bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of parental light environment on growth and morphological responses of clonal offspring
Authors: Dong B.‐C. , Meng J . , Yu F.‐H. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Environments experienced by parent ramets of clonal plants can potentially influence fitness of clonal offspring ramets. Such clonal parental effects may result from heritable epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, which can be removed by application of DNA de‐methylation agents such as 5‐azacytidine.

To test whether parental shading effects occur via clonal generation and whether DNA methylation plays a role in such effects, parent plants of the clonal herb Alternanthera philoxeroides were first subjected to two levels of light intensity (high versus low) crossed with two levels of DNA de‐methylation (no or with de‐methylation by application of 5‐azacytidine), and then clonal offspring taken from each of these four types of parent plant were subjected to the same two light levels.

Parental shading effects transmitted via clonal generation decreased growth and modified morphology of clonal offspring. Offspring responses were also influenced by DNA methylation level of parent plants. For clonal offspring growing under low light, parental shading effects on growth and morphology were always negative, irrespective of the parental de‐methylation treatment. For clonal offspring growing under high light, parental shading effects on offspring growth and morphology were negative when the parents were not treated with 5‐azacytidine, but neutral when they were treated with 5‐azacytidine.

Overall, parental shading effects on clonal offspring performance of A. philoxeroides were found, and DNA methylation is likely to be involved in such effects. However, parental shading effects contributed little to the tolerance of clonal offspring to shading.
The N2cc component as an electrophysiological marker of space‐based and feature‐based attentional target selection processes in touch
Authors: Katus Tobias , Eimer Martin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAn electrophysiological correlate of attentional target selection processes in touch (N2cc component) has recently been discovered in lateralized tactile working memory experiments. This tactile N2cc emerges at the same time as the visual N2pc component but has a different modality‐specific topography over central somatosensory areas. Here, we investigated links between N2cc components and the space‐based versus feature‐based attentional selection of task‐relevant tactile stimuli. On each trial, a pair of tactile items was presented simultaneously to one finger on the left and right hand. Target stimuli were defined by their location (e.g., left index finger; Spatial Attention Task), by a nonspatial feature (continuous vs. pulsed; Feature‐Based Attention Task), or by a combination of spatial and nonspatial features (Conjunction Task). Reliable N2cc components were observed in all three tasks. They emerged considerably earlier in the Spatial Attention Task than in the Feature‐Based Attention Task, suggesting that space‐based selection mechanisms in touch operate faster than feature‐guided mechanisms. The temporal pattern of N2cc components observed in the Conjunction Task revealed that space‐based and feature‐based attention both contributed to target selection, which was initially driven primarily by spatial location. Overall, these findings establish the N2cc component as a new electrophysiological marker of the selective attentional processing of task‐relevant stimuli in touch.
Acupuncture prevents the postpartum reduction in matrix metalloproteinase type‐2 immunoexpression, tissue concentration and enzyme activity in bovine caruncles
Authors: Hiebel Katrina , Gentle Lauren , Menino Alfred , Kutzler Michelle 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to determine the effects of acupuncture in dairy cows (Bos taurus) on caruncular matrix metalloproteinase type‐2 (MMP2) at 0, 2 and 4 hr after calving. Acupuncture (n = 6) was applied at 0 and 2 hr after calving to 6 points that relax the cervix and stimulate uterine contractions. Controls (n = 9) were kept in a stanchion for 15 min without acupuncture. All of the cows in the study delivered their placenta in <4 hr. Formalin‐fixed caruncles were paraffin‐embedded and subjected to routine immunohistochemistry to determine MMP2 expression, which was scored by a single observer. Flash frozen caruncles were homogenized, and protein concentration was determined. MMP2 concentrations were calculated using commercial bovine ELISAs. MMP2 enzyme activity was determined using zymography. The mean value for each time point for each cow was used to calculate the mean ± SEMfor each treatment group. MMP2 was predominantly localized to the epithelial and subepithelial stromal cells of the caruncles in both treatment groups. MMP2 immunoexpression was lower 4 hr after calving in the control cows (p = 0.012) but not in the acupuncture treated cows indicating that acupuncture treatment maintained MMP expression. MMP2 tissue concentration was lower 2 hr after calving in the control cows (p = 0.048) but not in the acupuncture treated cows. MMP2 enzyme activity decreased from 0 to 2 hr after calving in control cows (p = 0.046) but not in acupuncture treated cows. This study provides physiologic evidence for the effects of acupuncture on the bovine reproductive tract and substantiates the use of this treatment in cases of placental retention.
