bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Sequestration Potentials of Woody Plant Species in Makurdi Zoological Garden Benue State Nigeria
Authors: Paul A. M. , Iheukwumere C. C. , Aguoru C. U. , Okoh T. , Alfred U. J.
Published: April 2019

Aims: The aim of this study is to estimate the total carbon sequested by some Woody plant Species in Makurdi zoological garden and its contribution to climate change.

Study Design: Random sample plots of 100 m × 100 m were located in the field using a Garmin GPS and simple allometric procedures using standard carbon inventory principles and techniques that are based on data collection and analysis of carbon accumulating in the above-ground biomass, below-ground biomass, and soil carbon using verifiable modern methods were adopted.

Place and Duration of Study: Field experiment was carried out at the Makurdi zoological garden, Benue State, Nigeria between September and October 2018.

Methodology: The non-destructive method was used with the view to determine the above ground biomass (AGB), below ground biomass (BGB), Estimate the above ground carbon (AGC), below ground carbon (BGC), Total Carbon Content (TCC) and also to estimate the Above ground C02 and below ground C02 and the total C02 Sequestered in the study area.

Results: A total number of 27 species of trees belonging to 16 different families were found in randomly selected sample plots. The diameter at breast height (DBH) was measured at 1.3 m from ground level with a good measuring tape while heights of plants were measured using haga altimeter. The result showed that a total of 3331.05 ton/ha of C02 was estimated to have been sequestered using the non-destructive field measurement.

Conclusion: Total average standing biomass of various tree species was calculated to be 907.6395 tons/ha whereas the total average carbon sequestered was 302.6918 tons/ha. Carbon sequestration capacity of trees increased as the age of trees increases. Therefore it can be concluded that the older trees have higher carbon content than younger trees hence, they are reservoirs of carbon.
Comparison of the Hyperglycemic Control of M. oleifera Leaves Aqueous Extract and Glibenclamide Tablets in Alloxan Monohydrate Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Kasolo Josephine N. , Namaganda Agnes , Nfambi Joshua , Kimuli Ivan , Muwonge Haruna , Okullo Isaac
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Diabetes being one of the commonest non-communicable diseases worldwide has no cure. The available hypoglycemic drugs are costly, and have associated long-term side effects.  M. oleifera leaves are used in many countries in Africa and Asia to treat diabetes. The study compared the hyperglycemic control of M. oleifera leaves aqueous extract and Glibenclamide tablet in alloxan monohydrate induced diabetic rats.

Methods: Twenty-four female Wistar albino rats, made diabetic using alloxan monohydrate, received either M. oleifera extract, glibenclamide or distilled water were delivered intragastric. The mean body weight and mean fasting blood sugar were measured over a period of 28 days. 

Results: Rats that received distilled water had a mean fasting blood sugar of 329.3+44.9 mg/dl at the beginning, which increased to 448.0+189.9 mg/dl on day 14; all   the rats were dead by day 21. The rats that received M. oleifera had blood sugar 443.4+134.7 mg/dl at the beginning, dropped to 166.5+162.79 mg/dl by day 14, and to 88.7+41.0 mg/dl by day 28. Rats that received glibenclamide had blood sugar 517.6+139.3mg/dl at the beginning, dropped to 209.0+201.9 mg/dl on day 14, and to 89.7+42.85 mg/dl on day 28.  The blood sugar of the M. oleifera and glibenclamide groups reached normal level by day 21 and remained within the normal range up to day 28. Conclusion: Moringa oleifera leaves aqueous extract has similar pattern to glibenclamide tablet in causing hypoglycemia to alloxan monohydrate induced diabetic rats.
Hierarchy of Influences
Authors: Reese Stephen D.
Published: April 2019

The hierarchy of influences model describes the factors affecting media content organized by levels of analysis. These include influences attributable to individual characteristics of the communicator, routines of media work, the media organization, social‐institutional factors, and, at the most macro, the social system. This theoretical perspective has been valuable for researchers in helping explicate concepts, synthesize findings in the area of media sociology and guide comparative cross‐national studies of journalism.
Community Engagement and Social Media Editors
Authors: Loosen Wiebke
Published: April 2019

Journalism no longer considers the audience as a single entity, but as active users or as a community. These changing notions reflect an increasing orientation toward the audience and a widening of audience participation. In this context, community engagement is considered a special form of user involvement that takes place across each and every phase of the newsmaking process and is intended not only to foster a mutuality between journalists and users, but to also promote relationships and exchange between the users themselves. The motivations for journalism's community engagement range from strategic‐economic considerations to more normative ones that regard “serving a community” as a fundamental responsibility for the field. Journalistic practices related to increased audience participation and engagement have also led to the emergence of specialized editorial roles for these purposes, including the social media editor.
Cobalt(II)‐Catalyzed [5+2] C−H Annulation of o‐Arylanilines with Alkynes: An Expedient Route to Dibenzo‐[b,d]azepines
Authors: Ling Fei , Xie Zhen , Chen Jiachen , Ai Chongren , Shen Haiwei , Wang Ze , Yi Xiao , Zhong Weihui
Published: April 2019

The first example of CoCl2‐catalyzed formal [5+2] oxidative annulation of o‐arylanilines with alkynes was developed, giving access to various important imine‐containing dibenzo‐[b,d]azepine scaffolds through sequential C−C/C−N bond formation. The reaction employs catalytic amount of manganese and oxygen as cooxidants, and features a broad substrate scope. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested that C−H activation is involved in the rate‐determining step. Moreover, both internal and terminal alkynes are well tolerated in this transformation. Besides, a regioselective migratory insertion was observed when using terminal alkynes as substrates.

