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A lever action hypothesis for pendulous hummingbird flowers: experimental evidence from a columbine.Annals of Botany Jan 2020Pendulous flowers (due to a flexible pedicel) are a common, convergent trait of hummingbird-pollinated flowers. However, the role of flexible pedicels remains uncertain...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Pendulous flowers (due to a flexible pedicel) are a common, convergent trait of hummingbird-pollinated flowers. However, the role of flexible pedicels remains uncertain despite several functional hypotheses. Here we present and test the 'lever action hypothesis': flexible pedicels allow pendulous flowers to move upwards from all sides, pushing the stigma and anthers against the underside of the feeding hummingbird regardless of which nectary is being visited.
METHODS
To test whether this lever action increased pollination success, we wired emasculated flowers of serpentine columbine, Aquilegia eximia, to prevent levering and compared pollination success of immobilized flowers with emasculated unwired and wire controls.
KEY RESULTS
Seed set was significantly lower in wire-immobilized flowers than unwired control and wire control flowers. Video analysis of visits to wire-immobilized and unwired flowers demonstrated that birds contacted the stigmas and anthers of immobilized flowers less often than those of flowers with flexible pedicels.
CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that flexible pedicels permit the levering of reproductive structures onto a hovering bird. Hummingbirds, as uniquely large, hovering pollinators, differ from flies or bees which are too small to cause levering of flowers while hovering. Thus, flexible pedicels may be an adaptation to hummingbird pollination, in particular due to hummingbird size. We further speculate that this mechanism is effective only in radially symmetric flowers; in contrast, zygomorphic hummingbird-pollinated flowers are usually more or less horizontally oriented rather than having pendulous flowers and flexible pedicels.
Topics: Animals; Aquilegia; Bees; Birds; Flowers; Pollination; Reproduction
PubMed: 31402377
DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcz134 -
Technology in Cancer Research &... 2021To evaluate geometric and dosimetric effects of bra application during radiotherapy planning for breast cancer patients with large and pendulous breasts.
PURPOSE
To evaluate geometric and dosimetric effects of bra application during radiotherapy planning for breast cancer patients with large and pendulous breasts.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty patients with chest sizes >38 inches between April 2019 and July 2019 underwent radiotherapy planning with and without a radiation bra (Chabner XRT). Geometric and dosimetric parameters included the breast volume, superior-inferior (SI) distance, separation (S) as the distance of the longest diameter of the clinical target volume (CTV), conformity number (CN), and homogeneity index (HI) of CTV. The organs at risk (OARs) were defined as the lungs, heart, and liver.
RESULTS
The use of the radiation bra provided mean changes of -0.51 cm for S, -1.45 cm for SI, and -61.18 cc for breast volume (all < 0.05). Breast volume was correlated with bra-related changes in cross diameter (r = 0.641, = 0.002) and volume (r = 0.680, = 0.001). Significant dose reductions were observed for the lungs (mean V: 19.58 cc, V: 17.13 cc, D: 86.24 cGy) and heart (D: 170.23 cGy). No significant differences were observed for CN (0.62-0.67) and HI (0.19-0.20) of the CTV.
CONCLUSION
The application of a radiation bra was associated with better geometric and dosimetric planning parameters, with a smaller CTV and lower doses to the OARs (lungs and heart) in the radiotherapy field. In addition, we expect that bra use during radiotherapy would provide emotional benefits.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Clothing; Female; Heart; Humans; Liver; Lung; Middle Aged; Organ Size; Organs at Risk; Radiation Dosage; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34180303
DOI: 10.1177/15330338211027909 -
PhytoKeys 2022A new species from Gangwon-do, South Korea, is described and illustrated, based on its morphology and distribution. is different from , another similar species in...
A new species from Gangwon-do, South Korea, is described and illustrated, based on its morphology and distribution. is different from , another similar species in South Korea, in some ways: possesses a serrate leaf margin with flat tooth tip, while possesses a crenate leaf margin with erect tooth tip; it has an erect inflorescence, while has a pendulous inflorescence; it has a smaller flower which is 2-2.6 cm long, while has a flower of 2.3-3.2 cm; the flower is white or pinkish-white with yellowish and purplish spots, while has a white lower sepal and pinkish-white lateral united petals with yellowish spots; the distal part of the lower sepal is mostly not coiled or rarely 1-coiled, while that of is never coiled; the spur tip is expanded, round and slightly biparted, while that of is expanded, ellipsoidal and clearly biparted. A taxonomic description, a holotype and photos of morphological characteristics of the new species are provided. A table which includes the morphological comparison and a geographical distribution map are presented as well.
PubMed: 36760723
DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.211.90236 -
Poultry Science May 2024The chicken comb is an essential secondary sexual characteristic to measure sexual maturity and is closely related to reproductive performance. Pendulous comb (PC) and...
