bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of Wnt signaling in primary cilia assembly and disassembly
Authors: Lee Kyung Ho
Published: October 2020

The primary cilium is a nonmotile microtubule‐based structure, which functions as an antenna‐like cellular sensing organelle. The primary cilium is assembled from the basal body, a mother centriole‐based structure, during interphase or a quiescent cell stage, and rapidly disassembles before entering mitosis in a dynamic cycle. Defects in this ciliogenesis dynamics are associated with human diseases such as ciliopathy and cancer, but the molecular mechanisms of the ciliogenesis dynamics are still largely unknown. To date, various cellular signaling pathways associated with primary cilia have been proposed, but the main signaling pathways regulating primary cilia assembly/disassembly remain enigmatic. This review describes recent findings in Wnt‐induced primary cilia assembly/disassembly and potential future directions for the study of the cellular signaling related to the primary ciliogenesis dynamics.
Validation and application of a two‐parameter J‐Ad approach for fracture behaviour prediction
Authors: Wang Yuhan , Wang Guozhen , Tu Shantung , Xuan Fuzhen
Published: October 2020

In this work, the two‐parameter J‐Ad approach was applied to predict thefracture toughness of test single‐edge‐notched‐bend (SEN(B)) specimens with different in‐plane and out‐of‐plane constraints for two materials with different mechanical properties. The results show that for most SEN(B) specimens, the predicted fracture toughness agrees with the experimental data; thus, the capability and applicability of the two‐parameter J‐Ad approach are validated. The approach correctly predicts that the fracture toughness decreases with increasing in‐plane and out‐of‐plane constraints. Compared with the prediction results of the three‐parameter J‐Q‐Tz approach in the literature, the J‐Ad approach has better prediction accuracy and wider application ranges. The calculation procedure of the J‐Ad approach is also simple and convenient for engineering application.
The association between peri‐dialytic pulse wave velocity measurements and hemodialysis patient mortality
Authors: Vongsanim Surachet , Davenport Andrew
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Arterial stiffness in the general population is an independent prognostic factor for cardiovascular mortality, and can be measured noninvasively by pulse wave velocity (PWV). PWV is increased in hemodialysis (HD) patients, but the prognostic additional value remains debatable, with variable results reported. We wished to review whether increased PWV was associated with mortality in our HD patients.

Methods

Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao) was measured peridialytic using an oscillograph technique (Arteriograph TensioMed, Hungary), in a cohort of HD patients in 2012.

Findings

Three hundred and eighty‐three HD patients, 238 (62.1%) male, median age 67.7 (54.2–78.0) years, 163 (42.6%) diabetic, Charlson comorbidity score 7 (5–9) and PWVao 8.9 (7.4–11.2) m/s were studied. Two hundred and twenty‐nine deaths occurred during a median 61.1‐month follow‐up. PWVao was associated with all‐cause mortality in unadjusted models (odds ratio [OR] for PWVao as a continuous variable 1.084, 95% confidence limits [CL] 1.046–1.124), P < 0.001, and for patients with PWVao>10 m/s (OR 1.61, CL 1.240–2.098, P < 0.001), but not after adjusting for clinical confounders (OR 1.024, CL 0.987–1.063, P = 0.208), whereas age (OR 1.049, CL 1.038–1.060, P < 0.001), and Charlson comorbidity (OR 1.131, CL1.065–1.201, P < 0.001) remained significantly associated with mortality.

Discussion

Although our HD patients with an increased PWVao had greater all‐cause mortality, after adjustment for age and comorbidity, the prognostic value of a single PWVao measurement was no longer an independent prognostic factor for mortality. Future studies are required to determine whether changes in PWV offer additional prognostic value for HD patients.
Building a change adaptive university: A system of composite indicators to measure and facilitate pervasive changes
Authors: Tafere Gedifew Matebe , Shimelis Muluneh Girma
Published: October 2020

Organizations including universities are operating in an increasingly volatile environment and they are in a state of constant change. To survive and thrive in this ever‐changing environment, building the capacity to adapt is essential. The basic purpose of this research was to identify and propose basic dimensions that help to envisage the adaptive capacity of public universities. To study universities as complex adaptive systems, complexity theory and pragmatism were used complimentarily. In doing so, mixed research design (in particular, the sequential explanatory approach) was employed. Data were collected using questionnaire and interview from three sample universities' academic staff, support staff and leaders. Meanwhile, the capacity of universities for institutional change was measured by employing composite indicators methodology supported by PLS‐PM analysis. Based on the conceptual model, the adaptive capacity of universities to change initiatives was found to be low, which limits their success in realising their visions through change. Consequently, the identified gaps and challenges in the studied universities strengthen the argument for the need to systematically assess universities’ adaptive capacity using a model and make appropriate intervention before struggling to introduce any change initiative.
Outcomes and mortality associated with atrial arrhythmias among patients hospitalized with COVID‐19
Authors: Peltzer Bradley , Manocha Kevin K. , Ying Xiaohan , Kirzner Jared , Ip James E. , Thomas George , Liu Christopher F. , Markowitz Steven M. , Lerman Bruce B. , Safford Monika M. , Goyal Parag , Cheung Jim W.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The impact of atrial arrhythmias on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐associated outcomes are unclear. We sought to identify prevalence, risk factors and outcomes associated with atrial arrhythmias among patients hospitalized with COVID‐19.

