bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of maturation conditions on light and temperature requirements during seed germination of Citrullus colocynthis from the Arabian Desert
Authors: El‐Keblawy A. , Soliman S. , Al‐Khoury R. , Ghauri A. , Al Rammah H. , Hussain S. E. , Rashid S. , Manzoor Z. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Seed germination of Citrullus colocynthis, as in many other species of Cucurbitaceae, is inhibited by light, particularly at low temperatures. Germination response to light and temperature has been attributed to day length and temperature during seed maturation. This study assessed the effects of these factors on the germination response of C. colocynthis to temperature and light quality.

Ripe fruits were collected from natural habitats during December and February and germinated at three temperatures (15/25, 20/30 and 25/35 °C) in five light treatments (dark, white light and Red:Far Red (R:FR) ratios of 0.30, 0.87 and 1.19). Additionally, unripe fruits were also collected from natural habitats and completed their maturation in growth chambers under different day lengths (6, 16 and 24 h of darkness) at 10/20 °C, and in darkness at both 10/20 °C and 25/35 °C. Mature seeds of the different treatments were germinated in the same five light treatments at 15/25 °C.

Germination was significantly higher in the dark than that in any light treatment. Seeds matured at higher temperatures (i.e. seeds from the December collection and those matured at 25/35 °C) had significantly higher germination than those matured at lower temperatures (i.e. seeds from the February collection and those matured at 10/20 °C). Dark germination was significantly higher for the December collection than for the February collection. Seeds of the two collections germinated in the dark only at 15/25 °C. However, seeds matured in a growth chamber at 10/20 °C in darkness germinated at 15/25 °C in all light treatments, except for the R:FR ratio 0.30. Seeds of the different treatments failed to germinate in FR‐rich light.

This study demonstrates that both temperature and day length during seed maturation play significant roles in the germination response of C. colocynthis. Additionally, the dark requirement for germination is likely beneficial for species with the larger seeds, such as C. colocynthis, which produce bigger seedlings that are able to emerge from deep soils and are competitively superior under dense vegetation and resource‐limited conditions.
Good practices for the design, analysis, and interpretation of observational studies on birth spacing and perinatal health outcomes
Authors: Hutcheon Jennifer A. , Moskosky Susan , Ananth Cande V. , Basso Olga , Briss Peter A. , Ferré Cynthia D. , Frederiksen Brittni N. , Harper Sam , Hernández‐Díaz Sonia , Hirai Ashley H. , Kirby Russell S. , Klebanoff Mark A. , Lindberg Laura , Mumford Sunni L. , Nelson Heidi D. , Platt Robert W. , Rossen Lauren M. , Stuebe Alison M. , Thoma Marie E. , Vladutiu Catherine J. , Ahrens Katherine A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundMeta‐analyses of observational studies have shown that women with a shorter interpregnancy interval (the time from delivery to start of a subsequent pregnancy) are more likely to experience adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm delivery or small for gestational age birth, than women who space their births further apart. However, the studies used to inform these estimates have methodological shortcomings.MethodsIn this commentary, we summarise the discussions of an expert workgroup describing good practices for the design, analysis, and interpretation of observational studies of interpregnancy interval and adverse perinatal health outcomes.ResultsWe argue that inferences drawn from research in this field will be improved by careful attention to elements such as: (a) refining the research question to clarify whether the goal is to estimate a causal effect vs describe patterns of association; (b) using directed acyclic graphs to represent potential causal networks and guide the analytic plan of studies seeking to estimate causal effects; (c) assessing how miscarriages and pregnancy terminations may have influenced interpregnancy interval classifications; (d) specifying how key factors such as previous pregnancy loss, pregnancy intention, and maternal socio‐economic position will be considered; and (e) examining if the association between interpregnancy interval and perinatal outcome differs by factors such as maternal age.ConclusionThis commentary outlines the discussions of this recent expert workgroup, and describes several suggested principles for study design and analysis that could mitigate many potential sources of bias.
