bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disentangling observer error and climate change effects in long‐term monitoring of alpine plant species composition and cover
Authors: Futschik Andreas , Winkler Manuela , Steinbauer Klaus , Lamprecht Andrea , Rumpf Sabine B. , Barančok Peter , Palaj Andrej , Gottfried Michael , Pauli Harald
Published: October 2019

Questions

Long‐term programs monitoring the impact of climate change on alpine vegetation necessarily involve changing observers. We aim at quantifying observer errors and ask if the signal of alpine vegetation transformation due to climate change exceeds pseudo‐changes caused by observer errors.

Location

Two mountain regions in the Alps, Schrankogel and Hochschwab (both Austria), and one in the High Tatra Mountains (Slovakia).

Methods

Vascular plant species presence and cover were recorded on 10–12 1‐m2 plots by 13–14 observers per site. Observer errors were calculated as species turnover, and deviations of species cover and the plot thermic vegetation indicator (which is correlated with temperature) from the mean over all observers. Observer errors in estimating species cover were split into a random and systematic part. The influence of plot and species characteristics on observer errors was investigated using (generalized) linear mixed‐effect models. Changes over time from three surveys in species turnover, cover and the thermic vegetation indicator were related to the amount of observer error using a bootstrap approach.

Results

Species cover was the most influential factor affecting observer errors in recording species lists and in species cover estimation. Plot attributes and observer identity had a weak but significant influence on errors in the thermic vegetation indicator. Systematic errors in estimating species cover were ≤5%. Changes over time in estimating species cover, as well as in species turnover and the thermic vegetation indicator exceeded observer errors in all cases where the observation period was ≥10 years.

Conclusions

The thermic vegetation indicator, which combines species composition and cover with species’ elevational distributions, provides a reliable estimate of warming‐related vegetation changes. Our results underline the importance of long‐term monitoring and long observation periods, which enable us to account for short‐term fluctuations and observer errors alike.
Taxonomic status of fish parasites in Kenyan inland water systems and their significance on the freshwater fisheries and aquaculture productivity within the region
Authors: Kibet Caroline Jepkorir , Donde Oscar Omondi , Okwiri Brian , Otachi Elick Onyango
Published: October 2019

Fish are a resource with great economic, nutritional and recreational benefits to humans on a global scale. In Kenya, fish represent an important source of food and income through trade and employment to many communities. In fact, fish are an important alternative source of animal protein, especially in famine‐tolerant arid and semi‐arid regions such as Turkana, Marsabit, Pokot and Baringo Counties, where annual drought periodically hampers traditional livestock keeping destitute. Kenya freshwater fishes have remained vulnerable to a variety of parasites and related diseases. Approximately 119 fish parasites have been reported in the country, with about 83 being identified to species level and 35 to genus level. Out of the reported parasites, 77% were detected in wild fish, 8% in farm fish and 15% in both wild and farmed fish. The parasites identified by various studies include protozoa (7), myxozoa (7), nematode (20), monogenean (33), digenean (16), cestoda (15), acanthocephalan (6) and crustacean (15). The highly commercialized fishes, such as Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus, harbour the highest number of parasites, which greatly hinder fisheries and aquaculture productivity through retarded growth, mechanical damages, reduced reproduction rates and increased mortality of the fish hosts. Thus, there is need for adequate information on the taxonomy and ecology of these parasites as a basis for developing appropriate management and policies to control them. This review article is meant to provide an overview of the distribution, occurrence of fish parasites and their impacts on inland water fisheries and aquaculture in Kenya, while also highlighting the available gaps warranting further studies, with the goal of developing appropriate and accurate control measures to improve the region's fisheries and aquaculture productivity and food security.
Differential gene expression during substrate probing in larvae of the Caribbean coral Porites astreoides
Authors: Walker Nia S. , Fernández Rosa , Sneed Jennifer M. , Paul Valerie J. , Giribet Gonzalo , Combosch David J.
Published: October 2019

The transition from larva to adult is a critical step in the life history strategy of most marine animals. However, the genetic basis of this life history change remains poorly understood in many taxa, including most coral species. Recent evidence suggests that coral planula larvae undergo significant changes at the physiological and molecular levels throughout the development. To investigate this, we characterized differential gene expression (DGE) during the transition from planula to adult polyp in the abundant Caribbean reef‐building coral Porites astreoides, that is from nonprobing to actively substrate‐probing larva, a stage required for colony initiation. This period is crucial for the coral, because it demonstrates preparedness to locate appropriate substrata for settlement based on vital environmental cues. Through RNA‐Seq, we identified 860 differentially expressed holobiont genes between probing and nonprobing larvae (p ≤ .01), the majority of which were upregulated in probing larvae. Surprisingly, differentially expressed genes of endosymbiotic dinoflagellate origin greatly outnumbered coral genes, compared with a nearly 1:1 ratio of coral‐to‐dinoflagellate gene representation in the holobiont transcriptome. This unanticipated result suggests that dinoflagellate endosymbionts may play a significant role in the transition from nonprobing to probing behaviour in dinoflagellate‐rich larvae. Putative holobiont genes were largely involved in protein and nucleotide binding, metabolism and transport. Genes were also linked to environmental sensing and response and integral signalling pathways. Our results thus provide detailed insight into molecular changes prior to larval settlement and highlight the complex physiological and biochemical changes that occur in early transition stages from pelagic to benthic stages in corals, and perhaps more importantly, in their endosymbionts.
Molecular signatures of selection associated with host plant differences in Pieris butterflies
Authors: Okamura Yu , Sato Ai , Tsuzuki Natsumi , Murakami Masashi , Heidel‐Fischer Hanna , Vogel Heiko
Published: October 2019

