bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pseudodidymella fagi in Slovakia: First detection, morphology and culture characteristics
Authors: Czachura Paweł , Owczarek‐Kościelniak Magdalena , Piątek Marcin 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPseudodidymella fagi, described from infected leaves of Fagus crenata in Japan, has recently been spreading in Europe, where it causes leaf blotch of European beech Fagus sylvatica. In the years 2008–2016, an outbreak of P. fagi was observed on European beech in Switzerland, Germany and Austria, and it is reported here for the first time from Slovakia where it was detected in 2017. The identification of the pathogen is supported by the morphological analyses of material observed in vivo and in vitro and molecular analyses based on ITS sequences. Detailed morphological characterization of cultures based on European material, on F. sylvatica, is provided here for the first time.
Neurofeedback: Principles, appraisal, and outstanding issues
Authors: Papo David 
Published: December 2018

AbstractNeurofeedback is a form of brain training in which subjects are fed back information about some measure of their brain activity which they are instructed to modify in a way thought to be functionally advantageous. Over the last 20 years, neurofeedback has been used to treat various neurological and psychiatric conditions, and to improve cognitive function in various contexts. However, in spite of a growing popularity, neurofeedback protocols typically make (often covert) assumptions on what aspects of brain activity to target, where in the brain to act and how, which have far‐reaching implications for the assessment of its potential and efficacy. Here we critically examine some conceptual and methodological issues associated with the way neurofeedback's general objectives and neural targets are defined. The neural mechanisms through which neurofeedback may act at various spatial and temporal scales, and the way its efficacy is appraised are reviewed, and the extent to which neurofeedback may be used to control functional brain activity discussed. Finally, it is proposed that gauging neurofeedback's potential, as well as assessing and improving its efficacy will require better understanding of various fundamental aspects of brain dynamics and a more precise definition of functional brain activity and brain‐behaviour relationships.
Into the weeds: Matching importation history to genetic consequences and pathways in two widely used biological control agents
Authors: Hopper Julie V. , McCue Kent F. , Pratt Paul D. , Duchesne Pierre , Grosholz Edwin D. , Hufbauer Ruth A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe intentional introduction of exotic species through classical biological control programs provides unique opportunities to examine the consequences of population movement and ecological processes for the genetic diversity and population structure of introduced species. The weevils Neochetina bruchi and N. eichhorniae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) have been introduced globally to control the invasive floating aquatic weed, Eichhornia crassipes, with variable outcomes. Here, we use the importation history and data from polymorphic microsatellite markers to examine the effects of introduction processes on population genetic diversity and structure. We report the first confirmation of hybridization between these species, which could have important consequences for the biological control program. For both species, there were more rare alleles in weevils from the native range than in weevils from the introduced range. N. eichhorniae also had higher allelic richness in the native range than in the introduced range. Neither the number of individuals initially introduced nor the number of introduction steps appeared to consistently affect genetic diversity. We found evidence of genetic drift, inbreeding, and admixture in several populations as well as significant population structure. Analyses estimated two populations and 11 sub‐clusters for N. bruchi and four populations and 23 sub‐clusters for N. eichhorniae, indicating divergence of populations during and after introduction. Genetic differentiation and allocation of introduced populations to source populations generally supported the documented importation history and clarified pathways in cases where multiple introductions occurred. In populations with multiple introductions, genetic admixture may have buffered against the negative effects of serial bottlenecks on genetic diversity. The genetic data combined with the introduction history from this biological control study system provide insight on the accuracy of predicting introduction pathways from genetic data and the consequences of these pathways for the genetic variation and structure of introduced species.
A novel fixture for mixed mode I/II/III fracture testing of brittle materials
Authors: Zeinedini Afshin 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA novel test‐loading device was suggested in order to study the fracture behavior of brittle materials under mixed mode I/II/III loading conditions. A version of the compact tension shear specimen was used as the test configuration. Using a three‐dimensional finite element analysis, the influence of mode mixity on the stress intensity factors, the T‐stress, and 3‐D plastic zone around the crack tip was investigated. In addition, an experimental study was performed on an epoxy polymer using the proposed setup. Finally, the fracture toughness of pure epoxy was measured under several loading conditions. The numerical and experimental results manifested that the proposed setup is able to determine a full range of mixed mode I/II/III fracture properties. At the end, the fracture envelope obtained using the practical study was compared with various three‐dimensional fracture criteria. A negligible discrepancy was concluded between the practical data and the theoretical data estimated by the maximum mean principle stress criterion.