Methods

An observational cohort study of 1053 patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection admitted to a quaternary care hospital and a community hospital was conducted. Data from electrocardiographic and telemetry were collected to identify atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter/tachycardia (AFL). The association between atrial arrhythmias and 30‐day mortality was assessed with multivariable analysis.

Results

Mean age of patients was 62 ± 17 years and 62% were men. Atrial arrhythmias were identified in 166 (15.8%) patients, with AF in 154 (14.6%) patients and AFL in 40 (3.8%) patients. Newly detected atrial arrhythmias occurred in 101 (9.6%) patients. Age, male sex, prior AF, renal disease, and hypoxia on presentation were independently associated with AF/AFL occurrence. Compared with patients without AF/AFL, patients with AF/AFL had significantly higher levels of troponin, B‐type natriuretic peptide, C‐reactive protein, ferritin and
d‐dimer. Mortality was significantly higher among patients with AF/AFL (39.2%) compared to patients without (13.4%; p < .001). After adjustment for age and co‐morbidities, AF/AFL (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.93; p = .007) and newly detected AF/AFL (adjusted OR: 2.87; p < .001) were independently associated with 30‐day mortality.

Conclusion

Atrial arrhythmias are common among patients hospitalized with COVID‐19. The presence of AF/AFL tracked with markers of inflammation and cardiac injury. Atrial arrhythmias were independently associated with increased mortality.
Retracing migration pattern in reproductive and non‐reproductive female kutum Rutilus frisii, in south Caspian Sea, using otolith microchemistry
Authors: Bani Ali , Abdollahi Razieh , Karimi Narjes , Lyle Jeremy M. , Thompson Jay
Published: October 2020

Because trace elements of otoliths are considered a natural marker capable of recognizing the chemical composition of ambient water and fish migration history, these elements could be potentially used to analyse the movement of reproductive (R) and non‐reproductive (NR) mature‐sized fish. Supposedly, it is not essential for NR individuals to migrate to rivers for spawning because they do not have developed gonads. To investigate the potential differences in migration history between female R and NR kutum, Rutilus frisii, in the southwest waters of the Caspian Sea, the ratios of Sr, Ba, Mg, Na, K and P to Ca in otoliths (from the core to the edge) were examined using laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. In NR fish, a significant increase in Sr:Ca ratio in the otoliths' growth rings, likely due to greater seawater residency, and an increase in Ba:Ca ratio in the last two rings were observed. Increased Ba:Ca ratio could be due to the movement of NR mature‐sized fish to the coastal zones for foraging. Seasonal physiological factors such as gonad maturation and spawning activity are more likely to be involved in differences in the other elemental ratios (Mg, Na, K and P). These results suggest that microchemical analyses of growth rings of otolith can be used as a valuable tool for better understanding the movement pattern of different types of adult fish, which could be completed with data from other methods like tagging.
Application of machine learning to identify predators of stocked fish inLake Ontario: using acoustic telemetry predation tags to inform management
Authors: Klinard Natalie V. , Matley Jordan K. , Ivanova Silviya V. , Larocque Sarah M. , Fisk Aaron T. , Johnson Timothy B.
Published: October 2020

Understanding predator–prey interactions and food web dynamics is important for ecosystem‐based management in aquatic environments, as they experience increasing rates of human‐induced changes, such as the addition and removal of fishes. To quantify the post‐stocking survival and predation of a prey fish in Lake Ontario, 48 bloaterCoregonus hoyiwere tagged with acoustic telemetry predation tags and were tracked on an array of 105 acoustic receivers from November 2018 to June 2019. Putative predators of tagged bloater were identified by comparing movement patterns of six species of salmonids (i.e., predators) in Lake Ontario with the post‐predated movements of bloater (i.e., prey) using a random forests algorithm, a type of supervised machine learning. A total of 25 bloater (53% of all detected) were consumed by predators on average (±S.D.) 3.1 ± 2.1 days after release. Post‐predation detections of predators occurred for an average (±S.D.) of 78.9 ± 76.9 days, providing sufficient detection data to classify movement patterns. Tagged lake troutSalvelinus namaycushprovided the most reliable classification from behavioural predictor variables (89% success rate) and was identified as the main consumer of bloater (consumed 50%). Movement networks between predicted and tagged lake trout were significantly correlated over a 6 month period, supporting the classification of lake trout as a common bloater predator. This study demonstrated the ability of supervised learning techniques to provide greater insight into the fate of stocked fishes and predator–prey dynamics, and this technique is widely applicable to inform future stocking and other management efforts.
Reproductive development and maturity stage benchmarking in a freshwater teleost ruffe Gymnocephalus cernuus L. in Loch Lomond
Authors: Treasurer James W.
Published: October 2020

