bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Inmates of the New-bell Central Prison, Cameroon
Authors: Kuete Thomas , Ghislain Mbwang Hugues , Menengue Nguele Catherine , Same Ekobo Albert
Published: March 2019

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a public health issue in developing countries where overcrowded settlements and poor sanitation are general rule. Due to paucity of IPIs data in known overcrowded Cameroonian prisons, this cross-sectional study conducted in 2015 in the New-Bell Central Prison (NBCP) aimed to establish biodiversity, prevalence and risk factors of intestinal protozoan and helminthe infections among inmates.

Fresh stool samples collected from the NBCP volunteered inmates were laboratory examined microscopically as fresh mounts plus iodine, Kato-Katz smears, formalin-ether concentration and modified Ziehl-Nelseen stained sediments.

Of a total 374 inmates who participated in the study, overall IPIs prevalence was 39.3%. Helminthe and protozoa prevalence was 16.6% and 24.6% respectively. Parasites species were recorded at following prevalence: Ascaris lumbricoides (10.4%), Trichuris trichiura (5.1%), Schistosoma mansoni (0.5%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (14.2%), Entamoeba coli (16.6%), Giardia intestinalis (7.2%), Chilomastix mesnili (2.4%), Blastocystis spp (2.1%) and Cryptosporidium sp (4.3%). Co-infections by two or three parasites were recorded among parasitized inmates.

Overall IPIs prevalence was not significantly influenced by gender, age, detention duration, education level, handwashing practices, sanitation and drinking water source. However, highest IPIs prevalence occurred in males aged 30 to 49 years old, less than one year detainees, latrine users and those who drank borehole water. Systematic handwashing practices and education level did not influence significantly IPIs prevalence. All helminthe infections were of light intensities.

Inmates in the New Bell central prison were parasitized by several species of protozoa and intestinal worms in varying prevalence depending on the detention period, the sex, the age and hygiene. A regular IPIs control among prison inmates was recommended to the NBCP managers to prevent related morbidity.
Effect of Soil Microbes on Nitrate, Phosphate and Total Hydrocarbon Content of Various Concentrations of Oilfield Wastewater
Authors: Owhonka Aleruchi , Omokaro Obire,
Published: March 2019

The effects of soil microbes on nitrate, phosphate and total hydrocarbon content of various concentrations of oilfield wastewater were investigated for a period of 28 days using standard methods. Periodic sampling of the treatment options from each flask were carried out after 24 hrs and subsequently at 7 days interval for nitrate, phosphate and total hydrocarbon content analysis. The nitrate, phosphate and total hydrocarbon content were higher in all the treatment options than in the control (0%). The concentration of nitrate and phosphate in the soil treatment options reduced significantly at day 28. Total hydrocarbon content of the 0% (control) on 24 hrs was 48 mg/kg and 26 mg/kg on 28th day, while 10, 25, 50 and 75 (%) were 160 and 98, 162 and 94, 163 and 98, 163 and 96 mg/kg respectively. There was significant reduction between the incubation period (24 hr and 28 days) in the various treatment option including the control.  The results revealed that nutrients (nitrate and phosphate) were been utilized by the soil microbes and further enhanced microbial utilization of hydrocarbons. This suggests that oilfield wastewater could serve as nutrient enhancement medium for indigenous soil microbes in bioremediation process.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Dengue Fever in a Cohort of Nursing Students
Authors: Shueai Al Awfi Mansoor , AL Sharabi Bushra Anaam , Al Alimi Abdullah , Abdo Abkar Mohammed
Published: March 2019

Background: Good knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on dengue fever will result a significant effect on prevention and control. Conversely, poor KAP help spread of dengue vectors and virus resulting in dengue epidemics.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding dengue fever among a cohort of nursing students in faculty of medicine and health sciences, Hodiedah University, Hodiedah, Yemen.

Methods: Data was collected from 80 students using questionnaire method consists of a set of questions during 2016–2017educational year. KAP were assessed as satisfactory or unsatisfactory using a scoring system. Data was analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS®). Chi-square test was used for testing associations. 

Results: According to KAP scores, 12.5%, 97.5% and 25% of respondents had satisfactory knowledge, attitudes and practices respectively. While 87.5%, 2.5% and 75% of them had unsatisfactory knowledge, attitudes and practices about dengue fever. There is significant association between knowledge and practices (p= 0.001). However, there is no significant association between knowledge and attitudes (p= 0.588) about dengue fever.