Short interpregnancy intervals and adverse maternal outcomes in high‐resource settings: An updated systematic review
Authors: Hutcheon Jennifer A. , Nelson Heidi D. , Stidd Reva , Moskosky Susan , Ahrens Katherine A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, no federal guidelines provide recommendations on healthy birth spacing for women in the United States. This systematic review summarises associations between short interpregnancy intervals and adverse maternal outcomes to inform the development of birth spacing recommendations for the United States.MethodsPubMed/Medline, POPLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and a previous systematic review were searched to identify relevant articles published from 1 January 2006 and 1 May 2017. Included studies reported maternal health outcomes following a short versus longer interpregnancy interval, were conducted in high‐resource settings, and adjusted estimates for at least maternal age. Two investigators independently assessed study quality and applicability using established methods.ResultsSeven cohort studies met inclusion criteria. There was limited but consistent evidence that short interpregnancy interval is associated with increased risk of precipitous labour and decreased risks of labour dystocia. There was some evidence that short interpregnancy interval is associated with increased risks of subsequent pre‐pregnancy obesity and gestational diabetes, and decreased risk of preeclampsia. Among women with a previous caesarean delivery, short interpregnancy interval was associated with increased risk of uterine rupture in one study. No studies reported outcomes related to maternal depression, interpregnancy weight gain, maternal anaemia, or maternal mortality.ConclusionsIn studies from high‐resource settings, short interpregnancy intervals are associated with both increased and decreased risks of adverse maternal outcomes. However, most outcomes were evaluated in single studies, and the strength of evidence supporting associations is low.
Feasibility of the use of Spirulina in aquaculture diets
Authors: Rosas Victor T. , Poersch Luís H. , Romano Luis A. , Tesser Marcelo B. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe growth of aquaculture depends on protein sources that can reduce the pressure on fishmeal (FM), and Spirulina feed could be an option due to its high nutritional value. Studies on Spirulina as a food in diets of aquatic organisms have increased substantially in the past decade, but the fact that its use in commercial rations does not occur today indicates that there are still challenges that need to be overcome. This review attempts to compile most of the work carried out through today in aquaculture that uses Spirulina as an FM substitute and as a functional feed. The high cost of Spirulina can be compensated if it is used in small quantities because it can improve the health and growth of organisms, compensating for its high economic cost by reducing costs in other production areas.
Decision‐Making Analytics Using Plural Resilience Parameters for Adaptive Management of Complex Systems
Authors: Thekdi Shital A. , Santos Joost 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIt is critical for complex systems to effectively recover, adapt, and reorganize after system disruptions. Common approaches for evaluating system resilience typically study single measures of performance at one time, such as with a single resilience curve. However, multiple measures of performance are needed for complex systems that involve many components, functions, and noncommensurate valuations of performance. Hence, this article presents a framework for: (1) modeling resilience for complex systems with competing measures of performance, and (2) modeling decision making for investing in these systems using multiple stakeholder perspectives and multicriteria decision analysis. This resilience framework, which is described and demonstrated in this article via a real‐world case study, will be of interest to managers of complex systems, such as supply chains and large‐scale infrastructure networks.
Stability of periodic traveling flexural‐gravity waves in two dimensions
Authors: Trichtchenko Olga , Milewski Paul , Părău Emilian , Vanden‐Broeck Jean‐Marc 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this work, we solve the Euler's equations for periodic waves traveling under a sheet of ice. These waves are referred to as flexural‐gravity waves. We compare and contrast two models for the effect of the ice: a linear model and a nonlinear model. The benefit of this reformulation is that it facilitates the asymptotic analysis. We use it to derive the nonlinear Schrödinger equation that describes the modulational instability of periodic traveling waves. We compare this asymptotic result with the numerical computation of stability using the Fourier–Floquet–Hill method to show they agree qualitatively. We show that different models have different stability regimes for large values of the flexural rigidity parameter. Numerical computations are also used to analyze high‐frequency instabilities in addition to the modulational instability. In the regions examined, these are shown to be the same regardless of the model representing ice.