Adaptive traits that enable organisms to conquer novel niches and experience subsequent diversification are ecologically and evolutionarily important. The larvae of Pieris butterflies express nitrile‐specifier proteins (NSPs), a key innovation for overcoming the glucosinolate (GLS)‐myrosinase‐based defence system of their Brassicales host plants. Nitrile‐specifier proteins are a member of the NSP‐like gene family, which includes the major allergen (MA) protein, a paralog of NSP with a GLS‐disarming function, and a single domain major allergen (SDMA) protein, whose function is unknown. The arms‐race between GLS‐based defences and the NSP‐like gene family is suggested to mediate diversification in both Pierid butterflies and Brassicales plants. Here, we tested whether the expected strong selection on NSP‐like gene family correlates with shifts in host plant spectra among Pierid butterflies. We combined feeding experiments using 25 Brassicaceae plants and five Pieris species with larval transcriptome data to investigate the patterns of selection acting on NSP‐like gene family members. Although we observed significantly elevated nonsynonymous to synonymous substitution rate ratios in NSPs on branches associated with changes in patterns of host plant usage, no such pattern was observed in MAs or SDMAs. Furthermore, we found evidence for positive selection of NSP at a phylogenetic branch which reflects different host plant spectra. Our data indicate that the NSP‐related gene members have evolved differently: NSPs have accumulated more amino acid changes in response to shifting preferences for host plants, whereas MAs and SDMAs appear to be more conserved. Further detailed functional assays of these genes would provide important insights to understand their role in the chemical arms‐race between Pieris butterflies and their Brassicales host plants.
Differential phosphorylation of the N‐terminal extension regulates phytochrome B signaling
Authors: Viczián András , Ádám Éva , Staudt Anne‐Marie , Lambert Dorothee , Klement Eva , Romero Montepaone Sofia , Hiltbrunner Andreas , Casal Jorge , Schäfer Eberhard , Nagy Ferenc , Klose Cornelia
Published: October 2019

Phytochrome B (phyB) is an excellent light quality and quantity sensor that can detect subtle changes in the light environment. The relative amounts of the biologically active photoreceptor (phyB Pfr) are determined by the light conditions and light independent thermal relaxation of Pfr into the inactive phyB Pr, termed thermal reversion. Little is known about the regulation of thermal reversion and how it affects plants’ light sensitivity.

In this study we identified several serine/threonine residues on the N‐terminal extension (NTE) of Arabidopsis thaliana phyB that are differentially phosphorylated in response to light and temperature, and examined transgenic plants expressing nonphosphorylatable and phosphomimic phyB mutants.

The NTE of phyB is essential for thermal stability of the Pfr form, and phosphorylation of S86 particularly enhances the thermal reversion rate of the phyB Pfr–Pr heterodimer in vivo. We demonstrate that S86 phosphorylation is especially critical for phyB signaling compared with phosphorylation of the more N‐terminal residues. Interestingly, S86 phosphorylation is reduced in light, paralleled by a progressive Pfr stabilization under prolonged irradiation.

By investigating other phytochromes (phyD and phyE) we provide evidence that acceleration of thermal reversion by phosphorylation represents a general mechanism for attenuating phytochrome signaling.
Lack of FIBRILLIN6 in Arabidopsis thaliana affects light acclimation and sulfate metabolism
Authors: Lee Kwanuk , Lehmann Martin , Paul Melanie V. , Wang Liangsheng , Luckner Manja , Wanner Gerhard , Geigenberger Peter , Leister Dario , Kleine Tatjana
Published: October 2019

Arabidopsis thaliana contains 13 fibrillins (FBNs), which are all localized to chloroplasts. FBN1 and FBN2 are involved in photoprotection of photosystem II, and FBN4 and FBN5 are thought to be involved in plastoquinone transport and biosynthesis, respectively. The functions of the other FBNs remain largely unknown.

To gain insight into the function of FBN6, we performed coexpression and Western analyses, conducted fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy, stained reactive oxygen species (ROS), measured photosynthetic parameters and glutathione levels, and applied transcriptomics and metabolomics.

