bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary transition between bee pollination and hummingbird pollination inSalvia: Comparing means, variances and covariances of corolla traits
Authors: Benitez‐Vieyra Santiago , Pérez‐Alquicira Jessica , Sazatornil Federico D. , Domínguez César A. , Boege Karina , Pérez‐Ishiwara Rubén , Fornoni Juan
Published: April 2019

Covariation among traits can modify the evolutionary trajectory of complex structures. This process is thought to operate at a microevolutionary scale, but its long‐term effects remain controversial because trait covariation can itself evolve. Flower morphology, and particularly floral trait (co)variation, has been envisioned as the product of pollinator‐mediated selection. Available evidence suggests that major changes in pollinator assemblages may affect the joint expression of floral traits and their phenotypic integration. We expect species within a monophyletic lineage sharing the same pollinator type will show not only similarity in trait means but also similar phenotypic variance‐covariance structures. Here, we tested this expectation using eighteenSalviaspecies pollinated either by bees or by hummingbirds. Our findings indicated a nonsignificant multivariate phylogenetic signal and a decoupling between means and variance‐covariance phenotypic matrices of floral traits during the evolution to hummingbird pollination. Mean trait value analyses revealed significant differences between bee‐ and hummingbird‐pollinatedSalviaspecies although fewer differences were detected in the covariance structure between groups. Variance‐covariance matrices were much more similar among bee‐ than hummingbird‐pollinated species. This pattern is consistent with the expectation that, unlike hummingbirds, bees physically manipulate the flower, presumably exerting stronger selection pressures favouring morphological convergence among species. Overall, we conclude that the evolution of hummingbird pollination proceeded through different independent transitions. Thus, although the evolution of hummingbird pollination led to a new phenotypic optimum, the process involved the diversification of the covariance structure.
In vitro models of synucleinopathies: informing on molecular mechanisms and protective strategies
Authors: Marvian Amir Tayaranian , Koss David J. , Aliakbari Farhang , Morshedi Dina , Outeiro Tiago Fleming
Published: April 2019

Alpha‐synuclein (α‐Syn) is a central player in Parkinson's disease (PD) and in a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases collectively known as synucleinopathies. The protein was first associated with PD just over 20 years ago, when it was found to (i) be a major component of Lewy bodies and (ii) to be also associated with familial forms of PD. The characterization of α‐Syn pathology has been achieved through postmortem studies of human brains. However, the identification of toxic mechanisms associated with α‐Syn was only achieved through the use of experimental models. In vitro models are highly accessible, enable relatively rapid studies, and have been extensively employed to address α‐Syn‐associated neurodegeneration. Given the diversity of models used and the outcomes of the studies, a cumulative and comprehensive perspective emerges as indispensable to pave the way for further investigations. Here, we subdivided in vitro models of α‐Syn pathology into three major types: (i) models simulating α‐Syn fibrillization and the formation of different aggregated structures in vitro, (ii) models based on the intracellular expression of α‐Syn, reporting on pathogenic conditions and cellular dysfunctions induced, and (iii) models using extracellular treatment with α‐Syn aggregated species, reporting on sites of interaction and their downstream consequences. In summary, we review the underlying molecular mechanisms discovered and categorize protective strategies, in order to pave the way for future studies and the identification of effective therapeutic strategies.

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This article is part of the Special Issue “Synuclein”.
Qualitative analysis of the vocabulary used in work logs of a preventive programme for elderly oral function and nutrition
Authors: Ito Kayoko , Edahiro Ayako , Watanabe Yoshihiko , Ohara Yuki , Motohashi Yoshiko , Morishita Shiho , Motokawa Keiko , Watanabe Yutaka , Hirano Hirohiko , Inoue Makoto
Published: April 2019

Background

In Japan, day care services for elders include programmes aimed at improving nutrition and oral and motor functions. Few studies have qualitatively assessed these interventions.

Objective

To qualitatively search for the characteristic words used in the work logs of a preventive programme on oral function and nutrition for elders by intervention period and intervention type．

Methods

We included 83 participants (81.3 ± 8.2 years) from four day care services in Japan and divided them into the following groups randomly: those who received oral function intervention only, nutritional intervention only and those who received combined oral function plus nutritional intervention. The interventions were conducted twice per month for 24 months. Data from handwritten work logs were entered into a computer as text files. Monitoring of frequently appearing words, co‐occurrence analysis and cross‐tabulation by intervention period and intervention types was conducted using text mining analysis.

Results

Correspondence analysis revealed that the words used during 1‐6 months and 7‐12 months were similar in participants’ subjective content, and those used in objective content in 13‐18 months and 19‐24 months were similar. These results indicate that subjective improvements increased after 13 months, and it was maintained within 24 months. The combined intervention type is ideal for oral and nutrition problems.