Nocturnal symptoms perceived as asthma are associated with obstructive sleep apnoea risk, but not bronchial hyper‐reactivity
Authors: Senaratna Chamara V. , Walters E. Haydn , Hamilton Garun , Lowe Adrian J. , Lodge Caroline , Burgess John , Erbas Bircan , Giles Graham G. , Thomas Paul , Abramson Michael J. , Thompson Bruce , Perret Jennifer L. , Dharmage Shyamali C. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and asthma are associated, and nocturnal breathing difficulty that is usually identified as asthma‐like symptoms can be present in both conditions. We investigated how nocturnal asthma‐like symptoms (NAS) and bronchial hyper‐reactivity (BHR) contribute to the association between OSA risk and current asthma, which is currently unknown but a clinically important question.MethodsWe used data from 794 middle‐aged participants in a population‐based cohort who provided information on OSA risk (defined by a STOP‐Bang questionnaire score of at least 3), current asthma and NAS, and underwent methacholine bronchial challenge testing. Using regression models, we examined the association between OSA risk and current asthma‐NAS subgroups and investigated any effect modification by BHR.ResultsThe participants were aged 50 years (49.8% male). OSA risk was associated with NAS with or without current asthma (odds ratio (OR): 2.6; 95% CI = 1.3–5.0; OR: 4.2; 95% CI = 1.1–16.1, respectively), but not with current asthma in the absence of NAS. BHR was associated with current asthma with or without NAS (OR: 2.9; 95% CI = 1.4–5.9; OR: 3.4; 95% CI = 2.0–7.0, respectively) but not with NAS in the absence of current asthma. The associations between OSA risk and current asthma were neither modified nor mediated by BHR.ConclusionOur findings suggest that some of the nocturnal symptoms perceived as asthma may be OSA symptoms. Patients with nocturnal asthma symptoms should be considered for possible OSA.
The Plight of the Honeybee: A Socioecological Analysis of large‐scale Beekeeping in the United States
Authors: Cilia Laurent 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis article offers a socioecological analysis of the plight of the honeybee. Departing from natural sciences explanations of the chronic health issues observed in managed honeybees the proposed socioecological analysis focuses on some of the social dimensions of the problems. Specifically, the article first looks at how the cultural disdain for insects is combined with toxic agricultural practices to make bees’ lives challenging. Then it focuses on large‐scale commercial beekeepers and links the fate of managed honeybees to their commodification. Forced to adapt to increasing environmental and economic pressures, beekeepers have developed new management practices intended to keep bees alive and produce as many as possible in order to stay in business and fulfil pollination demand. Their new concern for best management practices fails to foster global changes in agriculture, subsequently compromising their own fate with that of their bees. Honeybees and beekeepers are both affected by the current agricultural model designed for profitability rather than health. The paper builds on in‐depth semi‐structured interviews of 45 large‐scale commercial beekeepers and scientists and participant observation, beekeeping magazines and materials available online.
