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the use of cryopreserved human hepatocytes as an experimental system to generate metabolic and genomic information for incorporation into TCE cancer risk assessment models. The data are discussed with regard to cellular factors, other than genotype, that may contribute to the observed variability in metabolism of CH in human liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A gradual but extensive depletion of hepatic GSH has long been known to accompany development of galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, and some protection from liver injury has been observed after administration of sulfhydryl-donating compounds. Although these observations support a key role for GSH in the underlying mechanism, the impact of GSH depletion and repletion on the hepatotoxic response to galactosamine is unclear. To investigate the role of GSH in galactosamine-induced liver injury, we examined the effect of modulating GSH content on galactosamine toxicity in rat primary hepatocyte cultures. Galactosamine (4mM) cytotoxicity was assessed by release of lactate dehydrogenase into the culture medium, and hepatocellular GSH content was measured by HPLC with electrochemical detection. The data indicated that prior depletion of GSH with either diethyl maleate or buthionine sulfoximine significantly enhanced galactosamine toxicity; however, addition of GSH-ester or alternate sulfur nucleophiles at various times during the incubation did not abrogate toxicity. In contrast, co-addition of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) with galactosamine exerted a marked protective effect without significantly altering hepatocyte GSH content. These data suggest that GSH depletion is not directly involved in the sequelae for galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity, and raise the possibility that SAMe may have hepatoprotective effects that are not dependent on its ability to enhance GSH synthesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Streptococcus dysgalactiae, subsp. equisimilis elicit a range of clinical manifestations similar to that of their close genetic relatives, group A streptococcus (GAS). The similarity in disease profiles raises questions as to the degree of genetic similarity between these two human pathogens, particularly in relation to virulence gene repertoires. In this study, we use a group A streptococcal virulence array comprising of 60 genes previously described as GAS virulence factors, and another 159 genes predicted to encode for extracellular proteins to examine the extent of their occurrence in 58 S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis isolates. Between 25% and 50% of the genes represented on the array were present in the S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis isolates. These observations highlight the similar virulence attributes of closely related human pathogenic streptococci. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have constructed a targeted GAS virulence array containing 228 group A streptococcal genes. Using this array we profiled the virulence gene repertoire of 45 GAS isolates from The Netherlands. Cluster analysis of the array data for these strains successfully grouped strains by emm-type. Statistical analysis of the distribution of genes between emm-types showed that bacteriophage related genes were a significant contributor to the inter-emm-type genetic variation. However we also identified a number of non-phage genes whose distribution varied between emm-types. We hypothesise that these genes may be remnant or uncharacterised phage-related genes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Group A streptococci, although considered extracellular pathogens, are capable of causing severe life-threatening invasive infections, such as necrotising fasciitis, bacteraemia and toxic-shock-like syndrome. A complete understanding of the mechanism by which these organisms cause invasive disease has been hampered by the extreme human specificity and high genetic diversity among group A streptococci. Three recent papers have uncovered some of the mysteries of streptococcal invasive diseases. Using two different technologies, these papers have contributed enormously towards our understanding of the molecular events underlying streptococcal invasive diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. Concern about the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains and about morbidity and/or mortality related to rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease has been a continuous impetus for the development of a safe, effective vaccine against group A Streptococcus (GAS). To date, >120 GAS M types are known, as identified by serological typing. in general, serum immunoglobulin G directed to the hypervariable NH2 terminal portion of M protein leads to complement fixation and opsonophagocytosis of the homologous streptococcal serotype by polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and the protection is type specific. The sequence variation at the N terminus ultimately affects the binding of opsonic antibodies. Because of hypervariability in these opsonic sequences from different M types, it was relevant to use epitopes derived from these multiple sequences in a "multivalent vaccine" design for evaluation of protection against these M types of GAS. Thus, any attempts to design vaccines for a given community will require information on N terminal-sequence typing and variation. Methods. in the present study, we performed molecular characterization