Conclusion

Because this text mining approach revealed the changes in the words used and could be used to monitor any subjective improvement, this approach may help evaluate the effects of preventive care.
Discursive shifts associated with coming out: A corpus‐based analysis of news reports about Ricky Martin
Authors: Motschenbacher Heiko
Published: April 2019

This study seeks to shed light on the discursive effects of a public sexual identity declaration as they surface in the language used to construct the social actor in question. Subscribing to queer linguistically informed critical discourse studies, it builds on and advances the theoretical discussion of coming out in language and sexuality studies. The investigation analyses a corpus of news reports about Ricky Martin, comparing two sub‐corpora, one with texts published before and another with texts from after Martin's public coming out as a gay man in 2010. A keyword analysis is performed to identify linguistic traces of central discourses manifesting in the two corpora. The quantitative analysis is complemented by an in‐depth qualitative analysis of the discursive construction of ethnicity and sexuality in two sample texts. The findings are discussed in the light of discursive shifts between pre‐ and post‐coming‐out phases and clashes between coming‐out stereotypes and the coming‐out experiences of Latino gay men.
Evaluation of the foal survival score in a Danish‐Swedish population of neonatal foals upon hospital admission
Authors: Bohlin Anna , Saegerman Claude , Hoeberg Emma , Sånge Alexandra , Nostell Katarina , Durie Inge , Husted Louise , Öhman Anna , van Galen Gaby
Published: April 2019

Background

It is highly desirable to assess the probability of survival in sick neonatal foals upon admission. The foal survival score (FSS) is a published scoring system used to estimate the probability of survival in hospitalized neonatal foals <4 days old.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate the ability of the FSS to predict survival in older foals from a geographically different area compared to the original study.

Animals

Five‐hundred ninety hospitalized neonatal foals ≤14 days of age.

Methods

Retrospective Danish‐Swedish multicenter study that included details of signalment, history, clinical examination, laboratory results, necropsy findings, and outcome. Scores and score variables were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors using logistic regression. The optimal cutoff and its test parameters were calculated using a receiver operator characteristic curve.

Results

Prematurity, cold extremities, ≥2 infectious or inflammatory sites, blood glucose concentration, and total white blood cell counts were significantly associated with nonsurvival (P ≤ .02). The optimal cutoff to predict survival was ≥6, resulting in sensitivity 78%, specificity 58%, 92% positive predictive value, and 31% negative predictive value. The test performed equally well in foals <4 days old compared to those 4‐14 days old.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Using the suggested optimal cutoff of ≥6, the FSS performed moderately well and may aid in early determination of prognosis for survival. However, the FSS did perform differently in another population and therefore should be assessed under local conditions so that its diagnostic potential is not overestimated.
Successful management of 3 dogs with colonic pythiosis using itraconzaole, terbinafine, and prednisone
Authors: Reagan Krystle L. , Marks Stanley L. , Pesavento Patricia A. , Della Maggiore Ann , Zhu Bing Y. , Grooters Amy M.
Published: April 2019

Gastrointestinal (GI) pythiosis is a severe and often fatal disease in dogs that traditionally has been poorly responsive to medical treatment. Although aggressive surgical resection with wide margins is the most consistently effective treatment, lesion location and extent often preclude complete resection. Recently, it has been suggested that the addition of anti‐inflammatory doses of corticosteroids may improve outcome in dogs with nonresectable GI pythiosis. This report describes 3 dogs with colonic pythiosis in which complete resolution of clinical signs, regression of colonic masses, and progressive decreases in serological titers were observed after treatment with itraconazole, terbinafine, and corticosteroids. This treatment protocol represents a promising treatment for dogs with GI pythiosis in which surgical intervention is not feasible.
Invasive annuals respond more negatively to drought than native species
Authors: Valliere Justin M. , Escobedo Evelin B. , Bucciarelli Gary M. , Sharifi M. Rasoul , Rundel Philip W.
Published: April 2019

In his foundational list of ‘ideal weed’ characteristics, Baker (1965) proposed that weedy plants maximize reproductive output under high resource availability. Since then, the idea that invasive plant species are more responsive to fluctuating resources compared with native or noninvasive species has gained considerable traction, although few studies extend this hypothesis to include reproductive output. We revisit Baker's hypothesis in the context of invasion and drought in California grasslands, exploring whether invasives show greater growth and reproductive responses to water availability compared with the native wildflowers they displace.

In an outdoor potted study, we grew eight native and eight invasive species of annuals commonly found in southern California grasslands to reproductive maturity under both well‐watered and drought conditions.

While drought negatively impacted plant performance overall, invasives showed more negative responses for growth and reproductive traits. Invasives also grew larger than native species, especially under well‐watered conditions, and produced seed with higher rates of germination.