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Suppressing Manganese Dissolution via Exposing Stable {111} Facets for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Oxide Cathode
Authors: Xiao Yao , Zhang Xu‐Dong , Zhu Yan‐Fang , Wang Peng‐Fei , Yin Ya‐Xia , Yang Xinan , Shi Ji‐Lei , Liu Jian , Li Hongliang , Guo Xiao‐Dong , Zhong Ben‐He , Guo Yu‐Guo
Published: April 2019

Spinel‐type LiMn2O4 cathode materials commonly suffer from manganese dissolution due to the severe interfacial side reactions especially at elevated temperature. Here, a 3D hollow fusiform LiMn2O4 cathode material is reported with preferentially exposed stable {111} facets and seamless outer structure, which is clearly confirmed by microfocused ion beam scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy as well as scanning transmission electron microscopy with atomic resolution. Owing to the optimal geometrical structure design and the preferentially exposed stable {111} facets, the electrode delivers excellent rate capability (107.6 mAh g−1 at 10 C), remarkable cycling stability (83.3% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 1 C), and outstanding high‐temperature performance. Together with the analyses of electrochemical behaviors, in situ X‐ray diffraction at different temperatures, and ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectra, the underlying working mechanism for suppressing manganese dissolution is clearly articulated. These findings could provide significant guidelines for precisely designing highly stable cathode materials for LIBs.
Male CDPX2 patient with EBP mosaicism and asymmetrically lateralized skin lesions with strict midline demarcation
Authors: Horinouchi Tomoko , Morisada Naoya , Uemura Hiroyasu , Kobayashi Daisuke , Nozu Kandai , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Iijima Kazumoto
Published: April 2019

X‐linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata (Conradi–Hunermann–Happle syndrome, CDPX2) caused by mutations in the emopamil‐binding protein (EBP) gene and congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform nevus and limb defects (CHILD) syndrome caused by mutation in the NAD(P)H steroid dehydrogenase‐like (NSDHL) gene are rare, typically male lethal disorders. CDPX2 skin lesions are characterized by transient severe congenital ichthyosis following the lines of Blaschko, whereas in CHILD syndrome, the lesions show striking lateralization. Here, we report a male CDPX2 patient with postzygotic mosaicism of the EBP gene presenting with lateralized skin lesions with strict midline demarcation as seen in CHILD syndrome (although this diagnosis was ruled out based on analysis of NSDHL), but also partly distributed along Blaschko's lines as seen in CDPX2. The lesions resolved within a few months, but the patient had other abnormalities, including shortening of the limbs, epiphyseal stippling, and forearm asymmetry; he also had problems with respiration and feeding in the first 4 years after birth. Kyphoscoliosis with dysplastic vertebral bodies progressed rapidly and required posterior spinal fusion surgery at 6 years old. These findings provide insights into the pathophysiology of CDPX2 and the mechanism of asymmetric lesion formation during development.
Synthesis of a novel and reusable biological urea based acidic nanomagnetic catalyst: Application for the synthesis of 2‐amino‐3‐cyano pyridines via cooperative vinylogous anomeric based oxidation
Authors: Torabi Morteza , Yarie Meysam , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali
Published: April 2019

In the current study, a novel and reusable biological urea based nano magnetic catalyst namely Fe3O4@SiO2@(CH2)3‐urea‐benzimidazole sulfonic acid was designed and synthesized. The structure of the titled catalyst was fully characterized using several skills including Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermo gravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTG) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Then, the catalytic performance of Fe3O4@SiO2@(CH2)3‐urea‐benzimidazole sulfonic acid was successfully inspected towards the multicomponent synthesis of 2‐amino‐3‐cyano pyridine derivatives through a vinylogous anomeric based oxidation pathway.
A new model for estimating the gas compressibility factor using Group Method of Data Handling algorithm (case study)
Authors: Shariaty Soroush , Khorsand Movaghar Mohammad Reza , Vatandoost Ashkan
Published: April 2019

