bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomes as evolutionary arenas: Convergence and conservatism in the trans‐continental succulent biome
Authors: Ringelberg Jens J. , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Weeks Andrea , Lavin Matt , Hughes Colin E.
Published: March 2020

Aim

Historically, biomes have been defined based on their structurally and functionally similar vegetation, but there is debate about whether these similarities are superficial, and about how biomes are defined and mapped. We propose that combined assessment of evolutionary convergence of plant functional traits and phylogenetic biome conservatism provides a useful approach for characterizing biomes. We focus on the little‐known succulent biome, a trans‐continentally distributed assemblage of succulent‐rich, drought‐deciduous, fire‐free forest, thicket and scrub vegetation as a useful exemplar biome to gain insights into these questions.

Location

Global lowland (sub)tropics.

Time period

Present.

Major taxa studied

Angiosperms.

Methods

We use a model ensemble approach to model the distribution of 884 species of stem succulents, a plant functional group representing a striking example of evolutionary convergence. Using this model, phylogenies, and species occurrence data, we quantify phylogenetic succulent biome conservatism for 10 non‐succulent trans‐continental plant clades including prominent elements of the succulent biome, representing over 800 species.

Results

The geographical and climatic distributions of stem succulents provide an objective and quantitative proxy for mapping the distribution of the succulent biome. High fractions of succulent biome occupancy across continents suggest all 10 non‐succulent study clades are phylogenetically conserved within the succulent biome.

Main conclusions

The trans‐continental succulent and savanna biomes both show evolutionary convergence in key biome‐related plant functional traits. However, in contrast to the savanna biome, which was apparently assembled via repeated local recruitment of lineages via biome shifts from adjacent biomes within continents, the succulent biome forms a coherent trans‐continental evolutionary arena for drought‐adapted tropical biome conserved lineages. Recognizing the important functional differences between the succulent‐rich, grass‐poor, fire‐free succulent biome and the grass‐dominated, succulent‐poor, fire‐prone savanna biome, and defining them as distinct seasonally dry tropical biomes, occupying essentially non‐overlapping distributions, provides critical insights into tropical biodiversity and the extent of biome stasis versus biome shifting.
Bridging the citizen gap: Bureaucratic representation and knowledge linkage in (international) public administration
Authors: Eckhard Steffen
Published: March 2020

Bureaucratic representation theory holds that civil servants are not “neutral” in a Weberian sense. Bureaucrats are thought to “actively” represent their communities by trying to make them better off. This article proposes an alternative understanding of individual behavior in representation that emphasizes knowledge sharing instead of patronage, but leads to similar outcomes: Their societal background provides officials with advanced social knowledge about the group(s) they represent, including both informational knowledge (facts about culture, history, politics) and relational knowledge (how people interact). Bureaucratic knowledge linkage is the process of sharing information and managing relations internally and with citizens. An extreme case serves to illustrate knowledge linkage empirically: Survey data from an international organization yield high levels of knowledge asymmetries within staff bodies and subsequent observation of knowledge linkage mechanisms. In generalizing findings, the risks (knowledge distortions) and benefits (attaining public value) of knowledge linkage are discussed for both international and domestic administrations.
The missing doctors — An analysis of educated women and female domesticity in Pakistan
Authors: Mohsin Mariam , Syed Jawad
Published: March 2020

While the percentage of female students in medical schools in Pakistan is as high as 80–85 per cent, the percentage of female doctors in the medical workforce remains below 50 per cent. Our findings draw on in‐depth interviews with 31 female doctors to show that the reasons behind the gap between female medical students and female medical professionals are multifold and multilayered, ranging from individual reasons to organizational and sociocultural reasons. We use an adapted version of the relational framework developed by Syed and Özbilgin in 2009 to offer a contextual and multilevel understanding of female domesticity in Pakistan. The study suggests that the problem of female doctors dropping out of the medical workforce is a reflection of the interplay of social, organizational and individual factors, which are tied together by social norms. Practical implications suggest that making hospitals and health organizations more inclusive of women and their needs could be a starting point for policymakers to address the gender gap in the medical profession.
Effects of habitat loss on the genetic diversity of Embiratermes neotenicus (Isoptera) in a fragmented landscape of the Atlantic Forest, Brazil
Authors: Vieira de Oliveira Couto Alane Ayana , Hellemans Simon , Roisin Yves , Montes Martín Alejandro , Vasconcellos Alexandre
Published: March 2020

Connectivity loss during habitat fragmentation poses a serious threat to global biodiversity. The effects of this process depend on factors such as the dispersal ability and breeding systems of each species, the type of land use surrounding the habitat remnants and the position of fragments in the landscape.

Termites are abundant in tropical ecosystems, and within this group, soil‐feeding species are the most sensitive to environmental degradation.

We investigated whether the fragmentation of the Atlantic Forest that occurred approximately 110 years ago because of sugarcane plantations in Northeast Brazil affected the genetic diversity of a population of Embiratermes neotenicus (Termitidae: Syntermitinae) in 14 fragments separated by 3–104 m over an extent of 20 km.