Invasives may be more negatively impacted by drought compared with natives, but they are also able to capitalize on high resource conditions and greatly increase reproductive output. Such opportunistic responses exhibited by invasives might explain previously observed fluctuations in their abundance under variable precipitation.
Complex tactics in a dynamic large herbivore–carnivore spatiotemporal game
Authors: Simon Ricardo Nouailhetas , Cherry Seth G. , Fortin Daniel
Published: April 2019

The spatiotemporal game between predators and prey is a fundamental process governing their distribution dynamics. Players may adopt different tactics as the associated costs and benefits change through time. Yet few studies have investigated the potentially simultaneous and dynamic nature of movement tactics used by both players. It is particularly unclear to what extent perceived predation risk mediates the fine‐scale distribution of large and dangerous prey, which are mostly driven by bottom–up, resource‐related processes. We built habitat use and movement models based on 10 years of monitoring GPS‐collared grey wolvesCanis lupusand plains bisonBison bison bisonin Prince Albert National Park, Canada, to investigate the predator–large prey game in a multi‐prey system. Bison did not underuse patches of high‐quality vegetation at any time during the seasonal cycle even though wolves were selectively patrolling these areas. Rather, in at least one season, bison engaged in complex tactics comprised of proactive responses to the long‐term distribution (risky places) and reactive responses to the immediate proximity (risky times) of their opponent. In summer–autumn, bison reduced the time spent in food‐rich patches as both the long‐term use and the immediate proximity of wolves increased. By demonstrating that wolf distribution triggers patch abandonment by bison, we provide a key element in support of the shell game hypothesis – where prey move constantly to avoid predators attempting to anticipate their location. In winter, a season of relatively high energetic stress, bison no longer abandoned food‐rich patches as predation risk increased, while no bison responses to wolves were observed in spring–summer. Our work demonstrates the highly dynamic and complex nature of the predator–large prey spatiotemporal game, a key trait‐mediated mechanism by which trophic interactions structure ecological communities.
S‐ICD is effective in preventing sudden death in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy athletes during exercise
Authors: Catto Valentina , Dessanai Maria Antonietta , Sommariva Elena , Tondo Claudio , Dello Russo Antonio
Published: April 2019

Here, we describe the cases of two elite athletes, with a diagnosis of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), in which a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S‐ICD) has been implanted. Both patients experienced a ventricular tachycardia during exercise and received effective S‐ICD shocks that interrupted arrhythmias. This report reveals for the first time that the S‐ICD is effective in reverting arrhythmias in ACM patients, even during exercise. Moreover, these cases may confirm that competition/physical activity is associated with ICD shocks.
A systematic review of measures of therapist competence in psychodynamic, interpersonal, and/or relational models
Authors: Barlow Isobel , Brown Richard J.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Assessment of psychotherapeutic competence is increasingly regarded as important in the delivery of psychological services and training programmes. This article reviews tools designed to assess clinical competence in psychodynamic, interpersonal, and relational models of therapy.

Methods

PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science online databases were reviewed using terms relating to competence, psychotherapy, and measurement. Titles and abstracts of all articles were screened, and full texts of remaining articles were read. Reference lists of included articles were also screened. Papers that described a measure of psychotherapeutic competence in a psychodynamic, interpersonal, or relational model, and reported at least one assessment of the reliability and/or validity of the measure, were included. The quality of the studies was evaluated, and the quality of individual measures was summarized.

Results

Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, examining 13 competence measures for 12 specific models of therapy. Competence measures were not found for several NICE‐recommended models of therapy. Some measures demonstrated strengths in certain areas of reliability and validity; however, there were a number of quality issues in development and psychometric properties that suggest none of the measures are currently proven for widespread use.

Conclusions

Further research is required to refine currently existing measures and develop new measures for key NICE‐recommended models of therapy.

Practitioner points

Assessment and improvement of therapist competence is key to provision of high‐quality psychotherapeutic interventions.

This review shows there are few measures of competence in relational therapy models and several NICE‐recommended models do not have corresponding competence measures.

Measures that do exist are mixed in terms of their validity and reliability and should therefore be used with caution.
Genome sequencing and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing of an early flowering Mini‐Citrus (Fortunella hindsii)
Authors: Zhu Chenqiao , Zheng Xiongjie , Huang Yue , Ye Junli , Chen Peng , Zhang Chenglei , Zhao Fei , Xie Zongzhou , Zhang Siqi , Wang Nan , Li Hang , Wang Lun , Tang Xiaomei , Chai Lijun , Xu Qiang , Deng Xiuxin
Published: April 2019

Hongkong kumquat (Fortunella hindsii) is a wild citrus species characterized by dwarf plant height and early flowering. Here, we identified the monoembryonic F. hindsii (designated as ‘Mini‐Citrus’) for the first time and constructed its selfing lines. This germplasm constitutes an ideal model for the genetic and functional genomics studies of citrus, which have been severely hindered by the long juvenility and inherent apomixes of citrus. F. hindsii showed a very short juvenile period (~8 months) and stable monoembryonic phenotype under cultivation. We report the first de novo assembled 373.6 Mb genome sequences (Contig‐N50 2.2 Mb and Scaffold‐N50 5.2 Mb) for F. hindsii. In total, 32 257 protein‐coding genes were annotated, 96.9% of which had homologues in other eight Citrinae species. The phylogenomic analysis revealed a close relationship of F. hindsii with cultivated citrus varieties, especially with mandarin. Furthermore, the CRISPR/Cas9 system was demonstrated to be an efficient strategy to generate target mutagenesis on F. hindsii. The modifications of target genes in the CRISPR‐modified F. hindsii were predominantly 1‐bp insertions or small deletions. This genetic transformation system based on F. hindsii could shorten the whole process from explant to T1 mutant to about 15 months. Overall, due to its short juvenility, monoembryony, close genetic background to cultivated citrus and applicability of CRISPR, F. hindsii shows unprecedented potentials to be used as a model species for citrus research.
Genome‐wide association analyses reveal the genetic basis of combining ability in rice
Authors: Chen Junxiao , Zhou Hao , Xie Weibo , Xia Duo , Gao Guanjun , Zhang Qinglu , Wang Gongwei , Lian Xingming , Xiao Jinghua , He Yuqing
Published: April 2019