of isolates recovered from patients in northern india-to our knowledge, for the first time-in an attempt to study the circulating M types and their N terminal sequence variability. Results. We report tremendous diversity in GAS strains recovered from symptomatic patients, with implications on the design of appropriate vaccines. Fifty-nine isolates represented 33 different sequence types. Very few novel types and no predominant clones were found. Conclusions. The high diversity of emm types encountered in a single year suggests that any M protein-based multivalent vaccine would have to be specifically tailored for this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a human-specific pathogen responsible for a wide variety of human diseases. Numerous GAS surface antigens interact with the human immune system and only some of these proteins have been studied in depth. A few of these may elicit protective response against GAS infection. In this study, we have used an in silico approach to identify antigenic peptides from GAS surface proteins. Putative GAS surface proteins from the M1 GAS genome were identified by the presence on LPxTG cell-wall anchoring motif and an export signal sequence. This technique identified 17 proteins of known or putative function, and another 11 which do not have known homologues. Peptides derived from predicted antigenic sequences near the amino terminus of six of these proteins, and another seven peptides derived from the two known surface proteins, GRAB and MtsA, were conjugated to keyhole lymphocyanin (KLH), and investigated for their capacity to induce opsonic antibody responses in outbred Quackenbush mice. All peptide-KLH antisera demonstrated opsonic capacity against both 88/30 and M1 GAS. However, KLH sera alone was also able to induce opsonic antibodies, suggesting that anti-KLH antibodies contributed to the opsonisation seen in the peptide-KLH antisera. KLH is therefore a promising carrier molecule for potential GAS peptide vaccines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Extracellular localisation of manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (SodA) by group A streptococcus (GAS) may have a role in protection of this pathogenic bacterium from exogenously produced reactive oxygen species. In this study we show that SodA is found both in surface protein extracts and in culture supernatants of GAS. To investigate whether SodA is a possible vaccine candidate outbred Quackenbush mice were subcutaneously vaccinated with recombinant SodA. Strong antibody responses which were moderately opsonic were elicited. These antibodies were unable to protect mice from intraperitoneal challenge with M1 GAS. We also show that SodA and p145 (a conserved peptide from the M-protein) antibodies are present at significantly higher levels amongst patients with rheumatic heart disease than in control subjects from the same endemic region. The higher SodA antibody levels in patients may be indicative of a role for this protein in pathogenesis of rheumatic heart disease but are more likely to be a marker of recent or recurrent streptococcal infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cholecystokinin (CCK) in the CNS antagonizes the opioid system and has been implicated post-spinal cord injury (SCI) pain. The current study found that excitotoxic SCI alters levels of CCK mRNA levels in the cortex, diencepahlon, and mesencephalon of rats. Animals that developed pain post-SCI had significantly higher levels than animals that did not develop pain. Upregulation of CCK mRNA in the cortex may be related to post-SCI pain in rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Primary vaccine strategies against group A streptococci (GAS) have focused on the M protein—the target of opsonic antibodies important for protective immunity. We have previously reported protection of mice against GAS infection following parenteral delivery of a multi-epitope vaccine construct, referred to as a heteropolymer. This current report has assessed mucosal (intranasal (i.n.) and oral) delivery of the heteropolymer in mice with regard to the induction and specificity of mucosal and systemic antibody responses, and compared this to parenteral delivery. GAS-specific IgA responses were detected in saliva and gut upon i.n. and oral delivery of the heteropolymer co-administered with cholera toxin B subunit, respectively. High titre serum IgG responses were elicited to the heteropolymer following all routes of delivery when administered with adjuvant. Moreover, as with parenteral delivery, serum IgG antibodies were detected to the individual heteropolymer peptides following i.n. but not oral delivery. These data support the potential of the i.n. route in the mucosal delivery of a GAS vaccine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article revisits the theory of sense of community originally developed in 1976 and subsequently presented by McMillan and Chavis (1986). Chavis, Hogge, McMillan, and Wanders man (1986) demonstrated its empirical strength as a theory and developed the Sense of Community Questionnaire. This was essential work in getting the theory used. As reflected in the contents of this special issue, the theory has since stimulated considerable empirical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reappraises the stylised facts of the contemporary business cycle in the United Kingdom, while focusing on real business cycle (RBC) considerations. Standard approach to the identification of such stylised facts; What business cycle stylised facts are associated with; Information on RBC models.

Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) commonly present with component risk factors for cardiometabolic risk and combined risk factors for cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS). These primary risk factors include obesity, dyslipidemia, dysglycemia/insulin resistance, and hypertension. Commonly referred to as "silent killers", cardiometabolic risk and CMS increase the threat of cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death after SCI. This narrative review will examine current data and the etiopathogenesis of cardiometabolic risk, CMS, and cardiovascular disease associated with SCI, focusing on pivotal research on cardiometabolic sequelae from the last five years. The review will also provide current diagnosis and surveillance criteria for cardiometabolic disorders after SCI, a novel obesity classification system based on percent total body fat, and lifestyle management strategies to improve cardiometabolic health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was motivated by a desire to understand better the process involved in framing attitudes to decision making in the context of conflict and peacemaking, especially as a result of experience in Northern Ireland. The study is located at the intersection of theological ethics and practical theology, as research that engages with theological ethics by addressing issues of moral reasoning in a manner that is informed by, and may also contribute to, the field of practical theology. The research explores the concept of convictions, as proposed by James McClendon and James Smith (drawing on the work of Willem F. Zuurdeeg), as a possible methodology for understanding the formation of attitudes toward, and processes of, moral reasoning in the context of conflict. The thesis also draws on the work of Glen Stassen and Parush Parushev in regard to convictions and moral reasoning and the results of the investigation are 'tested' by way of a case study, which examines the responses of selected groups (n=4) of Christians in Northern Ireland to the 1998 Belfast Agreement. Data consist of official church statements, other statements from Christian organisations and a wide range of letters and advertisements placed in local newspapers. Core convictions of the four groups are uncovered and identified as key influences on the moral reasoning behind each group's response to the Belfast Agreement. The research concludes that the unique development of the concept of convictions by McClendon and Smith contributes an important means of understanding moral reasoning in general and Christian moral reasoning in contexts of conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) increases morbidity and mortality associated with cardiometabolic diseases, secondary to increases in central adiposity, hyperlipidaemia and impaired glucose tolerance. While upper-body Moderate Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) improves cardiorespiratory fitness, its effects on cardiometabolic component risks in adults with SCI appear relatively modest. The aim of this study is to assess the acute effects of Continuous Resistance Training (CRT), High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), MICT and rest (CON) on fasting and postprandial systemic biomarkers and substrate utilisation.Methods: Eleven healthy, chronic SCI (> 1 year, ASIA A-C) men will be recruited. Following preliminary testing, each will complete four experimental conditions, where they will report to the laboratory following an ~ 10-h overnight fast. A venous blood sample will be drawn and expired gases collected to estimate resting metabolic rate (RMR). In order to ensure an isocaloric exercise challenge, each will complete CRT first, with the remaining three conditions presented in randomised order: (1) CRT, ~ 45 min of resistance manoeuvres (weight lifting) interspersed with low-resistance, high-speed arm-crank exercise; (2) CON, seated rest; (3) MICT, ~ 45 min constant arm-crank exercise at a resistance equivalent to 30-40% peak power output (PPO) and; (4) HIIT, ~ 35 min arm-crank exercise with the resistance alternating every 2 min between 10% PPO and 70% PPO. After each ~ 45-min condition, participants will ingest a 2510-kJ liquid test meal (35% fat, 50% carbohydrate, 15% protein). Venous blood and expired gas samples will be collected at the end of exercise and at regular intervals for 120 min post meal.Discussion: This study should establish the acute effects of different forms of exercise on fasting and postprandial responses in chronic SCI male patients. Measures of glucose clearance, insulin sensitivity, lipid and inflammatory biomarker concentrations will be assessed and changes in whole-body substrate oxidation estimated from expired gases.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03545867 . Retrospectively registered on 1 June 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an interpretation of the gospel of the Acts of the Apostles regarding freedom and decency. Issue of circumcision; Description of the Christian community; Meaning of fornication.