It is crucial to accurately determine the gas compressibility factor (z factor) in chemical and petroleum engineering calculations. Empirical correlations are one of the most rapid and convenient methods of determining the gas compressibility factor. Most of correlations have been developed based on data from Standing–Katz chart, where for high‐pressure conditions (P > 3,000 Psia), solely the data of pure methane was adopted and finally plotted. Therefore, the performance of these correlations would deteriorate for pressurized gas reservoirs. This study intends to use the adopted data of Iranian gas reservoirs (as the second largest source) to develop an empirical correlation concerning with pressurized gas reservoirs. To this end, the correlation was presented based on corresponding states model through the robust group method of data handling algorithm. In comparison with foregone studies, results suggested improvements in prediction of gas compressibility factor with the proposed correlation by up to 9% of average absolute percentage relative error, yielding the error of 1.46% against real data.
Validation of the 36‐item and 12‐item self‐report World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS‐II) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Park Shin Ho , Demetriou Eleni A. , Pepper Karen L. , Song Yun Ju C. , Thomas Emma E. , Hickie Ian B. , Glozier Nick , Guastella Adam J.
Published: April 2019

The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS‐II) is one of the most widely used generic assessments for measuring disability levels in both clinical and nonclinical populations, with sound psychometrics that is also aligned with the International Classification of Functioning framework. However, its psychometric properties have not been explored extensively in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study examined the psychometric properties of the 36‐item and 12‐item Self‐Report WHODAS‐II from 109 individuals diagnosed with ASD and without intellectual disability (IQ ≥ 70). Participants were consecutively recruited from the Brain and Mind Centre in New South Wales, Australia. The WHODAS‐II showed adequate internal consistency for all domain scores (α = 0.78–0.97 for 36‐item) and for the summary scale (α = 0.95 for 36‐item; 0.86 for 12‐item). All items also exhibited satisfactory correlations with their respective domain (r = 0.39–0.94 for 36‐item) and summary scores (r = 0.42–0.71 for 36‐item; 0.42–0.67 for 12‐item), except item 4.5 “sexual activity” from the 36‐item WHODAS‐II (r = 0.19). Concurrent validity was shown by moderate correlations between similar constructs across the WHODAS‐II and the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (Ps < 0.05). The second‐order 7‐factor model showed the best fit for the 36‐item WHODAS‐II, while the second‐order 6‐factor model demonstrated an acceptable fit for the 12‐item WHODAS‐II. The model fit could be improved with some modifications. The Schmid‐Leiman transformation further confirmed the appropriateness of the second‐order factor structure. Overall, the results indicated that the WHODAS‐II is a viable generic self‐report measure for disability in autistic individuals without ID. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1101–1111. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

The majority of autistic people have a disability with a profound or severe limitation in their core activities. However, there is currently limited research identifying reliable and valid self‐report measures for disability in the autistic population. This study examined the psychometric properties of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS‐II) from 109 autistic individuals without intellectual disability. Our results suggest that the WHODAS‐II is a viable generic self‐report measure for disability in autistic individuals.
Narrative congruence between populist President Duterte and the Filipino public: Shifting global alliances from the United States to China
Authors: Montiel Cristina Jayme , Boller Arvin Jay , Uyheng Joshua , Espina Ervina A.
Published: April 2019

This research examines what happened when the populist Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reversed his country's global alliance, switching loyalties away from the United States towards China. We use the lens of narrative congruence, to see if political storylines of a populist president are accompanied by similar shifts in storylines among his followers. Our data corpus consists of text from Duterte's speeches and from comments on partisan Facebook pages, representing supporters and opponents of the president. We time‐bound our data corpus to text produced around the time President Duterte announced his realignment towards China. We use text mining and network analysis to identify overlaps among words used by the different social actors. Our findings show that when Duterte switched alliances, Facebookers—regardless of partisanship—accepted this alliance shift. However, our results likewise reveal an imperfect congruence. Duterte's followers move on to a story criticizing Duterte's domestic political enemies, whereas anti‐Duterte Facebookers talk about monetary deals and drug issues in the Philippines' newfound friendship with China. We discuss our findings in the light of a psychology of populism, the use of a discursive social networks approach to study macropsychological phenomena, and discursive resistance in a populist state.
LncRNA TUSC8 inhibits the invasion and migration of cervical cancer cells via miR‐641/PTEN axis
Authors: Zhu Yanling , Liu Beibei , Zhang Ping , Zhang Jie , Wang Lan
Published: April 2019

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer‐related death in women worldwide. There is an urgent need to find novel targets for the treatment of CC. Recently, microRNA have emerged as critical factors in tumorigenesis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanism of miR‐641 on the migration and invasion of CC cells. In silico analysis revealed putative interaction between miR‐641 and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) RNA/lncRNA tumor suppressor candidate 8 (TUSC8). Hence we evaluated the expression of TUSC8, miR‐641, and PTEN. We found that the expressions of TUSC8 and PTEN were decreased in CC tissues, whereas miR‐641 expression was increased. Inhibition of miR‐641 suppressed the migration and invasion of Hela cells. In addition, TUSC8 and PTEN were upstream and downstream target molecule of miR‐641, respectively. Overexpression of TUSC8 promoted PTEN expression, and suppressed the invasion and migration of Hela cells, whereas miR‐641 mimic treatment changed the effects. These results demonstrated that overexpression of TUSC8 could inhibit the invasion and migration of CC cells by upregulating PTEN via miR‐641.
A suspicious dark lesion in a boy
Authors: Tengattini Vera , La Placa Michelangelo , Neri Iria , Martini Silvia , Patrizi Annalisa
Published: April 2019

