bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A test of Darwin's ‘lop‐eared’ rabbit hypothesis
Authors: Cordero G. A. , Berns C. M. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIntegration of evolutionary and developmental biology has stimulated novel insights on the origins and maintenance of phenotypic variation. For instance, phenotypic accommodation predicts that trait covariance originates via a novel developmental input caused by genetic change in one trait, but not the other. Darwin provided a striking example of this process in the ‘lop‐eared’ rabbit by demonstrating that artificial selection for long external ears induced variation in the external auditory meatus. Although this intriguing pattern has been interpreted as evidence of phenotypic accommodation, it is unclear whether it exists and, if it does, whether it is selectively maintained in nature. To address this concern, we examined trait covariance in natural woodrat populations that have likely undergone selection for long ears. We demonstrated a remarkably similar covariance pattern as in the ‘lop‐eared’ rabbit, which was associated with climatic variables along a steep arid‐to‐moist longitudinal gradient. Thus, our results suggest that trait covariance is likely a correlated response to selection. We relate these findings to potential origins of trait covariance owing to altered developmental interactions, such as in phenotypic accommodation. Additional evidence is needed to clarify how phenotypic accommodation and correlated selection promote and maintain trait covariance in natural populations. Nonetheless, our study is the first to support a classic Darwinian example concerning domestication and natural selection.
Female preference functions drive interpopulation divergence in male signalling: call diversity in the bushcricket Ephippiger diurnus
Authors: Barbosa F. , Rebar D. , Greenfield M. D. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractFemale preferences play a major role in the elaboration and diversification of male traits: as a selective pressure on males, variation in female preferences can generate population divergence and ultimately, speciation. We studied how interpopulation differences in the shape of female mate preference functions may have shaped male advertisement signals in the bushcricket Ephippiger diurnus. This species is distributed as geographically isolated populations with striking interpopulation variation in male acoustic signals, most notably in the number of syllables per call. Here, we asked whether differences in the shape of preference functions exist among populations and whether those differences may have driven male signal evolution resulting in the observed differences in syllable numbers. Our results reveal fundamental differences in female preferences among populations, with differences in the overall preference function shape corresponding to differences in male signals. These differences in female preferences best explain the major differences in male signals among populations. The interpopulation variation in signals and preferences potentially reflects the evolutionary history of the species and may contribute to further divergence among populations and subsequent speciation.
Antidepressant Exposure and Risk of Dementia in Older Adults with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Brodrick Joy E. , Mathys Monica L. 
Published: November 2016