Subjective chewing ability and health‐related quality of life among the elderly
Authors: Cho Min‐Jeong , Kim Eun‐Kyong 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveChewing ability may reflect the overall oral health, which affects the general health of the elderly. Therefore, we assessed the association between subjective chewing ability and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) among the elderly.MethodsWe analysed the data of 3034 elderly people aged ≥65 years from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that was conducted by the Korean government from 2013 to 2015 (KNHANES‐VI). Subjective chewing ability was evaluated using a questionnaire, and HRQOL was assessed using EuroQol 5‐dimension (EQ‐5D) instrument by trained examiners. Covariates, such as socio‐demographic, oral health‐related and general health‐related variables, were investigated.ResultsLogistic regression analysis showed that chewing ability was significantly associated with HRQOL in both crude and adjusted model for covariates such as age, gender, economic activity, residence, education, smoking, alcohol, hypertension, diabetes, remaining teeth, denture, CPI, tooth brushing and oral hygiene (crude OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 2.23‐3.20) (adjusted OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.95‐2.86). Chewing ability was also significantly associated with most dimensions of EQ‐5D, such as motor ability, self‐care, daily activities, pain and discomfort, and anxiety and depression (P < 0.05).ConclusionChewing ability was significantly associated with HRQOL, suggesting that elderly people with low chewing ability are more likely to have poor health‐related quality of life.
Influence of physiological and chemical factors on the absorption of bioactive peptides
Authors: Karaś Monika 
Published: December 2018

SummaryFood‐derived bioactive peptides can be released during digestion and have a potentially beneficial effect on human health. It is known that the penetration of peptides across the small intestine can take place in several ways. The research related to the bioavailability of peptides develops dynamically, but still raises many doubts. Since there are many barriers to absorption of peptides, there is still a need to carry out in vitro and in vivo investigations on the bioavailability of these compounds. Moreover, there are few in vivo studies regarding the absorption and activity of peptides in organs, hence the lack of unequivocal and reliable information about this process. Therefore, this review discusses the current research on in vitro and in vivo absorption of these compounds and factors that play a key role in this process and provides better understanding of the in vitro and in vivo bioavailability and bioaccessibility of peptides.
Carbon dioxide‐ and temperature‐mediated changes in plant defensive compounds alter food utilization of herbivores
Authors: Teawkul Papitchaya , Hwang Shaw‐Yhi 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAlthough the impact of elevated carbon dioxide and rising temperature on plants and animals has been extensively documented recently, only limited understanding exists regarding their combined effects. The objective of this research was to address the consequences of using combinations of elevated CO2 and elevated temperature on a plant's defensive chemistry, and subsequent utilization of the plant as insect food. Our results indicated that elevated CO2 and increased temperature, for the most part, act independently on the production of defensive compounds in broccoli leaves (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica). CO2 concentrations had significant effects on the foliar water content, total phenolic compounds, polyphenol oxidase and trypsin inhibitor concentrations. The herbivore Spodoptera litura (Fabricius; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) responded to changes in the plant secondary chemistry, with larvae consuming more plant materials that had been exposed to elevated CO2. The food utilization efficiencies of second‐instar larvae were more sensitive to CO2‐treated foliage than those of the third‐ and fourth‐instar larvae. Temperature did exert a significant effect on food utilization (ECD) by the larvae. Our study will provide important information in future predictions on plant–insect interactions as a result of climate change. The study also demonstrated that since various larval stages might respond differently to climate change, this possibility needs to be considered in future forecasting and monitoring.
Modeling of coconut milk residue incorporated rice‐corn extrudates properties using multiple linear regression and artificial neural network
Authors: Pandiselvam R. , Manikantan M. R. , Sunoj S. , Sreejith S. , Beegum Shameena 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe effect of extrusion screw speed (200, 250, and 300 rpm), barrel temperature (100, 120, and 140 °C), and formulation (Coconut milk residue [CMR] 10–20%, corn flour 20–30% and rice flour 60%) on product characteristics like expansion ratio, bulk density, water solubility and water absorption index, compression force, and cutting strength were investigated using multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN). The coefficient of determination (R2) of MLR ranged between 0.34 and 0.84, and the sum of squared error (SSE) ranged between 0.0009 and 292.51. Whereas, the R2 of ANN ranged between 0.41 and 0.94, and SSE ranged between 0.0001 and 214.81. This indicates its superior performance over MLR in the present study. The extrusion condition of 15% CMR, 25% corn flour, and 60% rice flour, at 220 rpm screw speed, and 140 °C barrel temperature were determined as optimum conditions for development of coconut milk residue incorporated rice‐corn based extrudates with a desirability value of 0.95 using MLR with optimum responses of expansion ratio 3.19, bulk density 0.08 g/cm3, water absorption index 5.69 ml/g, compression force 20.80 N, and cutting strength 10.81 N.Practical applicationsCoconut milk residue, which is rich in dietary fiber and polyphenols, is the main underutilized co‐product of virgin coconut oil, coconut milk powder, coconut milk yogurt, and flavored coconut milk processing industries. It can be incorporated into the rice‐corn mixture to produce a healthy snack food by extrusion. Hence, this study was focused on optimizing the extrusion conditions and flour ratio using multiple linear regression and artificial neural network to obtain a desirable extruded product. The promising results suggest that CMR can be incorporated with rice and corn to produce extrudates with improved nutrition.
