bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The early composition and evolution of the turtle shell (Reptilia, Testudinata)
Authors: Szczygielski Tomasz , Sulej Tomasz 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe shell of the oldest true turtle (Testudinata) branch (Proterochersidae) from the Late Triassic (Norian) of Poland and Germany was built in its anterior and posterior part from an osteodermal mosaic which developed several million years after the plastron, neurals and costal bones. We provide the most detailed description of the shell composition in proterochersids to date, together with a review of the shell composition in other Triassic pantestudinates. A scenario of early evolution of the turtle shell is proposed based on new data, and the possible adaptive meaning of the observed evolutionary changes is discussed. These observations are consistent with the trend of shell simplification previously reported in turtles. Several aspects of proterochersid shell anatomy are intermediate betweenOdontochelys semitestaceaand more derived turtles, supporting their stem phylogenetic position. Three additional ossifications were sutured to xiphiplastra and pelvis inProterochersisspp. and at least in some individuals the nuchal bone was paired. The peripherals, suprapygals, and pygal bone are most likely to be of osteodermal origin and homologous to the proterochersid shell mosaic.
Seed banking of terrestrial orchids: evaluation of seed quality in Anacamptis following 4‐year dry storage
Authors: Magrini S. , De Vitis M. , Torelli D. , Santi L. , Zucconi L. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Good‐quality dry seeds of some orchids have the potential to survive for decades under conventional seed bank conditions, but further research is needed to fill existing gaps in knowledge regarding seed behaviour under long‐term dry storage. The objectives of this study were to evaluate germination ability on two asymbiotic culture media with different nitrogen source; to assess seed desiccation tolerance needed for the storage at sub‐zero temperatures; and to study the effects of dry storage at low temperature.

Asymbiotic seed germination tests of four Anacamptis species were carried out to evaluate the effects of different culture media, dehydration and dry storage on germination ability. Viability of 4‐year‐stored seeds was assessed by means of the tetrazolium test.

Generalised linear model (GLM) analysis detected significant effects (P < 0.01) of the species, medium and storage time on total germination, while dehydration did not significantly affect it. Except for A. palustris, germination percentage was minimum after 1‐month storage and increased with longer storage periods. Tetrazolium viability tests detected high percentages of viable seed (>90%) following 4‐year storage in three out of four species.

Seeds of the four Anacamptis species proved to be desiccation tolerant and have orthodox storage behaviour. The consequence of these findings is of interest to practical conservation approaches for orchids in seed‐banking. The results highlight the importance of multiple assessments of seed quality, both viability and germination, to understand seed storage behaviour.
Structure and Gas Transport Behavior of Polysulfone/ Polyacrylonitrile–carbon Molecular Sieve Mixed Matrix Membrane
Authors: Rafidah W. A.W. , Ismail A. F. , Matsuura T. , Hashemifard S. A. , Suhaimi A. 
Published: November 2018

Mixed matrix membrane (MMM) comprising of polyacrylonitrile based carbon molecular sieve (PAN–CMS) and polysulfone (PSF) Udel® P–1700 were synthesized and characterized as an alternative material for gas separation. The structure and the gas transport behavior of this hybrid system was investigated by thorough analysis using thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), field emission scanning microscopy (FESEM) and single gas permeation test. The thermal analysis based on TGA and DSC results indicated that Tgs and Tds of PSF have been extended to higher temperatures. These findings suggest that PAN–CMS have improved the thermal property of PSF in the MMM system. FESEM micrographs revealed that the PSF/ PANCMS MMMs possess an acceptable PSF and PAN–CMS interfacial adhesion with the average interfacial gap size of less than 1ìm. The excellent gas separation capability of the PSF/ PAN–CMS MMM was proven as the hybrid film with 20 wt% PAN–CMS loading exhibited higher O2/N2 selectivity (5.80) than that of pure PSF film (5.45).
Influence of Geometric Nonlinearities on the Asynchronous Modes of an Articulated Prestressed Slender Structure
Authors: Ribeiro Eduardo A. R. , Mazzilli Carlos E. N. , Lenci Stefano 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Synchronous modal oscillations, characterized by unisonous motions for all physical coordinates, are well known. In turn, asynchronous oscillations lack a general definition to address all the associated features and implications. It might be thought, at first, that asynchronicity could be related to nonsimilar modes, which might be associated with phase differences between displacement and velocity fields. Due to such differences, the modes, although still periodic, might not be characterized by stationary waves so that physical coordinates might not attain their extreme values at the same instants of time, as in the case of synchronous modes. Yet, it seems that asynchronicity is more related to frequency rather than phase differences. A more promising line of thought associates asynchronous oscillations to different frequency contents over distinct parts of a system. That is the case when, in a vibration mode, part of the structure remains at rest, that is, with zero frequency, whereas other parts vibrate with non-null modal frequency. In such a scenario, localized oscillations would explain modal asynchronicity. When the system parameters are properly tuned, localization may appear even in very simple models, like Ziegler's columns, shear buildings, and slender structures. Now, the latter ones are recast, but finite rotations are assumed, in order to verify how nonlinearity affects existing linear asynchronous modes. For this purpose, the authors follow Shaw–Pierre's invariant manifold formulation. It is believed that full understanding of asynchronicity may apply to design of vibration controllers, microsensors, and energy-harvesting systems.
Form Factors of Modeling Language Under Different Color Schemes with Grey Relational Analysis Based on Entropy Method
Authors: Wei Yunyun 
Published: November 2018

