bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scaling relationships among functional traits are similar across individuals, species, and communities
Authors: Long Wenxing , Zhou Yadong , Schamp Brandon S. , Zang Runguo , Yang Xiaobo , Poorter Lourens , Xiao Chuchu , Xiong Menghui 
Published: April 2020

AbstractQuestionBivariate relationships among functional traits reflect how plants adjust to environments through the allocation of limiting resources. Bivariate relationships are well studied across species, but whether the nature of these trait relationships changes across organizational levels (individual, species, community), and whether processes driving these relationships vary across these levels, is seldom explored.LocationThe tropical cloud forests of the Bawangling Nature Reserve, Jianfengling Nature Reserve and Limushan Nature Reserve on Hainan Island, Southern China.MethodsWe measured leaf mass per area (LMA), plant height (H) and wood density (WD) for 4,748 individual trees, 174 species and 48 communities in three tropical cloud forests, and recorded five soil characteristics that are important for plant growth. We evaluated bivariate relationships between these traits across the three organizational levels, and assessed the effects of soil conditions on these trait relationships.ResultsLMA versus H, WD versus H, and LMA versus WD were all positively and disproportionately related, suggesting differential carbon investment between leaves and stem, as well as between stem height and stem density. The slopes of these relationships did not differ significantly across the three levels, suggesting a similar allocation strategy operating at different hierarchical levels. Soil phosphorus had a significant effect on the scaling exponents across all three organizational levels, indicating that phosphorus limitation in cloud forests is a principal driver of resource allocation patterns in trees.conclusionsWe conclude that tropical cloud forest trees have relatively consistent scaling relationships between three primary functional traits across the individual, species, and community levels. The coordinated resource allocation strategies in plants are most likely driven by the prevailing environmental constraints.
Review of policies, data, and interventions to improve maternal nutrition in Afghanistan
Authors: Kim Christine , Mansoor Ghulam Farooq , Paya Pir Mohammad , Ludin Mohammad Homayoun , Ahrar Mohammad Javed , Mashal Mohammad Omar , Todd Catherine S. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMalnutrition contributes to direct and indirect causes of maternal mortality, which is particularly high in Afghanistan. Women's nutritional status before, during, and after pregnancy affects their own well‐being and mortality risk and their children's health outcomes. Though maternal nutrition interventions have documented positive impact on select child health outcomes, there are limited data regarding the effects of maternal nutrition interventions on maternal health outcomes globally. This scoping review maps policies, data, and interventions aiming to address poor maternal nutrition outcomes in Afghanistan. We used broad search categories and approaches including database and website searches, hand searches of reference lists from relevant articles, policy and programme document requests, and key informant interviews. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed by type of source document, such as studies with measures related to maternal nutrition, relevant policies and strategies, and programmatic research or evaluation by a third party with explicit interventions targeting maternal nutrition. We abstracted documents systematically, summarized content, and synthesized data. We included 20 policies and strategies, 29 data reports, and nine intervention evaluations. The availability of maternal nutrition intervention data and the inclusion of nutrition indicators, such as minimum dietary diversity, have increased substantially since 2013, yet few nutrition evaluations and population surveys include maternal outcomes as primary or even secondary outcomes. There is little evidence on the effectiveness of interventions that target maternal nutrition in Afghanistan. Policies and strategies more recently have shifted towards multisectoral efforts and specifically target nutrition needs of adolescent girls and women of reproductive age. This scoping review presents evidence from more than 10 years of efforts to improve the maternal nutrition status of Afghan women. We recommend a combination of investments in measuring maternal nutrition indicators and improving maternal nutrition knowledge and behaviours.
Foraging shifts and visual preadaptation in ecologically diverse bats
Authors: Davies Kalina T. J. , Yohe Laurel R. , Almonte Jesus , Sánchez Miluska K. R. , Rengifo Edgardo M. , Dumont Elizabeth R. , Sears Karen E. , Dávalos Liliana M. , Rossiter Stephen J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractChanges in behaviour may initiate shifts to new adaptive zones, with physical adaptations for novel environments evolving later. While new mutations are commonly considered engines of adaptive change, sensory evolution enabling access to new resources might also arise from standing genetic diversity, and even gene loss. We examine the relative contribution of molecular adaptations, measured by positive and relaxed selection, acting on eye‐expressed genes associated with shifts to new adaptive zones in ecologically diverse bats from the superfamily Noctilionoidea. Collectively, noctilionoids display remarkable ecological breadth, from highly divergent echolocation to flight strategies linked to specialized insectivory, the parallel evolution of diverse plant‐based diets (e.g., nectar, pollen and fruit) from ancestral insectivory, and—unusually for echolocating bats—often have large, well‐developed eyes. We report contrasting levels of positive selection in genes associated with the development, maintenance and scope of visual function, tracing back to the origins of noctilionoids and Phyllostomidae (the bat family with most dietary diversity), instead of during shifts to novel diets. Generalized plant visiting was not associated with exceptional molecular adaptation, and exploration of these novel niches took place in an ancestral phyllostomid genetic background. In contrast, evidence for positive selection in vision genes was found at subsequent shifts to either nectarivory or frugivory. Thus, neotropical noctilionoids that use visual cues for identifying food and roosts, as well as for orientation, were effectively preadapted, with subsequent molecular adaptations in nectar‐feeding lineages and the subfamily Stenodermatinae of fig‐eating bats fine‐tuning pre‐existing visual adaptations for specialized purposes.