Combining ability is a measure for selecting elite parents and predicting hybrid performance in plant breeding. However, the genetic basis of combining ability remains unclear and a global view of combining ability from diverse mating designs is lacking. We developed a North Carolina II (NCII) population of 96 Oryza sativa and four male sterile lines to identify parents of greatest value for hybrid rice production. Statistical analyses indicated that general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) contributed variously to different agronomic traits. In a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of agronomic traits, GCA and SCA, we identified 34 significant associations (P < 2.39 × 10−7). The superior alleles of GCA loci (Ghd8, GS3 and qSSR4) accumulated in parental lines with high GCA and explained 30.03% of GCA variance in grain yield, indicating that molecular breeding of high GCA parental lines is feasible. The distinct distributions of these QTLs contributed to the differentiation of parental GCA in subpopulations. GWAS of SCA identified 12 more loci that showed dominance on corresponding agronomic traits. We conclude that the accumulation of superior GCA and SCA alleles is an important contributor to heterosis and QTLs that greatly contributed to combining ability in our study would accelerate the identification of elite inbred lines and breeding of super hybrids.
Effect of combination NSAID and NBUVB treatment in non‐photoadapters—A pilot study
Authors: Mehta Chintan , Mohammad Tasneem , Mehta Dhwani , Griffith James , Nicholson Cynthia , Hamzavi Iltefat
Published: April 2019

Background

Vitiligo is a disorder of dyspigmentation that can impact quality of life. While narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) is an effective treatment for vitiligo, a subset of patients are unable to respond to phototherapy as they cannot photoadapt. However, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to increase the minimal erythema dose.

Purpose

To determine whether ibuprofen allows non‐photoadapters to respond to therapeutic doses of NBUVB and maintain photoadaptation.

Method

Four patients unable to tolerate NBUVB or excimer past a dose of 1000 mJ/cm2 were enrolled in the study and given ibuprofen 400 mg prior to phototherapy, which was performed 2‐3 times a week. Patients were followed up to 72 treatments to demonstrate photoadaptation and maintenance of response to phototherapy. Patients were clinically monitored by serial photographs approximately every 12 treatments. Response to phototherapy was monitored by tracking the dose of NBUVB received at each session. Maintenance of response was monitored for six treatments after discontinuing the ibuprofen. Percent change in pigmentation was also recorded.

Results

Three out of four subjects enrolled in the study were able to increase their doses of phototherapy to a therapeutic range, and subjects continued to photoadapt for six treatments after discontinuing ibuprofen. Two subjects achieved repigmentation during their course of phototherapy.

Conclusion

Ibuprofen may be a safe alternative to corticosteroids for select patients with vitiligo that are unable to photoadapt. It appears that the ability to photoadapt continues once ibuprofen is discontinued, negating the need for chronic use. Enabling photoadaptation allows patients to achieve therapeutic doses of NBUVB phototherapy, leading to repigmentation and improved outcomes.

Trial Registration

The trial was registered through Henry Ford Hospital IRB—No. 9744.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among military women
Authors: Nash Michelle Crozier , Kip Kevin E. , Wang Wei , Custer Michael , O'Rourke Kathleen
Published: April 2019

Background

Women are more likely to develop post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men. Limited research exists evaluating the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) among military women with PTSD.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using US Department of Defense (DoD) data comprised of all active‐duty women giving birth to their first, liveborn singleton infant using DoD‐sponsored health insurance from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2008 (n = 34 176). Birth hospitalisation records, maternal mental health visits, and Post‐Deployment Health Assessment (PDHA) and Reassessment (PDHRA) screenings were included. The HDP outcome (yes vs no) was defined using ICD‐9‐CM codes in the maternal birth hospitalisation record. Women fit into one of four PTSD exposure categories (confirmed, probable, possible, none). Confirmed cases had a PTSD ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis code. Probable/possible cases were classified using PDHA screening items. We used multiple log‐linear regression to assess PTSD (confirmed, any vs none) and the risk of HDP overall, and then explored effect modification by military service and demographic variables. We assessed the risk of HDP among deployed mothers with PTSD (confirmed, probable/possible vs none) who completed a PDHA, and explored effect modification by race/ethnicity. We also assessed risk of HDP with differing PTSD lead times.