The presence of history of hyperpigmented crust in a patient with a history of adequate hygiene is typical of terra firma‐forme dermatosis. The treatment is the rubbing of the skin with isopropyl alcohol (removal of the hyperpigmented brown crust, confirming the diagnosis). Physicians should be aware because early diagnosis avoid unnecessary treatment.
cis‐On/trans‐Off of DNA Hybridization with Alkylthio‐azobenzene on L‐Threoninol Responding to Visible Light
Authors: Asanuma Hiroyuki , Ishikawa Teruchika , Yamano Yuuhei , Murayama Keiji , Liang Xingguo
Published: April 2019

An azobenzene modified with a highly branched secondary alkylthio group incorporated into DNA via an L‐threoninol scaffold can serve as a photo‐switch to reversibly control DNA hybridization. In the system reported here, irradiation with visible light at 400 nm causes photo‐isomerization of trans‐azobenzene to cis and 520 nm light causes the switch to the trans form. The DNA duplex is formed when the azobenzene is in the cis form (upon irradiation with 400 nm light) and is dissociated when the azobenzene is in the trans form (upon irradiation with 520 nm light). In our previously reported system, the switch required UV light. Here, visible light was used to induce both isomerizations, and a smooth trans‐to‐cis isomerization was observed below the melting temperature. This new photo‐switch with visible light overcomes one of the limitations for the potential in vivo use of our method. Combining it with the previously reported photo‐switch will allow the construction of elaborate DNA nanomachines.
Emotion in motion: Facial dynamics affect infants' neural processing of emotions
Authors: Quadrelli Ermanno , Conte Stefania , Macchi Cassia Viola , Turati Chiara
Published: April 2019

Research investigating the early development of emotional processing has focused mainly on infants' perception of static facial emotional expressions, likely restricting the amount and type of information available to infants. In particular, the question of whether dynamic information in emotional facial expressions modulates infants' neural responses has been rarely investigated. The present study aimed to fill this gap by recording 7‐month‐olds' event‐related potentials to static (Study 1) and dynamic (Study 2) happy, angry, and neutral faces. In Study 1, happy faces evoked a faster right‐lateralized negative central (Nc) component compared to angry faces. In Study 2, both happy and angry faces elicited a larger right‐lateralized Nc compared to neutral faces. Irrespective of stimulus dynamicity, a larger P400 to angry faces was associated with higher scores on the Negative Affect temperamental dimension. Overall, results suggest that 7‐month‐olds are sensitive to facial dynamics, which might play a role in shaping the neural processing of facial emotional expressions. Results also suggest that the amount of attentional resources infants allocate to angry expressions is associated to their temperamental traits. These findings represent a promising avenue for future studies exploring the neurobiological processes involved in perceiving emotional expressions using dynamic stimuli.
Netted crop covers reduce honeybee foraging activity and colony strength in a mass flowering crop
Authors: Evans Lisa J. , Cutting Brian T. , Jochym Mateusz , Janke Milena A. , Felman Crystal , Cross Sarah , Jacob Marine , Goodwin Mark
Published: April 2019

The widespread use of protective covers in horticulture represents a novel landscape‐level change, presenting the challenges for crop pollination. Honeybees (Apis mellifera L) are pollinators of many crops, but their behavior can be affected by conditions under covers. To determine how netting crop covers can affect honeybee foraging dynamics, colony health, and pollination services, we assessed the performance of 52 nucleus honeybee colonies in five covered and six uncovered kiwifruit orchards. Colony strength was estimated pre‐ and postintroduction, and the foraging of individual bees (including pollen, nectar, and naïve foragers) was monitored in a subset of the hives fitted with RFID readers. Simultaneously, we evaluated pollination effectiveness by measuring flower visitation rates and the number of seeds produced after single honeybee visits. Honeybee colonies under cover exhibited both an acute loss of foragers and changes in the behavior of successful foragers. Under cover, bees were roughly three times less likely to return after their first trip outside the hive. Consequently, the number of adult bees in hives declined at a faster rate in these orchards, with colonies losing on average 1,057 ± 274 of their bees in under two weeks. Bees that did forage under cover completed fewer trips provisioning their colony, failing to reenter after a few short‐duration trips. These effects are likely to have implications for colony health and productivity. We also found that bee density (bees/thousand flowers) and visitation rates to flowers were lower under cover; however, we did not detect a resultant change in pollination. Our findings highlight the need for environment‐specific management techniques for pollinators. Improving honeybee orientation under covers and increasing our understanding of the effects of covers on bee nutrition and brood rearing should be primary objectives for maintaining colonies and potentially improving pollination in these systems.
The use of cattle Bos taurus for restoring and maintaining holarctic landscapes: Conclusions from a long‐term study (1946–2017) in northern England
Authors: Hall Stephen J. G. , Bunce Robert G. H.
Published: April 2019

Cattle Bos taurus can perform valuable ecological functions in the maintenance of high nature value (HNV) pastoral systems. They have also attracted attention as potentially filling the ecological niches of megaherbivores, notably the extinct aurochs Bos primigenius, in rewilding initiatives. Native cattle breeds are recognized under the 1992 Rio Convention as components of biodiversity. They are used in HNV settings, but their conservation as breeds has rarely been an important consideration for their management in these contexts.