ObjectivesTo identify whether duration of antidepressant use in depressed elderly veterans differed between those who later developed dementia and those who did not.DesignSingle‐center, retrospective, observational, electronic chart review.SettingMedical charts from a Veterans Affairs Mental Health Clinic.ParticipantsVeterans aged 65 and older with history of depression.MeasurementsInformation on sociodemographic characteristics; duration of antidepressant, antipsychotic, and benzodiazepine therapy; diagnosis of dementia; and comorbid disease states was collected. Medication use since August 1, 1998 was recorded.ResultsOf 1,547 charts reviewed, 605 met inclusion criteria; 128 were excluded on the basis of psychiatric comorbidities. Of the remaining 477, 41 developed incident dementia. Thirty‐seven of those were matched to individuals with depression without dementia according to age, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and substance use. There were no differences between the groups with (n = 37) and without (n = 37) dementia with respect to baseline characteristics, antidepressant types, or benzodiazepine or antipsychotic use. Median duration of antidepressant use was 891 days in the group with dementia and 1,979 days in the group without (P = .03, W = −260, z = −2.13). Significantly fewer participants with dementia received antidepressant treatment for at least 5 years [n = 8 with dementia, n = 20 without dementia, P = .004, odds ratio = 0.235, 95% confidence interval = 0.085–0.647).ConclusionOlder veterans with depression who developed dementia were treated with antidepressants for a significantly shorter duration than matched veterans who did not develop dementia.
Inhibition of complement in Guillain‐Barré syndrome: the ICA‐GBS study
Authors: Davidson Amy I. , Halstead Susan K. , Goodfellow John A. , Chavada Govind , Mallik Arup , Overell James , Lunn Michael P. , McConnachie Alex , van Doorn Pieter , Willison Hugh J. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe outcome of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) remains unchanged since plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) were introduced over 20 years ago. Pathogenesis studies on GBS have identified the terminal component of complement cascade as a key disease mediator and therapeutic target. We report the first use of terminal complement pathway inhibition with eculizumab in humans with GBS. In a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 28 subjects eligible on the basis of GBS disability grade of at least 3 were screened, of whom 8 (29%) were randomised. Five received eculizumab for 4 weeks, alongside standard IVIg treatment. The safety outcomes, monitored via adverse events capture, showed eculizumab to be well‐tolerated and safe when administered in conjunction with IVIg. Primary and secondary efficacy outcomes in the form of GBS disability scores (GBS DS), MRC sum scores, Rasch overall disability scores, and overall neuropathy limitation scores are reported descriptively. For the primary efficacy outcome at 4 weeks after recruitment, two of two placebo‐ and two of five eculizumab‐treated subjects had improved by one or more grades on the GBS DS. Although the small sample size precludes a statistically meaningful analysis, these pilot data indicate further studies on complement inhibition in GBS are warranted.
Is an Engaging or Soothing Environment Associated With the Psychological Well‐Being of People With Dementia in Long‐Term Care?
Authors: Lee Kyung Hee , Boltz Marie , Lee Hana , Algase Donna L. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPurposeTo examine the relationship between environmental ambience and psychological well‐being of persons with dementia.DesignA secondary analysis was conducted using observational data with repeated measures. A total of 1,857 observations from 177 persons with dementia in 17 nursing homes and 6 assisted living facilities were included.MethodsPsychological well‐being was measured by observed displays of positive and negative emotional expressions. The environmental ambience was assessed by two subscales of the Ambiance Scale: Engaging and Soothing. Multilevel modeling was used to account for hierarchical structures in the data.FindingsAn engaging environment was associated with more positive emotional expressions after controlling for covariates. However, a soothing environment was associated with neither positive nor negative emotional expressions.ConclusionsResults suggest that the environment is an important consideration for administrators and clinicians as they respond to the mandate to actively plan and provide care to persons with dementia.Clinical RelevanceAn environment that is relevant and interesting may promote a sense of well‐being and support resident‐centered care.
Evaluation of salivary catalase, vitamin C, and alpha‐amylase in smokers and non‐smokers: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ahmadi‐Motamayel Fatemeh , Falsafi Parisa , Goodarzi Mohammad Taghi , Poorolajal Jalal 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundSaliva and its defence systems such as antioxidants and minerals are very important in the pathogenesis of different diseases. Cigarette smoking has many destructive effects. Oxidative stresses play an important role in the side effects of smoking. This study assessed the effect of cigarette smoking on salivary levels of catalase, vitamin C, and α‐amylase.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was carried out in Hamadan, Iran, on 510 subjects; 259 subjects were smokers (the exposed group) and 251 were non‐smokers (the unexposed group). Five microliters of unstimulated saliva was collected by spitting method. Catalase, vitamin C, and α‐amylase salivary levels were determined by spectrophotometric assay. Data were analyzed with t‐test using STATA 12.ResultsVitamin C level in smokers was significantly lower than that in non‐smokers. The salivary catalase levels were lower and α‐amylase levels were higher in smokers, but the differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.416 and P = 0.265, respectively). Smokers were younger than non‐smokers.ConclusionSmoking resulted in a change in salivary antioxidant levels. Changes in antioxidant levels can influence the deleterious effects of smoking on oral mucosa; it might also indicate systemic changes and changes in the serum levels of oxidative agents. Further studies are necessary to understand the mechanisms and real effects of smoking, to determine the benefits of supplementary antioxidants for treatment and to reduce the dangerous side effects of smoking.
COAL MINING AND THE RESOURCE CURSE IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES
Authors: Douglas Stratford , Walker Anne 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTWe measure the effect of resource‐sector dependence on long‐run income growth using the natural experiment of coal mining in 409 Appalachian counties selected for homogeneity. Using a panel data set (1970–2010), we find a one standard deviation increase in resource dependence is associated with 0.5–1 percentage point long‐run and a 0.2 percentage point short‐run decline in the annual growth rate of per capita personal income. We also measure the extent to which the resource curse operates through disincentives to education, and find significant effects, but this “education channel” explains less than 15 percent of the apparent curse.
Shifting from priming of salicylic acid‐ to jasmonic acid‐regulated defences by Trichoderma protects tomato against the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Martínez‐Medina Ainhoa , Fernandez Ivan , Lok Gerrit B. , Pozo María J. , Pieterse Corné M. J. , Van Wees Saskia C. M. 
Published: November 2016

Summary

Beneficial root endophytes such as Trichoderma spp. can reduce infections by parasitic nematodes through triggering host defences. Little is currently known about the complex hormone signalling underlying the induction of resistance. In this study, we investigated whether Trichoderma modulates the hormone signalling network in the host to induce resistance to nematodes.

We investigated the role and the timing of the jasmonic acid (JA)‐ and salicylic acid (SA)‐regulated defensive pathways in Trichoderma‐induced resistance to the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. A split‐root system of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) was used to study local and systemic induced defences by analysing nematode performance, defence gene expression, responsiveness to exogenous hormone application, and dependence on SA and JA signalling of Trichoderma‐induced resistance.