Comparative transcriptomics reveals domestication‐associated features of Atlantic salmon lipid metabolism
Authors: Jin Yang , Olsen Rolf Erik , Harvey Thomas Nelson , Østensen Mari‐Ann , Li Keshuai , Santi Nina , Vadstein Olav , Bones Atle Magnar , Vik Jon Olav , Sandve Simen Rød , Olsen Yngvar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDomestication of animals imposes strong targeted selection for desired traits but can also result in unintended selection due to new domestic environments. Atlantic salmon (Salmo salmar) was domesticated in the 1970s and has subsequently been selected for faster growth in systematic breeding programmes. More recently, salmon aquaculture has replaced fish oils (FOs) with vegetable oils (VOs) in feed, radically changing the levels of essential long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFAs). Our aim here was to study the impact of domestication on metabolism and explore the hypothesis that the shift to VO diets has unintentionally selected for a domestication‐specific lipid metabolism. We conducted a 96‐day feeding trial of domesticated and wild salmon fed diets based on FOs, VOs or phospholipids, and compared transcriptomes and fatty acids in tissues involved in lipid absorption (pyloric caeca) and lipid turnover and synthesis (liver). Domesticated salmon had faster growth and higher gene expression in glucose and lipid metabolism compared to wild fish, possibly linked to differences in regulation of circadian rhythm pathways. Only the domesticated salmon increased expression of LC‐PUFA synthesis genes when given VOs. This transcriptome response difference was mirrored at the physiological level, with domesticated salmon having higher LC‐PUFA levels but lower 18:3n‐3 and 18:2n‐6 levels. In line with this, the VO diet decreased growth rate in wild but not domesticated salmon. Our study revealed a clear impact of domestication on transcriptomic regulation linked to metabolism and suggests that unintentional selection in the domestic environment has resulted in evolution of stronger compensatory mechanisms to a diet low in LC‐PUFAs.
Evaluation of Anterior Decompression Surgical Outcomes of Proximal‐Type Cervical Spondylotic Amyotrophy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lu Chang‐bo , Ma Zhen‐sheng , Hu Jin‐bo , Yang Xiao‐jiang , Wei Wei , Zhang Yang , Lei Wei 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficiency of anterior decompression on the proximal‐type cervical spondylotic amyotrophy patients.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis. From January 2014 to November 2017, 21 patients with proximal‐type cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA) underwent anterior decompression. There were 15 males and 6 females, aged 35–73 years with an average of 51.62 years. All the patients underwent surgery of anterior decompression (ACDF or ACCF). Among them, 12 patients underwent C4/5 single level ACDF, eight patients underwent C4/5 and C5/6 double level ACDF, and one patient underwent C5 anterior cervical corpectomy decompression and fusion surgery. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiologic parameters were assessed. The clinical examinations were reviewed, including muscle strength, neck disability index (NDI) score, cervical Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and improvement rate of manual muscle test (MMT) at the last follow‐up. Preoperative spinal cord or nerve impingement was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) myelography. Postoperative lateral X‐ray radiographs were performed every 3 months after the surgery.ResultsSevere preoperative muscle atrophy of the deltoid or biceps muscles occurred in 21 patients included in the study. All of them involve impingements of the ventral nerve root and/or the anterior horn according to MRI and CT myelography. The preoperative duration of symptoms averaged 8.4 months. The average follow‐up for all patients was 13.2 months. At the final follow‐up, all patients showed statistically significant improvements in muscle strength and NDI scores (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). For the deltoid muscles force and C‐JOA scores, the average improvement rates were 66.49% ± 10.04% and 62.23% ± 9.23%, respectively. With respect to MMT, 12 proximal‐type patients were graded excellent, six were good, and three were fair, and the overall improvement rate was 85.7%.ConclusionsFor proximal‐type CSA patients with cervical radiculopathy, earlier anterior decompression surgery can achieve satisfactory results by significantly improving a patient's muscle strength and relieving compression symptoms.