Results

Overall, PTSD was not associated with HDP except among mothers whose PTSD was diagnosed ≥1 year prior to conception (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.06, 1.90).

Conclusions

Post‐traumatic stress disorder preceding conception by at least a year appeared to confer an increased risk of HDP, but further research is needed using more thorough PTSD assessment.
Intrafollicular paraoxonase 1 activity and the steroidogenic potential of the first post‐partum dominant follicle in dairy cows
Authors: Isola José Victor Vieira , Velasco Acosta Diego Andres , Bespalhok Jacometo Carolina , Rincón Joao Alveiro Alvarado , Silveira Pedro Augusto Silva , Corrêa Marcio Nunes , Schneider Augusto
Published: April 2019

Cows experiencing high levels of inflammation and specific metabolic conditions tend to have slower follicular growth and lower serum and follicular concentrations of oestradiol (E2). Paraoxonase1 (PON1) activity decreases during inflammatory processes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum and intrafollicular (FF) PON1 activity and the serum and intrafollicular levels of E2 and progesterone (P4), as well as the mRNA expression of genes related to steroidogenesis, metabolism and inflammation in the first post‐partum dominant follicle of Holstein cows. No correlation was found between PON1 activity, the expression of the analysed genes and levels of follicular E2 and P4, except for a negative correlation between serum E2 and follicular PO1 activity. Also, no correlation was found between serum and follicular PON1 during the first post‐partum follicular wave.
Practical approach to establishing pulmonary rehabilitation for people with non‐COPD diagnoses
Authors: Granger Catherine L. , Morris Norman R. , Holland Anne E.
Published: April 2019

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a core aspect in the management of patients with chronic respiratory diseases. This paper describes a practical approach to establishing pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with non‐COPD diagnoses using examples from the interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary hypertension (PH), bronchiectasis and lung cancer patient populations. Aspects of pulmonary rehabilitation, including the rationale, patient selection, setting of programmes, patient assessment and training components (both exercise and non‐exercise aspects), are discussed for these patient groups. Whilst there are many similarities in the rationale and application of pulmonary rehabilitation across these non‐COPD populations, there are also many subtle differences, which are discussed in detail in this paper. With consideration of these factors, pulmonary rehabilitation programmes can be adapted to facilitate the inclusion of respiratory patients with non‐COPD diagnoses.
Sleep apnoea and immune regulation: The story is only beginning
Authors: Lam David C.L. , Ip Mary S.M.
Published: April 2019

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Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome as manifestation of lung GVHD: Not the only one – Reply
Authors: Lam David C.L. , Kwok Wang‐Chun
Published: April 2019

See Letter
Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome as manifestation of lung GVHD: Not the only one
Authors: Mura Marco , Juvet Stephen
Published: April 2019

See Reply
Not just the common cold: Rhinovirus infection in lung allograft recipients
Authors: Singanayagam Aran , Johnston Sebastian L.
Published: April 2019

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Lobbying Conflict, Competition, and Working in Coalitions
Authors: Newmark Adam J. , Nownes Anthony J.
Published: April 2019

Objective

We examine the factors that affect interest group decisions to join coalitions rather than “go it alone.” Among the factors we consider are organization type, level of conflict, level of competition, and relative influence.

Method

We conduct a mail survey of lobbyists in five American states to determine the likelihood of interests working in coalitions.

Results

Our findings indicate that group type has little impact on group decisions to join coalitions. Advantaged (e.g., resource‐rich business organizations) and disadvantaged (e.g., underfunded charity and citizen groups) groups behave similarly when it comes to working with others, a finding that is important in debates over whether some interests are over‐ or underrepresented in the pressure system. We also find that conflict and competition affect groups’ propensity to work with other groups, and that contextual factors, including partisan congruence and lobbying laws, influence the extent to which groups work with other groups.

Conclusion

Our findings contribute to the ongoing scholarly debate about the conditions under which interest groups bear the costs of lobbying with others.
Temporal trends and differential patterns in the prevalence of severe anaemia in India: observations from country‐wide haemoglobin determinations 2008–2018
Authors: Bora Kaustubh
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To assess temporal trends in the occurrence of severe anaemia in India over the past decade, encompassing every state and union territory.

Methods

For the period 2008–09 to 2017–18, annual estimates (%) of severe anaemia (haemoglobin < 7 g/dl) for India were derived from Health Management Information System datasets, along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to construct temporal trends. Differential patterns in the distribution of severe anaemia by geography, epidemiological transition level and socio‐demographic index values were also investigated.

Results

Severe anaemia occurred in 3.29% (95% CI: 3.28–3.30%) of all haemoglobin determinations in India in 2017–18, which was less than a third of the number in 2008–09. This decline (overall 7.8% or 0.78% per year) over the past decade was consistent (χ2 trend = 1 557 296, P < 0.001). Distribution of severe anaemia was heterogeneous between states and union territories (in 2017–18), ranged from < 1% (in Kerala and Lakshadweep) to > 8% (in Telangana). Significant variations were observed according to geographical region (highest in Central zone), epidemiological transition level (highest at higher middle epidemiological transition level) and socio‐demographic index (highest at middle socio‐demographic index). Severe anaemia burden between rural and urban areas also differed significantly.