The chicken comb is an essential secondary sexual characteristic to measure sexual maturity and is closely related to reproductive performance. Pendulous comb (PC) and upright comb (UC) are 2 common comb phenotypes in hens, which have been highly associated with egg production performance. However, the reasons for the formation of PC remain undetermined. In this study, we first characterized the PC and UC chicken at start (at 175 d age), peak (at 217 d age), and postlaying (at 300 d age) and found that PC and UC could transform for each other. Furthermore, we suggested that PC chicken demonstrated better egg production performance than UC chicken, especially characterizing comb type in the start-laying period. Moreover, we performed histological evaluation of PC and UC tissue, which suggested that the low density of collagen fibers and acid mucopolysaccharides might lead to the formation of PC. To further explore the possible reasons for PC formation, we performed an untargeted metabolomic analysis of serum between PC and UC chicken in the start, peak, and postlaying periods. The enrichment analysis of period-unique differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) between PC and UC showed that the different metabolic pathways and nutritional levels might contribute to the formation of PC in the different laying periods. Our research provided critical insights into the phenotypic diversity of chicken comb, establishing a foundation for early selection of chicken egg production performance.
PubMed: 38820880
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103867 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2023The error coefficients of the pendulous integrating gyroscopic accelerometer (PIGA) mainly include the bias, scale factor, and nonlinear error. Previous works have fully...
The error coefficients of the pendulous integrating gyroscopic accelerometer (PIGA) mainly include the bias, scale factor, and nonlinear error. Previous works have fully studied and suppressed the bias and scale factor of PIGAs. At present, the nonlinear error is the most critical factor restricting the measurement accuracy of PIGAs. To address this barrier, a study on the analysis and suppression of the nonlinear error of PIGAs at the instrument level was carried out. Firstly, the error model of a PIGA is established by kinematics and dynamics analyses. Then, nonlinear error is analyzed based on the established model. Finally, a suppression method for the nonlinear error is proposed based on the analysis results. The nonlinear error analysis found that (1) the nonlinear error includes a quadratic term error caused by unequal inertia and the inertia product, cross-coupling error is caused by lateral accelerations, and error is caused by unequal stiffness; (2) unequal inertia and the inertia product were the most critical factors resulting in nonlinear error. Based on the results in the nonlinear error analysis, the suppression method for error focuses on unequal inertia and the inertia product. The proposed method of analysis and suppression was validated experimentally as the quadratic term coefficient was reduced by an order of magnitude from 1.9 × 10/ to 1.91 × 10/.
PubMed: 36772260
DOI: 10.3390/s23031221 -
American Journal of Men's Health May 2018This study aimed to report penile dimensions in diabetic and nondiabetic men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and correlate their dimensions with other study variables. A... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
This study aimed to report penile dimensions in diabetic and nondiabetic men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and correlate their dimensions with other study variables. A case-control study was designed through retrospective data analysis of diabetic and nondiabetic patients consulting for ED and a control group ( n = 105, each group). Study data retrieved included history, clinical evaluation, and penile dimensions (pendulous length [PL], total length [TL], and circumference [CF]) at flaccid and erect states. Results identified that patients had lower values (mean, cm) for almost all penile dimensions. The diabetic patients identified significant differences in most dimensions, whether in flaccid (PL: 7.46 vs. 7.51 and 7.81, p = .11; TL: 11.8 vs. 12.77 and 12.88, p = .000; CF: 8.84 vs. 9.1 and 9.14, p = .016) or erect state (PL: 9.66 vs. 9.61 and 10, p = .092; TL: 13.96 vs. 14.88 and 15.04, p = .000; CF: 11.56 vs. 12.06 and 11.92, p = .018) as compared with the nondiabetic patients and controls, respectively. No significant correlation was detected between the dimensions and age, durations of diabetes and ED, or erectile function scores. In conclusion, diabetic and nondiabetic patients with ED presented, in varying degrees, significant decline in their penile dimensions, and this was more prevalent in diabetic patients. As changes in penile size could be a silent corollary of comorbidities, monitoring the changes in penile dimensions should be an important component of the clinical checkup of any patient with ED, especially a diabetic patient.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Case-Control Studies; Diabetes Mellitus; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Penis; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 26130730
DOI: 10.1177/1557988315592026 -
The Journal of Veterinary Medical... Jul 2021A 12-year-old, 3.5-kg, intact female dog was presented with polyuria, polydipsia, and a pendulous abdomen. Laboratory examinations showed elevated hepatobiliary enzyme...