For 10 nests in each fragment, 10 individuals (n = 1400) were genotyped at five microsatellite loci. Our results show that the population exhibits weak genetic structure, with no relations between genetic variability and fragment features.

This result may be explained by the extraordinarily long lifespan of individual colonies, given this species' peculiar breeding system, offering several opportunities for dispersal events and patch colonisation.

Landscape features such as the arrangement of forest fragments and seasonal nature of the sugarcane matrix could enable this species to maximise dispersal success and avoid local extinction.
The Integration of Interstate Migrants in India: A 7 State Policy Evaluation
Authors: Aggarwal Varun , Solano Giacomo , Singh Priyansha , Singh Saniya
Published: March 2020

Interstate migration in developing countries is a key income generating strategy for low‐income households. In India, despite the importance of migration between states, interstate migrants continue to face significant integration barriers in their destination states. The impact of state borders on migration within India is significant and large. This study presents one of the first attempts at creating a set of indicators to understand the role of state‐level policies for the integration of interstate migrants in a developing country. After illustrating the process behind the creation of this tool and the tool in itself, we compare seven of the major migrant destination states of India, based on their policy frameworks relevant to the integration of interstate migrants. Out of these states, we found that Kerala state is the most inclusive of interstate migrants but that overall, policymakers in the considered Indian states have a long way to go to improve the integration of interstate migrants.
Ferroelectric photovoltaic and flexo‐photovoltaic effects in (1 − x)(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3‐xBiFeO3 systems under visible light
Authors: Gong Yunyun , Chen Chen , Zhang Faqiang , He Xiang , Zeng Huarong , Yang Qunbao , Li Yongxiang , Yi Zhiguo
Published: March 2020

The anomalous photovoltaic (APV) effect has witnessed great progress from classical ferroelectric photovoltaics to flexo‐photovoltaics. Both call for an extension of the spectral response range. Here, we present a comprehensive study on the ferroelectric, photoelectric, and photovoltaic properties of pure (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 (BNT) and 0.3(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3–0.7BiFeO3 (0.3BNT‐0.7BFO) ceramics. The data show that pure BNT with typical ferroelectricity exhibits intriguing photovoltaic effect even when illuminated by 550 nm visible light, while the 0.3BNT‐0.7BFO solid solution with enhanced visible light absorption shows no ferroelectric photovoltaic due to the negligible ferroelectricity but striking strain‐induced flexo‐photovoltaic effect. Transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals distinctions in the domain structures and local strain states in pure BNT and 0.3BNT‐0.7BFO ceramics, which may account for their differences in photovoltaic behavior. These findings not only deepen the understanding of photovoltaic mechanisms induced by ferroelectric polarization and flexoelectric effect but also highlight a possible candidate for multifunctional photoelectric applications.
Topological model of alkali germanate glasses and exploration of the germanate anomaly
Authors: Welch Rebecca S. , Wilkinson Collin J. , Shih Yueh‐Ting , Bødker Mikkel S. , DeCeanne Anthony V. , Smedskjaer Morten M. , Huang Liping , Affatigato Mario , Feller Steve A. , Mauro John C.
Published: March 2020

Germanate glasses are of particular interest for their excellent optical properties as well as their abnormal structural changes that appear with the addition of modifiers, giving rise to the so‐called germanate anomaly. This anomaly refers to the nonmonotonic compositional scaling of properties exhibited by alkali germanate glasses and has been studied with various spectroscopy techniques. However, it has been difficult to understand its atomic scale origin, especially since the germanium nucleus is not easily observed by nuclear magnetic resonance. To gain insights into the mechanisms of the germanate anomaly, we have constructed a structural model using statistical mechanics and topological constraint theory to provide an accurate prediction of alkali germanate glass properties. The temperature onsets for the rigid bond constraints are deduced from in situ Brillouin light scattering, and the number of constraints is shown to be accurately calculable using statistical methods. The alkali germanate model accurately captures the effect of the germanate anomaly on glass transition temperature, liquid fragility, and Young's modulus. We also reveal that compositional variations in the glass transition temperature and Young's modulus are governed by the O–Ge–O angular constraints, whereas the variations in fragility are governed by the Ge–O radial constraints.
Silencing of ATP2B1‐AS1 contributes to protection against myocardial infarction in mouse via blocking NFKBIA‐mediated NF‐κB signalling pathway
Authors: Song Kai‐You , Zhang Xian‐Zhao , Li Feng , Ji Qing‐Rong
Published: March 2020

