bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Nutrient Management of Rice Soil in Hilly Region of Meghalaya, India
Authors: C. Warjri Rupabakor , Majumder Sayan , Kumar Ghosh Gautam , Saha Dipankar
Published: March 2019

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of integrated use of inorganic fertilizers (S and Zn coupled with recommended doses of NPK) in conjunction with organic manure (FYM) on availability of different macro and micro elements including organic carbon in a hilly soil of Meghalaya, India. Two Field trials were conducted consecutively for 2 years (2013-14 and 2014-15) with Rice variety Arize-6444 at Nongpoh village in Ri-Bhoi District of Meghalaya to fulfil the objectives of the experiment. The field experiment was conducted following Randomized Block Design. Altogether 11 treatments with 3 replications were included in the experiment. Results revealed that irrespective of treatments, exchangeable NH4+, soluble NO3‑, available P2O5 and K2O decreased with the period of crop growth. However, changes in organic C in soil showed an opposite trend of results. Regardless of treatments, organic C content enhanced with increment in the age of rice crop. Among the treatment combinations, significantly higher amount of exchangeable NH4+, soluble NO3-, available P2O5 and K2O is accumulated in the soil which received recommended doses of N, P and K along with FYM at 10 tonnes ha-1 as well as 40 kg S ha-1 and 5 kg Zn ha-1 (T8). Results further pointed out that balanced fertilization increased the availability of nutrients (particularly N, P and K) which maintained throughout the cropping season of rice.  However, SO4-2-S content reduced with crop duration. No drastic variation is observed in DTPA-extractable Zn content in soil over the whole cropping season of rice. Incorporation of FYM in the treatment combinations improved and maintained available nutrients including organic C in soil particularly in the 2nd season of rice cultivation.
Anti-Hyperglycemic and Anti-Hyperlipidemic Potentials of Methanol Leaf Extracts of Aframomum melegueta and Piper guineense
Authors: Elizabeth Morakinyo Adetoun , Adenike Oyedepo Temitope , Babarinde S. O. , Adelowo J. M. , Oluokun Oyedapo Oluboade
Published: March 2019

Aim: The study investigated the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic potentials of methanol extracts of Piper guineense and Aframomum melegueta leaves with a view to utilizing the plants in the treatment and management of cardiovascular disorders.

Methodology: Twenty-eight healthy albino rats were randomly divided into seven equal groups: Group I received normal saline (2 ml/kg bwt); Group II received a single dose of alloxan(150 mg/kg bwt) intraperitoneally; Group III received  alloxan (150 mg/kg bwt) + glibenclamide (5 mg/kg bwt);Group IV received alloxan (150 mg/kg bwt) +PG (200 mg/kg bwt); Group V received alloxan (150 mg/kg bwt) + PG (400 mg/kg bwt); Group VI received alloxan (150 mg/kg bwt) + AM 200 (mg/kg bwt); Group VII received alloxan (150 mg/kg bwt) + AM (400 mg/kg bwt). The blood glucose level was determined before and after treatment with the extracts. The lipid: (total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were estimated using the Randox diagnostic kits.

Results: The results revealed that alloxan was able to induce hyperglycemia at 150 mg/kg bwt and post-treatment with P. guineense and A. melegueta at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/ kg bwt were able to significantly lower the blood glucose level which was quite apparent in AM treated groups. Also, the extracts at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg were able to bring a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in TC, TG and LDL concentrations when compared to the alloxan treated group with the highest reduction in AM treated groups.

Conclusion: These results revealed that the methanol extract of P. guineense and A. melegueta elicited anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic potentials of the extracts with the highest effect observed in A. melegueta treated rats.
Age Related Pattern of Awareness and Basic Knowledge on Zika Virus Disease among Women Visiting Children Immunization Unit in Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Ndibuagu Edmund O. , Okafor Innocent I. , Arinze-Onyia Sussan U.
Published: March 2019

Background: Zika virus is an infective agent of significant Public Health importance, which re-emerged  in 2015. It is transmitted through mosquito bite, and associated with microcephaly and some other neurological malformations in some babies of infected mothers.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the age-related pattern of the awareness and basic knowledge of Zika virus infection among women who bring children for immunization, in a teaching hospital, southeast Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Immunization unit of a Teaching Hospital, Southeast Nigeria, between November 2016 and February 2017. It was a quantitative, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, involving randomly selected 256 women who brought children for immunization. Pre-tested, interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire was used; and data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 for windows.

Results: Highest number of respondents [112 (43.8%)] were from 30 to 39 age group, followed by those aged 20 to 29 years [108(42.2%)]. Up to 38.3% of respondents had never heard about Zika virus, though this was not statistically significant when compared to the 61.7% that were aware of Zika Virus Disease (P = 0.92).  Highest number heard it through television [57(36.1%)]. Overall, respondents that were 20 to 29 years of age recorded mean percentage basic knowledge score of 54.6%, while those in the 30 to 39 years age range recorded 49.8%.