Conclusion: Present study concluded that 87.5 % and 75% of participants nursing students have unsatisfactory knowledge and practices regarding dengue infection. Therefore, it is importance to enhance their knowledge and practices before graduation and employing them for health care services in the community.
Nutrition Assessment and Factors Influencing Malnutrition among Children under Five in Adjumani District Uganda
Authors: Simon Peter Emurot , Haruna Aliyu Sambo , Salisu Hassan Rabiu
Published: March 2019

Globally and specifically within the sub-Saharan African region, the nutritional status of children under five has remain a public health concern. Deficiency in nutrients has been documented as a cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five in most developing countries. The study was conducted to determine factors influencing malnutrition among children under five in Adjumani district in Uganda. The study design adopted was a descriptive and cross-sectional type. Three hundred children aged under five years together with either their mothers or adult care givers          were selected. An interviewer administered structured questionnaire was completed by 200 mothers/caregivers. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measurements while focus group discussions with medical personnel and direct observation were also conducted. The result depicts that Wasting was significantly associated with sex of the children with females more likely to be wasted than males (p=0.023). Age of the studied children was found to be significantly associated with mid upper arm circumference (p<0.001). Also education level of mothers/care givers was significantly associated with malnutrition of children under five. (P value 0.013). Stunting and underweight were identified as the main nutrition problems in Adjumani District. Poor weaning practices, poor sanitation due to inadequate hand washing and poor maintenance of latrine as well as low income for house hold due to few loan/ credit facilities were identified as factors influencing malnutrition.

The study therefore recommends that nutrition survey for children under five should be done regularly at community level. Sanitation can be improved by availing hand washing facility for each latrine. Female education be encouraged while agriculture to should be modernized in order to boost household income and improve food security.
Effect of Plant Spacing on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Submerged Condition
Authors: Verma Bhuneshwar , Ramteke L. K. , Shahid M.
Published: March 2019

The experiment was conducted to find out the effect of plant spacing on the performance of rice variety IR-64 and IR64-Sub1 under conventional and Submerged condition at the National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Cuttack, Odisha during the Rabi season of 2018. Different planting densities were maintained using different spacing's. These include (S1) 15 cm × 10 cm, (S2) 15 cm × 20 cm. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications spacing of 15 cm × 10 cm with produced the highest grain yield of 350 gm-2 in submerged condition on IR64-Sub1 rice cultivar, which was significantly higher than the yield with recommended density (15 cm × 10 cm with IR64 Sub1). This yield was increased due to higher number of panicles m-2. This result suggests that higher planting density (15 cm×10 cm) rather than increased number of seedling hill-1 is necessary for getting higher yield of IR-64Sub1 rice cultivar in continuous submerged condition (where V1=IR 64, V2=IR-64 Sub1, S1=15 cm×10 cm, S2=20 cm×15 cm).
Profitability and Constraints of Quail Egg Production in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adeoti S. O. , Baruwa O. I.
Published: March 2019

The study was conducted in Southwestern Nigeria, to analyze the profitability and constraints of quail egg production in the study area. A multistage sampling technique was used in selecting 90 respondents used in the study. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, likert scale and budgetary analysis. The result indicated that majority (66.7%) of the respondents fall below the age of 50 years, 70% were male, 81.1% of the respondents were married. Considerable number of the quail farmer had post secondary education (86.70%). The result further revealed that 56.7% used cage system of production and 48.9% had between 2-4 years of rearing experience this signify that quail farming is a new enterprise in the area. The result further stated that quails business was profitable with Operating expenses ratio, rate of return to investment, benefit cost ratio and profitability index to be 0.53, 0.84, 1.84 and 0.46 respectively.

Constraints to quails farming in the study area includes: poor marketing, high cost of feeds, poor quality of day old chick/high mortality rate and others. The study recommended that any measures geared toward reducing the cost of feeds will increase their profit margin. Government on her part is advise to assist research institutes to come out with breed of quail that are prolific and disease resistant also a good system of marketing should be established.
Development of a Low-cost Drip Irrigation System
Authors: Lasisi O. , Isinkaye O. D. , Fati B. O.
Published: March 2019

The localized irrigation is the artificial application of water to the root zone of plants for the purpose of supplying the essential moisture requirement for plant growth. The system makes the production and availability of food crops, citrus and vegetables possible throughout the year on small and medium scale basis at an affordable cost. In places and periods of water scarcity, low-cost drip irrigation can be used for the economic growing of vegetables, citrus and food crops all –round the year. This paper aimed at developing a low-cost drip irrigation system to empower the small and medium scale farmers to produce crops during offseason at minimum operational cost with less human efforts. The field area of 126.4 m2 was properly cleared, stumped, ploughed, harrowed and leveled. The leveling was carried out to allow unobstructed flow and evenly distribution of water to the root of plants. The system does not only reduce water loss but also conserve water during the period of scarcity. The controlled moisture available to the plant at low soil tension results in faster growth, higher yields, better quality and more environmentally and health friendly. The system improves the penetration of water into problematic soils and reduces substantially deep percolation and runoff losses. The system also saves water, money, time and makes provision for all- season farming. The topography of the field was flat with its suitable soil texture, texture, retention capacity and pump for this work was designed and selected to be 1 hp. The system was developed using a simple principle of water flow through gravity to drip out water at regulated interval to irrigate farmland. The drum has 214 litres capacity and 121 emitters. The total cost of production was estimated to be ₦50, 790 which is affordable by small and medium scale farmers.
Comparison of the Effect of Vaginal Capsule of Evening Primrose Oil and Misoprostol on Cervical Ripening of Nulliparous Women with Post-term Pregnancy
Authors: Bahmani Soma , Hesamy Kajal , Shahgheibi Shola , Roshani Daem , Shahoei Roonak
Published: March 2019

Background and Objective: Post-term pregnancy (gestational age of ≥294 days [≥42 weeks] is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. The present study was conducted to compare the effect of vaginal capsule of evening primrose oil and misoprostol on cervical ripening of nulliparous women with post-term pregnancy.