The Chillingham herd has been kept under minimal management in Chillingham Park (northern England) for several centuries. Chillingham Park is not a rewilding scenario, but the long‐term study of the cattle can be informative for the design of rewilding schemes that involve cattle as megaherbivores. The pastures of the park are species‐rich seminatural grasslands.

To 2004, pasture management was influenced by the need to provide herbage for a flock of sheep that was under separate ownership, as well as for the cattle. Surveys of the vegetation conducted in 1979 and 2006–2008 showed a decline of plant species richness (species per 100 m2 quadrat) from 33.8 in 1979 to 22.6 in 2006–2008. This was acceptable as the conservation priority has always been the cattle herd. With removal of the sheep from 2004, it became possible to include recovery of plant diversity as a management goal.

In 2017, the cattle numbered 111 (64 in 1979). Plant species richness in 2017 had increased to 26.3 species per quadrat. It has therefore been possible at Chillingham both to conserve the cattle herd and to improve plant diversity. While providing basic information of relevance to the management of cattle in free‐ranging situations, this study also suggests a general principle, that the management of pastoral landscapes by native breeds of cattle, can deliver multiple conservation benefits.
Genetic changes caused by restocking and hydroelectric dams in demographically bottlenecked brown trout in a transnational subarctic riverine system
Authors: Klütsch Cornelya F. C. , Maduna Simo N. , Polikarpova Natalia , Forfang Kristin , Aspholm Paul Eric , Nyman Tommi , Eiken Hans Geir , Amundsen Per‐Arne , Hagen Snorre B.
Published: April 2019

Habitat discontinuity, anthropogenic disturbance, and overharvesting have led to population fragmentation and decline worldwide. Preservation of remaining natural genetic diversity is crucial to avoid continued genetic erosion. Brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) is an ideal model species for studying anthropogenic influences on genetic integrity, as it has experienced significant genetic alterations throughout its natural distribution range due to habitat fragmentation, overexploitation, translocations, and stocking. The Pasvik River is a subarctic riverine system shared between Norway, Russia, and Finland, subdivided by seven hydroelectric power dams that destroyed about 70% of natural spawning and nursing areas. Stocking is applied in certain river parts to support the natural brown trout population. Adjacent river segments with different management strategies (stocked vs. not stocked) facilitated the simultaneous assessment of genetic impacts of dams and stocking based on analyses of 16 short tandem repeat loci. Dams were expected to increase genetic differentiation between and reduce genetic diversity within river sections. Contrastingly, stocking was predicted to promote genetic homogenization and diversity, but also potentially lead to loss of private alleles and to genetic erosion. Our results showed comparatively low heterozygosity and clear genetic differentiation between adjacent sections in nonstocked river parts, indicating that dams prevent migration and contribute to genetic isolation and loss of genetic diversity. Furthermore, genetic differentiation was low and heterozygosity relatively high across stocked sections. However, in stocked river sections, we found signatures of recent bottlenecks and reductions in private alleles, indicating that only a subset of individuals contributes to reproduction, potentially leading to divergence away from the natural genetic state. Taken together, these results indicate that stocking counteracts the negative fragmentation effects of dams, but also that stocking practices should be planned carefully in order to ensure long‐term preservation of natural genetic diversity and integrity in brown trout and other species in regulated river systems.
Dynamics of telomere length in captive Siamese cobra (Naja kaouthia) related to age and sex
Authors: Singchat Worapong , Kraichak Ekaphan , Tawichasri Panupong , Tawan Tanapong , Suntronpong Aorarat , Sillapaprayoon Siwapech , Phatcharakullawarawat Rattanin , Muangmai Narongrit , Suntrarachun Sunutcha , Baicharoen Sudarath , Punyapornwithaya Veerasak , Peyachoknagul Surin , Chanhome Lawan , Srikulnath Kornsorn
Published: April 2019

Telomeres comprise tandem repeated DNA sequences that protect the ends of chromosomes from deterioration or fusion with neighboring chromosomes, and their lengths might vary with sex and age. Here, age‐ and sex‐related telomere lengths in male and female captive Siamese cobras (Naja kaouthia) were investigated using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction based on cross‐sectional data. A negative correlation was shown between telomere length and body size in males but not in females. Age‐related sex differences were also recorded. Juvenile female snakes have shorter telomeres relative to males at up to 5 years of age, while body size also rapidly increases during this period. This suggests that an accelerated increase in telomere length of female cobra results from sex hormone stimulation to telomerase activity, reflecting sexually dimorphic phenotypic traits. This might also result from amplification of telomeric repeats on sex chromosomes. By contrast, female Siamese cobras older than 5 years had longer telomeres than males. Diverse sex hormone levels and oxidative stress parameters between sexes may affect telomere length.
Does trait variation within broadly distributed species mirror patterns across species? A case study in Puerto Rico
Authors: Umaña María N. , Swenson Nathan G.
Published: April 2019