Conclusions: Many respondents either had never heard about Zika virus, and also many exhibited poor basic knowledge on Zika virus disease. It is therefore important to develop good strategies aimed at addressing these awareness and knowledge gaps among women of child-bearing age, who are mostly affected by Zika virus disease.
The Effect of Benniseed Oil (Sesamum indicum Linn) on Induced Hypercholesterolemia in Albino Rats
Authors: Olasunkanmi Tomisin Karen , Bolanle Ajayi Olubunmi , James Braimoh
Published: March 2019

The study was designed to investigate the antioxidant and antitoxicological potential of                    Sesamum indicum Linn seed (benni seed) oil on hypercholesterolemic rat. Albino rats weighing between 120-130 g were divided into two groups, group 1, was fed with normal rat diet(normal control), groups 2 was fed 1% cholesterol and 20% soya bean oil for 3 weeks to induce hypercholesterolemic state. Group 2 was later divided into groups 2, 3 and 4, group 2 was untreated, groups 3 and 4 were later fed with 5% and 10% Sesamum indicum L. seed oil incorporated in normal rat diet for another 6 weeks respectively. Significant (P<0.05) increase in lipid peroxidation (TBARs) and reduction in superoxide dismutate (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was observed in the liver of the hypercholesterolemic rats as compared to the normal control. At the same time, the oxidative stress causes significant (P<0.05) increase in serum level of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of hypercholesterolemic rats.

Administering Sesamum indicum Linn seed oil significantly reduced (P<0.05), serum ALT, AST, ALP and lipid peroxidation, elevated the level of SOD and CAT in the liver of Sesamum oil treated hypercholesterolemic rats.

These findings indicate that Sesamum indicum Linn seed oil show possible prevention of hepatic stress by high cholesterol and free radical mediated oxidative stress in cells of experimental hypercholesterolemic rats.
Neopterin and Biochemical Parameters as Indicators of Predicting HIV Disease Progression and Treatment Response: A Cross-sectional Study in Ghana
Authors: Kwantwi Louis Boafo , Obirikorang Christian , Agyei Frempong Margaret , Quansah Dan Yedu
Published: March 2019

Background: Surrogate markers have been identified to play significant role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of HIV infection. However, there is limited data on the utility of neopterin estimation in HIV infection. Therefore, the study sought to measure and ascertains the trends of serum neopterin and other biochemical parameters as indicators of predicting HIV disease progression and treatment response among HIV seropositive individuals.

Methods: A cross-sectional study with 298 HIV seropositive individuals consisting of 165 HIV on highly active antiretroviral treatment and 136 naïve highly active antiretroviral patients. Venous blood was drawn for the assay of neopterin and the other biochemical parameters.

Results: Neopterin was significantly lower (P<0.0001) in patients in the highly active antiretroviral therapy than those in the naïve highly active antiretroviral therapy group. Serum neopterin increased as the disease progresses and decreased as the duration of the therapy treatment increased (p=0.0001). At a cut of point of 54.5 nmol/L, neopterin gave a sensitivity of 97.5%, specificity of 95.9% and an area under the curve of 0.99.

Conclusion: Neopterin has shown to be to be good marker in predicting HIV disease progression especially in patients with CD4 counts less than 200mm-3 and a useful indicator of patient’s response to therapy treatment.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Hedgerows in Urban Areas
Authors: Celestino Paullyne Charllotte Gonçalves , Chaves Lúcia de Fatima de Carvalho , Lima Galdino André Luiz Alves de , Oliveira Souza Jéssica de , Dos Santos Uaine Maria Félix , Costa Júnior Djailson Silva da , Bezerra de Lima Luciana Cassimiro , De Almeida Anália Carmem Silva , De Lima Carlos Roberto
Published: March 2019

The research aimed to analyze the maintenance, composition, pruning, planting aspects and architectural elements on urban hedgerows. This study was carried out in an area of Imbiribeira, Recife, PE, Brazil, during six months. The survey was conducted in an area of 30 city blocks (37.024 hectares). The application of the questionnaire was directed to people residing, working, or owning real estate that contained hedgerows. Maintenance (person with the responsibility of pruning and maintenance of the hedge and types of maintenance performed on the hedges); Plant species aspects (species used were classified into groups of plant species: arboreal, shrub, herbaceous and climbing plants); Composition (homogeneous or heterogeneous); Pruning (maintenance or topiary); Planting aspects (planting alignment, spacing rhythm and dimensions of the hedge). In the study area, 30 blocks were sampled, where the presence of hedgerows was observed in 18 of them. The people responsible for the maintenance and management of hedgerows were mostly non-professional workers. The practice of watering hedgerows was found in 95.24% of the visited properties. The use fertilizer was found in 28.57% of the cases and only 4.76% of the properties use pesticide products due to phytosanitary problems. Most of the hedgerows had a homogeneous composition. Topiary pruning is the most practiced treatment on the hedgerows, with a frequency of 82.28% in the study area. The quincux planting with no definite spacing rhythm was the most found. The most observed Planting Alignment in the study area was in line. The most observed Spacing Rhythm was the one with no rhythm of planting. Although hedgerows are widely used in urban and rural areas, studies on their maintenance, composition, structure, ecological importance and relevance to biodiversity conservation are scarce.
Environmental Kuznets Curve of Household Electricity Consumption in China: Based on Spatial Econometric Model
Authors: Tan Caidan
Published: March 2019