Materials and Methods: This research has been conducted with the one-blind randomized trial method on 130 pregnant women with post-term pregnancy visiting to the labor ward of sanandaj Besat Hospital. Samples were divided into two groups of intervention and control with the randomized allocation method. The intervention group receiving 500 mgvaginal evening primrose capsule and 25 micrograms of sublingual misoprostol, and the control group receiving a placebo-vaginal capsule and 25 micrograms of misoprostol sublingually. Data collecting tools include: demographic specifications questionnaire and Bishop Checklist. Data was analyzed through SPSS software version 21 and by using Chi-square, T-test, covariance analysis, one-way ANOVA, and repeated measures. P <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The results showed that the mean Bishope scores of the subjects in the intervention group were significantly higher than the control group (p <0.05). There was no significant difference in uterine contractions, fetal heart rate and vital signs between two groups (p> 0.05).

Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that vaginal capsule of evening primrose oil is effective on the rate of cervical ripening in post-term pregnancies. Also, no significant effect on was observed on fetal heart rate, uterine contractions, and vital signs of the mother.
The Self‐Administered Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index (RADAI) is Less Accurate than DAS28‐CRP as a Disease Activity Measure in Pregnancy
Authors: Smeele H. T. W. , Naterop J. , Röder E. , Hazes J. M. W. , Dolhain R. J. E. M.
Published: March 2019

Objective

Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28)–using the C‐reactive protein (CRP) level has been validated to determine disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients during pregnancy. A self‐administered questionnaire like Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index (RADAI) has practical advantages over DAS28‐CRP, and in this study, we aimed to validate the RADAI for use during pregnancy.

Methods

Patients were derived from a prospective cohort on RA and pregnancy (Pregnancy‐induced Amelioration of Rheumatoid Arthritis study). To validate the RADAI as a disease activity measure, the disease course over time and the disease activity states were compared with the DAS28‐CRP. Furthermore, the RADAI was compared with DAS28‐CRP in predicting fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Finally, to test construct validity, correlation of both RADAI and DAS28‐CRP with a biomarker (galactosylation of immunoglobulin G [IgG]) were determined and compared.

Results

In total, 269 patients were analyzed in this study. Mean RADAI scores showed a great decline in disease activity in the first trimester compared with DAS28‐CRP (mean RADAI, −1.13; mean, DAS28‐CRP, −0.04). Correlations between DAS28‐CRP and RADAI scores were moderate to good (0.44 < ρ < 0.71). Agreement in disease states was low (0.26 < κ < 0.51). Time to pregnancy was different between disease states according to DAS28‐CRP (P = 0.03), but not according to RADAI (P = 0.56). Only DAS28‐CRP could predict birthweight (DAS28‐CRP β‐0.17, P = 0.04; RADAI β‐0.09, P = 0.10). Both DAS28‐CRP and RADAI were associated with galactosylation of IgG at specific time points, but only change in DAS28‐CRP was correlated with change in galactosylation of IgG from preconception to pregnancy.

Conclusion

The RADAI could not be validated as a disease activity measure during pregnancy. DAS28‐CRP remains the gold standard of measuring disease activity in pregnancy.
Colloidal synthesis of Au nanoparticles using polyelectrolytes with 1,3,4‐thiadiazole as reducing agents
Authors: Caldera Villalobos Martín , Martins Alho Miriam , García Serrano Jesús , Álvarez Romero Giaan Arturo , Herrera González Ana M.
Published: March 2019

Heterocyclic compounds are well known for their biological activity and coordination properties. Some heterocyclic compounds have been employed in the stabilization against coalescence of metallic nanoparticles in colloidal solutions, for example, tetrazole, triazole, and pyrazole. The aim of this work is to design new polyelectrolytes with heterocyclic pendant groups useful as reducing agents of Au3+ and as stabilizing agents for the synthesis of colloidal Au nanoparticles. Thus, polyelectrolytes with thiosemicarbazone and 1,3,4‐thiadiazole pendant groups were used as reducing agents of Au3+ ions and stabilizing agents of Au nanoparticles. The voltammetry study of the polyelectrolytes showed that one with thiosemicarbazone pendant groups is the better reducing agent than polyelectrolytes with heterocyclic pendant groups. The polyelectrolytes can control the growth of the nanoparticles, obtaining structures with an average size of 9 nm. In this study, it was concluded that the nature of the heterocyclic group does not have an effect on the shape of nanoparticles and quasi‐spherical nanoparticles were obtained with all polyelectrolytes. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47790.
Broadening the Scope of Enforced ATP Wasting as a Tool for Metabolic Engineering in Escherichia coli
Authors: Boecker Simon , Zahoor Ahmed , Schramm Thorben , Link Hannes , Klamt Steffen
Published: March 2019