Myocardial infarction (MI) is an acute coronary syndrome that refers to tissue infarction of the myocardium. This study aimed to investigate the effect of long intergenic non‐protein‐coding RNA (lincRNA) ATPase plasma membrane Ca2+ transporting 1 antisense RNA 1 (ATP2B1‐AS1) against MI by targeting nuclear factor‐kappa‐B inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA) and mediating the nuclear factor‐kappa‐B (NF‐κB) signalling pathway. An MI mouse model was established and idenepsied by cardiac function evaluation. It was determined that ATP2B1‐AS1 was highly expressed, while NFKBIA was poorly expressed and NF‐κB signalling pathway was activated in MI mice. Cardiomyocytes were extracted from mice and introduced with a series of mouse ATP2B1‐AS1 vector, NFKBIA vector, siRNA‐mouse ATP2B1‐AS1 and siRNA‐NFKBIA. The expression of NF‐κBp50, NF‐κBp65 and IKKβ was determined to idenepsy whether ATP2B1‐AS1 and NFKBIA affect the NF‐κB signalling pathway, the results of which suggested that ATP2B1‐AS1 down‐regulated the expression of NFKBIA and activated the NF‐κB signalling pathway in MI mice. Based on the data from assessment of cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis and levels of inflammatory cytokines, either silencing of mouse ATP2B1‐AS1 or overexpression of NFKBIA was suggested to result in reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and expression of inflammatory cytokines, as well as enhanced cardiomyocyte viability. Our study provided evidence that mouse ATP2B1‐AS1 silencing may have the potency to protect against MI in mice through inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammation, highlighting a great promise as a novel therapeutic target for MI.
Screening and functional prediction of differentially expressed circRNAs in proliferative human aortic smooth muscle cells
Authors: Chen Wei , Lin Jiajie , Li Bin , Cao Shanhu , Li Huanhuan , Zhao Jianzhi , Liu Kun , Li Yiming , Li Yang , Sun Shaoguang
Published: March 2020

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is the pathological base of vascular remodelling diseases. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important regulators involved in various biological processes. However, the function of circRNAs in VSMC proliferation regulation remains largely unknown. This study was conducted to identify the key differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) and predict their functions in human aortic smooth muscle cell (HASMC) proliferation. To achieve this, DEcircRNAs between proliferative and quiescent HASMCs were detected using a microarray, followed by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR validation. A DEcircRNA‐miRNA‐DEmRNA network was constructed, and functional annotation was performed using Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis. The function of hsa_circ_0002579 in HASMC proliferation was analysed by Western blot. The functional annotation of the DEcircRNA‐miRNA‐DEmRNA network indicated that the four DEcircRNAs might play roles in the TGF‐β receptor signalling pathway, Ras signalling pathway, AMPK signalling pathway and Wnt signalling pathway. Twenty‐seven DEcircRNAs with coding potential were screened. Hsa_circ_0002579 might be a pro‐proliferation factor of HASMC. Overall, our study identified the key DEcircRNAs between proliferative and quiescent HASMCs, which might provide new important clues for exploring the functions of circRNAs in vascular remodelling diseases.
Non‐lethal assessment of reproductive stage for female blue sharks Prionace glauca using sex steroid hormones
Authors: Fujinami Yuki , Semba Yasuko
Published: March 2020

Plasma concentrations of progesterone (P4) and 17β‐oestradiol (E2) in juvenile, pre‐ovulatory, early, mid‐ or late pregnancy stages of female blue sharks Prionace glauca were analysed. Concentrations of P4 were significantly higher in pregnant than in non‐pregnant individuals, whereas E2 concentrations increased with embryonic and follicular development. A highly accurate (86.1%) random forest classification model was developed to predict shark pregnancy. It is proposed that hormone concentrations could be used for the subsequent non‐lethal determination of female P. glauca reproductive state.
Deep phylogeographic structure may indicate cryptic species within the Sparid genus Spondyliosoma
Authors: McKeown Niall J. , Gwilliam Michael P. , Healey Amy J.E. , Skujina Ilze , Potts Warren M. , Sauer Warwick H.H. , Shaw Paul W.
Published: March 2020

Two geographically nonoverlapping species are currently described within the sparid genus Spondyliosoma: Spondyliosoma cantharus (Black Seabream) occurring across Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic waters from NW Europe to Angola and S. emarginatum (Steentjie) considered endemic to southern Africa. To address prominent knowledge gaps this study investigated range‐wide phylogeographic structure across both species. Mitochondrial DNA sequences revealed deep phylogeographic structuring with four regionally partitioned reciprocally monophyletic clades, a Mediterranean clade and three more closely related Atlantic clades [NE Atlantic, Angola and South Africa (corresponding to S. emarginatum)]. Divergence and distribution of the lineages reflects survival in, and expansion from, disjunct glacial refuge areas. Cytonuclear differentiation of S. emarginatum supports its validity as a distinct species endemic to South African waters. However, the results also indicate that S. cantharus may be a cryptic species complex wherein the various regional lineages represent established/incipient species. A robust multilocus genetic assessment combining morphological data and detailing interactions among lineages is needed to determine the full diversity within Spondyliosoma and the most adequate biological and taxonomic status.
Widespread occurrence of pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) throughout Greenland coastal waters
Authors: Nielsen Julius , Rosing‐Asvid Aqqalu , Meire Lorenz , Nygaard Rasmus
Published: March 2020