In this paper, the spatial measurement model is introduced into the environmental Kuznets curve to investigate the impact of income on household electric carbon emissions. The spatial correlation diagnosis was made by using Moran scatterplot and Moran index. The results of spatial error model show that the environmental Kuznets curve of household electric carbon emissions is inverted N-shaped carve. The maximum and minimum values of environmental Kuznets curve are per capita real GDP of RMB 10198 Yuan and RMB 44355 Yuan (at constant price in 2005). It means that the per capita household electric carbon emissions are still on the rise in most provinces of China.
Attachment Styles, Marital Conflicts, Coping Strategies, and Sexual Satisfaction in Spouse Abused and Non- Abused Women
Authors: Fallah Maryam Yekeh , Talemi Abouzar Nouri , Bagheri Maedeh , Allameh Yasaman , Mazloumirad Mohammad , Zandnia Fatemeh , Gheitarani Bahram , Ghahari Shahrbanoo
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Intimate partner violence refers to any behaviour within an intimate relationship that causes emotional, physical and sexual problems to victims. Coping strategy as significant factors in mental health is defined as behavioral and psychological attempts to control stress and confront stressful situations.

Aims: This study aimed to compare spouse abused and non- abused women in attachment styles, marital conflicts, coping strategies and sexual satisfaction.

Methods: This is a comparative study. Statistical population of study consisted of all women who had referred to healthcare centers in Alborz province during February-May 2017. All of women filled spouse abuse questionnaire and 300 c spouse abused women compared with 300 non- abused  women. Both groups were similar in terms of age, education level, number of children, and living place using convenience sampling method. Sample members filled out Sanaee’s Marital Conflict Questionnaire, Endler and Parker (1990) Coping Strategies Inventory, Hudson et al.  (1981) Sexual Satisfaction Scale, and Collins and Reid (1990) Attachment Scale. Data analyzed by t test, Pearson correlation coefficient, MANCOVA and Levin test through SPSS-21 Software.

Results: Results showed that spouse women had more marital conflicts, insecure attachment, dysfunctional coping strategies and less sexual satisfaction than non-abused women (0/000).

Conclusion: There were insecure attachment style, more marital conflicts, and dysfunctional coping strategies, less sexual satisfaction in spouse abused women.
Clinico-epidemiological and Socio-demographic Profile of HIV/AIDS Patients Diagnosed at a Tertiary Care Centre in Kashmir
Authors: Bashir Yousuf Ul , Farhana Anjum , Ahmed Junaid , Saleem Sheikh Mohammad , Shafi Huda
Published: March 2019

Objectives: To study the Clinico-epidemiological and Socio-demographic profile of HIV/AIDS patients diagnosed at HIV clinic of Government Medical College and associated hospitals, Srinagar. 

Methods: A total of 50220 individuals visited the said clinic and were enrolled for the study. The Screening was done using different Elisa's as advised by NACO and those confirmed as HIV positive were studied for their clinical spectrum and different demographic parameters.

Results: Out of a total of 50220 patients tested for HIV 1 and/or HIV 2 infection, 173 were detected seropositive for HIV 1. The mean age of presentation of the participants was 30.04 ± 7.1 years. Among the seropositive patients, 138 (79.7%) were married, 70(40.4%) were security personnel’s, 123 (71.09%) were from non-local population and 150 (86.7%) belonged to rural areas. The commonest mode of transmission was heterosexual route 126 (72.8%). Majority of the participants 91(52.6%) who were detected positive for HIV/AIDS were having CD4 count at presentation between 150-250/µl. The commonest symptoms among HIV/AIDS seropositive patients was fever. Furthermore, sero-positive patients also had secondary opportunistic infections among which pulmonary tuberculosis was most common.

Conclusion: The clinical and demographic profile of HIV/AIDS patients in Kashmir is largely similar to the rest of India. Kashmir no longer stands immune to the menace of HIV/AIDS. With increasing globalization, frequent travel and change in social values the state is likely to witness an alarming rise in new cases unless a multipronged approach is undertaken to control the spread.
Nonlinearities in transmission dynamics and efficient management of vector‐borne pathogens
Authors: Ginsberg Howard S. , Couret Jannelle
Published: March 2019