Although populations are phenotypically diverse, the majority of trait‐based studies have focused on examining differences among species. The justification for this broadly applied approach is based on the assumption that differences among species are always greater than within species. This is likely true for local communities, but species are often broadly distributed across a wide range of environments and patterns of intraspecific variation might surpass differences among species. Therefore, an appropriate interpretation of the functional diversity requires an assessment of patterns of trait variation across different ecological scales. In this study, we examine and characterize patterns of leaf trait variation for species that are broadly distributed along an elevational gradient. We focus on seven leaf traits that represent a main axis of functional differentiation in plants reflecting the balance between photosynthetic efficiency, display, and stomatal conductance. We evaluated patterns of trait variance across ecological scales (elevation, species, populations, and individuals) and examined trait covariance at both within species and across species levels, along the elevation gradient. Our results show three key patterns: (1) intraspecific leaf trait variation for broadly distributed species is comparable to the interspecific trait variation, (2) the trait variance structure is highly variable across species, and (3) trait coordination between pairs of leaf traits is evident across species along the gradient, but not always within species. Combined, our results show that trait coordination and covariance are highly idiosyncratic across broadly distributed and co‐occurring species, indicating that species may achieve similar functional roles even when exhibiting different phenotypes. This result challenges the traditional paradigm of functional ecology that assumes single trait values as optimal solutions for environments. In conclusion, patterns of trait variation both across and within species should be considered in future studies that assess trade‐offs among traits over environmental gradients.
Population‐based cohort study of hospital delivery volume, geographic accessibility, and obstetric outcomes
Authors: Aubrey‐Bassler F. Kris , Cullen Richard M. , Simms Alvin , Asghari Shabnam , Crane Joan , Wang Peizhong P. , Godwin Marshall
Published: April 2019

Objective

To determine associations between geographic accessibility, delivery volume, and obstetric outcomes.

Methods

Population‐based cohort study of linked hospital administrative, census, and geospatial data (2006–2009) from all Canadian jurisdictions except Quebec. Perinatal mortality and major maternal morbidity/mortality were compared across categories of road distance and hospital delivery volume.

Results

Among 820 761 mothers delivering 827 504 neonates, travel distance had minimal effect on perinatal mortality. Compared with mothers travelling 0–9 km, the odds of adverse maternal outcomes was decreased for women travelling modest distances (20–49 km, odds ratio, 0.80 [95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.86]), and increased thereafter (50–99 km, 0.99 [0.89–1.10]; 200–299 km, 1.44 [1.10–1.87]; >400 km, 2.22 [1.06–4.63]). Relative to high‐volume hospitals (>2500 deliveries/year), adverse maternal outcomes were less likely for hospitals with 1000–2499 (0.90 [0.86–0.95]), and roughly equivalent for hospitals with 200–499 (1.34 [1.22–1.48]) and 500–999 (1.27 [1.17–1.39]) deliveries/year. Odds of perinatal mortality ranged from 1.04 (0.73–1.49; 100–199 deliveries/year) to 1.50 (1.04–2.16; 50–99 deliveries/year); the pattern did not suggest causality.

Conclusion

Maternal outcomes worsen when travel distance is greater than 200 km, and improve when delivery volume exceeds 1000 deliveries per year.
The relationship among social support, self‐esteem, affect balance and loneliness in individuals with substance use disorders in China
Authors: Xia Mengfan , Yang Chunyu
Published: April 2019

This study analyzed the potential mediating role of self‐esteem and affect balance on the relationship between social support and loneliness. Respondents were 426 substabce use disorders from the Shifosi and Dalianshan rehab facilities in China who had completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Scales, and UCLA Loneliness Scale. The results indicated that self‐esteem and affect balance fully mediated the relationship between perceived social support and loneliness and all the paths, ranging from social support through self‐esteem and affect balance to loneliness, were significant. Finally, we analyzed possible approaches to decreasing individuals with substance use disorders' loneliness.
HIF‐1α facilitates osteocyte‐mediated osteoclastogenesis by activating JAK2/STAT3 pathway in vitro
Authors: Zhu Jie , Tang Yi , Wu Qing , Ji Ying‐Chen , Feng Zi‐Fan , Kang Fei‐Wu
Published: April 2019