A wide range of classification schemes has been developed to describe reproductive development and stages in teleosts. These have been rationalised for clarity in recent years by Brown‐Peterson et al. (Marine and Coastal Fisheries, 2011, 3, 52–70) and the WKASMSF (ICES, Report of the workshop for advancing sexual maturity staging in fish (WKASMSF), 2018) working groups. These have largely benchmarked classification schemes with examples from seawater fishes but have not been routinely applied to freshwater species. In addition, classification schemes developed to assess maturation of fish ovaries are either macroscopic and can be used in the field or histological for laboratory‐based studies, and the two have rarely been coupled in the same classification scale or study. The present study reviews published maturation classifications for application to a freshwater teleost, ruffe Gymnocephalus cernuus L., sampled monthly over three annual cycles in Loch Lomond at locations in the extreme north and south ends of the loch. The gonado‐somatic index and size frequency distribution of oocytes were used to verify the annual reproductive cycle and spawning of several egg batches. The study showed that a paired modified Percid scale (Treasurer & Holliday, Journal of Fish Biology, 1981, 18, 359–376) and the Rinchard scale (Rinchard & Kestemont, Journal of Fish Biology, 1996, 49, 883–894) gave an improved macroscopic and histological description of maturation compared with and benchmarked against previous ovarian developmental classifications for G. cernuus. The attributes of these various classifications are benchmarked and compared with the Brown‐Peterson and WKMATCH scales, and the merits of these new notations are examined.
Low Vitamin D Levels and Risk of Incident Delirium in 351,000 Older UK Biobank Participants
Authors: Pilling Luke C. , Jones Lindsay C. , Masoli Jane A. H. , Delgado João , Atkins Janice L. , Bowden Jack , Fortinsky Richard H. , Kuchel George A. , Melzer David
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Delirium is common in older adults, especially following hospitalization. Because low vitamin D levels may be associated with increased delirium risk, we aimed to determine the prognostic value of blood vitamin D levels, extending our previous genetic analyses of this relationship.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort analysis.

SETTING

Community‐based cohort study of adults from 22 cities across the United Kingdom (the UK Biobank).

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged 60 and older by the end of follow‐up in the linked hospital inpatient admissions data, up to 14 years after baseline (n = 351,320).

MEASUREMENTS

At baseline, serum vitamin D (25‐OH‐D) levels were measured. We used time‐to‐event models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between vitamin D deficiency and incident hospital‐diagnosed delirium, adjusted for age, sex, assessment month, assessment center, and ethnicity. We performed Mendelian randomization genetic analysis in European participants to further investigate vitamin D and delirium risk.

RESULTS

A total of 3,634 (1.03%) participants had at least one incident hospital‐diagnosed delirium episode. Vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L) predicted a large incidence in delirium (HR = 2.49; 95% CI = 2.24–2.76; P = 3*10−68, compared with >50 nmol/L). Increased risk was not limited to the deficient group: insufficient levels (25–50 nmol/L) were also at increased risk (HR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.28–1.49; P = 4*10−18). The association was independent of calcium levels, hospital‐diagnosed fractures, dementia, and other relevant cofactors. In genetic analysis, participants carrying more vitamin D–increasing variants had a reduced likelihood of incident delirium diagnosis (HR = .80 per standard deviation increase in genetically instrumented vitamin D: .73–.87; P = 2*10−7).

CONCLUSION

Progressively lower vitamin D levels predicted increased risks of incident hospital‐diagnosed delirium, and genetic evidence supports a shared causal pathway. Because low vitamin D levels are simple to detect and inexpensive and safe to correct, an intervention trial to confirm these results is urgently needed.
Efficacy of a dietitian‐led very low calorie diet (VLCD) based model of care to facilitate weight loss for obese patients prior to elective, non‐bariatric surgery
Authors: Griffin S. B. , Ross L. J. , Burstow M. J. , Desbrow B. , Palmer M. A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Elective surgery in obese adults carries a higher risk of post‐operative infection and prolonged hospital stays, and surgeons may postpone surgery for patients with obesity until they lose weight. The present study aimed to determine the efficacy of a dietitian‐led very low calorie diet (VLCD)‐based model of care with respect to achieving weight loss for obese patients prior to surgery.

Methods

This mixed‐methods study included a medical chart audit of patients referred to a VLCD‐based model over 23 months, as well as a survey of recently treated patients and surgeons who utilised the model. Preoperative weight loss targets were set by surgeons, and the dietitian prescribed individualised VLCD‐based treatment. Efficacy was determined as weight loss considered sufficient for surgery, clinical safety of VLCD‐based treatment, feasibility, and stakeholder value. Pre/post‐intervention differences in clinical measures were explored by paired t‐test or Wilcoxon tests as appropriate.

Results

Data on seventy‐eight eligible patients [mean (SD) 45 (13) years, 90% female, body mass index 44.3 (6.2) kg m–2] demonstrated significant mean (SD) weight loss of 7.4% (5.3%) body weight (P < 0.05). Most patients (70%, n = 50/71) achieved sufficient weight loss to proceed to surgery. Fifty‐six per cent of patients reported mild side effects (n = 43/77) and none led to treatment cessation. Surgeons reported VLCD‐based treatment made operations easier (83%, n = 10/12) and shorter (75%, n = 9/12) and all recommended the model of care. All surveyed patients (n = 24) reported satisfaction with their VLCD‐based model experience.