Using coexpression analyses, FBN6 was identified as a photosynthesis‐associated gene. FBN6 is localized to thylakoid and envelope membranes, and its knockout results in stunted plants. The delayed‐growth phenotype cannot be attributed to altered basic photosynthesis parameters or a reduced CO2 assimilation rate. Under moderate light stress, primary leaves of fbn6 plants begin to bleach and contain enlarged plastoglobules. RNA sequencing and metabolomics analyses point to an alteration in sulfate reduction in fbn6. Indeed, glutathione content is higher in fbn6, which in turn confers cadmium tolerance of fbn6 seedlings.

We conclude that loss of FBN6 leads to perturbation of ROS homeostasis. FBN6 enables plants to cope with moderate light stress and affects cadmium tolerance.
The risk of overweight and obesity in children with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kahathuduwa Chanaka N. , West Blake D. , Blume Jessica , Dharavath Nagaraju , Moustaid‐Moussa Naima , Mastergeorge Ann
Published: October 2019

Multiple studies have suggested that autism spectrum disorders seem to increase the risk of overweight and obesity. We examined the pooled prevalence and relative risk of developing overweight or obesity among children with autism spectrum disorders in a systematic review and meta‐analysis. We searched PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Web of Science databases and subsequently screened the records to identify studies that reported prevalence of overweight and/or obesity in children with ASD and matched groups of neurotypical children. DerSimonian‐Laird random‐effects meta‐analyses were performed to examine pooled prevalence and relative risk of obesity in children with autism spectrum disorders using the “meta” package in R software. Among children with autism spectrum disorders, the prevalence of obesity was 22.2%. Children with ASD had a 41.1% greater risk (P = .018) of development of obesity. Non‐Caucasian race, increasing age, female sex, and living in the United States emerged as positive moderators of the association between autism spectrum disorders and prevalence of overweight or obesity. Autism spectrum disorders seem to increase the risk of childhood obesity. Increased awareness of this association may allow the implementation of early interventions to reduce obesity and prevent potential deterioration of quality‐of‐life in this population.
Investigating the structure‐function relationship using Goldmann V standard automated perimetry where glaucomatous damage is advanced
Authors: Yanagisawa Mieko , Murata Hiroshi , Matsuura Masato , Fujino Yuri , Hirasawa Kazunori , Asaoka Ryo
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To investigate if the structure‐function relationship between circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (cpRNFL) thickness and visual field (VF) thresholds is stronger when using the Goldmann V target rather than the GoldmanIIItarget where glaucomatous damage is advanced.

Methods

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) andVF(Humphrey Field Analyzer 24‐2 or 30‐2) measurements with GoldmannIII(SITAstandard) and V (full‐threshold) targets were carried out in 51 eyes of 51 patients with primary open angle glaucoma. The relationship between cpRNFLthicknesses in supero‐ and infero‐temporal sectors, andVFsensitivity with the GoldmannIIIor V target was investigated.

Result

Visual field sensitivities (dB) both with the GoldmannIIItarget and Goldmann V target showed a floor effect in the structure‐function relationship against cpRNFLthickness, at approximately 60 μm. There was no significant relationship between visual field sensitivity measured with the Goldmann V target (dBscale:p = 0.12, 1/Lambert scale:p = 0.40; linear mixed models) and cpRNFLthickness, when corresponding visual field sensitivity, measured with the GoldmannIIItarget, was <20 dB.

Conclusion

There was no improvement in the structure‐function relationship using the Goldmann V target (full‐threshold), compared to using the GoldmannIIItarget (SITAstandard), where glaucomatous damage was advanced.
Neural gain induced by startling acoustic stimuli is additive to preparatory activation
Authors: McInnes Aaron N. , Corti Emily J. , Tresilian James R. , Lipp Ottmar V. , Marinovic Welber
Published: October 2019

Loud acoustic stimuli presented during movement preparation can shorten reaction time and increase response forcefulness. We examined how efferent connectivity of an agonist muscle to reticulospinal and corticospinal pathways, and the level of prepared movement force, affect reaction time and movement execution when the motor response is triggered by an intense acoustic stimulus. In Experiment 1, participants executed ballistic wrist flexion and extension movements of low and high force in response to visual stimuli. A loud acoustic stimulus (LAS; 105 dBa) was presented simultaneously with the visual imperative stimulus in probe trials. In Experiment 2, participants executed ballistic wrist flexion movements ranging from 10%–50% of maximum voluntary contraction with a LAS presented in probe trials. The shortening of response initiation was not affected by movement type (flexion or extension) or prepared movement force. Enhancement of response magnitude, however, was proportionally greater for low force movements and for the flexor muscle. Changes in peak force induced by the intense acoustic stimulus indicated that the neural activity introduced to motor program circuits by acoustic stimulation is additive to the voluntary neural activity that occurs due to movement preparation, rather than multiplicative.
Culture and the Quality of Government
Authors: Porcher Simon
Published: October 2019

This article uses a cross‐country data set to empirically investigate the relationship between national culture and the quality of government. Culture has a strong impact on the quality of government that remains stable even after controlling for differences in institutions and economic development. This effect remains significant when the continents are considered separately, with the exception of Asia. The results reveal the importance of culture in understanding the quality of government and open new avenues for research in comparative public administration in a globalized world.
Clinical significance of serum S100 calcium‐binding protein A4 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Akiyama Norimichi , Hozumi Hironao , Isayama Takuya , Okada Jun , Sugiura Katsunori , Yasui Hideki , Suzuki Yuzo , Kono Masato , Karayama Masato , Furuhashi Kazuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Inui Naoki , Nakamura Yutaro , Suda Takafumi
Published: October 2019

Background and objective

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease with a poor prognosis. There are no established serum biomarkers for predicting the outcomes of IPF. S100 calcium‐binding protein A4 (S100A4) is considered as a marker of fibroblasts; however, its clinical application remains to be investigated. We evaluated the clinical relevance of S100A4 in IPF patients.