This paper proposed an innovative method based on the semantic differential of Kansei Engineering and the correlation analysis of machine learning in the case of small-size samples, which could achieve the evaluation of users’ subjective feelings to form factors of modeling language and color schemes in the process of product design. It used grey relational analysis and the entropy method to analyze and study the design of modeling and color of guide signs in a public space, and converted the subjective assessment process of designer and user in art design into numeric operation that quantifies and treats data. This research faced two problems: one was to analyze the form correlation between the modeling and color of designed guide signs and the architecture and environment of a public space where the signs are placed, and the other was to convert the subjective assessment of designed guide signs into objective quantified data. The paper took vertical guide boards in a guide sign system as a research object, analyzed and resolved it according to the primitive type of form factors of modeling language, and converted them into numbered sequences of the form factor type. Then, guide boards using different color schemes were utilized to conduct group tests on users; the uniformity of guide boards and architectural style was evaluated through a semantic differential method of Kansei engineering; the test data was analyzed and treated using the grey relational degree, Pearson correlation coefficient and the entropy method; the user’s qualitative assessment on the correlation degree of the modeling form and architectural style of guide boards using different color schemes was converted into quantitative numerical parameters; and finally, we obtained the assessment results of the correlation degree and significance of integrated color and modeling language form factors. Specific to the users’ assessment discrepancies on the style design of guide signs using different colors, this paper proposed a color scheme evaluation approach with uniform color space based on the grey correlation degree, used Pearson correlation coefficient to make a numerical analysis on users’ subjective assessment, presented a modified entropy method based on standardization, and made a comprehensive assessment on the uniformity of style design in different colors and architectural style. Thus, the numerical analysis results of the uniformity between the guide signs in different color schemes and modeling forms and the architectural style of public spaces were obtained. This research method can provide a new research means and numerical computation method to the study of color and form correlation in product design and style design. Meanwhile, it also provides a theoretical foundation and application method for artistic design by virtue of high-performance computing platforms.
A Low Arithmetic-Degree Algorithm for Computing Proximity Graphs
Authors: d’Amore Fabrizio , Franciosa Paolo G. 
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we study the problem of designing robust algorithms for computing the minimum spanning tree, the nearest neighbor graph, and the relative neighborhood graph of a set of points in the plane, under the Euclidean metric. We use the term “robust” to denote an algorithm that can properly handle degenerate configurations of the input (such as co-circularities and collinearities) and that is not affected by errors in the flow of control due to round-off approximations. Existing asymptotically optimal algorithms that compute such graphs are either suboptimal in terms of the arithmetic precision required for the implementation, or cannot handle degeneracies, or are based on complex data structures. We present a unified approach to the robust computation of the above graphs. The approach is a variant of the general region approach for the computation of proximity graphs based on Yao graphs, first introduced in Ref. 43 (A. C.-C. Yao, On constructing minimum spanning trees in [Formula: see text]-dimensional spaces and related problems, SIAM J. Comput. 11(4) (1982) 721–736). We show that a sparse supergraph of these geometric graphs can be computed in asymptotically optimal time and space, and requiring only double precision arithmetic, which is proved to be optimal. The arithmetic complexity of the approach is measured by using the notion of degree, introduced in Ref. 31 (G. Liotta, F. P. Preparata and R. Tamassia, Robust proximity queries: An illustration of degree-driven algorithm design, SIAM J. Comput. 28(3) (1998) 864–889) and Ref. 3 (J. D. Boissonnat and F. P. Preparata, Robust plane sweep for intersecting segments, SIAM J. Comput. 29(5) (2000) 1401–1421). As a side effect of our results, we solve a question left open by Katajainen27 (J. Katajainen, The region approach for computing relative neighborhood graphs in the [Formula: see text] metric, Computing 40 (1987) 147–161) about the existence of a subquadratic algorithm, based on the region approach, that computes the relative neighborhood graph of a set of points [Formula: see text] in the plane under the [Formula: see text] metric.
Trends and Demographics in the Utilization of Total Wrist Arthroplasty
Authors: Elbuluk Ameer M. , Milone Michael T. , Capo John T. , Bosco Joseph A. , Klifto Christopher S. 
Published: November 2018