Conclusions

A dietitian‐led VLCD‐based model achieved sufficient weight loss to facilitate elective surgery for most patients. The approach was feasible, highly valued by patients and surgeons, and resulted in perceived surgical benefits.
Validation of the Japanese version of the Dementia Screening Questionnaire for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Takenoshita S. , Terada S. , Kuwano R. , Inoue T. , Kurozumi T. , Choju A. , Suemitsu S. , Yamada N.
Published: October 2020

Background

Dementia in people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) is difficult to detect because of preexisting cognitive deficits. An effective screening method is required. The Dementia Screening Questionnaire for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (DSQIID) was developed as an observer rating tool to screen dementia in people with ID. The aim of this study was to verify the screening accuracy of the DSQIID for Japanese people with ID.

Methods

Four‐hundred ninety‐three subjects with ID participated in this study. Caregivers who had observed the participants for more than 2 years scored the Japanese version of the DSQIID (DSQIID‐J) of the participants. Three doctors examined participants directly and diagnosed dementia using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria. To identify the key screening items that predict dementia, the specificities of a single and pairs of items with 100% sensitivity were evaluated relative to the dementia diagnosis.

Results

Of 493 participants, 34 were people with Down syndrome (DS), and 459 were people without DS. Seventeen participants were diagnosed with dementia. The suitable cut‐off score of the DSQIID‐J was 10/11 (sensitivity 100% and specificity 96.8%) for screening dementia. The inter‐rater reliability, test–retest reliability and internal consistency of the DSQIID‐J were excellent. Regarding key items, there was no single item with 100% sensitivity, and the best two‐item combination was the pair of ‘Cannot dress without help’ and ‘Walks slower’ (sensitivity 100% and specificity 93.5%).

Conclusions

We identified several important question items of the DSQIID‐J related to the diagnosis of dementia in people with ID. The DSQIID‐J is a useful screening tool for dementia in adults with ID.
Association between Demodex folliculorum and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Toka Özer Türkan , Akyürek Ömer , Durmaz Süleyman
Published: October 2020

Background

Demodex folliculorum mite infestation is associated with many diseases such as rosacea, pityriasis found with acne vulgaris, and blepharitis.

Aim

In this research, the aim of this study was to investigate an association between patients who have metabolic syndrome and presence of Demodex folliculorum.

Patients/Methods

This research was planned prospectively as a case‐control study. Fifty cases who have metabolic syndrome and 50 control subjects in good health were included. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to the NCEP Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Standard superficial skin biopsy was performed for the presence of Demodex folliculorum mite infestation.

Results

It was detected that number of Demodex affected from the glucose level and each increase in glucose level cause an increase on Demodex as 0.190 (P = .00, t = 4.746, B = 0.190, r = 0.57, Durbin‐Watson = 1.801, confidence interval = 0.110 to 0.271 (for glucose)).

Conclusion

In this study, the presence of Demodex folliculorum was found to be higher in the cases who have metabolic syndrome compared to the healthy group. These results show that in cases with metabolic syndrome, high blood sugar levels make them more susceptible to infestation of Demodex folliculorum.
Exclusive enteral nutrition in children and adolescents with Crohn disease: Dietitian perspectives and practice
Authors: Burgess Deirdre , Herbison Kim , Fox Julia , Collins Tanya , Landorf Emma , Howley Peter
Published: October 2020

Aim

In newly diagnosed paediatric Crohn disease, exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is recommended as a first‐line treatment for remission induction. However, EEN protocols vary internationally. The development of best practice protocols may make it easier to make definitive conclusions about optimal EEN therapy, and may improve patient outcomes. This study aims to determine the variations in current dietitian EEN practice within Australia and New Zealand (NZ) to inform a common EEN protocol in the future, and to gather perspectives on the need for nutrition resources for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

A questionnaire was created and emailed to paediatric dietitians working with gastroenterologists in public and private paediatric centres in Australia and NZ. Respondents were invited to provide details of their perspectives of EEN therapy and protocol details.

Results

Eighteen paediatric dietitians responded to the questionnaire, 10 from Australia and 8 from NZ. There was clear consensus between respondents on the duration of EEN being 6 and 8 weeks, the need for close dietitian supervision while on EEN, and the method of food reintroduction. There was lack of consensus between dietitians regarding permitted concomitant foods whilst on EEN. This study also determined a potential benchmarking relationship between IBD dietitian hours and numbers of patients on EEN per year in a centre.

Conclusions

Paediatric dietitians in Australia and NZ are mostly aligned in their practice of EEN. Development of a standard EEN protocol, and patient IBD resources, will further align practice and allow for greater research possibilities.
Photosynthetic changes in wheat cultivars with contrasting levels of resistance to blast
Authors: Aucique‐Pérez Carlos Eduardo , Rios Vinicius Souza , Neto Lara Beatriz Cruz , Rios Jonas Alberto , Martins Samuel Cordeiro Vitor , Rodrigues Fabrício Ávila
Published: October 2020