Methods

Serum S100A4 levels in 95 consecutive IPF patients and 50 healthy controls (HC) were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. S100A4 expression in lung tissues was determined using immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence and its association with disease progression (defined as deterioration in lung function or death) and mortality was assessed using Kaplan–Meier method and Cox hazards analysis.

Results

Serum S100A4 levels were undetectable in all HC but were detectable in 26 (27.3%) of the 95 IPF patients (P < 0.01). Immunostaining of lung tissues from IPF patients showed aggregation of numerous S100A4‐expressing cells around the fibroblastic foci and mature fibrotic regions. IPF patients with higher serum S100A4 levels had a significantly worse prognosis than those with low serum levels (2‐year cumulative survival rate: 41.7% vs 77.0%, respectively, P < 0.01). On multivariate analyses, baseline serum S100A4 levels (per 10 ng/mL increase) were independently associated with higher disease progression rate (odds ratio: 1.06, P = 0.01) and higher mortality (hazard ratio: 1.18, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

S100A4 is a promising serum biomarker that may help predict disease progression/mortality. Our findings may help establish treatment strategies for IPF.
EFFECTS OF FEDERAL CONSTITUTIONAL GRANTS IN BRAZILIAN MUNICIPALITIES
Authors: Ferreira Lucas Oliveira Gomes , Serrano André Luiz Marques , Revelli Federico
Published: October 2019

The objective of the present study is to verify the flypaper effect of 476 Brazilian municipalities from 2005 to 2012, considering the new variables as instruments of grants. Political alignment, alignment of the party, and coalition of the mayor with the federal president and of the state governor were considered as instruments of grants. A municipal tax autonomy index was considered as a control variable, which represents the percentage of local taxes in the municipal total revenues. The results allow concluding that the flypaper effect exists in Brazilian municipalities and is intensified by the alignment of the representatives in the same way of theoretical literature (Hamilton 1983; Hines & Thaler 1995; Inman 2008) and previous empirical studies in Brazil. Moreover, evidences of higher flypaper effect were found in municipalities with low tax autonomy.
Action Production and Event Perception as Routine Sequential Behaviors
Authors: Cooper Richard P.
Published: October 2019

It is argued that event perception and routine sequential action production share a range of characteristics (e.g., similar levels of automaticity, the involvement of sequentially and hierarchically organized schemata, and the coupled operation of predictive and monitoring processes). With this in mind, and in an effort to develop a mechanistic account of event perception, we consider how an existing model of routine sequential action production might be applied in the domain of event perception. We focus the discussion on the multiple roles of prediction in the two domains, and we consider the implications of the application of the model of action production to event perception and for sequential processing more generally.
From reproduction to production, stomata are the master regulators
Authors: Brodribb Timothy J. , Sussmilch Frances , McAdam Scott A. M.
Published: October 2019

The best predictor of leaf level photosynthetic rate is the porosity of the leaf surface, as determined by the number and aperture of stomata on the leaf. This remarkable correlation between stomatal porosity (or diffusive conductance to water vapour gs) and CO2 assimilation rate (A) applies to all major lineages of vascular plants (Figure 1) and is sufficiently predictable that it provides the basis for the model most widely used to predict water and CO2 fluxes from leaves and canopies. Yet the Ball–Berry formulation is only a phenomenological approximation that captures the emergent character of stomatal behaviour. Progressing to a more mechanistic prediction of plant gas exchange is challenging because of the diversity of biological components regulating stomatal action. These processes are the product of more than 400 million years of co‐evolution between stomatal, vascular and photosynthetic tissues. Both molecular and structural components link the abiotic world of the whole plant with the turgor pressure of the epidermis and guard cells, which ultimately determine stomatal pore size and porosity to water and CO2 exchange (New Phytol., 168, 2005, 275). In this review we seek to simplify stomatal behaviour by using an evolutionary perspective to understand the principal selective pressures involved in stomatal evolution, thus identifying the primary regulators of stomatal aperture. We start by considering the adaptive process that has locked together the regulation of water and carbon fluxes in vascular plants, finally examining specific evidence for evolution in the proteins responsible for regulating guard cell turgor.
Specific Wear Rate of Kenaf Epoxy Composite and Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) Epoxy Composite in Dry Sliding
Authors: Kasolang Salmiah , Ahmad Mohamad Ali , Abu Bakar Mimi Azlina , Abdul Hamid Ahmad Hussein
Published: October 2019