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach to minimizing economic and environmental harm caused by pests, and Integrated Vector Management (IVM) uses similar methods to minimize pathogen transmission by vectors. The risk of acquiring a vector‐borne infection is often quantified using the density of infected vectors. The relationship between vector numbers and risk of human infection is more or less linear when both vector numbers and pathogen prevalence in vectors are low, but the relationship is nonlinear when vector density and/or infection prevalence are high. Therefore, the density of infected vectors often does not accurately predict risk of human exposure to pathogens, and traditional estimates of the percent control often overestimate the level of protection from infection resulting from management programs. We suggest a modified estimator, percent protection, which more accurately quantifies protection against human infection resulting from a management intervention. Cost‐effectiveness of a management program is critical to protection of both public health and the environment, because the more efficiently available resources and funding are used, the fewer people get sick, and well‐targeted efficient management programs minimize the need for poorly targeted, expensive environmental interventions (e.g., broadscale pesticide applications) that tend to damage nontarget organisms and natural systems. Design of an efficient, cost‐effective IVM program requires knowledge of the cost‐effectiveness functions (the effectiveness of control methods at lowering vector bites and/or infection prevalence with different levels of application) of the various control methods to be applied. Alternative programs can be designed that optimize percent protection by integrating different control methods at different levels of investment, and environmental effects of these alternatives can be compared, allowing environmental considerations to be included explicitly in the decision process. IPM, IVM, and Adaptive Management share the characteristic that management decisions must be made with incomplete knowledge of the functioning of natural systems or the efficacies of interventions. IVM surveillance programs that assess the effects of individual control methods and of combinations of control methods on the numbers of vector bites and on infection prevalence in vectors can increase knowledge of pathogen transmission dynamics and provide information to improve program effectiveness in subsequent applications.
Response of net primary production to land use and climate changes in the middle‐reaches of the Heihe River Basin
Authors: Xiao Xingyuan , Li Xiubin , Jiang Tao , Tan Minghong , Hu Minyue , Liu Yaqun , Zeng Wen
Published: March 2019

Net primary production (NPP) supplies matter, energy, and services to facilitate the sustainable development of human society and ecosystem. The response mechanism of NPP to land use and climate changes is essential for food security and biodiversity conservation but lacks a comprehensive understanding, especially in arid and semi‐arid regions. To this end, taking the middle‐reaches of the Heihe River Basin (MHRB) as an example, we uncovered the NPP responses to land use and climate changes by integrating multisource data (e.g., MOD17A3 NPP, land use, temperature, and precipitation) and multiple methods. The results showed that (a) land use intensity (LUI) increased, and climate warming and wetting promoted NPP. From 2000 to 2014, the LUI, temperature, and precipitation of MHRB increased by 1.46, 0.58°C, and 15.76 mm, respectively, resulting in an increase of 14.62 gC/m2 in annual average NPP. (b) The conversion of low‐yield cropland to forest and grassland increased NPP. Although the widespread conversion of unused land and grassland to cropland boosted both LUI and NPP, it was not conducive to ecosystem sustainability and stability due to huge water consumption and human‐appropriated NPP. Urban sprawl occupied cropland, forest, and grassland and reduced NPP. (c) Increase in temperature and precipitation generally improved NPP. The temperature decreasing <1.2°C also promoted the NPP of hardy vegetation due to the simultaneous precipitation increase. However, warming‐induced water stress compromised the NPP in arid sparse grassland and deserts. Cropland had greater NPP and NPP increase than natural vegetation due to the irrigation, fertilizers, and other artificial inputs it received. The decrease in both temperature and precipitation generally reduced NPP, but the NPP in the well‐protection or less‐disturbance areas still increased slightly.
Test and analysis of mechanics and permeation properties of raw coal
Authors: Yang Yu‐Shun , Zhang Dong‐Ming , Li Shu‐Jian , Chu Ya‐Pei , Yang Han
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we investigated the mechanics and permeation properties of the raw coal sample during loading and unloading process, and come to some conclusions: the permeability of the sample increases nonlinearly during the unloading confining pressure process. The larger the gas pressure is, the greater the increase range of the permeability will be. The larger the confining pressure unloading amplitude is, the greater the increase range of the permeability will be. In the loading process, the permeability and the axial strain of the specimen change in a “V” shape. As the gas pressure increases, the peak strength of the specimen gradually decreases, and fitted the gas pressure and the peak strength are accordance with the linear relationship. As the confining pressure increase, the peak strength of the sample gradually increases, and fitted the confining pressure and the peak strength are accordance with the exponential function. The internal friction angle of the coal sample was 43.22°, and the cohesion was 3.77 MPa. The relationship between the fitted gas pressure and internal friction angle, gas pressure and cohesion is in line with linear functions. Maintain an axial stress constant, unloaded confining pressure to a constant state of target value, the permeability of specimen shows a constant pressure boosting flow zone, the relationship between permeability and deviatoric stress is accordance with the ExpDec1 function during the process of unloading confining pressure and prepeak loading axial stress.
Compassion Meditation for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans: A Randomized Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Lang Ariel J. , Malaktaris Anne L. , Casmar Pollyanna , Baca Selena A. , Golshan Shahrokh , Harrison Timothy , Negi Lobsang
Published: March 2019