Wheat blast, caused by Pyricularia oryzae, is currently the main disease that threat to food security and wheat production in the world. This study investigated the photosynthetic responses of wheat plants from cultivars BR‐18 (moderately resistant) and BRS‐Guamirim (susceptible), differing in their levels of resistance to blast, by using leaf gas exchange and rapid light curves analysis focusing primarily on the asymptomatic (AS) and symptomatic (S) phases of disease development. The photosynthetic capacity of plants from cultivar BRS‐Guamirim was compromised by diffusional CO2 limitations and inefficient photoprotection mechanism at the AS phase of blast due to reductions in CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and fluorescent quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm). For cultivar BR‐18, the loss in photosynthesis was minimized due to an efficient control in the regulated energy dissipation [Y(NPQ)] avoiding losses by latent heat [Y(NO)]. Additionally, Fv/Fm was a promissory physiological indicator of blast during its AS phase while Y(NPQ) and Y(NO) were more sensitive at the S phase of the disease. In conclusion, the physiological parameters Fv/Fm, Y(NQP) and Y(NO) can be used as physiological markers in wheat breeding programs seeking in the development of cultivars resistant to blast.
The risk factors for recurrence of febrile urinary tract infection and renal scarring in children with functional urinary incontinence
Authors: Cetin Nuran , Kavaz Tufan Aslı , Tokar Baran
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Functional urinary incontinence is often associated with recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and renal scarring. This study aims to evaluate the correlations between urodynamic findings and recurrence of UTI, VUR, and renal scarring in children with functional incontinence.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, data on the presence of VUR, urodynamics and 99Tc‐dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy findings, and episodes of febrile UTI were obtained from patientsʼ records. The patients had at least 3 years of follow‐up.

Results

There were significant associations between recurrence of UTI and decreased bladder capacity (hazard ratio: 1.321, P = .028). The receiver operator characteristic curve analysis showed a cutoff value for compliance of 13.25 mL/cmH2O for renal scarring (P = .000). There was a significant association between bladder wall thickening and VUR (odds ratio: 2.311, P = .008). The compliance had a cutoff value of 14.7 mL/cm H2O (P = .023) for severe VUR. The frequency of renal scarring was higher in patients with severe VUR and dysfunctional voiding (P = .001 and P = .041, respectively). The independent risk factors for renal scarring were low compliance, severe VUR, and dysfunctional voiding in children with functional incontinence, but recurrence of febrile UTI was not a risk factor for renal scarring. Decreased bladder capacity was a risk factor for recurrence of febrile UTI.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that low compliance, severe VUR, and dysfunctional voiding, but not the recurrence of febrile UTI, are the independent risk factors for renal scarring in children with functional incontinence, and decreased bladder capacity is the risk factor for the recurrence of febrile UTI.
Peas Please: Making a pledge for more veg
Authors: Haydon P. , Tobi R. , Bridge G. , Gurung I. , Scott C.
Published: October 2020

Research suggests that eating vegetables benefits both human health and the environment. However, in the UK, very few people are eating enough vegetables. This is contributing to the global burden of diet‐related disease and associated costs, as well as undermining the possibility of a sustainable UK food system. The Peas Please initiative was launched in 2017 to encourage organisations and businesses across the food system to pledge their commitment to helping the British public increase their vegetable consumption. Since the implementation of the Peas Please initiative 95 organisations have pledged to support Peas Please and, at the time of writing, an additional 89.9 million portions of vegetables have been grown, served and sold by pledgers. This article describes the Peas Please initiative and its rationale, highlights some of the key outcomes of the programme, and outlines next steps for increasing commitment to the programme.
Competition as a demolition derby: why tolerating competitors is more important than suppressing them
Authors: Atwater Daniel Z. , Callaway Ragan M. , Xiao Sa
Published: October 2020

Tolerance and suppression are distinct components of competition among plants, and recognizing how they affect competitive outcomes is important for understanding the mechanisms and consequences of competition. We used simulations informed by experimental trials to ask whether tolerance or suppression of competitors was more important for the survival of native plants experiencing competition with an exotic invasive species. When competition was pairwise, tolerance and suppression contributed equally to competitive rank in simulations. However, when multiple native genotypes competed together against an invader, the ability to tolerate competition was up to 50 times more important than the ability to suppress the invader. In two‐competitor communities the chief advantage of suppressing competitors was a global decrease in their abundance, but this advantage did not exist in communities of multiple competitors – which is more representative of natural conditions – because decreased competitor abundance benefited all plants regardless of their competitive ability. We suggest that this concept is analogous to a ‘demolition derby,' an automotive contest where participants attempt to have the last functional vehicle on the playing field. Because strong suppressors share the benefits of eliminating competitors with other remaining competitors, we propose that tolerance of competitors is more beneficial than suppression when competition occurs in a multiplayer scenario – in a demolition derby and in nature. This finding has implications for our understanding of how competition influences plant species coexistence, plant community structure and invasion outcomes.
A framework for student‐led education conferences
Authors: Dominic Catherine , Bhalla Gaurav
Published: October 2020

Attendance at conferences as part of undergraduate studies is key in health professional education for exploring speciality interests, sharing research, exchanging expertise and passing on knowledge. In addition, conferences offer valuable opportunities to present work and the potential to win prizes and network with others in the field. This article provides insight and guidance into how student‐led and designed health science and education conferences can be implemented more effectively. It is aimed at students hoping to organise conferences and also to clinical educators and staff who help facilitate these. We present recommendations, a framework of steps to be followed and a case study, as well as an exploration of the challenges that COVID‐19 has presented and how these have been overcome.
Alterations in stomatal response to fluctuating light increase biomass and yield of rice under drought conditions
Authors: Qu Mingnan , Essemine Jemaa , Xu Jianlong , Ablat Guljannat , Perveen Shahnaz , Wang Hongru , Chen Kai , Zhao Yang , Chen Genyun , Chu Chengcai , Zhu Xinguang
Published: October 2020