This paper presents an experimental investigation carried out to compare specific wear rate and surface morphology between two types of natural fibres namely kenaf and oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB). Kenaf fibres were received in long fiber size and OPEFB in different sizes (100, 125, 180 and 250 μm). Both materials were mixed with the epoxy resin to produce epoxy composites. Wear tests were carried out using Abrasion Resistance Tester in dry sliding condition. These tests were performed at room temperature for different loads and at a constant sliding velocity of 1.4m/s. Based on the results, the specific wear rate of Kenaf Fibre composite starts to converge to one similar value beyond 6km distance. In the case of OPEFB epoxy composite, it was found the fiber size of 100 um has produced the highest specific wear rate.
INVESTIGATION ON CHARACTERISTICS OF POME BLENDED DIESEL ENGINE
Authors: Ahmad Jalaludin Helmisyah , Ramliy Mohd Ruysdi , Abdullah Nik Rosli , Kasolang Salmiah , Abdullah Shahrir , Abd Rahim Asiah , Michael Zeno
Published: October 2019

The sudden increase in fuel prices due to diminishing petroleum resources and the pollution resulting from its use has resulted in research into alternative fuels such as biodiesel. In addition, the faster combustion and high temperature in the combustion chamber which results from petroleum diesel fuel leads to higher nitrogen oxide (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) emissions. Therefore, this research was conducted to investigate the effect of using palm oil methyl ester (POME) blends as alternative fuels on the performance and emission of a compression ignition engine. The performance of POME blends and diesel were compared by manipulating the load of the engine at 1800 rpm. The results obtained show that fuel consumption rate is higher for the POME blends compared to the diesel fuel and increases as the POME concentration increases. The increment of brake specific fuel consumption and the reduction of CO emission exhibit a relation to the increase in percentage of POME. This is mainly contributed by the higher oxygen content of POME which promotes complete combustion of the blends. However, efficient combustion from the blends as compared to diesel fuel resulted from higher oxygen content and cetane number leads to significant increase in exhaust temperature. This in turn increases NOx emissions since using POME blends is highly related to high temperature of combustion chamber. The experimental results proved that POME in compression ignition engine is a possible substitute to diesel.
EFFECT OF ARTIFICIALLY PRODUCED PIT-LIKE DEFECTS ON THE STRENGTH OF AISI 410 STAINLESS STEEL COMPRESSOR BLADES
Authors: Khattak M. A. , Mat Noh Mazmir , Tamin M. N. , Iqbal Nida , Muhd Syariff Amir Husni , Kazi S. , Abdul Ghaffar Mohd Hafiz
Published: October 2019

In the present paper, the effect of artificially produced pit-like defects on the strength of members made of AISI 410 martensitic stainless steel were investigated. Compressor blades in power generation industries made of AISI 410 stainless steel commonly suffer from pitting corrosion. Well-defined pit-like defects were artificially produced on various specimen and strength tests were conducted. AISI 410 stainless steel microstructure shows a typical body-centered tetragonal (bct) structure. Strength tests analysis established yield strength of 547 MPa for Case 1 (max depth-max diameter) whereas a yield strength of 585 MPa for Case 2 (min depth-min diameter). In addition, strength and elongation of the artificially produced pitted tensile specimen gradually decrease with the increase of the area lost due to artificially produced pits.
EVALUATION OF TRANSFORMED LAYER HARDNESS OF DLC COATING AFTER FRICTION TEST
Authors: Masripan Nor Azmmi , Tsukiyama Yosuke , Ohara Kenji , Umehara Noritsugu , Kousaka Hiroyuki , Tokoroyama Takayuki , Inami Shigeru , Zushi Koji , Fujita Masahito
Published: October 2019

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) provide very excellence performance in term of friction coefficient and wear resistance under boundary   lubrication. the  nano characteristic of the transformed  layer has not  been studied  in terms  of its  hardness  which is believed to  have a significant  effect in the tribological  performance. This study presented the scratch test of the DLC transformed layer was obtained from the AFM scratch test that governs the friction behavior of DLC. As a result, the hardness of the DLC transformed layer depends on the oil temperature, where the sliding interface of DLC softened during the friction test due to graphitization process
Prenatal alcohol exposure programmes offspring disease: insulin resistance in adult males in a rat model of acute exposure
Authors: Nguyen Tam M. T. , Steane Sarah E. , Moritz Karen M. , Akison Lisa K.
Published: October 2019

Key points

Prenatal alcohol exposure has the potential to affect fetal development and programme chronic disease in offspring.

Previous preclinical models typically use high, chronic doses of alcohol throughout pregnancy to examine effects on offspring, particularly on the brain and behaviour.

In this study we use a rat model of moderate, acute, prenatal alcohol exposure to determine if this can be detrimental to maintenance of glucose homeostasis in adolescent and adult offspring.

Although female offspring were relatively unaffected, there was evidence of insulin resistance in 6‐month‐old male offspring exposed to prenatal alcohol, suggestive of a pre‐diabetic state.