Osteocytes, entrapped within the mineralized bone matrix, has been found to have numerous functions such as acting as an orchestrator of bone remodeling through regulation of both osteoclast and osteoblast activity and also functioning as an endocrine cell. Due to a specialized morphology and surrounding structure, osteocytes are more tolerant to hypoxia during osteoporosis, fracture, osteoarthritis, and orthodontic–orthognathic combination therapy. Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) is one of the master regulators of hypoxia reactions, playing an important role in bone modeling, remodeling, and homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the pivotal functional role of HIF‐1α in osteocytes initiating of bone remodeling under hypoxia. In the present study, the osteoclasts formation induced by RAW264.7 was significantly promoted in conditioned media (CM) from osteocytic MLO‐Y4 exposed to hypoxia in vitro. Therefore, hypoxic MLO‐Y4 cells simulated by 100 μmol/L CoCl2 or 2% O2 stably expressed HIF‐1α proteins and upregulated the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) at both the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein level. Furthermore, with the Knockdown of HIF‐1α, the expression of RANKL mRNA and protein decreased after transient transfection. In addition, the phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) was also correlated with HIF‐1α and RANKL levels under hypoxia. Then AG490, a JAK2 inhibitor, inhibited p‐JAK2, p‐STAT3 and RANKL expression. It was possible that AG490 disturbed the contact of HIF‐1α and RANKL by JAK2/STAT3 pathway, influencing osteoclastogenesis. Our findings suggested that HIF‐1α promoted the expression of RANKL by activating JAK2/STAT3 pathway in MLO‐Y4 cells, and enhanced osteocyte‐mediated osteoclastic differentiation in vitro.
An extension to the collisional model of the energetic cost of support qualitatively explains trotting and the trot–canter transition
Authors: Usherwood James R.
Published: April 2019

The majority of terrestrial mammals adopt distinct, discrete gaits across their speed range. Though there is evidence that walk, trot and gallop may be selected at speeds consistent with minimizing metabolic cost (Hoyt and Taylor, 1981,Nature,291, 239–240), the mechanical causes underlying these costs and their changes with speed are not well understood. In particular, the paired, near‐simultaneous contacts of the trot is puzzling as it appears to demand a high mechanical work that could easily be avoided with distributed contacts, as with a “running walk” gait or “tolt.” Here, a simple condition is derived—a ratio including the pitch moment of inertia and back length—for which trotting is energetically advantageous because it avoids the energetic consequences of pitching. Pitching could also be avoided if the impulses from the legs were orientated through the center of mass. A range of idealized gaits is considered that achieve this zero‐pitch condition, and work minimization predicts a transition from trot to canter at intermediate speeds. This can be understood from the geometric principles of achieving a “pseudoelastic” collision with each impulse (Ruina et al., 2005,J Theoretical Biol,14, 170‐192). However, at high speeds, a transition back to trot is predicted that is not observed in nature.
The multiple flavors of GoU pairs in RNA
Authors: Westhof Eric , Yusupov Marat , Yusupova Gulnara
Published: April 2019

Wobble GU pairs (or GoU) occur frequently within double‐stranded RNA helices interspersed within the standard G═C and A─U Watson‐Crick pairs. However, other types of GoU pairs interacting on their Watson‐Crick edges have been observed. The structural and functional roles of such alternative GoU pairs are surprisingly diverse and reflect the various pairings G and U can form by exploiting all the subtleties of their electronic configurations. Here, the structural characteristics of the GoU pairs are updated following the recent crystallographic structures of functional ribosomal complexes and the development in our understanding of ribosomal translation.
Motion‐Induced Signal Loss in In Vivo Cardiac Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging
Authors: Stoeck Christian T. , Scott Andrew D. , Ferreira Pedro F. , Tunnicliffe Elizabeth M. , Teh Irvin , Nielles‐Vallespin Sonia , Moulin Kevin , Sosnovik David E. , Viallon Magalie , Croisille Pierre , Kozerke Sebastian , Firmin David N. , Ennis Daniel B. , Schneider Jurgen E.
Published: April 2019

Level of Evidence: 5

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:319–320.
Glycerol acetylation considering competing dimerization
Authors: Soares André V.‐H. , Kale Sumeet S. , Armbruster Udo , Passos Fabio B. , Umbarkar Shubhangi B. , Dongare Mohan K. , Martin Andreas
Published: April 2019

Glycerol acetylation is a very interesting reaction for studies of consecutive kinetics. In this short communication, we present a pseudo‐homogeneous model for the synthesis of triacetyl glycerol from the reaction of glycerol and acetic acid over strongly acidic Amberlyst‐15 and Amberlyst‐70 catalysts, considering a dimerization of diacetyl glycerol (DAG) into diglycerol tetraacetate as a parallel reaction and compare the results with a model without side reactions. The best fits were obtained for apparent zeroth‐order dimerization and first‐order consecutive reactions in the presence of acetic acid in excess and with removal of water. An adaptation was made for DAG. The proposed model shows that the formation of DAG is faster than the consumption of glycerol, which could be an explanation for the occurrence of DAG dimerization instead of other parallel reactions in acetylation.
FDA approves marketing of first nondrug treatment for ADHD
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: April 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced April 19 approval to market the first medical device to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The prescription‐only device, called the Monarch external Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (eTNS) System, is indicated for patients ages 7 to 12 years old who are not currently taking prescription ADHD medication.
Beyond Touch: Cultivating Caring Atmospheres in Arid America
Authors: Vine Michael
Published: April 2019