The targeted increase of cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) turnover (enforced ATP wasting) has recently been recognized as a promising tool for metabolic engineering when product synthesis is coupled with net ATP formation. The goal of the present study is to further examine and to further develop the concept of enforced ATP wasting and to broaden its scope for potential applications. In particular, considering the fermentation products synthesized by Escherichia coli under anaerobic conditions as a proxy for target chemical(s), i) a new genetic module for dynamic and gradual induction of the F1‐part of the ATPase is developed and it is found that ii) induction of the ATPase leads to higher metabolic activity and increased product formation in E. coli under anaerobic conditions, and that iii) ATP wasting significantly increases substrate uptake and productivity of growth‐arrested cells, which is vital for its use in two‐stage processes. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the glucose uptake rate of 6.49 mmol gCDW−1 h−1 achieved with enforced ATP wasting is the highest value reported for nongrowing E. coli cells. In summary, this study shows that enforced ATP wasting can be used to improve yield and titer (in growth‐coupled processes) as well as volumetric productivity (in two‐stage processes) depending on which of the performance measures is more crucial for the process and product of interest.
Synthetic Biology Toolkits for Metabolic Engineering of Cyanobacteria
Authors: Xia Peng‐Fei , Ling Hua , Foo Jee Loon , Chang Matthew Wook
Published: March 2019

Cyanobacteria are of great importance to Earth's ecology. Due to their capability in photosynthesis and C1 metabolism, they are ideal microbial chassis that can be engineered for direct conversion of carbon dioxide and solar energy into biofuels and biochemicals. Facilitated by the elucidation of the basic biology of the photoautotrophic microbes and rapid advances in synthetic biology, genetic toolkits have been developed to enable implementation of nonnatural functionalities in engineered cyanobacteria. Hence, cyanobacteria are fast becoming an emerging platform in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering. Herein, the progress made in the synthetic biology toolkits for cyanobacteria and their utilization for transforming cyanobacteria into microbial cell factories for sustainable production of biofuels and biochemicals is outlined. Current techniques in heterologous gene expression, strategies in genome editing, and development of programmable regulatory parts and modules for engineering cyanobacteria towards biochemical production are discussed and prospected. As cyanobacteria synthetic biology is still in its infancy, apart from the achievements made, the difficulties and challenges in applying and developing genetic toolkits in cyanobacteria for biochemical production are also evaluated.
Safety evaluation of Semen Sojae Preparatum based on simultaneous LC–ESI–MS/MS quantification of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2 and M1
Authors: Qiu Feng , Shi Henan , Wang Siqi , Ma Li , Wang Manyuan
Published: March 2019

Semen Sojae Preparatum (SSP) is one of the most widely used traditional Chinese medicines, and is also a functional food. However, contamination with aflatoxins may occur in the fermentation process. To evaluate its safety, an accurate and rapid LC–ESI–MS/MS analytical method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2 and AFM1 in SSP. After a simple ultrasonic extraction of SSP samples, chromatographic separation was achieved on an Agilent Zorbax SB‐C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 3.5 μm) with a flow rate of 0.50 mL/min. The gradient elution program was performed using a mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile, both containing 0.1% formic acid. Detection of five aflatoxins was based on triple quadrupole mass spectrometry using a multiple reaction monitoring mode with an electrospray ionization source. SSP is likely to be contaminated by aflatoxins in the processes of fermentation, storage, transportation and usage, and it is necessary to strictly monitor it. Artemisia annua L. and Morus alba L. may inhibit the production and growth of AFB1‐ and AFB2‐producing fungi, which has a certain detoxification effect on contamination with aflatoxins in SSP.
The sensory thalamus and visual midbrain in mouse lemurs
Authors: Saraf Mansi P. , Balaram Pooja , Pifferi Fabien , Kennedy Henry , Kaas Jon H.
Published: March 2019