This result suggests that even a relatively low‐dose, acute exposure to alcohol during pregnancy can still programme metabolic dysfunction in a sex‐specific manner.

Alcohol consumption is highly prevalent amongst women of reproductive age. Given that approximately 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, alcohol has the potential to affect fetal development and programme chronic disease in offspring. We examined the effect of an acute but moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on glucose metabolism, lipid levels and dietary preference in adolescent and/or adult rat offspring. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats received an oral gavage of ethanol (1 g kg−1 maternal body weight, n = 9 dams) or an equivalent volume of saline (control, n = 8 dams) at embryonic days 13.5 and 14.5. PAE resulted in a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05–0.06% 1 h post‐gavage in dams. Fasting blood glucose concentration was not affected by PAE in offspring at any age, nor were blood glucose levels during a glucose tolerance test (GTT) in 6‐month‐old offspring (P > 0.5). However, there was evidence of insulin resistance in PAE male offspring at 6 months of age, with significantly elevated fasting plasma insulin (P = 0.001), a tendency for increased first phase insulin secretion during the GTT and impaired glucose clearance following an insulin challenge (P = 0.007). This was accompanied by modest alterations in protein kinase B (AKT) signalling in adipose tissue. PAE also resulted in reduced calorie consumption by offspring compared to controls (P = 0.04). These data suggest that a relatively low‐level, acute PAE programmes metabolic dysfunction in offspring in a sex‐specific manner. These results highlight that alcohol consumption during pregnancy has the potential to affect the long‐term health of offspring.
Differential impact of two critical respiratory centres in opioid‐induced respiratory depression in awake mice
Authors: Varga Adrienn G. , Reid Brandon T. , Kieffer Brigitte L. , Levitt Erica S.
Published: October 2019

Key points

The main cause of death from opioid overdose is respiratory depression due to the activation of µ‐opioid receptors (MORs).

We conditionally deleted MORs from neurons in two key areas of the brainstem respiratory circuitry (the Kölliker–Fuse nucleus (KF) and pre‐Bötzinger complex (preBötC)) to determine their role in opioid‐induced respiratory disturbances in adult, awake mice.

Deletion of MORs from KF neurons attenuated respiratory rate depression at all doses of morphine.

Deletion of MORs from preBötC neurons attenuated rate depression at the low dose, but had no effect on rate following high doses of morphine. Instead, high doses of morphine increased the occurrence of apnoeas.

The results indicate that opioids affect distributed key areas of the respiratory network in a dose‐dependent manner and countering the respiratory effects of high dose opioids via the KF may be an effective approach to combat overdose.

The primary cause of death from opioid overdose is respiratory failure. High doses of opioids cause severe rate depression and increased risk of fatal apnoea, which correlate with increasing irregularities in breathing pattern. µ‐Opioid receptors (MORs) are widely distributed throughout the brainstem respiratory network, but the mechanisms underlying respiratory depression are poorly understood. The medullary pre‐Bötzinger complex (preBötC) and the pontine Kölliker–Fuse nucleus (KF) are considered critical for inducing opioid‐related respiratory disturbances. We used a conditional knockout approach to investigate the roles and relative contribution of MORs in KF and preBötC neurons in opioid‐induced respiratory depression in awake adult mice. The results revealed dose‐dependent and region‐specific opioid effects on the control of both respiratory rate and pattern. Respiratory depression induced by an anti‐nociceptive dose of morphine was significantly attenuated following deletion of MORs from either the KF or the preBötC, suggesting cumulative network effects on respiratory rate control at low opioid doses. Deletion of MORs from KF neurons also relieved rate depression at near‐maximal respiratory depressant doses of morphine. Meanwhile, deletion of MORs from the preBötC had no effect on rate following administration of high doses of morphine. Instead, a severe ataxic breathing pattern emerged with many apnoeas. We conclude that opioids affect distributed areas of the respiratory network and opioid‐induced respiratory depression cannot be attributed to only one area in isolation. However, countering the effects of near maximal respiratory depressant doses of opioids in the KF may be a powerful approach to combat opioid overdose.
Optimization of Part Consolidation for Minimum Production Costs and Time Using Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Nie Zhenguo , Jung Sangjin , Kara Levent Burak , Whitefoot Kate S.
Published: October 2019