All across the arid and semi‐arid lands of the American Southwest, people are grappling with the transgressive movements and toxic possibilities of particulate matter pollution. Based on an ethnography of environmental injustice and everyday life in rural Eastern California, this article examines the practical acts of positive air‐conditioning through which patients, parents, and carers respond to the onset of dust‐aggravated respiratory illness; an effect of the particulate matter first unleashed by the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in the early twentieth century and now compounded by the state's “historic” drought. While some seek to cultivate the breathability of domestic spaces, others try to hold the City of Los Angeles accountable for the disastrous social and material effects of its actions. Playing close attention to these varied practices of space‐making reveals the uneven geographies of risk and responsibility associated with the abrasive atmospheres of late industrialism, as well as shining fresh light on the mediation of atmospheric care in times of anthropogenic environmental crisis.
An iterative polynomial chaos approach toward stochastic elastostatic structural analysis with non‐Gaussian randomness
Authors: Nath Kamaljyoti , Dutta Anjan , Hazra Budhaditya
Published: April 2019

Stochastic analysis of structure with non‐Gaussian material property and loading in the framework of polynomial chaos (PC) is considered. A new approach for the solution of stochastic mechanics problem with random coefficient is presented. The major focus of the method is to consider reduced size of expansion in an iterative manner to overcome the problem of large system matrix in conventional PC expansion. The iterative method is based on orthogonal expansion of stochastic responses and generation of an iterative PC based on the responses of the previous iteration. The polynomials are evaluated using Gram‐Schmidt orthogonalization process. The numbers of random variables in PC expansion are reduced by considering only the dominant components of the response characteristics, which is evaluated using Karhunen‐Loève (KL) expansion. In case of random material field problem, the KL expansion is used to discretize and simulate the non‐Gaussian random field. Independent component analysis (ICA) is carried out on the non‐Gaussian KL random variables to minimize statistical dependence. The usefulness of the proposed method in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency is examined. From the numerical analysis of three different types of structural mechanics problems, the proposed iterative method is observed to be computationally more efficient and accurate than conventional PC method for solution of linear elastostatic structural mechanics problems.
The involvement of primary care physicians in care for childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Streefkerk Nina , Heins Marianne J. , Teepen Jop C. , Feijen Elizabeth A. M. , Bresters Dorine , van Dulmen‐den Broeder Eline , van der Heiden‐van der Loo Margriet , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. , van Leeuwen Flora E. , Loonen Jacqueline J. , van der Pal Helena J. H. , Ronckers Cécile M. , Versluys A. Birgitta , Tissing Wim J. E. , Korevaar Joke C. , Kremer Leontien C. M. ,   on behalf of the DCOG‐LATER Study Group
Published: April 2019

Background

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk of developing long‐term morbidity, which is likely to be presented to a primary care physician (PCP). Therefore, insight into CCS's PCP‐based health care use is needed. We investigated the volume and underlying health problems of PCP‐based health care use and the determinants for PCP‐based health care use in CCS.

Procedure

Data from a Dutch cohort of 6018 eligible five‐year CCS were linked to the Nivel Primary Care database, which contains detailed data from a representative sample of 10% of all Dutch PCPs. Per CCS, two matched controls were selected. Negative binomial regression was performed to compare the annual number of contacts between CCS and controls, and to identify determinants for PCP‐based care use among CCS.

Results

This study included 602 CCS and 1204 controls. CCS were 1.3 times more likely to contact their PCP than controls (95% CI, 1.2–1.5), up to 1.5 times at attained age over 40 years (95% CI, 1.2–1.8). CCS were 4.9 times more likely to contact their PCP for new malignancies, 3.1 for hematological conditions, and 2.8 for endocrine conditions. Female sex, higher attained age, and treatment with radiotherapy were determinants for having more PCP contacts.

Conclusions

PCPs play an important role in care for CCS. CCS use more PCP‐based care than matched controls, mainly for severe conditions such as malignancies, hematological, and endocrine conditions. Our results emphasize the importance of disseminating the current knowledge on long‐term morbidity in CCS and on their optimal follow‐up care among PCPs.
UV‐Vis Spectroscopic and NEXAFS Studies of Polycrystalline Zinc Ferrite Films
Authors: Singh Jitendra Pal , Chae Keun Hwa
Published: April 2019

In this study, zinc ferrite films with thicknesses about 270 nm are deposited using radio frequency sputtering method on fused quartz substrates under a base pressure of 5 × 10−6 Torr and an oxygen pressure of 40 mTorr during deposition. Films are annealed at 200, 400, and 600 °C for 1 h. X‐ray diffraction studies envisage the polycrystalline nature of as‐grown film. With the increase of annealing temperature, the crystallinity of these films improves. The optical band‐gap of these films increases with the increase of annealing temperature. Fe L‐edge and Zn L‐edge near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine‐structure (NEXAFS) measurements envisage that Fe and Zn ions remain in 3+ and 2+ state, respectively, in the deep of these films, however, the valence state of Fe ions at the surface of these films is modified. O K‐edge NEXAFS measurements reveal the improvement of metal–oxygen hybridized states. Therefore, it can be proposed that the optical band‐gap of these films is influenced by the improved crystallization and metal–oxygen hybridization with annealing temperature.