Using social media, the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources collected data on the occurrence of pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) in 2019. Eighty‐four pink salmon were reported from 22 locations across Greenland. This comprised 76 specimens from 2019 and 8 specimens from 2013 to 2018. Of these, 12 were caught in fresh water, and a single pink salmon was from the bottom of the Nuuk Fjord near the Kapisillit River – the only known river in Greenland where the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) spawn. It is unknown if pink salmon have reproduced in Greenland waters.
Comparison of the on‐treatment risks for hepatocellular carcinoma between entecavir and tenofovir: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Ha Ingyoon , Chung Jung Wha , Jang Eun Sun , Jeong Sook‐Hyang , Kim Jin‐Wook
Published: March 2020

Background and Aim

Entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) may reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, it is not clear whether there is difference in the on‐treatment HCC risks between ETV and TDF.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we compared the on‐treatment HCC incidence of ETV and TDF in 1340 consecutive nucleos(t)ide analog‐naïve CHB patients by propensity score (PS) matching analysis. PS was calculated by using age, sex, drinking history, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, hepatitis B e antigen positivity, hepatitis B virus DNA, hepatitis B s antigen titer, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alpha‐fetoprotein, albumin, bilirubin, prothrombin time, platelet count, and calendar year of treatment initiation as covariates. The HCC risk was assessed by Cox regression with death and liver transplantation as competing risks in the 1:1 PS‐matched cohorts (n = 596).

Results

TDF had higher cumulative virologic response (P = 0.027) whereas ETV showed higher AST and ALT normalization rates (P = 0.005 and < 0.001, respectively) in PS‐matched cohorts. HCC risk was similar between ETV and TDF, either by PS‐matching analysis (hazard ratio [HR] for TDF over ETV = 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.98–4.33, P = 0.058) or inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis (HR = 1.30, 95% CI = 0.81–2.10; P = 0.276).

Conclusions

ETV and TDF treatment was associated with similar risk for HCC development in CHB patients.
Two multinational, observational surveys investigating perceptions of beauty and attitudes and experiences relating to aesthetic medical procedures
Authors: Redaelli Alessio , Siddiqui Syed Sana , Liu Xierong , Poliziani Michele , Erbil Hakan , Prygova Inna , Atamanov Vasiliy
Published: March 2020

Background

Data on opinions and experiences of aesthetic medical procedures outside the United States and Western Europe are scarce.

Aims

This study aimed to survey users and non‐users of aesthetic procedures in countries where this information is less readily available, to understand attitudes and perceptions relating to beauty.

Patients/Methods

Two independent internet‐based observational surveys were conducted. Survey 1: individuals from Colombia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Russia and Turkey who were ‘users’ or ‘non‐users’ of aesthetic medical procedures. Survey 2: individuals from Colombia, Russia, Thailand, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates who were ‘users’ of non‐surgical aesthetic treatments.

Results

Surveys 1 and 2 were completed by 300 and 160 individuals, respectively, most of whom were female (94.0% and 99%). Overall, respondents rated the eyes and smile as the most pleasing male and female facial features. Most participants (mean 82.6%; range 75%‐100%) believed maintaining a healthy lifestyle was important for ageing gracefully, and over one‐third (36.0%; 28%‐47%) believed men age more gracefully than women. The emphasis respondents placed on the importance of physical attributes vs inner feelings, internal beauty and self‐confidence varied between countries. Users were often more positive about aesthetic medical procedure outcomes than non‐users. Adequate information, good physician communication (including managing treatment expectations), treatment recommendations based on patient need and good aftercare improved treatment satisfaction.

Conclusions

The eyes and smile were key features of attractiveness, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle was consistently considered an important factor for ageing gracefully. Ensuring patients are well informed was a major determinant of treatment satisfaction.
A novel method for typing of cesarean scar pregnancy based on size of cesarean scar diverticulum and its significance in clinical decision‐making
Authors: Du Qinghua , Liu Guipeng , Zhao Wancheng
Published: March 2020

Aim

There is currently no universally accepted method for typing of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) to guide the choice of treatment approach. We introduce a new method for typing CSP and investigate its clinical significance.

Method

Clinical data of 198 patients with CSP were collected and analyzed. The patients were divided into three types according to the size of their cesarean scar diverticula (CSD), measured by magnetic resonance imaging: type I (size of CSD ≤40 mm), type II (40 mm < size of CSD ≤70 mm) and type III (size of CSD >70 mm).

Results

With increase in the type level, the risk of adverse events increased significantly (χ2 = 36.345, P = 0.000). There was a significant difference in the choice of the treatment approaches in various types of the patients (χ2 = 27.106, P = 0.000). With increase in the type level, the invasiveness level of the treatment approach increased significantly (R = 0.405, P = 0.000). Further analysis found two other factors that influenced treatment choice.

Conclusion

Our study, for the first time, demonstrates the value of size of CSD in typing of CSP and, thereby supplements the CSP typing system with a novel quantitative indicator. This typing method is of significance for evaluation of risk of CSP and guiding the choice of treatment approach. This typing method, combined with the two features of cesarean scar thickness and lesions protruding outside the uterine contour, will improve the risk assessment of CSP and the rationale of treatment plan formulation for this condition.
Effects of uterine artery occlusion during myomectomy on ovarian reserve: Serial follow‐up of sex hormone levels, ultrasound parameters and Doppler characteristics
Authors: Chen Wen‐Hsin , Huang Kuan‐Hui , Kung Fu‐Tsai
Published: March 2020

Aim

To evaluate the influence of uterine artery occlusion at myomectomy (UAO + M) on ovarian reserve based on serum sex hormone levels, ultrasound and color Doppler examinations.