A 12-year-old, 3.5-kg, intact female dog was presented with polyuria, polydipsia, and a pendulous abdomen. Laboratory examinations showed elevated hepatobiliary enzyme levels and neutrophilic leukocytosis. The adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test confirmed hyperadrenocorticism (HAC). Trilostane therapy managed the clinical condition and cortisol concentration. However, lymphocytosis and nonregenerative anemia developed after HAC remission. Bone marrow aspiration analysis revealed a lymphoproliferative disorder with a clonal T-cell population. Accordingly, the patient was diagnosed with T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and concurrent HAC. Thereafter, chemotherapy was initiated, which improved the lymphocytosis. However, euthanasia was performed because of worsening quality of life at 45 weeks after the first presentation. These results suggested that CLL could be masked by excessive endogenous cortisol and discovered after HAC remission.
Topics: Adrenocortical Hyperfunction; Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell; Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion; Pregnancy; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34039785
DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0018 -
PhytoKeys 2021A new species of L. from northern Peru is described, illustrated, and compared with related species. This new species belongs to the Laxicaule Group and shares...
A new species of L. from northern Peru is described, illustrated, and compared with related species. This new species belongs to the Laxicaule Group and shares morphological characteristics with D.E. Benn & Christenson but differs in the shape and length of the dorsal sepal; the shape of the petals and the lip, ribs position of the lip, shape of the vesicle formed between the ovary and the column as well as the section of the stem.
PubMed: 34776732
DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.184.70844 -
Surgical Endoscopy Dec 2021The morphology of the major papilla affects the difficulty of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), but no associations with adverse events have...
BACKGROUND
The morphology of the major papilla affects the difficulty of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), but no associations with adverse events have previously been established. We aimed to assess whether papillary morphology predicts ERCP adverse events.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed of a prospective registry of patients undergoing ERCP for biliary indications. The primary outcome was post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), with secondary outcomes including other adverse events and procedural outcomes such as inadvertent pancreatic duct cannulation, cannulation time, and attempts. Papillae were classified as normal (Type I), small or flat (Type II), bulging (Type IIIa), pendulous (Type IIIb), creased (Type IV), or peri-diverticular (Type D). Outcomes were ascertained prospectively at 30 days from index procedures.
RESULTS
A total of 637 patients with native papillae were included. Compared to Type I papillae, Type II and Type IIIb papillae were associated with PEP, with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of 7.28 (95% confidence intervals, CI, 1.84-28.74) and 4.25 (95% CI 1.26-14.32), respectively. Type II and IIIb papillae were associated with significantly longer cannulation times by 5.37 (95% CI 2.39-8.35) and 4.01 (95% CI 1.72-6.30) minutes, respectively. Type IIIb papillae were associated with lower deep cannulation success (AOR 0.17, 95% CI 0.06-0.48).
CONCLUSION
Papillary morphology is an important factor influencing both ERCP success and outcomes. Understanding this is key for managing intraprocedural approaches and minimizing adverse events.
PROSPECTIVE REGISTRY REGISTRATION
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04259580.
Topics: Ampulla of Vater; Catheterization; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic
PubMed: 33146812
DOI: 10.1007/s00464-020-08136-9 -
Translational Animal Science Jan 2019Poor udder and teat confirmation decreases profitability due to decreased calf weaning weight, increased incidence of mastitis and labor, and decreased cow lifetime...
Poor udder and teat confirmation decreases profitability due to decreased calf weaning weight, increased incidence of mastitis and labor, and decreased cow lifetime productivity. Therefore, the objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of beef cow udder score on cow performance and pre- and postweaning progeny performance. In a 5-yr study, crossbred cows at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, Whitman, NE, were assigned an udder score each year at calving, from 1 to 5, using an udder and teat combination score. Cows were grouped by udder scores and classified as either low udder score (LUS, udder score 1 or 2; = 223) or high udder score (HUS, udder score 3 or 4; = 1,742). The udder score combines udder conformation and a teat scoring system. Low udder scores consisted of pendulous udders and large teats, whereas HUS consisted of tight udders and small, symmetrical teats. Mixed models were used to evaluate udder score on cow performance and calf pre- and postweaning performance. Cow body weight (BW) at prebreeding and weaning was greater ( < 0.01) in LUS cows compared with HUS counterparts. Pregnancy rate was not different ( = 0.35) between udder classification groups. Calf BW at birth ( = 0.95), weaning ( = 0.40), and adjusted 205-d BW ( = 0.28) were not different between udder groups. Cow udder score did not influence feedlot entry ( = 0.41) and final BW ( = 0.30), dry matter intake ( = 0.53), average daily gain ( = 0.60), and gain:feed ratio ( = 0.85) of steer progeny. However, steers from HUS dams had greater hot carcass weight (HCW; = 0.04) and backfat thickness ( = 0.02) compared with LUS counterparts. Results from this study suggest cows with less desirable udder structure may not have a negative impact on calf preweaning growth and performance; however, backfat thickness and HCW in the finishing phase were lower in steers from cows with a lower udder score.
PubMed: 32704773
DOI: 10.1093/tas/txz006