Anesthesia for bilateral pulmonary banding as part of hybrid stage I approach palliating neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: Zajonz Thomas , Cupka Pavol , Koerner Christian , Mann Valesco , Menges Thilo , Akintuerk Hakan , Valeske Klaus , Thul Josef , Schranz Dietmar , Mueller Matthias 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundNeonatal management of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and complex remains a challenging task, whereby the “hybrid” palliation is often reserved for high‐risk patients as a “rescue” procedure.AimThis study documents the anesthetic challenges and potential complications associated with the Giessen hybrid stage I approach.MethodsThe Giessen hybrid stage I approach is focused on surgical bilateral pulmonary artery banding. Retrospective perioperative data were analyzed. Contrary to a stable group A, inotropic treatment before surgery for treatment of postnatal shock classified patients as unstable (Group B). Clinical outcomes considered were inhospital mortality, duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation, postoperative time at the intensive care unit, perioperative vasoactive medication requirements, and red blood cell transfusion.ResultsFrom June 1998 to December 2015, 185 patients were allocated to Group A (n = 165) and Group B (n = 20). The inhospital mortality was 2.2% with no difference between the groups. There was also no difference in the postoperative time on mechanical ventilation and the time in the intensive care unit. Vasoactive medication was more often required in Group B (100%) compared to Group A (19%). In Group B, more red blood cells were transfused 6.0 ± 8.3 vs 2.0 ± 5.8 mL/kg in Group A (P < .05, 95% CI 0.0 ‐ 2.6).ConclusionConsidering a learning curve, anesthesia for surgical bilateral pulmonary artery banding palliating patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and complex can safely be performed, independent from the preoperative clinical status.
Arginase and its mechanisms in Leishmania persistence
Authors: Pessenda Gabriela , da Silva João Santana 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLeishmaniasis is a neglected infectious disease with clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic or mild symptoms to chronic infection and eventual death. The mechanisms of disease susceptibility and pathology have been extensively studied, but there are no steadfast rules regarding leishmaniasis. A Th1 response is usually associated with infection control, while a predominant Th2 response is detrimental to the patient. In this scenario, the enzymes arginase and inducible nitric oxide synthase represent two possible pathways of immune response. While the former contributes to parasite replication, the latter is crucial for its control. In the present review, we collected study results that associate arginase expression in patients and in experimental models with disease susceptibility/chronicity and show some proposed mechanisms that explain the role of arginase in maintaining Leishmania infection, including polyamine and thiol synthesis, tissue‐resident macrophage (TRM) proliferation and activation and T‐cell suppression and exhaustion.
Characterization of virus species associated with sweetpotato virus diseases in Burkina Faso
Authors: Tibiri Ezechiel B. , Pita Justin S. , Tiendrébéogo Fidèle , Bangratz Martine , Néya James B. , Brugidou Christophe , Somé Koussao , Barro Nicolas 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) production in sub‐Saharan Africa is severely affected by viral diseases caused by several interacting viruses, including sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV), and sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV). However, the aetiology of viral symptoms on sweetpotato is rarely established in most countries in Africa. Here, we aimed to investigate and characterize the incidence of sweetpotato viruses in Burkina Faso. We performed a countrywide survey in 18 districts of Burkina Faso and collected 600 plants, with and without symptoms, from 80 fields. Viral strains were identified using nitrocellulose membrane‐ELISA, PCR, and reverse transcription‐PCR. Three scions from each of 50 selected plants with symptoms were grafted to healthy Ipomoea setosa and then serological and molecular tests were performed on the 150 recorded samples. Three viruses were detected: 24% of samples were positive for SPFMV, 18% for SPLCV, and 2% for SPCSV. Across all diagnostic tests, 40% of all plant samples were virus‐negative. Coinfections were found in 16% of samples. Partial sequences were obtained, including 13 that matched SPFMV, one that matched SPLCV, and one that matched SPCSV. All identified SPFMV isolates belonged to either phylogroup B or A‐II. The SPCSV‐positive isolates had 98% gene sequence homology with SPCSV‐West Africa for the coat protein. Begomovirus‐positive isolates clustered with SPLCV‐United States. This first study of sweetpotato viral diseases in Burkina Faso indicates widespread occurrence and suggests a need for further epidemiological investigations, breeding programmes focused on virus‐resistant varieties, and improved farming practices to control disease spread.