Sleep duration and sleeping difficulties among adolescents: exploring associations with school stress, self‐perception and technology use
Authors: Jakobsson Malin , Josefsson Karin , Jutengren Göran , Sandsjö Leif , Högberg Karin 
Published: October 2018

Sleeping problems are increasing among adolescents worldwide. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of self‐reported sleep duration and sleeping difficulties, as well as to explore their associations with school stress, self‐perception, that is how adolescents perceive their appearance and happiness, and technology use among adolescents. Data were collected in 2015 using a questionnaire. A total of 937 ninth grade adolescents, 15–16 years, from a city in western Sweden participated, resulting in a response rate of 83%. The result showed that 55% of the adolescents slept less than the recommended 8 hours per night and 11% had sleeping difficulties. School stress and technology use were associated with short sleep duration. School stress and self‐perception were associated with sleeping difficulties. The girls had worse outcomes for sleeping difficulties, school stress, self‐perception and technology use than the boys. Based on the results, there is a need for school nurses to implement preventive measures to improve adolescents’ sleep.
Eliminating the need for routine monthly postdialysis serum urea nitrogen measurement: A method for monitoring Kt/V and normalized protein catabolic rate using conductivity determined dialyzer clearance
Authors: Daugirdas John T. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMany dialysis machines can compute dialyzer sodium clearances at multiple time points during a dialysis treatment using conductivity. For a given treatment, the average dialyzer sodium clearance (K), when combined with treatment time (t), and the estimated urea distribution volume (V, usually based on either anthropometry or bioimpedance), can be used to estimate Kt/V, an important measure of hemodialysis adequacy. While this conductivity‐derived value for Kt/V correlates moderately with Kt/V calculated from predialysis and postdialysis serum urea nitrogen (SUN) values (urea reduction ratio, URR), the ultrafiltration volume, and session length it is, unfortunately, not sufficiently accurate to replace URR‐based Kt/V. Here we underline the potential utility of an alternative method to estimate Kt/V (a variant of a technique originally proposed by Gotch and Levin and their colleagues) using conductivity‐derived sodium clearance (K) that does not require routine measurement of the postdialysis SUN but which should closely track Kt/V computed in the usual fashion. The increased accuracy with the new method is explained by the use of a patient‐specific value of V, which is an average value calculated from several dialysis sessions where both conductivity dialyzer clearance and predialysis and postdialysis SUN have been measured. Once this patient‐specific conductivity/URR‐based value for V has been determined, it can be used to calculate Kt/V for subsequent treatments in which conductivity‐based dialyzer clearances are measured, but around which predialysis and postdialysis SUN values have not been obtained. (If the predialysis SUN values for such a subsequent treatment are also measured, then a normalized protein catabolic rate that closely tracks the value from conventional urea modeling, can also be determined.) By reducing the number of postdialysis SUN measurements needed to monitor hemodialysis adequacy this new method of estimating Kt/V by conductivity should save staff time and laboratory costs, increase patient and staff safety, and decrease error rates associated with improper postdialysis blood sampling technique.