The acceleration of stomatal closure upon high to low light transition could improve plant water use efficiency and drought tolerance. Herein, using genome‐wide association study, we showed that the genetic variation in OsNHX1 was strongly associated with the changes in τcl, the time constant of stomatal closure, in 206 rice accessions. OsNHX1 overexpression in rice resulted in a decrease in τcl, and an increase in biomass, grain yield under drought. Conversely, OsNHX1 knockout by CRISPR/CAS9 shows opposite trends for these traits. We further found three haplotypes spanning the OsNHX1 promoter and CDS regions. Two among them, HapII and HapIII, were found to be associated with a high and low τcl, respectively. A near‐isogenic line (NIL, S464) was developed through replacing the genomic region harboring HapII (~10 kb) from MH63 (recipient) rice cultivar by the same sized genomic region containing Hap III from 02428 (donor). Compared with MH63, S464 shows a reduction by 35% in τcl and an increase by 40% in the grain yield under drought. However, under normal conditions, S464 maintains closely similar grain yield as MH63. The global distribution of the two OsNHX1 haplotypes is associated with the local precipitation. Taken together, the natural variation in OsNHX1 could be utilized to manipulate the stomatal dynamics for an improved rice drought tolerance.
The genomic architecture of the sex‐determining region and sex‐related metabolic variation in Ginkgobiloba
Authors: Liao Qinggang , Du Ran , Gou Junbo , Guo Lvjun , Shen He , Liu Hailin , Nguyen Julie K. , Ming Ray , Yin Tongming , Huang Sanwen , Yan Jianbin
Published: October 2020

Sex differences and evolutionary differences are critical biological issues. Ginkgo is an ancient lineage of dioecious gymnosperms with special value for studying the mechanism of sex determination in plants. However, the major genetic basic underlying sex chromosomes remains to be uncovered. In this study, we identify the sex‐determining region of Ginkgo and locate it to the area from megabases 48 to 75 on chromosome 2. We find that the male sex‐determining region of Ginkgo contains more than 200 genes, including four MADS‐box genes, demonstrating that the Ginkgo sex determination system is of the XY type. We also find that genetic sex differences result in specialized flavonoid metabolism and regulation in each sex. These findings establish a foundation for revealing the molecular mechanism of sexual dimorphism and promoting the development of the Ginkgo industry.
Anemia, sex, and race as predictors of morbidity or mortality after knee arthroplasty surgery
Authors: Mazzeffi Michael , Taneja Monica , Porter Steven , Chow Jonathan H. , Jackson Bryon , Fontaine Magali , Frank Steven M. , Tanaka Kenichi
Published: October 2020

Background

Anemia is associated with poor outcome after major joint replacement surgery, but it is unclear whether sex and race modify its impact on outcome. We hypothesized that anemia would be associated with increased morbidity or mortality after knee arthroplasty surgery and that sex and race would be effect modifiers for this relationship.

Study Design and Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of elective knee arthroplasty patients between 2013 and 2018 using data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Morbidity or mortality after surgery was compared between patients without anemia, with mild anemia, and with moderate to severe anemia. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine adjusted odds for morbidity or mortality with anemia. Interaction terms were entered into the model to test for effect modification by sex and race.

Results

243 491 patients were included and 30 135 patients (12.4%) were anemic. Morbidity or mortality occurred in 3.7% of patients without anemia, 5.2% of patients with mild anemia, and 7.1% of patients with moderate to severe anemia (P < .001). After adjustment for confounding variables, mild anemia OR = 1.36 (95% CI = 1.28‐1.45), and moderate to severe anemia OR = 1.92 (95% CI = 1.72‐2.13) were associated with increased odds of morbidity or mortality. Sex, but not race, was a significant effect modifier with men having a greater increase in morbidity or mortality when anemic (P = .02).

Conclusions

Anemia is associated with increased morbidity or mortality after knee arthroplasty surgery and men have a greater increase in perioperative risk than women when anemic.
Does aid for trade promote import diversification?
Authors: Ly‐My Dung , Lee Hyun‐Hoon , Park Donghyun
Published: October 2020

Many studies have found that Aid for Trade (AfT) is effective in promoting the exports and imports of recipient countries. Recently, Gnangnon (The World Economy, 42, 2019 and 396) and Kim (The World Economy, 42, 2019 and 2684) found that AfT also contributes to the export diversification of recipient countries. We extend previous studies by assessing the effects of AfT on import diversification of recipient countries by estimating a two‐step System GMM on a data set of 104 countries in 2003–2016. Our empirical results reveal that AfT contributes to the diversification of both import commodities and import partners. This effect is particularly strong when partner countries are Non‐DAC countries. Our empirical evidence further strengthens the case for AfT because previous literature indicates that both export and import diversification are beneficial.
Effect of stifle flexion on the position of the cranial tibial artery relative to the proximal tibia in dogs
Authors: Mullins Ronan A. , Escribano Carrera Antía , Espinel Rupérez Jorge , Bresciani Luca , Arthurs Gareth I. , Hoey Seamus
Published: October 2020

Objective

To determine the effect of stifle flexion on the proximity of the cranial tibial artery to the proximal tibia in canine stifles with an intact or transected cranial cruciate ligament (CCL).