Seed germination and dormancy: The classic story, new puzzles, and evolution
Authors: Nonogaki Hiroyuki 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis review highlights recent progresses in seed germination and dormancy research. Research on the weakening of the endosperm during germination, which is almost a classic theme in seed biology, was resumed by α‐xylosidase studies. Strong genetic evidence was presented to suggest that the quality control of xyloglucan biosynthesis in the endosperm (and the embryo) plays a critical role in germination. Further analyses on the endosperm and the adjacent layers have suggested that the cutin coat in the endosperm‐testa interphase negatively affects germination while the endosperm‐embryo interphase produces a sheath that facilitates germination. These progresses significantly advanced our understanding of seed germination mechanisms. A breakthrough in dormancy research, on the other hand, revealed the unique abscisic acid signaling pathway that is regulated by DELAY OF GERMINATION1 (DOG1). The detailed analysis of DOG1 expression uncovered the intriguing story of reciprocal regulation of the sense‐antisense pair, which generated new questions. Recent studies also suggested that the DOG1 function is not limited to dormancy but extended through general seed maturation, which provokes questions about the evolution of DOG1 family proteins. Seed biology is becoming more exciting with the classic stories being revitalized and new puzzles emerging from the frontier.
Asthma prevalence and control levels among Special Olympics athletes, and asthma‐related knowledge of their coaches
Authors: O'Neill C. , Russell M. , Balogh R. , Lloyd M. , Dogra S. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of asthma among athletes with intellectual disabilities, and the asthma knowledge levels of their coaches, is unknown.MethodsSpecial Olympics Canada athletes completed a demographic questionnaire (n = 208). Athletes who identified as having ever or current asthma completed the Asthma Control Questionnaire and the Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire and were measured for height, weight and lung function (n = 73). National level coaches (n = 27) completed a questionnaire pertaining to asthma knowledge.ResultsThe prevalence of ever and current asthma were 35.5% (n = 73) and 21.1% (n = 44), respectively. Athletes with asthma reported that they had inadequately controlled asthma, but good quality of life. Coaches correctly answered 43% true/false questions on the survey, indicating suboptimal asthma knowledge.ConclusionsAthletes with intellectual disabilities appear to have a greater prevalence of asthma than the general population; however, coaches of these athletes appear to have limited knowledge pertaining to asthma and exercise‐induced asthma.
Promotion of Long‐Acting Reversible Contraception Among Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Santibenchakul Somsook , Tschann Mary , Carlson Alyssa Dee P. , L. Hurwitz Eric , Salcedo Jennifer 
Published: December 2018

IntroductionIntrauterine devices and contraceptive implants are recommended as first‐line contraceptives by health care professional societies. However, uptake among US women lags substantially behind other developed countries. Little information is available on the extent to which clinicians document discussion about long‐acting reversible contraception (LARC) in this patient population. We sought to determine the frequency with which clinicians document LARC discussion with eligible women aged 14 to 25 years in a training clinic and evaluate factors associated with LARC discussion and uptake.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of all visits of nonpregnant women aged 14 to 25 years seen at an obstetrics and gynecology resident physician clinic during a calendar year. A logistic regression model was used to assess demographic factors associated with LARC education and uptake.ResultsAmong 450 visits by eligible patients, LARC discussion was documented during 47.8% (215/450) of visits. Among visits with documentation of LARC counseling, 45.6% (98/215) had documentation of a LARC placement plan. Among patients who decided to initiate LARC, 40.8% (40/98) had a device placed at the same visit. LARC placement was documented during 8.9% (40/450) of visits. Clinicians documented LARC counseling for women aged 14 to 19 years more frequently than for women aged 20 to 25 years. Compared with women who did not use any method of contraception, clinicians documented LARC counseling less frequently for women who used short‐term hormonal contraception.DiscussionClinicians in a training clinic did not document LARC counseling for more than half of eligible patients. Every clinical visit is an opportunity to assess risk of unintended pregnancy and ensure that contraceptive needs are addressed.