Mouse lemurs are the smallest of extant primates and are thought to resemble early primates in many ways. We provide histological descriptions of the major sensory nuclei of the dorsal thalamus and the superior colliculus (SC) of mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus). The dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus has the six layers typical of strepsirrhine primates, with matching pairs of magnocellular, parvocellular, and koniocellular layers, one of each pair for each eye. Unlike most primates, magnocellular and parvocellular layers exhibit only small differences in cell size. All layers express vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2), reflecting terminations of retinal inputs, and the expression of VGLUT2 is much less dense in the koniocellular layers. Parvalbumin is densely expressed in all layers, while SMI‐32 is densely expressed only in the magnocellular layers. The adjoining pulvinar complex has a posterior nucleus with strong VGLUT2 expression, reflecting terminations from the SC. The SC is laminated with dense expression of VGLUT2 in the upper superficial gray layer, reflecting terminations from the retina. The ventral (MGNv), medial, and dorsal divisions of the medial geniculate complex are only moderately differentiated, although patches of dense VGLUT2 expression are found along the outer border of MGNv. The ventroposterior nucleus has darkly stained cells in Nissl stained sections, and narrow septa separating patchy regions of dense VGLUT2 expression that likely represent different body parts. Overall, these structures resemble those in other strepsirrhine primates, although they are smaller, with the sensory nuclei appearing to occupy proportionately more of the dorsal thalamus than in larger primates.
Transcultural, transdiagnostic, and concurrent validity of a revised metacognitions about symptoms control scale
Authors: Fernie Bruce A. , Aoun Amanda , Kollmann Josianne , Spada Marcantonio M. , Nikčević Ana V.
Published: March 2019

Anxiety and depression add to the burden of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia (FM), and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Metacognitions play a role in this distress. The metacognitions about symptoms control scale (MaSCS) measure metacognitive beliefs regarding symptoms but have weaknesses. The current study created a revised MaSCS (MaSCS‐R) in English, German, and Arabic versions using CFS, FM, and T1DM samples and examined the transcultural, transdiagnostic, and concurrent validity of metacognitions about symptom control. This study used data from 563 participants clinically diagnosed with CFS (n = 124; English), FM (n = 348; German), or T1DM (n = 91; Lebanese). CFS and FM data had been used in earlier published studies but were subjected to new analyses. CFS data were used to create the English version of the MaSCS‐R and FM and T1DM data for German and Arabic versions. Metacognitions about worry, anxiety, depression, and symptom severity were measured. The three MaSCS‐R versions, consisting of two factors (each with four items), had adequate psychometric properties, possessing configural and metric invariance. Metacognitive factors were associated with distress and symptom severity in all three samples. Metacognitions about symptom control have transcultural, transdiagnostic, and concurrent validity.
Evidence for contemporary and historical gene flow between guppy populations in different watersheds, with a test for associations with adaptive traits
Authors: Blondel Léa , Baillie Lyndsey , Quinton Jessica , Alemu Jahson B. , Paterson Ian , Hendry Andrew P. , Bentzen Paul
Published: March 2019

In dendritic river systems, gene flow is expected to occur primarily within watersheds. Yet, rare cross‐watershed transfers can also occur, whether mediated by (often historical) geological events or (often contemporary) human activities. We explored these events and their potential evolutionary consequences by analyzing patterns of neutral genetic variation (microsatellites) and adaptive phenotypic variation (male color) in wild guppies (Poecilia reticulata) distributed across two watersheds in northern Trinidad. We found the expected signatures of within‐watershed gene flow; yet we also inferred at least two instances of cross‐watershed gene flow—one in the upstream reaches and one further downstream. The upstream cross‐watershed event appears to be very recent (41 ± 13 years), suggesting dispersal via recent flooding or undocumented human‐mediated transport. The downstream cross‐watershed event appears to be considerably older (577 ± 265 years), suggesting a role for rare geological or climatological events. Alongside these strong signatures of both contemporary and historical gene flow, we found little evidence of impacts on presumably adaptive phenotypic differentiation, except perhaps in the one instance of very recent cross‐watershed gene flow. Selection in this system seems to overpower gene flow—at least on the spatiotemporal scales investigated here.
A revision of the bioregionalisation of freshwater fish communities in the Australian Monsoonal Tropics
Authors: Shelley James J. , Dempster Tim , Le Feuvre Matthew C. , Unmack Peter J. , Laffan Shawn W. , Swearer Stephen E.
Published: March 2019

The Australian freshwater fish fauna is very unique, but poorly understood. In the Australian Monsoonal Tropics (AMT) biome of northern Australia, the number of described and candidate species has nearly doubled since the last attempt to analyse freshwater fish species composition patterns and determine a bioregionalisation scheme. Here, we utilise the most complete database of catchment‐scale freshwater fish distributions from the AMT to date to: (a) reanalyze spatial patterns of species richness, endemism and turnover of freshwater fishes; (b) propose a biogeographic regionalisation based on species turnover; (c) assess the relationship between species turnover and patterns of environmental change and historic drainage connectivity; and (d) identify sampling gaps. Biogeographic provinces were identified using an agglomerative cluster analysis of a Simpson's beta (βsim) dissimilarity matrix. A generalised dissimilarity model incorporating eighteen environmental variables was used to investigate the environmental correlates of species turnover. Observed and estimated species richness and endemism were calculated and inventory completeness was estimated based on the ratio of observed to estimated species richness. Three major freshwater fish biogeographic provinces and 14 subprovinces are proposed. These differ substantially from the current bioregionalisation scheme. Species turnover was most strongly influenced by environmental variables that are interpreted to reflect changes in terrain (catchment relief and confinement), geology and climate (runoff perenniality, stream density), and biotic responses to climate (net primary productivity). Past connectivity between rivers during low sea‐level events is also influential highlighting the importance of historical processes in explaining contemporary patterns of biodiversity in the AMT. The inclusion of 49 newly discovered species and candidate species only reinforced known focal points of species richness and endemism in the AMT. However, a number of key sampling gaps remain that need to be filled to fully characterise the proposed bioregionalisation.
Integrated population models: powerful methods to embed individual processes in population dynamics models
Authors: Plard Floriane , Fay Rémi , Kéry Marc , Cohas Aurélie , Schaub Michael
Published: March 2019