There is considerable interest in developing complementary and integrative approaches for ameliorating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compassion meditation (CM) and loving‐kindness meditation appear to offer benefits to individuals with PTSD, including symptom reduction. The present study was a pilot randomized controlled trial of CM for PTSD in veterans. The CM condition, an adaptation of Cognitively‐Based Compassion Training (CBCT®), consists of exercises to stabilize attention, develop present‐moment awareness, and foster compassion. We compared CM to Veteran.calm (VC), which consists of psychoeducation about PTSD, rationale for relaxation, relaxation training, and sleep hygiene. Both conditions consist of 10 weekly 90‐min group sessions with between‐session practice assignments. A total of 28 veterans attended at least one session of the group intervention and completed pre‐ and posttreatment measures of PTSD severity and secondary outcomes as well as weekly measures of PTSD, depressive symptoms, and positive and negative emotions. Measures of treatment credibility, attendance, practice compliance, and satisfaction were administered to assess feasibility. A repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a more substantive reduction in PTSD symptoms in the CM condition than in the VC condition, between‐group d = −0.85. Credibility, attendance, and satisfaction were similar across CM and VC conditions thus demonstrating the feasibility of CM and the appropriateness of VC as a comparison condition. The findings of this initial randomized pilot study provide rationale for future studies examining the efficacy and effectiveness of CM for veterans with PTSD.
Characterizing Spatial Variability of Climate‐Relevant Hazards and Vulnerabilities in the New England Region of the United States
Authors: Spangler K. R. , Manjourides J. , Lynch A. H. , Wellenius G. A.
Published: March 2019

Weather and climate have substantial effects on human health. While much is known about how morbidity and mortality are affected by moderate‐to‐extreme heat, poor air quality, and heavy precipitation individually, less is known about the cumulative occurrence of these climatic hazards, and the extent to which they spatially overlap with community‐scale vulnerabilities. Specifically, there is interest in determining whether individuals living in places with the highest exposure to multiple health hazardous climatic conditions are also more vulnerable to having negative health outcomes. Presented here is a spatial analysis of the distribution of health‐relevant climatic hazards and social vulnerabilities across the New England region of the northeastern United States. We show that the frequency of excessive heat days, heavy precipitation days, and ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exceedances during the warm seasons (May–September) from 2009 to 2014 have distinct spatial distributions and are statistically significantly correlated across space with indicators of social vulnerability. We further quantify an integrated measure of the hazards and vulnerabilities to illustrate the spatial heterogeneity of overall risk, as well as to demonstrate how the choice of spatial scale influences the identification of high‐risk areas. These methods are transferrable to other locations and contexts, which could be of utility not only to geographers and epidemiologists, but also to policymakers tasked with allocating public health resources to populations at greatest risk of weather‐ and climate‐related health effects.
Seismicity‐Scanning Based on Navigated Automatic Phase‐Picking
Authors: Tan Fengzhou , Kao Honn , Nissen Edwin , Eaton David
Published: March 2019

We propose a new method, named Seismicity‐Scanning based on Navigated Automatic Phase‐picking (S‐SNAP), that is capable of delineating complex spatiotemporal distributions of seismicity. This novel algorithm takes a cocktail approach that combines source scanning, kurtosis‐based phasepicking, and the maximum intersection location technique into a single integrated workflow. This method is automated, detecting and locating earthquakes efficiently, comprehensively, and accurately. We apply S‐SNAP to a data set recorded by a dense local seismic array during a hydraulic fracturing operation to test this novel approach and to demonstrate its effectiveness in relation to existing methods. Overall, S‐SNAP found about 3.5 times as many high‐quality events as a template matching‐based catalogue. All events in the previous catalogue are identified with similar epicenters, depths, and magnitudes, while no false detections are found by visual inspection.
New models for the time dependent toxicity of individual and combined toxicants
Authors: Lambert Ronald J. W. , Dawson Douglas A.
Published: March 2019

A new model for combination effects gives descriptions of additivity, independence, synergy and antagonism and explains the multiple shapes of isoboles.
New powerful outburst of the unusual young star V1318 Cygni S (LkHα 225)
Authors: Magakian T. Yu. , Movsessian T. A. , Andreasyan H. R. , Gevorgyan M. H.
Published: March 2019

Aims. Young double star V1318 Cyg, which is associated with a small isolated star-forming region around HAeBe star BD+40°4124, has very unusual photometric and spectral behavior. We present results of photometric and spectroscopic observations in the optical range.

Methods. We carried out BVRI CCD photometric observations of V1318 Cyg from 2015 Sept. to 2017 July. For the same period we acquired medium- and low-resolution spectra. Observations were performed with the 2.6 m telescope of the Byurakan observatory. We also analyzed the images of this field in IPHAS and other surveys.

Results. We analyze the historical light curve for V1318 Cyg and demonstrate that the southern component, V1318 Cyg S, after being rather bright in the 1970s (V ∼ 14 mag) started to lower its brightness and in 1990 became practically invisible in the optical. After its reappearance in the second half of the 1990s the star started to become very slowly brighter. Between 2006 and 2010 V1318 Cyg S started brightening more quickly, and in 2015 had become brighter by more than five magnitudes in visible light. Since this time V1318 Cyg S has remained at this maximum. Its spectrum shows little variability and consists of a mixture of emission and absorption lines, which has allowed for estimates of its spectral type as early Ae, with obvious evidence of matter outflow. We derive its current AV ≈ 7.2 and L = 750 L⊙ thus confirming that V1318 Cyg S should belong to the Herbig Ae stars, making it, along with BD+40°4124 and V1686 Cyg, the third luminous young star in the group. It is very probable that we observe V1318 Cyg S near the pole and that the inclination of its dense and slow (≈100 km s−1) outflow is low.