Methods

In this cohort study, nine women with symptomatic uterine myomas underwent UAO + M were recruited. Each woman was assessed preoperatively and 3, 6 months postoperatively, through a serial of hormonal, ultrasound parameters and Doppler examination for ovarian stromal blood flow. The data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations.

Results

There was no significant difference in serum anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) or follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) levels before and 3, 6 months after UAO + M. The ovarian volume, antral follicle count (AFC) and ovarian stromal blood flow had significant changes in the right ovary. Ovarian volume and AFC significantly reduced at 3 months and recovered at 6 months postoperatively (P = 0.046, P = 0.019, respectively). Peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity significantly decreased at 3 months and leveled off at 6 months (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively). Resistance index significantly increased at 3 months and decreased at 6 months (P = 0.037). A similar trend in ultrasound and Doppler findings was observed in the left ovary, but no statistical significance was found.

Conclusion

UAO + M had no detrimental effect on ovarian reserve 6 months postoperatively based on AMH and FSH levels. AFC, ovarian volume and stromal blood flow were transiently decreased in 3 months and recovered in 6 months.
Paraoxonase‐1 activity evaluation as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in horses and foals
Authors: Ruggerone Beatrice , Paltrinieri Saverio , Giordano Alessia , Scavone Donatella , Nocera Irene , Rinnovati Riccardo , Spadari Alessandro , Scacco Licia , Pratelli Paola , Sgorbini Micaela
Published: March 2020

Background

In several species, paraoxonase‐1 (PON‐1) decreases during inflammation, because of the presence of oxidative stress; its measurement recently has been validated in horses, but its role as a clinical biomarker is unknown.

Objectives

To evaluate sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio of PON‐1 activity to identify systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)‐positive horses or horses with a poor prognosis.

Animals

One hundred seventy‐two blood samples from 58 sick horses from 3 different veterinary hospitals.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, PON‐1 activity was measured upon admission and at 24‐hour intervals until discharge or death, and results were analyzed based on SIRS status and outcome.

Results

No statistically significant difference was found in median PON‐1 activity between SIRS and non‐SIRS cases or between survivors and non‐survivors except for mares, in which PON‐1 activity was significantly lower in SIRS‐positive horses (P = .05). The sensitivity of PON‐1 activity in identifying horses with SIRS or negative outcome was low (0.0%‐46.2% depending on the examined group) but its specificity was high (87.0%‐100.0%). However, when PON‐1 is low, the likelihood of death is 2.40‐3.89 times higher than the likelihood of survival. Repeated measurement of PON‐1 after treatment does not predict outcome.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Evaluation of PON‐1 activity in horses with inflammation might be advisable in the future, but only low activity at admission may be relevant in predicting SIRS or negative outcome.
Emergence of an evolutionary innovation: Gene expression differences associated with the transition between oviparity and viviparity
Authors: Foster Charles S. P. , Thompson Michael B. , Van Dyke James U. , Brandley Matthew C. , Whittington Camilla M.
Published: March 2020

Our understanding of the evolution of complex biological traits is greatly advanced by examining taxa with intermediate phenotypes. The transition from oviparity (egg‐laying) to viviparity (live‐bearing) has occurred independently in many animal lineages, but there are few phenotypic intermediates. The lizard Saiphos equalis exhibits bimodal reproduction, with some viviparous populations, and other oviparous populations with long egg‐retention, a rare trait where most of embryonic development occurs inside the mother prior to late ovipositioning. We posit that oviparous S. equalis represent an intermediate form between “true” oviparity and viviparity. We used transcriptomics to compare uterine gene expression in these two phenotypes, and provide a molecular model for the genetic control and evolution of reproductive mode. Many genes are differentially expressed throughout the reproductive cycle of both phenotypes, which have clearly different gene expression profiles overall. The differentially expressed genes within oviparous and viviparous individuals have broadly similar biological functions putatively important for sustaining embryos, including uterine remodelling, respiratory gas and water exchange, and immune regulation. These functional similarities indicate either that long egg‐retention is an exaptation for viviparity, or might reflect parallel evolution of similar gravidity‐related changes in gene expression in long egg‐retention oviparity. In contrast, gene expression changes across the reproductive cycle of long egg‐retaining oviparous S. equalis are dramatically different from those of “true” oviparous skinks (such as Lampropholis guichenoti), supporting our assertion that oviparous S. equalis exhibit an intermediate phenotype between “true” oviparity and viviparity.
Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for Anopheles funestus group and Anopheles gambiae complex species
Authors: Kamber T. , Koekemoer L. L. , Mathis A.
Published: March 2020