This research presents a method of optimizing the consolidation of parts in an assembly using metal additive manufacturing (MAM). The method generates candidates for consolidation, filters them for feasibility and structural redundancy, finds the optimal build layout of the parts, and optimizes which parts to consolidate using a genetic algorithm. Results are presented for both minimal production time and minimal production costs, respectively. The production time and cost models consider each step of the manufacturing process, including MAM build, post-processing steps such as support structure removal, and assembly. It accounts for costs affected by part consolidation, including machine costs, material, scrap, energy consumption, and labor requirements. We find that developing a closed-loop filter that excludes consolidation candidates that are structurally redundant with others dramatically reduces the number of candidates, thereby significantly reducing convergence time. Results show that when increasing the number of parts that are consolidated, the production cost and time at first decrease due to reduced assembly steps, and then increase due to additional support structures needed to uphold the larger, consolidated parts. We present a rationale and evidence justifying that this is an important tradeoff of part consolidation that generalizes to many types of assemblies. Subsystems that are smaller, or can be oriented with very little support structures or have low material costs or fast deposition rates can have an optimum at full consolidation; for other subsystems, the optimum is less than 100%. The presented method offers a promising pathway to minimize production time and cost by consolidating parts using MAM. In our test-bed results for an aircraft fairing produced with powder-bed electron beam melting, the solution for minimizing production cost (time) is to consolidate 17 components into four (two) discrete parts, which leads to a 20% (25%) reduction in unit production cost (time).
Modeling Physiological Flow in Fontan Models With Four-Dimensional Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Particle Image Velocimetry, and Arterial Spin Labeling
Authors: Rutkowski David R. , Medero Rafael , Ruesink Timothy A. , Roldán-Alzate Alejandro
Published: October 2019

The Fontan procedure is a successful palliation for single ventricle defect. Yet, a number of complications still occur in Fontan patients due to abnormal blood flow dynamics, necessitating improved flow analysis and treatment methods. Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a suitable method for such flow analysis. However, limitations on altering physiological blood flow conditions in the patient while in the MRI bore inhibit experimental investigation of a variety of factors that contribute to impaired cardiovascular health in these patients. Furthermore, resolution and flow regime limitations in phase contrast (PC) MRI pose a challenge for accurate and consistent flow characterization. In this study, patient-specific physical models were created based on nine Fontan geometries and MRI experiments mimicking low- and high-flow conditions, as well as steady and pulsatile flow, were conducted. Additionally, a particle image velocimetry (PIV)-compatible Fontan model was created and flow was analyzed with PIV, arterial spin labeling (ASL), and four-dimensional (4D) flow MRI. Differences, though nonstatistically significant, were observed between flow conditions and between patient-specific models. Large between-model variation supported the need for further improvement for patient-specific modeling on each unique Fontan anatomical configuration. Furthermore, high-resolution PIV and flow-tracking ASL data provided flow information that was not obtainable with 4D flow MRI alone.
Machine Learning-Based Design Concept Evaluation
Authors: Camburn Bradley , He Yuejun , Raviselvam Sujithra , Luo Jianxi , Wood Kristin
Published: October 2019

In order to develop novel solutions for complex systems and in increasingly competitive markets, it may be advantageous to generate large numbers of design concepts and then to identify the most novel and valuable ideas. However, it can be difficult to process, review, and assess thousands of design concepts. Based on this need, we develop and demonstrate an automated method for design concept assessment. In the method, machine learning technologies are first applied to extract ontological data from design concepts. Then, a filtering strategy and quantitative metrics are introduced that enable creativity rating based on the ontological data. This method is tested empirically. Design concepts are crowd-generated for a variety of actual industry design problems/opportunities. Over 4000 design concepts were generated by humans for assessment. Empirical evaluation assesses: (1) correspondence of the automated ratings with human creativity ratings; (2) whether concepts selected using the method are highly scored by another set of crowd raters; and finally (3) if high scoring designs have a positive correlation or relationship to industrial technology development. The method provides a possible avenue to rate design concepts deterministically. A highlight is that a subset of designs selected automatically out of a large set of candidates was scored higher than a subset selected by humans when evaluated by a set of third-party raters. The results hint at bias in human design concept selection and encourage further study in this topic.
Universal Feedback Controllers and Inverse Optimality for Nonlinear Stochastic Systems
Authors: Haddad Wassim M. , Jin Xu
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we develop a constructive finite time stabilizing feedback control law for stochastic dynamical systems driven by Wiener processes based on the existence of a stochastic control Lyapunov function. In addition, we present necessary and sufficient conditions for continuity of such controllers. Moreover, using stochastic control Lyapunov functions, we construct a universal inverse optimal feedback control law for nonlinear stochastic dynamical systems that possess guaranteed gain and sector margins. An illustrative numerical example involving the control of thermoacoustic instabilities in combustion processes is presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed framework.
Measurement of the Thermal Performance of a Custom-Build Single-Phase Immersion Cooled Server at Various High and Low Temperatures for Prolonged Time
Authors: Bansode Pratik V. , Shah Jimil M. , Gupta Gautam , Agonafer Dereje , Patel Harsh , Roe David , Tufty Rick
Published: October 2019