Breaking the Grenville–Sveconorwegian link in Rodinia reconstructions
Authors: Slagstad Trond , Kulakov Evgeniy , Kirkland Christopher L. , Roberts Nick M. W. , Ganerød Morgan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe Grenville, Sveconorwegian, and Sunsas orogens are typically inferred to reflect collision between Laurentia, Baltica, and Amazonia at ca. 1.0 Ga, forming a central portion of the Rodinia supercontinent. This triple‐junction configuration is often nearly identical in otherwise diverse Rodinia reconstructions. However, available geological data suggest that although the Grenville and Sveconorwegian provinces shared a similar tectonic evolution from pre‐1.8 to ca. 1.5 Ga, they record distinctly different tectonic histories leading up to, during, and possibly following Grenville–Sveconorwegian orogenesis. Moreover, palaeomagnetic data suggest the two continents were separated at peak orogenesis, further invalidating any direct correlation. A number of possible interpretations are permissible with available geological and palaeomagnetic data, of which a “classic” triple‐junction configuration appears least likely. In contrast to the commonly inferred intertwined Proterozoic evolution of Baltica and Laurentia, the possibility remains that they were unrelated for a billion years between 1.5 and 0.45 Ga.
Highly successful treatment outcome of multidrug‐resistant and genetic diversity of multidrug‐resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in Rwanda
Authors: Muvunyi Claude Mambo , Ngabonziza Jean Claude Semuto , Uwimana Innocent , Harelimana Jean De Dieu , Mucyo Yves , Sebatunzi Osee Rurambya , Muvunyi Thierry Zawadi , Seruyange Eric , Masaisa Florence , Mazarati Jean Baptiste , Gasana Michel 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine prevalent MDR‐TB genotypes and describe treatment outcome and bacteriology conversion in MDR‐TB patients.MethodsReview of laboratory records of 173 MDR‐TB patients from all over Rwanda who initiated treatment under programmatic management of MDR‐TB (PMDT) between 2014 and 2015. Fifty available archived isolates were genotyped by mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units – variable number of tandem repeats (MIRU‐VNTR) genotyping.ResultOf the 170 patients whose outcome was known, 114 (66.3%) were cured and 36 (21%) completed the treatment, giving a successful outcome (cured and completed) of 150 (87.3%) patients. Of 20 MDR‐TB patients with unfavourable treatment outcome, 18 died, one failed and one defaulted/stopped treatment. Of the 18 patients who died, 11 (61%) were HIV‐coinfected. The treatment outcome was successful for 93.9% among HIV negative and 81.8% among HIV‐coinfected patients (P = 0.02). Sputum smear conversion occurred in 3, 46, 57 and 78 patients before 2, 3, 4 and 6 months, respectively, with median time of sputum smear and culture conversion at 3 months. The 44 MDR‐TB isolates with MIRU‐VNTR result, showed high genetic diversity with low clustering rate (9.09%) and Uganda II being the most prevalent sub‐family lineage detected in 68.2% of isolates. Beijing family was the least common genotype detected (2.3%, 1 isolate).ConclusionThe high success rates for MDR‐TB treatment achieved in Rwanda were comparable to outcomes observed in resource‐rich settings with HIV being an independent risk factor for poor treatment outcome. High genetic diversity and low clustering rate reported here suggest that reactivation of previous disease plays an important role in the transmission of MDR‐TB in Rwanda.
Microbial study of household hygiene conditions and associated Listeria monocytogenes infection risks for Peruvian women
Authors: Canales Robert A. , Wilson Amanda M. , Sinclair Ryan G. , Soto‐Beltran Marcela , Pearce‐Walker Jennifer , Molina Margarita , Penny Mary , Reynolds Kelly A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo develop an exposure and risk assessment model to estimate listeriosis infection risks for Peruvian women.MethodsA simulation model was developed utilising Listeria monocytogenes concentrations on kitchen and latrine surfaces in Peruvian homes, hand trace data from Peruvian women and behavioural data from literature. Scenarios involving varying proportions of uncontaminated, or ‘clean’, surfaces and non‐porous surfaces were simulated. Infection risks were estimated for 4, 6 and 8 h of behaviours and interactions with surfaces.ResultsAlthough infection risks were estimated across scenarios for various time points (e.g. 4, 6, 8 h), overall mean estimated infection risks for all scenarios were ≥ 0.31. Infection risks increased as the proportions of clean surfaces decreased. Hand‐to‐general surface contacts accounted for the most cumulative change in L. monocytogenes concentration on hands.ConclusionsIn addition to gaining insights on how human behaviours affect exposure and infection risk, this model addressed uncertainties regarding the influence of household surface contamination levels. Understanding the influence of surface contamination in preventing pathogen transmission in households could help to develop intervention strategies to reduce L. monocytogenes infection and associated health risks.