Study design

Ex vivo randomized blinded computed tomographic angiographic study.

Sample population

Fifteen pelvic limbs from eight greyhound cadavers.

Methods

The femoral artery and vein were cannulated and injected with 10 mL of iohexol. Each limb was placed in lateral recumbency on an acrylic sheet with predrawn femoral and tibial lines representing angles of stifle extension. Computed tomography was performed before (limbs 1‐15) and after (limbs 10‐15) CCL transection. The shortest distance between the cranial tibial artery and proximal tibia (dCrTA‐PT) was measured at a distance of one patellar length from medial intercondylar tubercle.

Results

Median dCrTA‐PT in intact specimens at 70°, 90°, 110°, and 135° was 2.04, 2.05, 2.28, and 2.51 mm, respectively (P = .008). Pairwise comparisons identified a difference between 70° and 135° (P = .007). Mean dCrTA‐PT in transected specimens at 70°, 90°, 110°, and 135° was 2.60, 2.57, 2.90, and 2.79 mm, respectively (P = .208). Median overall dCrTA‐PT was 2.24 mm in intact specimens (limbs 1‐15, all four angles of extension combined) and 2.76 mm in transected specimens (limbs 10‐15, all angles combined; P = .01).

Conclusion

Flexion of the stifle resulted in a negligible decrease in dCrTA‐PT in intact specimens but had no effect in CCL transected stifles.

Clinical significance

The angle of stifle extension does not appear to have any clinically significant effect on the proximity of cranial tibial artery to the proximal tibia.
Low dose ketamine reduces pain perception and blood pressure, but not muscle sympathetic nerve activity, responses during a cold pressor test
Authors: Watso Joseph C. , Huang Mu , Moralez Gilbert , Cramer Matthew N. , Hendrix Joseph M. , Cimino Frank A. , Belval Luke N. , Hinojosa‐Laborde Carmen , Crandall Craig G.
Published: October 2020

Key points

Low dose ketamine is a leading medication used to provide analgesia in pre‐hospital and hospital settings. Low dose ketamine is increasingly used off‐label to treat conditions such as depression.

In animals, ketamine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and increases blood pressure, but these physiological consequences have not been studied in conscious humans.

Our data suggest that low dose ketamine administration blunts pain perception and reduces blood pressure, but not muscle sympathetic nerve activity burst frequency, responses during a cold pressor test in healthy humans.

These mechanistic, physiological results inform risk‐benefit analysis for clinicians administering low dose ketamine in humans.

Low dose ketamine is an effective analgesic medication. However, our knowledge of the effects of ketamine on autonomic cardiovascular regulation is primarily limited to animal experiments. Notably, it is unknown if low dose ketamine influences autonomic cardiovascular responses during painful stimuli in humans. We tested the hypothesis that low dose ketamine blunts perceived pain, and blunts subsequent sympathetic and cardiovascular responses during an experimental noxious stimulus. Twenty‐two adults (10F/12M; 27 ± 6 years; 26 ± 3 kg m−2, mean ± SD) completed this randomized, crossover, placebo‐controlled trial during two laboratory visits. During each visit, participants completed cold pressor tests (CPT; hand in ∼0.4°C ice bath for 2 min) pre‐ and 5 min post‐drug administration (20 mg ketamine or saline). We compared pain perception (100 mm visual analogue scale), muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; microneurography, 12 paired recordings), and beat‐to‐beat blood pressure (BP; photoplethysmography) during the pre‐ and post‐drug CPTs separately using paired, two‐tailed t tests. For the pre‐drug CPT, perceived pain (P = 0.4378), MSNA burst frequency responses (P = 0.7375), and mean BP responses (P = 0.6457) were not different between trials. For the post‐drug CPT, ketamine compared to placebo administration attenuated perceived pain (P < 0.0001) and mean BP responses (P = 0.0047), but did not attenuate MSNA burst frequency responses (P = 0.3662). Finally, during the post‐drug CPT, there was a moderate relation between cardiac output and BP responses after placebo administration (r = 0.53, P = 0.0121), but this relation was effectively absent after ketamine administration (r = −0.12, P = 0.5885). These data suggest that low dose ketamine administration attenuates perceived pain and pressor, but not MSNA burst frequency, responses during a CPT.
Tuning the Nonlinear Mechanical Anisotropy of Layered Crystals via Interlayer Twist
Authors: Gao Enlai , Jia Xiangzheng , Shui Langquan , Liu Ze
Published: October 2020

Multilayer graphene exhibits strong mechanical anisotropy in the nonlinear elastic regime, and tuning this mechanical anisotropy without damaging the graphene is a tough challenge. In this work, we propose an efficient strategy to tune the mechanical anisotropy of multilayer graphene via interlayer twist. The orientation-dependent strain–stress curve of monolayer graphene is described in analytical form, which is further generalized for predicting the mechanical anisotropy of twisted multilayer graphene by introducing a twist-induced “phase shift.” These predictions are supported by atomistic simulations. It is found that the strong nonlinear mechanical anisotropy of multilayer graphene can be effectively tuned and even eliminated via the twist-induced phase shift. These findings are finally generalized for other layered crystals.
Females of the quill mite genera Peristerophila and Castosyringophilus (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) are two morphological forms: ontogenetic and population evidences