Population dynamics models have long assumed that populations are composed of a restricted number of groups, where individuals in each group have identical demographic rates and where all groups are similarly affected by density‐dependent and ‐independent effects. However, individuals usually vary tremendously in performance and in their sensitivity to environmental conditions or resource limitation, such that individual contributions to population growth will be highly variable. Recent efforts to integrate individual processes in population models open up new opportunities for the study of eco‐evolutionary processes, such as the density‐dependent influence of environmental conditions on the evolution of morphological, behavioral, and life‐history traits. We review recent advances that demonstrate how including individual mechanisms in models of population dynamics contributes to a better understanding of the drivers of population dynamics within the framework of integrated population models (IPMs). IPMs allow for the integration in a single inferential framework of different data types as well as variable population structure including sex, social group, or territory, all of which can be formulated to include individual‐level processes. Through a series of examples, we first show how IPMs can be beneficial for getting more accurate estimates of demographic traits than classic matrix population models by including basic population structure and their influence on population dynamics. Second, the integration of individual‐ and population‐level data allows estimating density‐dependent effects along with their inherent uncertainty by directly using the population structure and size to feedback on demography. Third, we show how IPMs can be used to study the influence of the dynamics of continuous individual traits and individual quality on population dynamics. We conclude by discussing the benefits and limitations of IPMs for integrating data at different spatial, temporal, and organismal levels to build more mechanistic models of population dynamics.
The functional role of beta‐oscillations in the supplementary motor area during reaching and grasping after stroke: A question of structural damage to the corticospinal tract
Authors: Quandt Fanny , Bönstrup Marlene , Schulz Robert , Timmermann Jan E. , Mund Maike , Wessel Maximilian J. , Hummel Friedhelm C.
Published: March 2019

Hand motor function is often severely affected in stroke patients. Non‐satisfying recovery limits reintegration into normal daily life. Understanding stroke‐related network changes and identifying common principles that might underlie recovered motor function is a prerequisite for the development of interventional therapies to support recovery. Here, we combine the evaluation of functional activity (multichannel electroencephalography) and structural integrity (diffusion tensor imaging) in order to explain the degree of residual motor function in chronic stroke patients. By recording neural activity during a reaching and grasping task that mimics activities of daily living, the study focuses on deficit‐related neural activation patterns. The study showed that the functional role of movement‐related beta desynchronization in the supplementary motor area (SMA) for residual hand motor function in stroke patients depends on the microstructural integrity of the corticospinal tract (CST). In particular, in patients with damaged CST, stronger task‐related activity in the SMA was associated with worse residual motor function. Neither CST damage nor functional brain activity alone sufficiently explained residual hand motor function. The findings suggest a central role of the SMA in the motor network during reaching and grasping in stroke patients, the degree of functional relevance of the SMA is depending on CST integrity.
White matter and hypoxic hypobaria in humans
Authors: McGuire Stephen A. , Ryan Meghann C. , Sherman Paul M. , Sladky John H. , Rowland Laura M. , Wijtenburg S. Andrea , Hong L. Elliot , Kochunov Peter V.
Published: March 2019

Occupational exposure to hypobaria (low atmospheric pressure) is a risk factor for reduced white matter integrity, increased white matter hyperintensive burden, and decline in cognitive function. We tested the hypothesis that a discrete hypobaric exposure will have a transient impact on cerebral physiology. Cerebral blood flow, fractional anisotropy of water diffusion in cerebral white matter, white matter hyperintensity volume, and concentrations of neurochemicals were measured at baseline and 24 hr and 72 hr postexposure in N = 64 healthy aircrew undergoing standard US Air Force altitude chamber training and compared to N = 60 controls not exposed to hypobaria. We observed that hypobaric exposure led to a significant rise in white matter cerebral blood flow (CBF) 24 hr postexposure that remained elevated, albeit not significantly, at 72 hr. No significant changes were observed in structural measurements or gray matter CBF. Subjects with higher baseline concentrations of neurochemicals associated with neuroprotection and maintenance of normal white matter physiology (glutathione, N‐acetylaspartate, glutamate/glutamine) showed proportionally less white matter CBF changes. Our findings suggest that discrete hypobaric exposure may provide a model to study white matter injury associated with occupational hypobaric exposure.
FIGO Statement: Staffing requirements for delivery care, with special reference to low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Stones William , Visser Gerard H.A. , Theron Gerhard ,   the FIGO Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health Committee
Published: March 2019