Conclusions. The unusual variability and other features of V1318 Cyg S make it difficult to classify this star among known types of eruptive young stars. It could be an extreme, higher-mass example of an EXor, or an object of intermediate class between EXors and FUors, like V1647 Ori.
Diversity of Butterflies (Lepidoptera) in Sierra de Huautla, Morelos, México: A Conservation Approach
Authors: Rosas-Echeverría Ma Ventura , Coyote-Ávila Carlos Alfredo , Aguilar-Dorantes Karla Maria , Martínez-Peralta Concepcion
Published: March 2019

In this study, we carried out an inventory of butterfly diversity and an analysis of alpha and beta diversity considering the effects of phenology and degree of disturbance in tropical dry forest. The study included three localities: Cañadas de Ajuchitlán and El Limón, situated within the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve (REBIOSH) natural protected area, and San Miguel de los Elotes, which is outside of the REBIOSH. We systematically sampled each of the localities using two collection methods once per month for a full year (April 2013 to March 2014). A total of 4,017 specimens belonging to 119 species and 83 genera were collected. We recorded for the first time the presence of Perichares aurina Evans (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae), in Mexico, 14 additional Hesperiidae species were new records for Morelos, Mexico, and 16% of the species recorded in this study are endemic to Mexico. Species richness was highest in August for the two localities (Cañadas de Ajuchitlán and El Limón), located within the REBIOSH. Species richness was highest in November for San Miguel de los Elotes, which is outside of the REBIOSH. In terms of the alpha diversity values (0D, observed diversity), Cañadas de Ajuchitlán had the highest species richness. In the analysis of similarity (Beta diversity), the two localities within the REBIOSH had the highest species similarity, despite being the most geographically distant.
Clinical Significance of Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Takae Masafumi , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Tokitsu Takanori , Oike Fumi , Nishihara Taiki , Fujisue Koichiro , Sueta Daisuke , Usuku Hiroki , Motozato Kota , Ito Miwa , Kanazawa Hisanori , Araki Satoshi , Nakamura Taishi , Arima Yuichiro , Takashio Seiji , Suzuki Satoru , Sakamoto Kenji , Soejima Hirofumi , Yamabe Hiroshige , Kaikita Koichi , Tsujita Kenichi
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Although pulse wave velocity (PWV) is recognized to be a risk predictor for various cardiovascular diseases, the association of brachial–ankle PWV (baPWV) with cardiovascular outcomes in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients remains uncertain.

METHODS

We measured ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) and baPWV values at stable condition after optimal therapy for HF in 201 consecutive HFrEF patients admitted to Kumamoto University Hospital from 2007 to 2015 who were enrolled and followed until the occurrence of cardiovascular events. We defined peripheral artery disease (PAD) as ABI value ≤ 0.9.

RESULTS

Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that HFrEF patients with peripheral artery disease PAD had a significant higher risk of total cardiovascular and HF-related events than those without PAD (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively). Next, we divided HFrEF patients without PAD into 3 groups according to baPWV values. In the Kaplan–Meier analysis, total cardiovascular and HF-related events in the highest baPWV group (1,800 cm/second ≤ baPWV) had a significantly higher frequency than those in the mid-level baPWV group (1,400 cm/second ≤ baPWV < 1,800 cm/second) (P = 0.007 and P = 0.004, respectively). The hazard ratio between HFrEF patients in the mid-level baPWV group and those with other baPWV groups was compared after adjustment for other cofounders. The probabilities of HF-related events were significantly higher in the lowest and highest baPWV group.

CONCLUSION

Identifying complications of PAD and measuring baPWV values in HFrEF patients were useful for predicting their prognosis.

Trial Registration: UMIN000034358.
Neglected cause of recurrent syncope: a case report of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension
Authors: Miller Robert J H , Chew Derek S , Raj Satish R
Published: March 2019

Background

Syncope commonly results in emergency room and physician visits, leading to hospitalization and invasive investigations. Up to 24% of these presentations may be caused by neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH), which continues to be an under-recognized clinical entity. We review an approach to diagnosing nOH.

Case summary

An 85-year-old man with a history of Parkinson’s disease was referred for a history of recurrent syncope, which had resulted in extensive cardiac investigation. Collateral history revealed that the events were orthostatic in nature, but with variable time to onset of symptoms. The patient was found to have significant postural drop in blood pressure without compensatory tachycardia. Cardiovascular autonomic function testing was performed, which confirmed significant autonomic nervous system failure, including a marked hypotensive response on tilt-table testing and a lack of vasoconstriction during Valsalva manoeuvre. The patient was diagnosed with nOH and initiated on midodrine with subjective improvement in the frequency of syncope.