The impact of Aptian glacio‐eustasy on the stratigraphic architecture of the Athabasca Oil Sands, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Horner Sean C. , Hubbard Stephen M. , Martin Harrison K. , Hagstrom Cynthia A. , Leckie Dale A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHigh‐frequency incised valley systems and subaerial exposure surfaces are prevalent in Aptian‐aged units, having been documented in numerous basins around the world. In light of a growing body of palynological, geochemical and sedimentological evidence, a glacio‐eustatic mechanism for their generation has been suggested, driven by the waxing and waning of polar ice caps. The densely‐penetrated McMurray Formation of north‐eastern Alberta, Canada, provides a unique opportunity to test for an Aptian glacio‐eustatic signal within the Western Canadian Foreland Basin. This study combines detailed drill core description with wireline log‐based stratigraphic analysis to map and evaluate a series of drainage networks located along the cratonic edge of the Western Canadian Foreland Basin. Four stratigraphically distinct composite channel‐form bodies are documented across an area >14 000 km2. Composite channel‐form bodies are up to 50 km wide and locally exceed 70 m thick, subtending from upward‐coarsening parasequence sets 2 to 12 m thick; bounding marine flooding surfaces are mappable over distances exceeding 280 km along the north–south trending basin. Detailed internal fill characterization of the four composite channel‐form bodies suggests that three represent tidal–fluvial incised valley networks, and one represents a deltaic distributary system. At least six cycles of transgression and regression are apparent within the McMurray Formation stratigraphy. Recent biostratigraphic assessment has constrained deposition of the McMurray Formation between ca 125 Ma and 118 Ma, and periods on the order of 0·7 to 1·7 Ma are estimated for the mapped transgressive–regressive cycles. The high frequency nature of these Aptian sequences suggests that the sea‐level oscillations recorded in McMurray Formation strata are consistent with a glacio‐eustatic driver. Linking the internal stratigraphic architecture of the McMurray Formation with interpreted global cooling events and sea‐level drops provides the first evidence of glacio‐eustasy within Early Cretaceous strata of western Canada.
The real “danger” lies in the failure to confront fundamentals
Authors: Cohn Melvin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCan we formulate a framework that would provide an agreed upon basis for discussions of immune behaviour? An attempt to do this is, in the end, the main goal of this essay. If you tell a physicist that you have invented a perpetual motion machine, he would not spend any time trying to reveal the flaw. Rather, he would shrug you off because in his framework, such a machine is an impossibility. However, immunologists lacking an agreed upon, preferably default, framework spend their time chasing into dead‐end alleys or take refuge in descriptive empiricism. This will be illustrated using Danger theory, which ignores fundamentals to generate a framework believed to obviate the need for a Self (S)‐Nonself (NS) discrimination and which is claimed to be bolstered with monogamous data (observation married to a single explanation). The arguments presented here apply to all NS‐marker theories (pathogenicity, discontinuity, localization, danger, etc.).
Ultrasonographic intraoperative monitoring and follow‐up of Kaposi's sarcoma nodules under treatment with intralesional vincristine
Authors: Nazzaro Gianluca , Genovese Giovanni , Tourlaki Athanasia , Passoni Emanuela , Berti Emilio , Brambilla Lucia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundIntralesional vincristine is an effective treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) nodules on the skin, but there is little evidence of its action through imaging techniques. Ultrasonography can be an adjunctive tool in the diagnosis and management of KS skin lesions, but data in the literature are few.Materials and MethodsFive patients with classic KS nodules were treated with intralesional vincristine. Ultrasonographic and color Doppler assessment were performed during vincristine injection and monitoring was repeated 1 and 3 months after the procedure. Partial response was defined as a reduction of more than 50% lesion volume and reduction of the vascular signal; complete response as a resolution of lesion associated with the absence of vascular signal.ResultsSix KS nodules were included in the study. On ultrasonography examination, KS nodules appeared as oval or round, hypoechoic, homogeneous structures, with intralesional vascularization, more prominent in the deepest pole of the nodule. At month 1, 4 nodules achieved a complete response, while two nodules showed a partial response and were retreated with intralesional vincristine. At month 3, all lesions achieved a complete response.ConclusionUltrasonography may be a valuable tool in assessing clinical response to intralesional vincristine therapy of cutaneous KS nodules.
Sentinel lymph node mapping by near‐infrared fluorescence imaging and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound in healthy dogs
Authors: Favril Sophie , Stock Emmelie , Hernot Sophie , Hesta Myriam , Polis Ingeborgh , Vanderperren Katrien , de Rooster Hilde 
Published: October 2018

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is a valuable and crucial diagnostic procedure in staging malignancies. We compared two non‐invasive techniques, near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), to identify the SLNs in three superficial anatomical regions in an animal model.Six healthy laboratory dogs were included in a proof‐of‐concept trial. A NIR fluorescent dye (Indocyanine Green) and microbubbles (Sonovue) were consecutively injected subdermally in the Inguinal, axillary and popliteal region to map the SLNs.Transcutaneous NIR fluorescence imaging identified SLNs in 17 out of a total of 18 occasions. CEUS identified SLNs in all regions (18/18). Whereas NIR fluorescence imaging performed better in the visualization of the afferent lymphatic tract, CEUS demonstrated different filling patterns of the SLNs, a feature potentially critical for the concept of SLN mapping in cancer patients. Both NIR fluorescence imaging and CEUS are safe, non‐invasive, practical and accurate methods to perform real‐time transcutaneous SLN mapping with potential in a clinical setting.