Background: Health disparities exist among many patient populations, with race, payer status, hospital size and access to teaching versus non-teaching hospitals potentially affecting whether certain patients have access to the benefits of total wrist arthroplasty (TWA).Methods: The National Inpatient Sample Database (NIS) was queried from 2001 to 2013 for TWA using the ICD-9 code 81.73. Patient-level data included age, sex, race, payer status, and year of discharge. Hospital-level data included hospital bed size, location, teaching status, and region.Results: There were 1,213 patients identified who underwent TWA between 2001 and 2013. Total number of procedures decreased from 88 TWAs in 2001 to 65 in 2013. The yearly volume ranged from 33 in 2005 to 128 in 2007. The male-female ratio was 2.5 to 1. The majority of TWA procedures were performed at urban teaching hospitals (60.8%).Conclusions: The NIS database shows a downward trend of total wrist arthroplasty utilization. The majority of total wrist arthroplasties were performed at urban teaching hospitals indicating treatment occurs most often at academic centers of excellence.
Estimates of Indigenous Food Consumption and Their Contribution to Nutrient Intake in Oraon Tribal Women of Jharkhand, India
Authors: Ghosh-Jerath Suparna , Singh Archna , Lyngdoh Tanica , Magsumbol Melina S. , Kamboj Preeti , Goldberg Gail 
Published: November 2018

Introduction: Oraon tribes of India have high levels of undernutrition. Dietary diversification is one of the food-based interventions to ameliorate malnutrition. Objectives: This study assessed the awareness and availability of indigenous foods and estimated dietary intakes and nutritional status with emphasis on indigenous food consumption among women in the Oraon tribal community in Jharkhand, India. Design: A cross-sectional study with a longitudinal component on dietary intake assessment to capture seasonality. Setting: Selected villages in Raidih block of Gumla district of Jharkhand. Participants: Reproductive-age Oraon tribal women (N =143). Methods: Household and dietary surveys were conducted. A 24-hour dietary recall for 2 consecutive days (repeat surveys in 2 other seasons) and food frequency questionnaire were adminsitered on 1 woman per household. Anthropometric assessments were also carried out. Outcomes: Socioeconomic status, awareness about indigenous foods, dietary intake pattern, and contribution of indigenous food to nutrient intake of Oraon tribal women in the reproductive age-group. Results: Comprehensive awareness about indigenous food resources was present. However, household food security and actual intake of indigenous foods were low. Higher intake of key micronutrients, calcium and iron, was observed among those who consumed indigenous foods. About 40% of the woman had various degrees of chronic energy deficiency. Conclusion: Despite rich knowledge, nutrient-rich indigenous food resources remain underutilized in the Oraon tribal community of Jharkhand, India. Identifying strategies to promote dietary diversity via optimum indigenous food intake could contribute to both food and nutrition security.
Evaluation of QTc Interval Prolongation Among Patients With Cancer Using Enteral Methadone
Authors: Lovell Amanda G. , Protus Bridget McCrate , Saphire Maureen L. , Kale Sachin S. , Lehman Amy , Hartman Amber 
Published: November 2018

Context: The effect of methadone on corrected QT interval (QTc) in patients with cancer pain is not well-known. Objectives: To describe and characterize the effect of low-, moderate-, and high-dose enteral methadone on QTc interval in patients with cancer. Methods: Retrospective cohort study including patients prescribed enteral methadone during the 27-month study period. Participants were divided into 3 methadone daily dose groups: <30 (low dose), 30 to 59 (moderate dose), ≥60 (high dose) mg. The primary outcome was the incidence of QTc prolongation (>450 ms for females and >430 ms for males). Secondary outcomes included the magnitude of change in QTc after starting methadone, the incidence of clinically significant QTc prolongation (>500 ms) and the prevalence of torsades de pointes and syncope. Results: Two hundred three patients met study inclusion criteria: 91 (45%) low dose, 52 (26%) moderate dose, and 60 (29%) high dose. Incidence of QTc prolongation for low-, moderate-, and high-dose groups was 50 (55%), 37 (71%), and 43 (72%), respectively ( P = .039, low vs high dose). Incidence of clinically significant QTc prolongation was 10 (11%), 4 (8%), and 7 (12%) for low-, moderate-, and high-dose groups. For patients without QTc prolongation prior to initiating methadone, 62% of moderate-dose patients and 67% of high-dose patients had QTc prolongation, while taking methadone. Conclusion: This study found a notably high incidence of QTc prolongation in patients with cancer using enteral methadone. Future studies should aim to determine the risk of adverse cardiac effects in the cancer population and determine appropriate monitoring of methadone for pain management.
Incidence of perianaesthetic complications experienced during feline bronchoscopy: a retrospective study
Authors: Tucker Philippa K , MacFarlane Paul 
Published: November 2018