Species of the genus Anopheles vary with regard to their vector capacity for Plasmodium spp., the causative agent of malaria, and their accurate identification is often required. Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a rapid, simple and low‐cost method for specific DNA amplification. Primers for LAMP assays specific for the Anopheles funestus group and Anopheles gambiae complex species as well as for the species Anopheles arabiensis, An. funestus, An. gambiae s.s/Anopheles coluzzii (major vectors) and Anopheles rivulorum (minor vector) were designed targeting specific genome or rDNA internal transcribed spacer regions. Reaction conditions (buffer composition, primer concentrations, incubation time) were evaluated and the specificities of the assays confirmed with DNA from non‐target Anopheles species. DNA release from the mosquitoes is achieved simply by heating them for 5 min in water. An aliquot of the DNA solutions is transferred to the reaction tube using disposable inoculation loops. The outcome of the LAMP amplifications after 1 h incubation at 65 °C can easily be visualized by a colour change visible to the naked eye. The assays are operable under field conditions requiring only basic equipment (portable heat block programmable at 65 and 80 °C, cooler for master mixes).
Expert consensus on an open‐access United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation–multiple micronutrient supplement product specification
Authors:   The Multiple Micronutrient Supplement Technical Advisory Group (MMS‐TAG),   The Micronutrient Forum (MNF)
Published: March 2020

The multiple micronutrient supplement (MMS) based on the United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation (UNIMMAP) formula provides women and their offspring with a healthy start to life in an efficacious, safe, and cost‐effective way. To date, however, no precise and transparent specifications exist to support the manufacturing and distribution of UNIMMAP–MMS globally. To palliate for this need, the MMS Technical Advisory Group at the New York Academy of Sciences and the Micronutrient Forum convened a technical consultation to develop an open access UNIMMAP–MMS Product Specification for the manufacturing of this product. The specifications offered in this paper cover: ingredients, excipients, and processing aids used in the manufacturing of UNIMMAP–MMS; stability studies recommended under different testing conditions and climatic zones; packaging considerations; manufacturing standards, including pharmacopeia standards, manufacturing practices, certificates of analysis, change control, and quality agreement; finished product specifications, including tablet characterization and purity, potency assay; analytical test methods; and storage and transportation requirements.
General health status of a sample of patients with burning mouth syndrome: A case–control study
Authors: de Pedro Miguel , López‐Pintor Rosa María , Casañas Elisabeth , Hernández Gonzalo
Published: March 2020

Background

The relationship of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) with possible alterations in patients’ general health has been subject of study and controversy during the last years.

Objective

To analyse the general health status of patients with BMS, comparing it with a control group.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted to compare the diseases, medications, blood test alterations, disturbances in general health, oral quality of life, xerostomia, sleep quality and psychological status between a group of 20 patients with BMS and a group of 40 patients who did not suffer from this disease.

Results

BMS patients suffered more comorbidities and consumed more medications than controls. More mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders in BMS patients were found, consuming more drugs for nervous and cardiovascular systems, and alimentary tract and metabolism. Lower levels of iron and higher levels of folic acid were found in BMS patients compared to controls. General health status, oral health impact, sleepiness, psychological status and xerostomia levels were also significantly worsened in BMS patients than in controls.

Conclusions

BMS patients presented a worsened health status over controls suffering more comorbidities, consuming more medications and showing adverse results in all the health variables analysed in this study.
Human and Global Identities: Different Prototypical Meanings of All‐Inclusive Identities
Authors: Carmona Margarida , Sindic Denis , Guerra Rita , Hofhuis Joep
Published: March 2020

The impact of identities encompassing all human beings (e.g., human and/or global identities) on intergroup relations is complex, with studies showing mostly positive (e.g., less dehumanization), but also negative (e.g., deflected responsibility for harm behavior), effects. However, different labels and measures have been used to examine the effects of these all‐inclusive superordinate identities, without a systematic empirical examination of the extent to which they overlap or differ in their sociopsychological prototypical content. This study examined whether different labels activate the same contents in laypeople's conceptualization. Two hundred and forty‐eight participants openly described one of six labels: “All humans everywhere”; “People all over the world”; “People from different countries around the world”; “Global citizens”; “Citizens of the world”; and “Members of world community.” Results from quantitative content analyses showed that the different labels activated different thematic attributes, representing differences in their core prototypical meaning. We propose that a general distinction should be made between labels that define membership based on human attributes (e.g., biological attributes) and those that evoke attributes characteristic of membership in a global political community (e.g., attitudinal attributes), as their effect on intergroup relations may vary accordingly.
How permissive consent works
Authors: Schaber Peter
Published: March 2020

Consent that is voluntary, informed and given by a competent person sometimes transforms a wrong into a right act. How does consent that meets these requirements change the moral property of an act, namely that of being a wronging of a person? This is the question this paper will deal with. Some authors argue that valid consent changes the moral property of an act by changing the reasons which speak against the act. This account of the normative force of consent will be critically examined and rejected. An alternative model will then be put forward and defended according to which consent changes the moral property of an act if and only if the wrong‐making property of the act is that it is not consented to. The upshot will be that consent does not eliminate the wrong‐making property if the unconsented act is wrong for other reasons than not being consented to.
Women and Buddhism in East Asian history: The case of the Blood Bowl Sutra, Part II: Japan
Authors: Meeks Lori
Published: March 2020