Root colonization by Trichoderma impeded nematode performance both locally and systemically at multiple stages of the parasitism, that is, invasion, galling and reproduction. First, Trichoderma primed SA‐regulated defences, which limited nematode root invasion. Then, Trichoderma enhanced JA‐regulated defences, thereby antagonizing the deregulation of JA‐dependent immunity by the nematodes, which compromised galling and fecundity.

Our results show that Trichoderma primes SA‐ and JA‐dependent defences in roots, and that the priming of responsiveness to these hormones upon nematode attack is plastic and adaptive to the parasitism stage.
Microtubule‐dependent targeting of the exocyst complex is necessary for xylem development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Vukašinović Nemanja , Oda Yoshihisa , Pejchar Přemysl , Synek Lukáš , Pečenková Tamara , Rawat Anamika , Sekereš Juraj , Potocký Martin , Žárský Viktor 
Published: November 2016

Summary

Cortical microtubules (MTs) play a major role in the patterning of secondary cell wall (SCW) thickenings in tracheary elements (TEs) by determining the sites of SCW deposition. The EXO70A1 subunit of the exocyst secretory vesicle tethering complex was implicated to be important for TE development via the MT interaction. We investigated the subcellular localization of several exocyst subunits in the xylem of Arabidopsis thaliana and analyzed the functional significance of exocyst‐mediated trafficking in TE development.

Live cell imaging of fluorescently tagged exocyst subunits in TE using confocal microscopy and protein–protein interaction assays were performed to describe the role of the exocyst and its partners in TE development.

In TEs, exocyst subunits were localized to the sites of SCW deposition in an MT‐dependent manner. We propose that the mechanism of exocyst targeting to MTs involves the direct interaction of exocyst subunits with the COG2 protein. We demonstrated the importance of a functional exocyst subunit EXO84b for normal TE development and showed that the deposition of SCW constituents is partially compromised, possibly as a result of the mislocalization of secondary cellulose synthase in exocyst mutants.

We conclude that the exocyst complex is an important factor bridging the pattern defined by cortical MTs with localized secretion of the SCW in developing TEs.
Neurocognitive Function and Suicide in U.S. Army Soldiers
Authors: Naifeh James A. , Nock Matthew K. , Ursano Robert J. , Vegella Patti L. , Aliaga Pablo A. , Fullerton Carol S. , Kessler Ronald C. , Wryter Christina L. , Heeringa Steven G. , Stein Murray B. ,   the Army STARRS Collaborators
Published: November 2016

This prospective cohort study used administrative data from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers to examine associations between neurocognitive functioning and subsequent suicidal events among Regular Army enlisted soldiers during the years 2004–2009. Cases were all soldiers who completed the Army's Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) computerized testing battery prior to documented suicide attempt (n = 607), ideation (n = 955), or death (n = 57). Controls were an equal‐probability sample of 9,893 person‐months from other soldiers. Exploratory factor analysis of five ANAM tests identified a general neurocognitive factor that excluded the mathematic processing test (MTH). When examined separately in logistic regression analyses that controlled for sociodemographics and prior mental health diagnosis, both the general neurocognitive factor (logit [β] = −.197 to −.521; p < .01) and MTH (β = −.024 to −.064; p < .05) were associated with all outcomes. When both predictors were examined simultaneously, the general neurocognitive factor continued to be associated with all outcomes (β = −.164 to −.417; p < .05) and MTH continued to be associated with suicide attempt (β = −.015; p = .046) and ideation (β = −.014; p = .018). These small but robust associations suggest that future research must continue to examine the extent to which objective neurocognitive tests may enhance understanding and prediction of suicide risk.
Effect of aging on breast skin thickness and elasticity: implications for breast support
Authors: Coltman C. E. , Steele J. R. , McGhee D. E. 
Published: November 2016

Background/purposeThe skin overlying a woman's breast acts as an anatomical support structure to the breast. Although aging is known to affect the thickness and elasticity of human skin, limited research has examined age‐related changes to skin covering the breast or related these changes to breast support requirements. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of age on female breast skin thickness and elasticity.MethodsThe left breast of 339 women (18–84 years), classified into four age groups (18–24 years, 25–44 years, 45–64 years, and 65 + years), was divided into four quadrants. Skin thickness (dermal layer; 20 MHz ultrasound probe) and skin elasticity (Cutometer® MPA 580) were measured for each breast quadrant and then compared to determine whether there was any significant (P < 0.05) effect of aging on breast skin.ResultsBreast skin thickness significantly decreased from 45 years of age onwards. A significant decline in breast skin elasticity was evident from the mid 20's.ConclusionAging is associated with a significant decline in breast skin thickness and elasticity, which is likely to reduce anatomical breast support. Women might therefore benefit from increased external breast support (i.e. a more supportive bra) with increasing age.
Reactive oxygen species, abiotic stress and stress combination
Authors: Choudhury Feroza K. , Rivero Rosa M. , Blumwald Eduardo , Mittler Ron 
Published: November 2016

SummaryReactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in the acclimation process of plants to abiotic stress. They primarily function as signal transduction molecules that regulate different pathways during plant acclimation to stress, but are also toxic byproducts of stress metabolism. Because each subcellular compartment in plants contains its own set of ROS‐producing and ROS‐scavenging pathways, the steady‐state level of ROS, as well as the redox state of each compartment, is different at any given time giving rise to a distinct signature of ROS levels at the different compartments of the cell. Here we review recent studies on the role of ROS in abiotic stress in plants, and propose that different abiotic stresses, such as drought, heat, salinity and high light, result in different ROS signatures that determine the specificity of the acclimation response and help tailor it to the exact stress the plant encounters. We further address the role of ROS in the acclimation of plants to stress combination as well as the role of ROS in mediating rapid systemic signaling during abiotic stress. We conclude that as long as cells maintain high enough energy reserves to detoxify ROS, ROS is beneficial to plants during abiotic stress enabling them to adjust their metabolism and mount a proper acclimation response.
Optimization of Solar (Thermal) Powered Membrane Based Multi-Effect Regenerator
Authors: Ja M. Kum , Dubey Swapnil , Hoong Choo Fook , Mohan Das E. T. 
Published: November 2016

Membrane based liquid desiccant dehumidifier and regenerator system have recently gained much attention in liquid desiccant air-conditioning (LDAC) system due to their merit of zero contamination or carryover and resistance to corrosion. A typical system for the LDAC application will consist of a number of stages depending on the capacity of the LDAC system. The multi-effect design allows energy recovery to be achieved to reduce the overall thermal energy consumption. The objective of this study was to test and evaluate the effectiveness and performance of solar powered multi-effect distillation system with desiccant salt solution.
Design Expert was used to characterize the output of regenerator system and optimize overall design using sets of experiment test data. The optimized working zone for performance ratio for different feed flow rate and hot water temperature has been derived. It was found that the optimized zone for LiCl inlet concentration 31.71% was representing performance ratio of 0.5 if operated at feed flow rate range of 32 L/min to 60 L/min and hot water temperature of 54°C to 67°C and optimized zone for LiCl inlet concentration 37.74% was representing performance ratio of 0.5 if operated at feed flow rate range of 40 L/min to 50 L/min and hot water temperature of 59°C to 67°C.
The Effect of Yaw Error on the Reliability of Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Bakhshi Roozbeh , Sandborn Peter 
Published: November 2016

The rise of energy prices, concerns over climate change and geopolitical issues have brought special attention to renewable sources of energy and wind energy in particular. Based on NREL projections, the United States has more than 32,000 TWh of onshore and 17,000 TWh of offshore potential for wind power generation, which is far beyond its 11,000 TWh of current annual electricity consumption. However, there are a number of efficiency challenges that must be overcome in order to turn this potential into actual production. One area that can potentially improve the energy production of wind turbines is the correction of yaw error. Yaw error (also referred to as yaw angle or yaw misalignment) is the angle between the turbine’s rotor and the wind direction. A yaw error reduces turbine’s power production at wind speeds below the rated speed.
Besides impacting the power producing ability of a turbine, yaw error also affects the reliability of critical subsystems in wind turbines. Variation in yaw error (at any wind speed and not only below the rated speed) affects the loads on the components and the subsequent mechanical stresses. These mechanical stresses change the damage accumulation for components and sub-assemblies, which ultimately affects their reliability. About 17 to 28% of wind project costs attribute to O&M costs, which are directly affected by the reliability.
In this study, we investigate the effects of yaw error on the reliability of blades by performing load and stress analysis for various yaw errors. We then use the results of these analyses to adjust the Weibull parameters used for predicting the failure time of blades. Finally, we will use a stochastic cost model to show how correcting the yaw error can avoid maintenance costs in wind farms.
Upscaling, Manufacturing and Test of a Centrifugal Particle Receiver
Authors: Ebert Miriam , Amsbeck Lars , Jensch Andrea , Hertel Johannes , Rheinländer Jens , Trebing David , Uhlig Ralf , Buck Reiner 
Published: November 2016

Previous successful tests and promising results of a Centrifugal Particle Receiver (CentRec) for high temperature solar applications has been achieved in a lab scale prototype with 7.5 kWth [1, 2, 3]. In a next step this receiver technology is scaled up to higher thermal power for a future pilot plant.
This paper presents the optimization methodology of the design and technical solutions. It describes the manufacturing and assembly of the prototype and first tests and results of the commissioning including cold particle tests and prototype costs. Finally the paper gives an outlook on the planned further steps regarding hot lab tests and solar tests.