The impact of task load on the integration of explicit contextual priors and visual information during anticipation
Authors: Gredin N. Viktor , Broadbent David P. , Findon James L. , Williams A. Mark , Bishop Daniel T. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThere is limited knowledge about the impact of task load on experts’ integration of contextual priors and visual information during dynamic and rapidly evolving anticipation tasks. We examined how experts integrate contextual priors––specifically, prior information regarding an opponent's action tendencies––with visual information such as movement kinematics, during a soccer‐specific anticipation task. Furthermore, we combined psychophysiological measures and retrospective self‐reports to gain insight into the cognitive load associated with this integration. Players were required to predict the action of an oncoming opponent, with and without the explicit provision of contextual priors, under two different task loads. In addition to anticipation performance, we compared continuous electroencephalography (EEG) and self‐reports of cognitive load across conditions. Our data provide tentative evidence that increased task load may impair performance by disrupting the integration of contextual priors and visual information. EEG data suggest that cognitive load may increase when contextual priors are explicitly provided, whereas self‐report data suggested a decrease in cognitive load. The findings provide insight into the processing demands associated with integration of contextual priors and visual information during dynamic anticipation tasks, and have implications for the utility of priors under cognitively demanding conditions. Furthermore, our findings add to the existing literature, suggesting that continuous EEG may be a more valid measure than retrospective self‐reports for in‐task assessment of cognitive load.
Prophecy in the Ancient Levant and Old Babylonian Mari
Authors: Deluty Julie B. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis article serves as an introduction to the historical phenomenon of prophecy in the Ancient Levant and Old Babylonian Mari. Of particular focus is the terminology for prophetic personnel, prophecy as a system of communication, the link between prophecy and monarchy at Mari, and the question of biblical prophetic books and their relationship to prophetic practice. The ancient evidence is surveyed in an effort to elucidate a comparative investigation across the Ancient Near East. This includes narratives and books in the Hebrew Bible, and extra‐biblical sources from the sites of Lachish and Deir 'Alla in the larger Levant. Additionally, the Old Babylonian archives of the 18th century BCE kingdom of Mari (Tell Hariri, Syria) illuminate how prophecy is part of a larger system of royal correspondence in antiquity. The article offers the most up‐to‐date literature on prophecy at Mari and also introduces new work on third‐party intermediaries, those individuals who relay prophets' messages to their recipients.
‘All you that be young, whom I do now represent’: Doctrine, Deception and Discontent in Lusty Juventus
Authors: Caputo Nicoletta 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn a period when harsh controversy was dominant, the Edwardian interlude Lusty Juventus is remarkable for presenting a different aspect of Reformation propaganda that eschewed vituperative anti‐Catholicism and aimed rather at creating a doctrinal consensus around the key tenets of the New Creed. At the same time, however, anxiety for the moral situation of the Edwardian Church can be discerned in the play.With its doctrinal emphasis, its conciliatory stance and its incipient discontent, this quite‐neglected interlude stands out as a fundamental step in the development of the drama connected to the Tudor Reformation. Such theatrical production began with the polemical anti‐Catholicism of John Bale’s plays, which fed on vituperation and verbal abuse, and culminated in the Elizabethan so‐called money plays, which castigated contemporary social and religious evils alike, and bitterly deplored the failure of the Reformation to bring about that utter moral regeneration its champions so fervently advocated.
Modern sector development: The role of exports and institutions in developing countries
Authors: Gries Thomas , Grundmann Rainer 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA prospering modern sector is crucial for the successful long‐term development in developing countries as it provides income and job growth for large shares of society. While this idea is widely accepted, there is, perhaps surprisingly, far less analysis about the exact determinants of this economic modernization process. In this article we empirically investigate whether international trade and institutions, both much discussed in the debates on general growth and development, are particularly important for the diffusion of production in the modern sector within developing societies. In a large cross section time‐series sample, we provide robust estimation results that point to an important role of institutions and to a nonlinear impact of manufacturing exports. Our results, which are derived using a range of estimators and are ultimately less susceptible to endogeneity concerns, also provide interesting insights into the role of natural resources and official development aid.
Health practices in Europe towards families of older patients with cancer: a scoping review
Authors: Konradsen Hanne , Brødsgaard Anne , Østergaard Birte , Svavarsdóttir Erla , Dieperink Karin B. , Imhof Lorenz , Luttik Marie Louise , Mahrer‐Imhof Romy , García‐Vivar Cristina 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionIn Europe, cancer is one of the predominant causes of mortality and morbidity among older people aged over 65. A diagnosis of cancer can imply a negative impact on the quality of life of the older patients and their families. Despite research examining the impact of cancer on the family, it is unclear what kind of information is available about the types of clinical practice towards older patients with cancer and their families. The aim is to determine the extent, range and variety of research in Europe describing health practices towards families of older patients with cancer and to identify any existing gaps in knowledge.MethodsScoping review.ResultsA total of 12 articles were included, showing that family interventions are generally based on end‐of‐life care. Most studies used a qualitative approach and involved different types of family member as participants. Most studies were conducted in the UK.ConclusionsReview findings revealed limited knowledge about health practices in Europe towards families with an older patient with cancer. This review indicates a need to increase family‐focused research that examines health practices that meet the needs of families of older patients with cancer. Seeing cancer as a chronic disease, there is an urgent need for the implementation of family‐focused interventions.