Conclusion

Although the prevalence of severe anaemia has decreased in India over the last decade, it remains substantial and differs widely with respect to geography, epidemiological transition level, and socio‐economic conditions. A detailed assessment of the various aetiologies and documentation of their spatial epidemiology is desirable to understand their relative contribution to the severe anaemia burden and to design appropriate interventions.
Arabidopsis and sunflower plants with increased xylem area show enhanced seed yield
Authors: Cabello Julieta V. , Chan Raquel L.
Published: April 2019

Plant architecture plasticity determines the efficiency at harvesting and plays a major role defining biomass and seed yield. We observed that several previously described transgenic genotypes exhibiting increased seed yield also show wider stems and more vascular bundles than wild‐type plants. Here, the relationship between these characteristics and seed yield was investigated. Hanging weight on the main stem of Arabidopsis plants provoked significant stem widening. Such widening was accompanied by an increase in the number of vascular bundles and about 100% of yield increase. In parallel, lignin deposition diminished. Vascular bundle formation started in the upper internode and continued downstream. AUX/LAX carriers were essential for this response. The increase of vascular bundles was reverted 3 weeks after the treatment leading to an enlarged xylem area. Aux1, lax1, and lax3 mutant plants were also able to enlarge their stems after the treatment, whereas lax2 plants did not. However, none of these mutants exhibited more vascular bundles or seed yield compared with untreated plants. Weight‐induced xylem area enhancement and increased seed yield were also observed in sunflower plants. Altogether these results showed a strong correlation between the number of vascular bundles and enhanced seed yield under a long‐day photoperiod. Furthermore, changes in the levels of auxin carriers affected both these processes in the same manner, suggesting that there may be an underlying causality.
The Effect of Communication and Immigration Activities in 7th Grade Social Studies Course on the Empathy Skills of Students
Authors: Bulut Birol , Aslan Süleyman
Published: April 2019

The feeling of empathy is as old as the humankind. Empathy is an attempt to perceive the emotions and to understand the thoughts of other individuals and discern their point of view. Due to such aspects, empathy presents “a focus on other individuals”. In general terms, empathy was defined as “adopting a sensitive attitude towards correctly understanding the emotions and thoughts of another individual, encountering any event, through placing oneself in the place of that individual during the process of communication.”The present study was intended to determine the effects of the communication and immigration subjects in the 7th grade social studies course on the empathy skills of students through employing the didactic approach, which is one of the techniques for empathy development.Concurrent nested (embedded) design, a mixed research method, was employed in the present study. Mixed-method research is defined as the approach through which the researcher draws conclusions by using the advantage of integrating qualitative and quantitative methods, approaches and concepts in a study or consecutive studies with the aim to understand diverse research models. The quantitative data in the present study were obtained via the “Index of Empathy for Children and Adolescents”, whereas the qualitative data were collected through interview forms.Almost all students emphasized the significance of empathy and understanding the feelings of the migrants for understanding the causes and consequences of immigration throughout the activities related to immigration.
Effects of acute nitric oxide precursor intake on peripheral and central fatigue during knee extensions in healthy men
Authors: Le Roux‐Mallouf Thibault , Laurent Julien , Besset Dimitri , Marillier Mathieu , Larribaut Julie , Belaidi Elise , Corne Christelle , Doutreleau Stéphane , Verges Samuel
Published: April 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What is the effect of acute NO precursor intake on vascular function, muscle and cerebral oxygenation and peripheral and central neuromuscular fatigue during knee‐extension exercise?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Acute NO precursor ingestion increases the plasma concentrations of NO precursors (nitrate, arginine and citrulline) and enhances post‐ischaemic vasodilatation, but has no significant effect on muscle and cerebral oxygenation, peripheral and central mechanisms of neuromuscular fatigue and, consequently, does not improve exercise performance.