Retrospective evaluation of paired plasma creatinine and chloride concentrations following hetastarch administration in anesthetized dogs (2002–2015): 244 cases
Authors: Zersen Kristin M. , Mama Khursheed , Mathis Justin C. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate changes in serum creatinine and chloride concentrations in anesthetized dogs that received 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 670/0.7.DesignRetrospective case series, 2002–2015.SettingUniversity veterinary teaching hospital.AnimalsTwo hundred forty‐four client‐owned dogs undergoing general anesthesia that received an HES solution.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsMedical records of dogs that received an HES solution (6%, 670/0.7) while under general anesthesia during the study period were reviewed. Information obtained from the medical record included patient signalment, reason for anesthesia or diagnosis, body weight, amount of HES solution administered, pre‐ and postanesthesia creatinine value, pre‐ and postanesthesia chloride value, and day interval between measurements. Corrected chloride values were used for all statistical analysis. Dogs received a median dose of 6.3 mL/kg hetastarch during anesthesia. Median preanesthesia creatinine and corrected chloride values were 79.5 μmol/L (0.9 mg/dL) (range 8.8–689.5 μmol/L [0.1–7.8 mg/dL]) and 111 mmol/L (111 mEq/L) (range 80–123 mmol/L [80–123 mg/dL]), respectively. Median postanesthesia creatinine was 57.4 μmol/L (0.65 mg/dL) (8.8–716 μmol/L [0.1–8.1 mg/dL]). Median postanesthesia corrected chloride was 115 mmol/L (115 mEq/L) (range 87.5–129.6 mmol/L [87.5–129.6 mEq/L]). Mann–Whitney test analysis revealed a significant decrease in creatinine (Δ Cr 17.7 μmol/L [0.2 mg/dL], P < 0.01) and a significant increase in corrected chloride (Δ Cl 4.1 mmol/L [4.1mEq/L], P < 0.01) between pre‐ and postanesthesia values.ConclusionsIn a mixed population of hospitalized dogs undergoing general anesthesia that received a median dose of 6 mL/kg of HES, creatinine was lower and chloride was higher in the postanesthetic than in the preanesthetic period. The clinical significance of these changes and the role that HES administration played in them relative to concurrent therapies is unknown.
Regional correlation of the Sonsela Member (Upper Triassic Chinle Formation) and detrital U-Pb zircon data from the Sonsela Sandstone bed near the Sonsela Buttes, northeastern Arizona, USA, support the presence of a distributive fluvial system
Authors: Marsh Adam D. , Parker William G. , Stockli Daniel F. , Martz Jeffrey W. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe Sonsela Sandstone bed was first named as an informal unit in the lower part of the Chinle Formation in northern Arizona, USA, and it was later assigned a type section near the Sonsela Buttes, where it is composed of two prominent sandstone units separated by a predominately siltstone unit. The Sonsela Sandstone bed has been correlated to a number of specific sandstones within the thicker, formal Sonsela Member at Petrified Forest National Park in northern Arizona. Here, we present the first detrital U-Pb zircon data for the Sonsela Sandstone bed at the Sonsela Buttes to hypothesize the maximum deposition age of that unit (216.6 ± 0.3 Ma) that are consistent with the proposed lithostratigraphic correlation with the fossiliferous Jasper Forest bed of the lower part of the Sonsela Member at the Park. These results are corroborated by previous high-resolution U-Pb dates and detrital zircon provenance studies from Petrified Forest National Park and similar sections in northern Arizona and western New Mexico, USA. The hypothesized chronostratigraphic correlation of these sandstones throughout northern Arizona permits the recognition of diachronous facies distributions in the lower part of the Chinle Formation as these coarse sediments prograded from the southwest into a continental basin already receiving finer-grained fluvial sediments from the southeast. The new age data corroborate the Norian age designation for the Sonsela Member (and the Sonsela Sandstone bed) and suggest that the Sonsela Sandstone bed at the Sonsela Buttes is within the Adamanian land vertebrate estimated holochronozone.