In the offshore wind industry, failures are often costlier than those experienced onshore. Through examination of the literature, it is clear that failures occurring in offshore transmission systems are not well documented. As a result of this, many developers and other parties involved in the planning processes associated with offshore wind farms will defer back to existing reliability metrics in the public domain. This article presents a review of European offshore wind farm transmission failures based on fusing information from multiple public domain sources. The results highlight both the spread of the reliability performance of these assets and the reliability performance over time. The results also reinforce the industry view that installation practices could lead to low reliability in the initial years of operation, resulting in increased repair costs and decreased revenue for wind farm owners and operators. The information collated in the review is also compared to metrics from across the literature to evaluate the difference in forecasted failure rates to those experienced within the industry. In general, it is found that the experienced failure rates are subject to a much higher spread in practice than those published until now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper for the first time captures the impact of uncertain maintenance action times on vessel routing for realistic offshore wind farm problems. A novel methodology is presented to incorporate uncertainties, e.g., on the expected maintenance duration, into the decision-making process. Users specify the extent to which these unknown elements impact the suggested vessel routing strategy. If uncertainties are present, the tool outputs multiple vessel routing policies with varying likelihoods of success. To demonstrate the tool's capabilities, two case studies were presented. Firstly, simulations based on synthetic data illustrate that in a scenario with uncertainties, the cost-optimal solution is not necessarily the best choice for operators. Including uncertainties when calculating the vessel routing policy led to a 14% increase in the number of wind turbines maintained at the end of the day. Secondly, the tool was applied to a real-life scenario based on an offshore wind farm in collaboration with a United Kingdom (UK) operator. The results showed that the assignment of vessels to turbines generated by the tool matched the policy chosen by wind farm operators. By producing a range of policies for consideration, this tool provided operators with a structured and transparent method to assess trade-offs and justify decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial "stand-alone" response regulators (RRs) are pivotal to the control of gene transcription in response to changing cytosolic and extracellular microenvironments during infection. The genome of group A Streptococcus (GAS) encodes more than 30 stand-alone RRs that orchestrate the expression of virulence factors involved in infecting multiple tissues, so causing an array of potentially lethal human diseases. Here, we analysed the molecular epidemiology and biological associations in the coding sequences (CDSs) and upstream intergenic regions (IGRs) of 35 stand-alone RRs from a collection of global GAS genomes. Of the 944 genomes analysed, 97% encoded 32 or more of the 35 tested RRs. The length of RR CDSs ranged from 297 to 1587 nucleotides with an average nucleotide diversity (π) of 0.012, while the IGRs ranged from 51 to 666 nucleotides with average π of 0.017. We present new evidence of recombination in multiple RRs including mga, leading to mga-2 switching, emm-switching and emm-like gene chimerization, and the first instance of an isolate that encodes both mga-1 and mga-2. Recombination was also evident in rofA/nra and msmR loci with 15 emm-types represented in multiple FCT (fibronectin-binding, collagen-binding, T-antigen)-types, including novel emm-type/FCT-type pairings. Strong associations were observed between concatenated RR allele types, and emm-type, MLST-type, core genome phylogroup, and country of sampling. No strong associations were observed between individual loci and disease outcome. We propose that 11 RRs may form part of future refinement of GAS typing systems that reflect core genome evolutionary associations. This subgenomic analysis revealed allelic traits that were informative to the biological function, GAS strain definition, and regional outbreak detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]