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in matching blood flow to oxygen demand in the brain and contracting muscles during exercise. Previous studies have shown that increasing NO bioavailability can improve muscle function. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of acute NO precursor intake on muscle and cerebral oxygenation and on peripheral and central neuromuscular fatigue during exercise. In four experimental sessions, 15 healthy men performed a thigh ischaemia–reperfusion test followed by submaximal isometric knee extensions (5 s on–4 s off; 45% of maximal voluntary contraction) until task failure. In each session, subjects drank a nitrate‐rich beetroot juice containing 520 mg nitrate (N), N and citrulline (6 g; N+C), N and arginine (6 g; N+A) or a placebo (PLA). Prefrontal cortex and quadriceps near‐infrared spectroscopy parameters were monitored continuously. Transcranial magnetic stimulation and femoral nerve electrical stimulation were used to assess central and peripheral determinants of fatigue. The post‐ischaemic increase in thigh blood total haemoglobin concentration was larger in N (10.1 ± 3.7 mmol) and N+C (10.9 ± 3.3 mmol) compared with PLA (8.2 ± 2.7 mmol; P < 0.05). Nitric oxide precursors had no significant effect on muscle and cerebral oxygenation or on peripheral and central mechanisms of neuromuscular fatigue during exercise. The total number of knee extensions did not differ between sessions (N, 71.9 ± 33.2; N+A, 73.3 ± 39.4; N+C, 74.6 ± 34.0; PLA, 71.8 ± 39.9; P > 0.05). In contrast to the post‐ischaemic hyperaemic response, NO bioavailability in healthy subjects might not be the limiting factor for tissue perfusion and oxygenation during submaximal knee extensions to task failure.
Sunscreen or simulated sweat minimizes the impact of acute ultraviolet radiation on cutaneous microvascular function in healthy humans
Authors: Wolf S. Tony , Berry Craig W. , Stanhewicz Anna E. , Kenney Lauren E. , Ferguson Sara B. , Kenney W. Larry
Published: April 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Are ultraviolet radiation (UVR)‐induced increases in skin blood flow independent of skin erythema? Does broad‐spectrum UVR exposure attenuate NO‐mediated cutaneous vasodilatation, and does sunscreen or sweat modulate this response?

What are the main findings and their importance?

Erythema and vascular responses to UVR are temporally distinct, and sunscreen prevents both responses. Exposure to UVR attenuates NO‐mediated vasodilatation in the cutaneous microvasculature; sunscreen or simulated sweat on the skin attenuates this response. Sun over‐exposure may elicit deleterious effects on human skin that are separate from sunburn, and sunscreen or sweat on the skin may provide protection.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) may result in cutaneous vascular dysfunction independent of erythema (skin reddening). Two studies were designed to differentiate changes in erythema from skin vasodilatation throughout the 8 h after acute broad‐spectrum UVR exposure with (+SS) or without SPF‐50 sunscreen (study 1) and to examine NO‐mediated cutaneous vasodilatation after acute broad‐spectrum UVR exposure with or without +SS or simulated sweat (+SW) on the skin (study 2). In both studies, laser‐Doppler flowmetry was used to measure red cell flux, and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated (CVC = flux/mean arterial pressure). In study 1, in 14 healthy adults (24 ± 4 years old; seven men and seven women), the skin erythema index and CVC were measured over two forearm sites (UVR only and UVR+SS) before, immediately after and every 2 h for 8 h post‐exposure (750 mJ cm−2). The erythema index began to increase immediately post‐UVR (P < 0.05 at 4, 6 and 8 h), but CVC did not increase above baseline for the first 4–6 h (P ≤ 0.01 at 6 and 8 h); +SS prevented both responses. In study 2, in 13 healthy adults (24 ± 4 years old; six men and seven women), three intradermal microdialysis fibres were placed in the ventral skin of the forearm [randomly assigned to UVR (450 mJ cm−2), UVR+SS or UVR+SW], and one fibre (non‐exposed control; CON) was placed in the contralateral forearm. After UVR, a standardized local heating (42°C) protocol quantified the percentage of NO‐mediated vasodilatation (%NO). The UVR attenuated %NO compared with CON (P = 0.01). The diminished %NO was prevented by +SS (P < 0.01) and +SW (P < 0.01). Acute broad‐spectrum UVR attenuates NO‐dependent dilatation in the cutaneous microvasculature, independent of erythema. Sunscreen protects against both inflammatory and heating‐induced endothelial dysfunction, and sweat might prevent UVR‐induced reductions in NO‐dependent dilatation.
Thermodynamic Theory and Experimental Validation of a Multiphase Isochoric Freezing Process
Authors: Powell-Palm Matthew J. , Aruda Justin , Rubinsky Boris
Published: April 2019

Freezing of the aqueous solutions that comprise biological materials, such as isotonic physiological saline, results in the formation of ice crystals and the generation of a hypertonic solution, both of which prove deleterious to biological matter. The field of modern cryopreservation, or preservation of biological matter at subfreezing temperatures, emerged from the 1948 discovery that certain chemical additives such as glycerol, known as cryoprotectants, can protect cells from freeze-related damage by depressing the freezing point of water in solution. This gave rise to a slew of important medical applications, from the preservation of sperm and blood cells to the recent preservation of an entire liver, and current cryopreservation protocols thus rely heavily on the use of additive cryoprotectants. However, high concentrations of cryoprotectants themselves prove toxic to cells, and thus there is an ongoing effort to minimize cryoprotectant usage while maintaining protection from ice-related damage. Herein, we conceive from first principles a new, purely thermodynamic method to eliminate ice formation and hypertonicity during the freezing of a physiological solution: multiphase isochoric freezing. We develop a comprehensive thermodynamic model to predict the equilibrium behaviors of multiphase isochoric systems of arbitrary composition and validate these concepts experimentally in a simple device with no moving parts, providing a baseline from which to design tailored cryopreservation protocols using the multiphase isochoric technique.
Superharmonic Resonance of Fractional-Order Mathieu–Duffing Oscillator
Authors: Niu Jiangchuan , Li Xiaofeng , Xing Haijun
Published: April 2019