The next radical change in the thermal management of data centers is to shift from conventional cooling methods like air-cooling to direct liquid cooling to enable high thermal mass and corresponding superior cooling. There has been in the past few years a limited adoption of direct liquid cooling in data centers because of its simplicity and high heat dissipation capacity. Single-phase engineered fluid immersion cooling has several other benefits like better server performance, even temperature profile, and higher rack densities and the ability to cool all components in a server without the need for electrical isolation. The reliability aspect of such cooling technology has not been well addressed in the open literature. This paper presents the performance of a fully single-phase dielectric fluid immersed server over wide temperature ranges in an environmental chamber. The server was placed in an environmental chamber and applied extreme temperatures ranging from −20 °C to 10 °C at 100% relative humidity and from 20 to 55 °C at constant 50% relative humidity for extended durations. This work is a first attempt of measuring the performance of a server and other components like pump including flow rate drop, starting trouble, and other potential issues under extreme climatic conditions for a completely liquid-submerged system. Pumping power consumption is directly proportional to the operating cost of a data center. The experiment was carried out until the core temperature reached the maximum junction temperature. This experiment helps to determine the threshold capacity and the robustness of the server for its applications in extreme climatic conditions.
Impact of Aging on Mechanical Properties of Thermally Conductive Gap Fillers
Authors: Misrak Abel , Chauhan Tushar , Rajmane Pavan , Bhandari Rabin , Agonafer Dereje
Published: October 2019

Thermal interface materials (TIMs) are an important component in electronic packaging, and there is a concerted effort to understand their reliability when used under various environmental load conditions. Previous researchers have investigated gap fillers and other types of TIMs to understand their performance degradation under loading conditions such as thermal cycling and thermal aging. Most of the study in the literature focuses on studying the changes in thermal properties, and there is a lack of understanding when it comes to studying the mechanical behavior of TIMs. Degradation of mechanical properties is the cause for the loss in thermal performance and is critical during TIM selection process. Moreover, mechanical properties such as modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) are critical to assess performance of TIMs using finite element analysis (FEA) and potentially save time and money in the evaluation and selection process. Due to the very soft nature of TIMs, sample preparation is a challenging part of material characterization. In this paper, commercially available TIMs are studied using testing methods such as thermomechanical analyzer (TMA), dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), and Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These methods are used to characterize the material properties and study the changes in properties due to aging. In this work, the followings are presented: impact of filler content on the mechanical properties, sample preparation method for curable TIM materials with specified thicknesses, and impact of thermal aging on mechanical properties.
Supervising the supervisors: What support do first-line supervisors need to be more effective in their supervisory role?
Authors: Patterson Frances
Published: October 2019

INTRODUCTION: Stepping into a supervisory role in social work involves a shift of status, perspective and identity. New supervisors bring skills and experience which can be both asset and hindrance as they make the transition. Frequently they encounter gaps in training, support and supervision as well as dissonance between espoused policy and their own experience. This article identifies ways in which supervisors can be resourced to meet the challenge of their role and, as a result, be better placed to support others. It explores what is involved in supervising the supervisors, drawing on the experience of teaching managers on post-qualifying courses in professional supervision in Scotland.APPROACH: Themes commonly applied to the supervision of practitioners are explored in relation to those who are one or more steps removed from direct practice; seeking to identify what has shared relevance and what may be distinctive to those in a supervisory role.CONCLUSION: A congruent approach to support and supervision across all levels of an organisation helps foster a reflective culture which can engage with emotions and with complexity.
Registered social workers who are supervisors: A national survey
Authors: O’Donoghue Kieran B.
Published: October 2019

INTRODUCTION: Aotearoa New Zealand registered social workers who supervise are expected to provide supervision in accordance with the Social Workers Registration Board standards. This article aims to establish baseline about supervisors and their supervision.METHODS: A national postal survey of 278 registered social workers supervision gathered data about the background, experiences and views of 138 supervisors. The quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS 24. One-way ANOVA and post hoc tests were applied to explore variances in means for the independent variables of type of registration, area of practice, gender, age, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, recognised qualifications, experience as social worker, experience as a supervisor, and supervisory training and education across six scales concerned with the respondents’ provision of supervision.FINDINGS: The findings provide baseline demographic information about the supervisors, as well as descriptions of their supervisory practice. This includes information regarding the forms, logistics, types of contact, the approaches and models used, session processes and their overall satisfaction and evaluation of the supervision they provide.CONCLUSIONS: The article concludes that most supervisors provided supervision that is typical of individual, clinical or professional supervision and was aligned with professional standards. Questions were raised concerning the predominance of non-Māori supervisors and the cultural relevancy, safety and responsiveness of supervisors to Māori. Suggestions are made regarding the development of the supervisory workforce. Areas for further research are identified regarding the differences in supervisory practice related to fields of practice, ethnicity, experience, qualifications and training.
How a Change in Government Affects Climate Change Coverage at 'The Press'
Authors: Williams David
Published: October 2019

How a Change in Government Affects Climate Change Coverage at 'The Press'
Overproduction of inter-α-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 1 after loss of Gα
13
in liver exacerbates systemic insulin resistance in mice
Authors: Kim Tae Hyun , Koo Ja Hyun , Heo Mi Jeong , Han Chang Yeob , Kim Yong-In , Park Shi-Young , Cho Il Je , Lee Chang Ho , Choi Cheol Soo , Lee Jung Weon , Kim Won , Cho Je-Yoel , Kim Sang Geon
Published: October 2019

Loss of Gα
13
boosts production of liver ITIH1, resulting in systemic insulin resistance in mice that is reversed by ITIH1 neutralization by antibody.