International standards for clinical staffing of delivery care in maternity units are currently lacking, with resulting gaps in provision leading to adverse outcomes and very poor experiences of care for women and families. While evidence‐informed modelling approaches have been proposed based on population characteristics and estimated rates of complications, their application and outcomes in low‐resource settings have not been reported. Here, FIGO's Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health Committee proposes indicative standards for labor wards as a starting point for policy and program development. These standards consider the volume of deliveries, the case mix, and the need to match clinical care requirements with an appropriate mix of professional skills among midwifery and obstetric staff. The role of Shift Leader in busy labor wards is emphasized. Application of the standards can help to assure women and their families of a safe but also positive birthing experience. FIGO calls for investment by partners to test these clinically‐informed recommendations for delivery unit staffing at hospital and district level in low‐ and middle‐income country settings.
Hans Bluntschli in Berne: Researching reproduction in hedgehog tenrecs (Afrosoricida, Tenrecidae)
Authors: Carter Anthony M.
Published: March 2019

The Swiss anatomist Hans Bluntschli is best known as a primatologist. Yet, his focus during his later years in Berne was on reproduction in Malagasy tenrecs. This research was done with two graduate students, Robert Goetz and Fritz Strauss; all three had been obliged to leave Germany after the National Socialists came to power. Unique features of reproduction in tenrecs included nonantral follicles, intrafollicular fertilization, eversion of the corpus luteum, and polyovulation. The fertilized egg formed a blastula that developed into a blastocyst; there was no morula stage. A false placental cushion developed in the endometrium opposite the implantation site. Placentation was complex and included development of a prominent haemophagous organ. These findings are discussed in relation to current concepts of mammalian phylogeny that place tenrecs and golden moles in the same order and as close relatives to elephant shrews and the aardvark.
Observed and simulated Indian Ocean Dipole activity since the mid‐19th century and its relation to East African short rains
Authors: Thielke Anja , Mölg Thomas
Published: March 2019

The coupled atmosphere–ocean phenomenon in the Indian Ocean, known as the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) mode, shows various influences on regional tropical climates. East Africa (EA) experiences enhanced precipitation during October–December (the annual “short rains”), and therefore it was hypothesized that a shift from wetter to drier conditions in EA after 1880 documented by proxy data (e.g., lake levels, glacier size) was favoured by a decline in positive IOD frequency. However, this proposed century‐scale pattern of the IOD emerged from single data sets, while the ensemble perspective from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) global climate model (GCM) archive is still missing. Based on rigorous test criteria that capture crucial IOD and EA climate characteristics, the present study identifies 15 runs from the CMIP5 data for the ensemble analyses. A key result of the test is that the ensemble is dominated by the GISS E2 H model (13 realizations) with a little influence from HadCM3 (2 realizations), and therefore most CMIP5 models seem unable to capture the long‐term variability of EA precipitation. The selected model realizations show a significant increase in the frequency of positive IOD events in the late 20th century, in agreement with previous research and most likely due to external climate forcing. Further frequency changes are absent in the available time series, yet we find that the precipitation excess during positive IODs was stronger in the 19th century (1860–1909) than in the recent decades (1956–2005). Both thermodynamic factors on the regional scale (convection, evaporation) and dynamical processes on the large scale (strength of the zonal tropical circulation) emerge as physical basis of this changing IOD property. The higher precipitation intensity in EA during positive IOD events in the 19th century period provides a consistent mechanism that could have contributed to the moister regional climate of that time, irrespective of IOD frequency.
Regionalization of precipitation in Mauritius: a statistical approach
Authors: Raja Nussaïbah Begum , Aydin Olgu
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to quantify the regional precipitation patterns of Mauritius using the total mean annual precipitation of 52 meteorological stations for the period 1981–2010. Principal component analysis was first used to determine the significant variables influencing precipitation in Mauritius. A cluster analysis was then applied to group the stations according to the significant variables identified. Finally, a spatial interpolation of precipitation in Mauritius using the kriging with external drift technique was carried out to examine the spatial distribution of precipitation on the island. The principal component analysis results showed that elevation and coastal proximity caused the most variance in the dataset with respect to precipitation. Using the cluster analysis and kriging results, six regions of precipitation were determined: three inland and three coastal regions. A decreasing gradient in precipitation between the southeast and northwest is observed due to the southeast trade winds and the altitudinal difference between the coastal areas and the central plateau. The central plateau represents a distinct precipitation zone which receives the highest precipitation on the island. The windward‐facing south and eastern highlands experience orographic precipitation as a result of adiabatic air expansion and therefore are more humid. On the other hand, the northeast highlands region, together with the north and western coasts which lie in the leeward rain shadow, are notably drier.
A strategy for the identification of protein architectures directly from ion mobility mass spectrometry data reveals stabilizing subunit interactions in light harvesting complexes
Authors: Kaldmäe Margit , Sahin Cagla , Saluri Mihkel , Marklund Erik G. , Landreh Michael
Published: March 2019