Discussion

Autonomic nervous system failure, with nOH, is a common cause of recurrent syncope, particularly in older patients. Attention to detail during the medical history, including precipitating factors and the presence of prodromal symptoms prior to syncope, is critical for making the correct diagnosis. Measuring orthostatic vital signs correctly in patients with syncope provides valuable information, is cost-effective, and critical to diagnose nOH.
Reconciling the Mitonuclear Compatibility Species Concept with Rampant Mitochondrial Introgression
Authors: Hill Geoffrey E
Published: March 2019

The mitonuclear compatibility species concept defines a species as a population that is genetically isolated from other populations by uniquely coadapted mitochondrial (mt) and nuclear genes. A key prediction of this hypothesis is that the mt genotype of each species will be functionally distinct and that introgression of mt genomes will be prevented by mitonuclear incompatibilities that arise when heterospecific mt and nuclear genes attempt to cofunction to enable aerobic respiration. It has been proposed, therefore, that the observation of rampant introgression of mt genotypes from one species to another constitutes a strong refutation of the mitonuclear speciation. The displacement of a mt genotype from a nuclear background with which it co-evolved to a foreign nuclear background will necessarily lead to fitness loss due to mitonuclear incompatibilities. Here I consider two potential benefits of mt introgression between species that may, in some cases, overcome fitness losses arising from mitonuclear incompatibilities. First, the introgressed mt genotype may be better adapted to the local environment than the native mt genotype such that higher fitness is achieved through improved adaptation via introgression. Second, if the mitochondria of the recipient taxa carry a high mutational load, then introgression of a foreign, less corrupt mt genome may enable the recipient taxa to escape its mutational load and gain a fitness advantage. Under both scenarios, fitness gains from novel mt genotypes could theoretically compensate for the fitness that is lost via mitonuclear incompatibility. I also consider the role of endosymbionts in non-adaptive rampant introgression of mt genomes. I conclude that rampant introgression is not necessarily evidence against the idea of tight mitonuclear coadaptation or the mitonuclear compatibility species concept. Rampant mt introgression will typically lead to erasure of species but in some cases could lead to hybrid speciation.
Galaxy morphology prediction using Capsule Networks
Authors: Katebi Reza , Zhou Yadi , Chornock Ryan , Bunescu Razvan
Published: March 2019

Understanding morphological types of galaxies is a key parameter for studying their formation and evolution. Neural networks that have been used previously for galaxy morphology classification have some disadvantages, such as not being inherently invariant under rotation. In this work, we studied the performance of Capsule Network (CapsNet), a recently introduced neural network architecture that is rotationally invariant and spatially aware, on the task of galaxy morphology classification. We designed two evaluation scenarios based on the answers from the question tree in the Galaxy Zoo project. In the first scenario, we used CapsNet for regression and predicted probabilities for all of the questions. In the second scenario, we chose the answer to the first morphology question that had the highest user agreement as the class of the object and trained a CapsNet classifier, where we also reconstructed galaxy images. We achieved promising results in both of these scenarios. Automated approaches such as the one introduced here will play a critical role in the upcoming large sky surveys.
Classifying suicidal behavior with resting‐state functional connectivity and structural neuroimaging
Authors: Gosnell S. N. , Fowler J. C. , Salas R.
Published: March 2019

Objective

About 80% of patients who commit suicide do not report suicidal ideation the last time they speak to their mental health provider, highlighting the need to identify biomarkers of suicidal behavior. Our goal is to identify suicidal behavior neural biomarkers to classify suicidal psychiatric inpatients.

Methods

Eighty percent of our sample [suicidal (n = 63) and non‐suicidal psychiatric inpatients (n = 65)] was used to determine significant differences in structural and resting‐state functional connectivity measures throughout the brain. These measures were used in a random forest classification model on 80% of the sample for training the model.

Results

The model built on 80% of the patients had sensitivity = 79.4% and specificity = 72.3%. This model was tested on an independent sample (20%; n = 32) with sensitivity = 81.3% and specificity = 75.0% for confirming the generalizability of the model. Altered resting‐state functional connectivity features from frontal and middle temporal regions, as well as the amygdala, parahippocampus, putamen, and vermis were found to generalize best.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates neuroimaging (an unbiased biomarker) can be used to classify suicidal behavior in psychiatric inpatients without observing any clinical features.
Do implant‐supported fixed partial prostheses improve masticatory performance in patients with unilateral posterior missing teeth?
Authors: Khoury‐Ribas Laura , Ayuso‐Montero Raul , Willaert Eva , Peraire Maria , Martinez‐Gomis Jordi
Published: March 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the improvement in masticatory performance and satisfaction with chewing ability in partially edentulous patients after treatment with an implant‐supported fixed partial prosthesis (ISFPP).

Material and methods

This prospective study included 30 patients (mean age 59 years; 17 women) with unilateral posterior missing teeth treated with one‐, two‐ or three‐unit ISFPPs and 10 healthy individuals (mean age 36 years; 8 women) with complete natural dentition to establish the normal levels of mastication. Three variables were determined at baseline and at 3‐months’ follow‐up in all participants: masticatory performance according to the median particle size (MPS) during freestyle mastication and unilateral mastication on each side, and satisfaction with chewing ability using a visual analog scale. Paired samples t test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used for intra‐group and inter‐group comparisons.

Results

The MPS following freestyle mastication decreased significantly at 3 months in both groups. Significant reductions of 21%, 30%, and 42% in the MPS were obtained from unilateral mastication on the treated side after treatment with 1, 2, or 3 restorative units, respectively. Three months after ISFPP, satisfaction with chewing ability improved by 40% in the treatment group.