Canine and feline emphysematous gastritis may be differentiated from gastric emphysema based on clinical and imaging characteristics: Five cases
Authors: Thierry Florence , Ferreira Marisa F. , Paterson Gavin K. , Liuti Tiziana , Del‐Pozo Jorge 
Published: October 2018

AbstractGastric pneumatosis is an imaging finding defined as the presence of gas foci in the gastric wall. In humans, this imaging feature can result from one of two separate clinical entities: life‐threatening emphysematous gastritis or clinically benign gastric emphysema. This retrospective case series study describes the clinical and imaging features in five animals diagnosed with spontaneous gastric pneumatosis without gastric dilatation‐volvulus. Three canine and two feline cases of spontaneous gastric pneumatosis were identified on radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations. In addition to gastric pneumatosis, one dog and two cats presented concomitant systemic signs such as lethargy, hematemesis, anemia, or leukocytosis. Two dogs remained asymptomatic or presented mild gastrointestinal signs. Portal gas was described in two dogs and one cat, and pneumoperitoneum in one dog. These features were not considered clinically significant. The dog and two cats with systemic signs were euthanized due to clinical deterioration and diagnosed with emphysematous gastritis. The gastric pneumatosis of both dogs without systemic signs resolved while on medical management without antibiotic therapy. These latter cases were interpreted as consistent with gastric emphysema. Findings from the current study indicated that gastric pneumatosis can occur without gastric dilatation‐volvulus in cats and dogs and that a combination of clinical and imaging characteristics may help to differentiate between potentially life‐threatening emphysematous gastritis and relatively benign gastric emphysema. More studies are needed to determine the etiology and risk factors associated with these conditions.
Computed tomographic bronchial collapsibility values over 50% may be detected in healthy dogs
Authors: Oh Dayoung , Lee Siheon , Kim Seungji , Choen Sangkyung , Choi Mincheol , Yoon Junghee 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBronchomalacia and bronchial collapse are important causes of chronic coughing in dogs. The current reference standard diagnostic tests for these problems are flexible bronchoscopy and biopsy. Previous human studies have also supported inspiration/expiration computed tomography (CT) as a diagnostic test. The current prospective, pilot study aimed to determine whether inspiration/expiration CT is also a feasible test for quantifying bronchial collapsibility in dogs. Thoracic CT images were acquired using a 64‐row multidetector CT for 10 healthy Beagle dogs during maximal inspiration and expiration. For each scan, one observer measured transverse sectional areas of the mainstem and lobar bronchi, and the dorsal and ventral segmental bronchi of the left cranial lobar bronchus. Diameters for each bronchus were also measured in transverse, sagittal, and dorsal planes. Bronchial collapsibility (%) was calculated as the difference between inspiration/expiration transverse sectional areas divided by the inspiration transverse sectional areas. Mean bronchial collapsibility of all bronchi was 38.20 ± 15.17%. A collapsibility of over 50% was found in the dorsal (n = 7) and ventral (n = 4) segmental bronchi of the left cranial lobar bronchus, and the left caudal (n = 5) and right middle (n = 2) lobar bronchus. Bronchial collapsibility measurements were greater in the dorsal and ventral segmental bronchi of the left cranial lobar bronchus and the left caudal lobar bronchus (P < 0.001). Findings supported inspiration/expiration CT as a modality to noninvasively assess bronchial collapse in dogs and a bronchial collapsibility value greater than 50% for detecting pathologic bronchial collapse in clinically affected dogs.