Part II turns to Japan, the other major East Asian region where beliefs and practices related to blood hells became commonplace, especially in the early modern period. This article traces Japanese reception of cults to the Blood Bowl Sutra, examining the particular ways in which blood hell cults developed there. As was the case in China, Japanese cults to the Blood Bowl Sutra often emphasized postmortem care for women and were disseminated largely through entertaining storytelling traditions. The cult also came to be associated, as it had been in China, with rites for safe childbirth. After examining the cults' historical development in Japan, this article will consider some of the larger insights made possible through a broadly conceived comparison of Chinese and Japanese cults to the blood hells.
A case series of inactivated Japanese encephalitis virus vaccination associated with positive West Nile virus blood donor screening nucleic acid tests
Authors: Drews Steven J. , Makowski Kai , Wood Heidi , Dimitrova Kristina , Yan Matthew T.S. , Young Dale , Skeate Robert , Ng Michiko , Hawes Gordon , Fearon Margaret , Bigham Mark
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a member of the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) serocomplex within the Flaviviridae family. We report four whole blood donors and one plasma donor with WNV nucleic acid test (NAT)‐reactive donations between September 2018 and November 2019, following recent Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccination.

CASE SERIES

Cases 1 and 4 had reactive WNV NAT donations 1 day after receiving the JEV vaccine. Case 2 had a reactive WNV donation 3 days after receiving the JEV vaccine. Case 3 had a reactive WNV NAT donation 3 days after returning from Arizona and 1 day after receiving the JEV vaccine. Case 5 had a reactive WNV donation the same day as receiving the JEV vaccine.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

WNV screening used the Roche cobas WNV nucleic acid test (NAT) (Roche Molecular Systems). Reference testing on WNV‐reactive donations was carried out by the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML). JEV vaccine dilutions were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Supplemental NAT was negative for WNV and JEV for Cases 1, 3, and 5. Case 2 had a weak amplification curve for one of two JEV NAT targets. Case 4 was JEV NAT‐positive, WNV NAT‐negative. Serologic testing on donation specimens for Cases 2, 4, and 5 did not support recent or remote WNV infection. JEV vaccine dilutions were detected by both cobas and supplemental NAT.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend implementing a temporary blood donor deferral following a JEV vaccination, if screening utilizes a WNV assay with the capability of detecting other members of the JE serocomplex.
The use of coagulation factor concentrates for perioperative bleeding management – a global perspective
Authors: Grottke Oliver , Callum Jeannie , Cushing Melissa M. , Haas Thorsten
Published: March 2020

KEY IDEAS

The use of purified, pathogen‐reduced coagulation factor concentrates instead of a ratio‐driven transfusion protocol using plasma, platelets, or cryoprecipitate may offer a faster, safer, and more specific approach to significantly increase the concentration of coagulation factors in bleeding patients.

Available products, on‐label indications, price, and approach to laboratory monitoring differ considerably worldwide.

Although evidence regarding optimal thresholds and dose of coagulation factor concentrates to treat massive perioperative bleeding is still limited, recently multiple high‐quality published trials with promising results have been published globally.
The effects of soft cryotherapy on conjunctiva and cornea in isolated pig eyes and comparison with standard liquid nitrogen: A pilot ex vivo study
Authors: Barachetti Laura , Giudice Chiara , Cescon Margherita , Mortellaro Carlo M. , Ferrari Roberta , Rampazzo Antonella
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the immediate effects on cornea and conjunctiva of a cryosurgical method based on the application of a dimethyl ether, propane and isobutene solution (DMEPI, Histofreezer®), and of Liquid Nitrogen (LN2; Cry‐Ac Cryogun®).

Methods

A total of 52 isolated pig eyes were obtained at the slaughterhouse, preserved for less than one hour in Ringer Lactate and divided into four groups. The first group included eyes treated with two applications of DMEPI in the center of the cornea, the second group eyes treated with DMEPI on the third eyelid's conjunctiva, the third group eyes treated with LN2 on the third eyelid's conjunctiva and the fourth group included eyes treated with LN2 on the central cornea. Each cryogen application (0.8 cm area) lasted 40 seconds. Each group included one (untreated) control eye. The eyes were submitted for routine histopathological evaluation. Histological alterations were recorded and scored with a semiquantitative scoring system.

Results

No tissue alteration was detected on the conjunctiva, in any of the groups. Treated corneas showed mild to moderate cytoplasmic vacuolization of epithelial cells, shrinkage and hypereosinophilia of small groups of basal epithelial cells and stromal cleft formation.