Objectives The aim of this study was to report the incidence of anaesthetic complications associated with feline bronchoscopy. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of anaesthetic records and electronic case logs of feline bronchoscopies at two university hospitals (centres B and L) between January 2013 and December 2015. A two-tailed Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of variables and outcomes between centres. Results Seventy-nine cases were included. Desaturation (SpO2 <90%) was the most frequently encountered complication, reported in 24 cats (30.3%); centre B reported significantly less desaturation than centre L (22.4% vs 52.4%; P = 0.014). The use of an endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask airway resulted in a lower incidence of desaturation (22.9% vs 22.2%) than the use of a tracheal catheter through which oxygen was insufflated (48.0%). The latter method was associated with an increased incidence of desaturation ( P = 0.034). Patients to which terbutaline was administered had a lower incidence of desaturation (27.5%) than those that did not receive it (35.7%), although this was not statistically significant ( P = 0.46). Airway management method and the use of terbutaline differed significantly between centres, as did the profile of complications. Pneumothorax was encountered in two cats (2.5%) and cardiac arrest resulting in the death in one of these cats (1.3%). Conclusions and relevance Desaturation is a frequently encountered complication during and after bronchoscopy. Airway management method and the use and timing of terbutaline warrant prospective evaluation for their role in decreasing the incidence of desaturation. Bronchoscopy is a high-risk procedure with frequent requirement for post-procedure oxygen supplementation. Pneumothorax and cardiac arrest are potential complications.
Risk Factors Associated with the Outcome of Post-Traumatic Hydrocephalus
Authors: Sun S. , Zhou H. , Ding Z.-Z. , Shi H. 
Published: November 2018

Background and Aim: Post-traumatic hydrocephalus is a common complication that arises after head injury. However, risk factors associated with the outcome of post-traumatic hydrocephalus have seldom been addressed. Therefore, we performed this clinical study to analyze the risk factors affecting the outcome of post-traumatic hydrocephalus in patients with head injuries. Methods: A total of 116 post-traumatic hydrocephalus patients, admitted in our hospital between March 2012 and October 2017 were reviewed. The related factors assessed were age, gender, Glasgow Coma Score on admission, platelet count, plasma fibrinogen levels, D-dimer concentration, subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hygroma, cerebral hernia, cisterna ambiens, decompressive craniectomy, cranioplasty, ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation, intracranial infection, and duration of comatous state. The patient outcomes after 6 months of treatment were evaluated by the Glasgow Outcome Scale. Risk factors for the outcome of post-traumatic hydrocephalus were evaluated by applying logistic regression analysis. Results: Poor outcome was observed in 66.4% of the patients (77/116). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the disappearance of cisterna ambiens, the long duration of comatous state (>2 months), the high levels of plasma fibrinogen, and the ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation were related to adverse outcomes (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The disappearance of cisterna ambiens, the prolonged duration of comatous state (>2 months), the high plasma fibrinogen levels are the most important factors affecting the outcome of post-traumatic hydrocephalus, and the ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation is the most critical predictor of the outcome of post-traumatic hydrocephalus.
The effect of comorbidity severity on pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Naz Ilknur , Sahin Hulya , Varol Yelda , Kömürcüoğlu Berna 
Published: November 2018

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not only associated with respiratory system involvement but also with systemic consequences leading to chronic comorbidities. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of comorbidity severity on pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) outcomes in COPD patients. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to compare the effectiveness of PR in COPD patients who completed an 8-week PR program. There were at least one comorbid in 120 of 211 patients and we divided them into the groups according to Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores (1 points, group 1 ( n = 54); 2 points, group 2 ( n = 41); 3 points, group 3 ( n = 25)). We compared 6-minute walk distance (MWD), dyspnea perception, pulmonary function tests, blood gases analysis, quality of life, anxiety, and depression scores which were recorded before and after PR between the groups. Before PR 6-MWD distance was significantly lower in group 2 ( p = 0.033). Improvements in 6-MWD, blood gas values, dyspnea perception, quality of life, and anxiety were determined in all groups after PR ( p < 0.05). When the gains after PR were compared, there were no significant differences between groups ( p > 0.05). COPD patients benefit from PR independent from their comorbidity severity. Comorbidity severity has no effect on PR gains. Therefore, patients with comorbidities should not be excluded from PR programs and encouraged to participate. Clinical Trial Number: NCT03319108.