Authors: Skoracki Maciej , Hromada Martin , Kaszewska Katarzyna , Sikora Bożena
Published: October 2020

The comparative study of ontogeny and morphological structures of quill mite infrapopulations of a newly described species Peristerophila hirundineus sp. nov. from Merops hirundineus (Coraciiformes: Meropidae), collected in Namibia, D.R. Congo, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania, shows evidence of female dimorphism in the genus Peristerophila Kethley, 1970. This proves that females of quill mite species referred to the genus Peristerophila are homeomorph forms, while those referred to the genus Castosyringophilus Bochkov and Perez, 2003 are heteromorph ones. Therefore, the genus Castosyringophilus syn. nov. is synonymized herein with the genus Peristerophila. The following new combinations for mite species formerly referred to Castosyringophilus are proposed: Peristerophila forpi (Bochkov and Perez, 2002) comb. nov., P. claravis (Skoracki and Glowska 2008) comb. nov., and P. meropis (Skoracki, Hromada and Sikora, 2017) comb. nov. The possible evolutionary sense of the female dimorphism in syringophilid mites is discussed.
Effect of duty cycle on the thermochromic properties of VO2 thin-film fabricated by high power impulse magnetron sputtering
Authors: Juan Pi-Chun , Lin Kuei-Chih , Lin Cheng-Li , Lin Wei-Fan
Published: October 2020

Thermochromic VO2 thin films are fabricated by using high power impulse magnetron sputtering. The effect of the duty cycle with different on/off time ratios on the thermochromic properties is investigated. Though the transmittance increases with decreasing duty cycle, a moderate duty cycle is suggested. It is found that V2O3 crystallinities appear at a low duty cycle, while the inter-diffusion between TiO2 and VO2 layers becomes worse at a high duty cycle. In this study, the VO2/TiO2/glass stacked structures reach a solar regulation efficiency (ΔTsol = 9.5%) and an applicable luminous transmittance (Tlum = 43.1%) in a low-temperature state under the duty cycle of 2.5%. The crystalline behavior of the monoclinic phase shown in the x-ray diffraction pattern is further examined by a high resolution transmission electron microscope. The changes in binding energies of V 2p and O 1s orbits are compared throughout the films. The thermochromic properties as a function of TiO2 thickness are also discussed.
Phase errors reduction in multi-angle illumination digital holographic microscopy
Authors: Lu Junsheng , Zeng Yanan , Chang Xinyu , Hong Yujian , Hu Xiaodong
Published: October 2020

Synthetic aperture has been a common method in digital holographic microscopy resolution enhancement over the years. Multiangle illumination is one type of synthetic aperture methods. Reconstructed phase errors appeared when synthesizing aperture not considering the difference between different inclined incident beams' reconstruction distances. To reduce phase errors, this paper proposes a method using different reconstruction distances in inclined incident beams to achieve synthetic aperture resolution enhancement. A multiangle illumination reflectance digital holographic microscopy system is built to prove this method. The reconstruction distances can be calculated theoretically to compute the phase image. The phase image errors can be remarkably reduced by using the proposed method by analyzing the experimental result.
Mechanically reliable hybrid organosilicate glasses for advanced interconnects
Authors: Kilic Karsu Ipek , Dauskardt Reinhold H.
Published: October 2020

We explore the structure–property relationships in hybrid organosilicate glasses that form a special class of materials for use in advanced interconnects to improve their mechanical reliability by exploiting the structural characteristics most effectively. Our results show that hybrid organosilicate glasses that are hyperconnected and derived from organic linkers with optimal molecular geometry lead to exceptional elastic and fracture properties. Using molecular dynamics simulations and the min-cut algorithm that is based on a novel graph theory approach, we demonstrate the choice of hyperconnected and cyclic planar organic linkers, such as the 1,3,5-benzene ring, significantly increases the bulk modulus and total fracture bond density, which is directly correlated with fracture energy.
‘Warming up’ a wind instrument: The time-dependent effects of exhaled air on the resonances of a trombone
Authors: Boutin Henri , Smith John , Wolfe Joe
Published: October 2020

To study the effect of ‘warming up’ a wind instrument, the acoustic impedance spectrum at the mouthpiece of a trombone was measured after different durations of playing. When an instrument filled with ambient air is played in a room at 26–27 °C, the resonance frequencies initially fall. This is attributed to CO2 in the breath initially increasing the density of air in the bore and more than compensating for increased temperature and humidity. Soon after, the resonance frequencies rise to near or slightly above the ambient value as the effects of temperature and humidity compensate for that of increased CO2. The magnitudes and quality factors of impedance maxima decrease with increased playing time whereas the minima increase. Using the measured change in resonance frequency, it proved possible to separate the changes in impedance due to changes in density and changes in acoustic losses due to water condensing in the bore. When the room and instrument temperature exceed 37 °C, condensation is not expected and, experimentally, smaller decreases in magnitudes and quality factors of impedance maxima are observed. The substantial compensation of the pitch fall due to CO2 by the rise due to temperature and humidity is advantageous to wind players.