Workflow: From photo-based 3-D reconstruction of remotely piloted aircraft images to a 3-D geological model
Authors: Hansman Reuben J. , Ring Uwe 
Published: May 2019

AbstractGeological field mapping is a vital first step in understanding geological processes. During the 20th century, mapping was revolutionized through advances in remote sensing technology. With the recent availability of low-cost remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), field geologists now routinely carry out aerial imaging without the need to use satellite, helicopter, or airplane systems. RPA photographs are processed by photo-based three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction software, which uses structure-from-motion and multi-view stereo algorithms to create an ultra-high-resolution, 3-D point cloud of a region or target outcrop. These point clouds are analyzed to extract the orientation of geological structures and strata, and are also used to create digital elevation models and photorealistic 3-D models. However, this technique has only recently been used for structural mapping. Here, we outline a workflow starting with RPA data acquisition, followed by photo-based 3-D reconstruction, and ending with a 3-D geological model. The Jabal Hafit anticline in the United Arab Emirates was selected to demonstrate this workflow. At this anticline, outcrop exposure is excellent and the terrain is challenging to navigate due to areas of high relief. This makes for an ideal RPA mapping site and provides a good indication of how practical this method may be for the field geologist. Results confirm that RPA photo-based 3-D reconstruction mapping is an accurate and cost-efficient remote sensing method for geological mapping.
Qualitative perspectives on the sustainability of sexual health continuous quality improvement in clinics serving remote Aboriginal communities in Australia
Authors: Gunaratnam Praveena , Schierhout Gill , Brands Jenny , Maher Lisa , Bailie Ross , Ward James , Guy Rebecca , Rumbold Alice , Ryder Nathan , Fairley Christopher K , Donovan Basil , Moore Liz , Kaldor John , Bell Stephen 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesTo examine barriers and facilitators to sustaining a sexual health continuous quality improvement (CQI) programme in clinics serving remote Aboriginal communities in Australia.DesignQualitative study.SettingPrimary health care services serving remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, Australia.ParticipantsSeven of the 11 regional sexual health coordinators responsible for supporting the Northern Territory Government Remote Sexual Health Program.MethodsSemi-structured in-depth interviews conducted in person or by telephone; data were analysed using an inductive and deductive thematic approach.ResultsDespite uniform availability of CQI tools and activities, sexual health CQI implementation varied across the Northern Territory. Participant narratives identified five factors enhancing the uptake and sustainability of sexual health CQI. At clinic level, these included adaptation of existing CQI tools for use in specific clinic contexts and risk environments (eg, a syphilis outbreak), local ownership of CQI processes and management support for CQI. At a regional level, factors included the positive framing of CQI as a tool to identify and act on areas for improvement, and regional facilitation of clinic level CQI activities. Three barriers were identified, including the significant workload associated with acute and chronic care in Aboriginal primary care services, high staff turnover and lack of Aboriginal staff. Considerations affecting the future sustainability of sexual health CQI included the need to reduce the burden on clinics from multiple CQI programmes, the contribution of regional sexual health coordinators and support structures, and access to and use of high-quality information systems.ConclusionsThis study contributes to the growing evidence on how CQI approaches may improve sexual health in remote Australian Aboriginal communities. Enhancing sustainability of sexual health CQI in this context will require ongoing regional facilitation, efforts to build local ownership of CQI processes and management of competing demands on health service staff.