Conclusions

Freestyle masticatory performance may improve slightly within three months of treatment with an ISFPP and may be similar to that of subjects with complete natural dentition. Patients may obtain a 21%–38% improvement in unilateral mastication on the treated side and a 26%–54% improvement in satisfaction with chewing ability.
Astrocyte morphology: Diversity, plasticity, and role in neurological diseases
Authors: Zhou Bin , Zuo Yun‐Xia , Jiang Ruo‐Tian
Published: March 2019

Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and participate in synaptic, circuit, and behavioral functions. The well‐developed protoplasmic astrocytes contain numerous processes forming well‐delineated bushy territories that overlap by as little as 5% at their boundaries. This highly complex morphology, with up to approximately 80% of the cell's membrane constituted by fine processes with dimensions on the tens of nanometer scale and high surface area to volume ratios, comes in contact with synapses, blood vessels, and other glial cells. Recent progress is challenging the conventional view that astrocytes are morphologically homogeneous throughout the brain; instead, they display circuit‐ and region‐specific morphological diversity that may contribute to the heterogeneous astrocyte‐neuron spatiotemporal interplay in different brain areas. Further, the fine structure of astrocytes is found to be highly plastic and activity‐dependent. We are beginning to understand how astrocyte structural plasticity contributes to brain functions. The change/loss of astrocyte morphology, traditionally known as a hallmark for reactive astrogliosis, is a common pathological feature in many neurological disorders. However, recent data suggest the fine structural deficits preceding reactive astrogliosis may drive disease progression. This review summarizes recent advances in astrocyte morphological diversity, plasticity, and disease‐related deficits.
Maternal perception of the impact of anterior caries and its treatment on children: A qualitative study
Authors: Custódio Natália Baschirotto , Schardosim Lisandrea Rocha , Piovesan Camila Peixoto , Hochscheidt Luísa , Goettems Marília Leão
Published: March 2019

Background

Qualitative studies could allow a more comprehensive understanding about the breadth of children's experiences and perspectives regarding the impact of dental caries treatment.

Aim

To assess parental perception about children's oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) following the rehabilitation of carious primary anterior teeth.

Methods

A purposive sample of parents of preschool children attending a University Dental Clinic due to caries in primary anterior teeth was recruited. Qualitative individual interviews about parental perception regarding children's oral health were conducted, audio‐recorded, and transcribed verbatim. An interview guide was used, based on the instrument ECOHIS. The responses were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Mothers of 10 children aged 4‐8 years old participated. Four themes emerged during data analysis: (a) Perception about the presence and occurrence of caries; (b) Impact on the child's OHRQoL; (c) Impact on family's OHRQoL; and (d) Changes in OHRQoL following oral rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Mothers of children with dental caries in anterior teeth reported impact on children's and family's life. Also, mothers’ reports demonstrated that oral rehabilitation caused positive changes in their children's well‐being and everyday life.
Electric field induced splitting of the preferred orientation in PMN‐PT textured ceramics
Authors: Gollapudi Sreenivasulu , Gao Min , Li Jiefang , Chang Yunfei , Messing Gary L. , Meyer Richard J. , Viehland Dwight
Published: March 2019

We have performed studies of the orientation distribution in <001>C textured, 0.03(Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 ‐ 0.97[0.715Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)TiO3 ‐ 0.285PbTiO3] (0.03NBT‐0.97[PMN‐28.5PT]) ceramics by a pole figure method, comparing the results to those for PMN‐PT single crystal and polycrystal samples. The pole figures about the (001) zone are found to have monoclinic, Ma, phase for textured ceramics in the annealed condition and were similar to those for electrically poled single crystals. However, electrical poling of the textured ceramics resulted in a doublet splitting of the orientation distribution about the direction that defined the original grain texturing. Studies of pole figures about other high‐symmetry zones also revealed the development of some degree of preferred orientation along the in‐plane directions after poling. Our findings demonstrate that E‐field induced phase transformation and domain textures superimpose with that of preferred grain orientations, giving rise to a unique texture symmetry for PMN‐PT. The texture symmetry changes are driven by minimization of the elastic strain energy, and have an important effect upon the piezoelectric properties.
Evolution of porosity, crack density, and CMAS penetration in thermal barrier coatings subjected to burner rig testing
Authors: Mack Daniel E. , Laquai Rene , Müller Bernd , Helle Oliver , Sebold Doris , Vaßen Robert , Bruno Giovanni
Published: March 2019

Degradation of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) in gas‐turbine engines due to calcium–magnesium–aluminosilicate (CMAS) glassy deposits from various sources has been a persistent issue since many years. In this study, state of the art electron microscopy was correlated with X‐ray refraction techniques to elucidate the intrusion of CMAS into the porous structure of atmospheric plasma sprayed (APS) TBCs and the formation and growth of cracks under thermal cycling in a burner rig. Results indicate that the sparse nature of the infiltration as well as kinetics in the burner rig are majorly influenced by the wetting behavior of the CMAS. Despite the obvious attack of CMAS on grain boundaries, the interaction of yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) with intruded CMAS has no immediate impact on structure and density of internal surfaces. At a later stage the formation of horizontal cracks is observed in a wider zone of the TBC layer.