Conclusions

Soft cryosurgery caused no severe acute histologically detectable damage to cornea and conjunctiva in isolated pig eyes, and no significant difference was observed when LN2 and DMEPI treatments were compared. Further in vivo studies should be performed in order to verify possible delayed effects and the clinical efficacy of DMEPI cryosurgery in specific corneal and/or conjunctival diseases.
Lifetime Model for the Fatigue Fracture in Cu/Al2O3/Cu Composites: Experimental Validation of a Substantial Lifetime Enhancement by Cu Step Etching
Authors: Gaiser Patrick , Klingler Markus , Wilde Jürgen
Published: March 2020

Direct bonded copper (DBC) alumina (Al2O3) substrates are used in power electronic devices in order to transfer the heat from semiconductor devices to the heat sink and to carry high electric currents. Fatigue-induced cracks in the ceramic result in a diminished heat dissipation, leading to failure of a power device. Hence, a lifetime model concerning this failure mode is necessary. In this paper, a new lifetime model including crack initiation as well as crack propagation for the fatigue fracture of Al2O3-based DBC substrates is presented. It is based on experimental crack detection techniques and finite element method (FEM) simulations including fracture mechanics. For the validation of the lifetime model, experiments are presented which show that by appropriate design of the copper edge, the lifetime of the substrates is increased substantially.
Guidelines for Reduced-Order Thermal Modeling of Multifinger GaN HEMTs
Authors: Pearson Robert , Chatterjee Bikramjit , Kim Samuel , Graham Samuel , Rattner Alexander , Choi Sukwon
Published: March 2020

The increasing demand for tightly integrated gallium nitride high electron mobility transistors (HEMT) into electronics systems requires accurate thermal evaluation. While these devices exhibit favorable electrical characteristics, the performance and reliability suffer from elevated operating temperatures. Localized device self-heating, with peak channel and die level heat fluxes of the order of 1 MW cm−2 and 1 kW cm−2, respectively, presents a need for thermal management that is reliant on accurate channel temperature predictions. In this publication, a high-fidelity multiphysics modeling approach employing one-way electrothermal coupling is validated against experimental results from Raman thermometry of a 60-finger gallium nitride (GaN) HEMT power amplifier under a set of direct current (DC)-bias conditions. A survey of commonly assumed reduced-order approximations, in the form of numerical and analytical models, are systematically evaluated with comparisons to the peak channel temperature rise of the coupled multiphysics model. Recommendations of modeling assumptions are made relating to heat generation, material properties, and composite layer discretization for numerical and analytical models. The importance of electrothermal coupling is emphasized given the structural and bias condition effect on the heat generation profile. Discretization of the composite layers, with temperature-dependent thermal properties that are physically representative, are also recommended.
Influence of Frequency-Dependent Friction Modeling on the Simulation of Transient Flows in High-Pressure Flow Pipelines
Authors: Ferrari Alessandro , Vento Oscar
Published: March 2020

Frequency-dependent friction can be an important dissipative factor for unsteady flows. In this research investigation, various popular models have been reviewed thoroughly and then applied to evaluate frequency-dependent friction in high-pressure transient flows. Three piezoresistive transducers were used to measure pressure signals along a 2 m high-pressure pipe: the first and the third signal were assumed as boundary conditions in a homemade code that is able to solve the velocity and pressure fields along the pipe. The simulation pressure data have been compared with the pressure signal measured by means of the transducer installed in the middle of the pipe. In addition, an injector model has been applied to a 2 m pipe in order to perform additional simulations in which the rail pressure time distribution and the electrical current time history to the injector are provided as boundary conditions. It has been observed that when frequency-dependent friction is taken into account, more accurate pressure results are generally obtained along the injector supply line than in the case in which the viscous stress is calculated by only taking into account the steady-state Darcy–Weisbach contribution. On the other hand, on the basis of a comparison between the obtained numerical results and experimental traces, the improvement is not related to the method by which the unsteady friction is evaluated. Therefore, the simplest frequency-dependent friction model is recommended to simulate high-pressure transient flows in pipes with a shorter aspect ratio than 800 and lower Reynolds numbers than 104.
Multistability Control of Space Magnetization in Hyperjerk Oscillator: A Case Study
Authors: Leutcho Gervais Dolvis , Kengne Jacques , Fonzin Fozin Theophile , Srinivasan K. , Njitacke Tabekoueng Z. , Jafari Sajad , Borda Monica
Published: March 2020

In this paper, multistability control of a 5D autonomous hyperjerk oscillator through linear augmentation scheme is investigated. The space magnetization is characterized by the coexistence of five different stable states including an asymmetric pair of chaotic attractors, an asymmetric pair of period-3 cycle, and a symmetric chaotic attractor for a given/fixed set of parameters. The linear augmentation method is applied here to control, for the first time, five coexisting attractors. Standard Lyapunov exponents, bifurcation diagrams, basins of attraction, and 3D phase portraits are presented as methods to conduct the efficaciousness of the control scheme. The results of the applied methods reveal that the monostable chaotic attractor is obtained through three important crises when varying the coupling strength. In particular, below the first critical value of the coupling strength, five distinct attractors are coexisting. Above that critical value, three and then two chaotic attractors are now coexisting, respectively. While for higher values of the coupling strength, only the symmetric chaotic attractor is viewed in the controlled system. The process of annihilation of coexisting multiple attractors to monostable one is confirmed experimentally. The important results of the controlled hyperjerk system with its unique survived chaotic attractor are suited in applications like secure communications.