The superharmonic resonance of fractional-order Mathieu–Duffing oscillator subjected to external harmonic excitation is investigated. Based on the Krylov–Bogolubov–Mitropolsky (KBM) asymptotic method, the approximate analytical solution for the third superharmonic resonance under parametric-forced joint resonance is obtained, where the unified expressions of the fractional-order term with fractional order from 0 to 2 are gained. The amplitude–frequency equation for steady-state solution and corresponding stability condition are also presented. The correctness of the approximate analytical results is verified by numerical results. The effects of the fractional-order term, excitation amplitudes, and nonlinear stiffness coefficient on the superharmonic resonance response of the system are analyzed in detail. The results show that the KBM method is effective to analyze dynamic response in a fractional-order Mathieu–Duffing system.
On the Projection of a Flexible Bodies Modal Coordinates Onto Another Finite Element Model With Local Modifications
Authors: Witteveen Wolfgang , Stefan Pöchacker , Pichler Florian
Published: April 2019

The time integration of a complex multibody system is a time consuming part of the entire evaluation process of a flexible component. A multibody simulation of a flexible crankshaft, for instance, interacting with pistons, con rods, fly wheel, hydrodynamic bearings and further takes several hours of central processing unit (CPU) time and may dominate the entire simulation chain. Small, local changes in the involved finite element (FE) models, for example, another notch radius, normally require a new time integration of the entire multibody system. In this publication, a remarkably simple method is presented, so that the multibody simulation of such a variant can be skipped entirely. Instead, a simple and cheap projection of the original results to the modified FE model is proposed. One simple and one elaborate example demonstrate the extraordinary resulting quality for minor design changes like notch radius variations.
A New Cluster-Based Harmonic Balance Aided Optimization Procedure With Application to Nonlinear Vibration Absorbers
Authors: Premchand V. P. , Narayanan M. D. , Sajith A. S.
Published: April 2019

This work presents a new strategy in design optimization of nonlinear vibration absorbers with continuous and discontinuous motions. A cluster-based harmonic balance aided optimization technique using force balance or energy balance as the basis is generalized and adapted for nonlinear systems. It is found that optimal design parameters form a cluster in the parameter space and points from the parameter space inside the cluster satisfies design considerations. One of the main disadvantages of using existing optimization methods in nonlinear systems is that the parameter regimes, which provide periodic solutions, are not known beforehand, so one has to first do bifurcation studies to arrive at periodic regimes and optimization has to be conducted in the range. Proposed method combines these two steps as it converges to periodic clusters alone. Since the method admits only periodic solutions, occurrence of conditions such as chaos and quasi periodicity can be eliminated from the dynamics of the system. The proposed method can also be used to find the optimal parameters of both linear and nonlinear dynamical systems.
A Novel Model for the Tolerancing of Nonrigid Part Assemblies in Computer Aided Design
Authors: Tlija Mehdi , Korbi Anis , Louhichi Borhen , Benamara Abdelmajid
Published: April 2019

In the design step, the realistic modeling of the product represents an industrial requirement and a digital muck up (DMU) improvement. Thus, the tolerance integration in the computer aided design (CAD) model with the neglect of important physical factors, such as the components’ deformations during the mounting and assembly operation, causes a deviation between the numerical and the realistic models. In this regard, this paper presents a new model for the tolerance analysis of CAD assemblies based on the consideration of both manufacturing defects and deformations. The dimensional and geometrical tolerances are considered by the determination of assemblies’ configurations with defects based on the worst case tolerancing. The finite elements (FEs) simulation is realized with realistic models. An algorithm for updating the realistic mating constraints, between rigid and nonrigid parts, is developed. The case study of an assembly with planar and cylindrical joints is presented.
Individualizing Locator Adjustments of Assembly Fixtures Using a Digital Twin
Authors: Rezaei Aderiani Abolfazl , Wärmefjord Kristina , Söderberg Rikard , Lindkvist Lars
Published: April 2019

Implementing the concept of a digital twin in full production provides enough data on each individual assembly for real-time control of production processes. Taking advantage of this opening, this paper proposes individualized locator adjustments as a new method to improve the geometrical quality of assemblies. In this method, all locators in the assembly fixture can be adjusted for each individual assembly based on the scan data of the mating parts of that assembly. The optimal adjustment of every locator for each individual assembly is obtained using an optimization algorithm and nonrigid variation simulation tools (computer-aided tolerancing tools). This method is applied to three industrial cases and geometrical variations and the mean deviation from nominal positions are compared to nonindividualized adjustments and also when there are no adjustments. The results show that applying this method, an improvement of up to 81% in geometrical variation and 78% in the mean deviation of assemblies can be obtained compared to assemblies without adjustments. These improvements are 60% and 57% higher than nonindividualized adjustments of locators for the variation and the mean deviation, respectively. Moreover, a modification on the optimization algorithm has been proposed that reduces the amount of required adjustments.