Rostral ventromedial medulla‐mediated descending facilitation following P2X7 receptor activation is involved in the development of chronic post‐operative pain
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhong Xiongxiong , Li Yongyong , Guo Ruixian , Du Sujuan , Wen Lili , Ying Yanlu , Yang Tao , Wei Xu‐Hong 
Published: December 2018

AbstractChronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) remains a medical problem. Whether the descending modulation of nociceptive transmission from the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) plays a role in CPSP induced by skin/muscle incision and retraction (SMIR) in the thigh is still unknown. In this study, we found that SMIR surgery, which induced either bilateral or unilateral mechanical allodynia, activated microglia, and up‐regulated interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), an important cytokine, and 8‐hydroxyguanine, an oxidative stress marker in the RVM. In addition, the release of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) was increased in the ipsilateral and contralateral RVM in rats with either bilateral or unilateral pain following SMIR. The 5‐HT level increase, 5‐HT3 receptor (5‐HT3R) up‐regulation, and microglia activation were found bilaterally in SMIR rats with bilateral pain, but only ipsilaterally in SMIR rats with unilateral pain. The intrathecal injection of the 5‐HT3R antagonist Y25130 prevented the development of CPSP and the activation of spinal microglia induced by SMIR. Furthermore, P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) was up‐regulated in microglia in the RVM. The microinjection of the P2X7R antagonist brilliant blue G (BBG, a non‐competitive P2X7R antagonist) into the RVM prevented the development of mechanical allodynia, inhibited the activation of microglia, and decreased the expression of IL‐1β and 8‐hydroxyguanine in the RVM following SMIR. Importantly, BBG injected into the RVM also decreased the activation of microglia and the level of 5‐HT in the lumbar 3 (L3) spinal cord. The microinjection of the P2X7R agonist BzATP, the NADPH oxidase activator phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate, or IL‐1β into the RVM induced bilateral mechanical allodynia, microglia activation, and 5‐HT release in the L3 spinal dorsal horn. Taken together, P2X7R activation in microglia in the RVM following SMIR might be responsible for the development of CPSP via activating descending serotonergic pathway.Open science badgesThis article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.
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Using Healthcare Services: Perspectives of Community‐Dwelling Aging Adults With Intellectual Disabilities and Family Members
Authors: Baumbusch Jennifer , Moody Elaine , Hole Rachelle , Jokinen Nancy , Stainton Tim 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe aging of adults with Intellectual Disability (ID) in the community resulting from deinstitutionalization signals a need for change in healthcare policy and services. This population is growing older at rates similar to the rest of the population, and individuals with ID often have multiple chronic illnesses and may experience young‐onset dementia, increasing their need to use healthcare services. However, it is widely recognized that currently healthcare services are ill‐prepared to meet the unique needs of this population as they age in their communities. The purpose of this study was to explore this issue from the perspectives of aging individuals with ID and family members (FMs). This study employed qualitative description as the method of inquiry and took place in British Columbia, Canada. Adults with ID age 40 years and older (N = 21) and FMs (N = 26) participated. Data were collected through focus groups and semistructured interviews. Thematic data analysis was conducted to generate the main study findings. Two overarching themes were identified. First, “the organization and culture of healthcare services in the community.” This theme included issues such as age restrictions on health services, navigating health services, the culture of appointment‐making, and implications of living in rural settings, all of which influenced how individuals used healthcare services. Second, “interactions with healthcare providers” illustrated ways in which providers contribute to healthcare experiences. Many factors, both organizational and interpersonal, shape the experiences of aging individuals with ID using healthcare services in their communities. There continues to be a policy and service gap that can create unnecessary and avoidable difficulties in using healthcare services. Policies, service delivery, and education of healthcare providers need to be revisited in light of the unique needs of this population aging in the community in order to ensure healthcare is accessible.
Contrasting heterozygosity‐fitness correlations across life in a long‐lived seabird
Authors: Bichet Coraline , Vedder Oscar , Sauer‐Gürth Hedwig , Becker Peter H. , Wink Michael , Bouwhuis Sandra 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSelection is a central force underlying evolutionary change and can vary in strength and direction, for example across time and space. The fitness consequences of individual genetic diversity have often been investigated by testing for multilocus heterozygosity‐fitness correlations (HFCs), but few studies have been able to assess HFCs across life stages and in both sexes. Here, we test for HFCs using a 26‐year longitudinal individual‐based data set from a large population of a long‐lived seabird (the common tern, Sterna hirundo), where 7,974 chicks and breeders of known age were genotyped at 15 microsatellite loci and sampled for life‐history traits over the complete life cycle. Heterozygosity was not correlated with fledging or post‐fledging prospecting probabilities, but was positively correlated with recruitment probability. For breeders, annual survival was not correlated with heterozygosity, but annual fledgling production was negatively correlated with heterozygosity in males and highest in intermediately heterozygous females. The contrasting HFCs among life stages and sexes indicate differential selective processes and emphasize the importance of assessing fitness consequences of traits over complete life histories.