Biotechnological applications of protein complexes require detailed information about their structure and composition, which can be challenging to obtain for proteins from natural sources. Prominent examples are the ring‐shaped phycoerythrin (PE) and phycocyanin (PC) complexes isolated from the light‐harvesting antennae of red algae and cyanobacteria. Despite their widespread use as fluorescent probes in biotechnology and medicine, the structures and interactions of their noncrystallizable central subunits are largely unknown. Here, we employ ion mobility mass spectrometry to reveal varying stabilities of the PC and PE complexes and identify their closest architectural homologues among all protein assemblies in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Our results suggest that the central subunits of PC and PE complexes, although absent from the crystal structures, may be crucial for their stability, and thus of unexpected importance for their biotechnological applications.
Freezing rain in Jersey in February 1841
Authors: Le Blancq Frank
Published: March 2019

A rare severe freezing rain event affected Jersey, Channel Islands in early February 1841, during a rather cold and snowy winter. A brief explanation is given of the atmospheric conditions and synoptic weather pattern which produce freezing rain. Contemporary diaries, local newspaper reports and other historical information were used to construct a detailed chronology of this extreme weather event. The devastating effects of the glaze on the landscape of the island, the local economy and social life are also documented.
Flavor decomposition of the pion-nucleon σ-term
Authors: Severt Daniel , Meißner Ulf-G. , Gegelia Jambul
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We re-analyze the flavor decomposition of the pion-nucleon σ-term in the framework of baryon chiral perturbation to fourth order. We employ a covariant and the heavy baryon framework including also the low-lying decuplet. Using only continuum data, we find a small strangeness content of the proton. The uncertainties are, however, large and might be overcome by dedicated lattice QCD calculations.
Characterization of Air and Ground Temperature Relationships within the CMIP5 Historical and Future Climate Simulations
Authors: García‐García Almudena , Cuesta‐Valero Francisco José , Beltrami Hugo , Smerdon Jason E.
Published: March 2019

The relationships between air and ground surface temperatures across North America are examined in the historical and future projection simulations from 32 general circulation models (GCMs) included in the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). The difference between surface air (2 m) and ground surface (10 cm) temperatures is affected by simulated snow cover, vegetation cover, and precipitation by means of changes in soil moisture and soil properties. In winter, the differences between air and ground surface temperatures, for all CMIP5 simulations, are related to the insulating effect of snow cover and soil freezing phenomena. In summer, large leaf area index and large precipitation rates correspond to smaller differences between air and ground temperatures for the majority of simulations, likely due to induced changes in latent and sensible heat fluxes at the ground surface. Our results show that the representation of air‐ground coupling, analyzed using the difference between ground and air surface temperatures as metric, differs from observations, the North American Regional Reanalysis product and among the CMIP5 GCM simulations, by amounts that depend on the employed land surface model. The large variability among GCMs and the marked dependence of the results on the choice of the land surface model illustrate the need for improving the representation of processes controlling the coupling of the lower atmosphere and the land surface in GCMs as a mean of reducing the variability in their representation of weather and climate phenomena.
Geological Characterization of the Ina Shield Volcano Summit Pit Crater on the Moon: Evidence for Extrusion of Waning‐Stage Lava Lake Magmatic Foams and Anomalously Young Crater Retention Ages
Authors: Qiao Le , Head James W. , Ling Zongcheng , Wilson Lionel , Xiao Long , Dufek Josef D. , Yan Jianguo
Published: March 2019

Ina, a distinctive ~2 × 3 km D‐shaped depression, is composed of unusual bulbous‐shaped mounds surrounded by optically immature hummocky/blocky floor units. The crisp appearance, optical immaturity, and low number of superposed impact craters combine to strongly suggest a geologically recent formation for Ina, but the specific formation mechanism remains controversial. We reconfirm that Ina is a summit pit crater/vent on a small shield volcano ~3.5 billion years old. Following detailed characterization, we interpret the range of Ina characteristics to be consistent with a two‐component model of origin during the waning stages of summit pit eruption activities. The Ina pit crater floor is interpreted to be dominated by the products of late‐stage, low‐rise rate magmatic dike emplacement. Magma in the dike underwent significant shallow degassing and vesicle formation, followed by continued degassing below the solidified and highly microvesicular and macrovesicular lava lake crust, resulting in cracking of the crust and extrusion of gas‐rich magmatic foams onto the lava lake crust to form the mounds. These unique substrate characteristics (highly porous aerogel‐like foam mounds and floor terrains with large vesicles and void space) exert important effects on subsequent impact crater characteristics and populations, influencing (1) optical maturation processes, (2) regolith development, and (3) landscape evolution by modifying the nature and evolution of superposed impact craters and thus producing anomalously young crater retention ages. Accounting for these effects results in a shift of crater size‐frequency distribution model ages from <100 million years to ~3.5 billion years, contemporaneous with the underlying ancient shield volcano.