bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of caspase inhibitor Z‐VAD‐FMK on bovine sperm cryotolerance
Authors: Pagano Nunzia , Longobardi Valentina , De Canditiis Carolina , Zuchegna Candida , Romano Antonella , Michal Andrzej Kosior , Pero Maria Elena , Gasparrini Bianca 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment of bovine semen with the pan‐caspase inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl‐Val‐Ala‐Asp‐fluoromethyl ketone (Z‐VAD‐FMK), before or after freezing on semen quality. After the initial assessment, sperm from 4 bulls were pooled (Experiment 1) and cryopreserved in BioXcell containing 0, 20 and 100 μM Z‐VAD‐FMK. After thawing semen viability, motility, membrane integrity, as well as DNA fragmentation and ΔΨm were evaluated. In Experiment 2, bovine frozen/thawed sperm were incubated for 1 hr with 0, 20 and 100 µM Z‐VAD‐FMK before assessing the semen quality. The treatment with Z ‐VAD‐FMK before cryopreservation improved post‐thawing sperm motility compared to the control group (p < .05), while no differences were recorded in sperm viability and membrane integrity among groups (on average 86.8 ± 1.5 and 69.1 ± 1.4, respectively). Interestingly, at the highest concentration, DNA fragmentation decreased (p < .05), while the percentage of spermatozoa with high ΔΨm increased (p < .05). The results of Experiment 2 showed that 1‐hr treatment with Z‐VAD‐FMK did not affect sperm motility and viability (on average 63.4 ± 5.8 and 83.7.1 ± 1.2, respectively). However, Z‐VAD‐FMK improved sperm membrane integrity (p < .05) and at the highest concentration tested decreased the proportion of sperm showing DNA fragmentation (p < .05). No differences were recorded in the percentage of spermatozoa with high ΔΨm (on average 57.0 ± 11.4). In conclusion, the treatment with 100 µM of the caspase inhibitor Z‐VAD‐FMK before freezing increased bovine sperm mass motility and ΔΨm, while decreasing sperm DNA fragmentation. Treatment of semen after thawing with 100 µM Z‐VAD‐FMK improved sperm membrane integrity and reduced DNA fragmentation.
Changes in hydrodynamic process dominance (wave, tide or river) in foreland sequences: The subalpine Miocene Molasse revisited (France)
Authors: Kalifi Amir , Sorrel Philippe , Leloup Philippe‐Hervé , Spina Vincenzo , Huet Bastien , Galy Albert , Rubino Jean‐Loup , Pittet Bernard 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA comprehensive sedimentological study was undertaken in the Miocene of the subalpine massifs and southern Jura (France) with the aim to constrain the evolution of process changes in third‐order sequences of peripheral foreland basins during the overfilled phase (i.e. sediment supply higher than accommodation space). Fieldwork analyses based on 35 sedimentological sections allowed the identification of four depositional models: wave dominated, mixed wave‐tide, river to tide and river dominated. The sections were dated using chemostratigraphy (i.e. marine strontium isotopic ratios), revealing three‐third‐order sequences between the Upper Aquitanian and the Langhian. Chronostratigraphical and sedimentological results document prominent and recurrent changes in depositional models along third‐order sequences: (i) in the earliest stage of the transgression, mixed‐energy coastal environments influenced by the local coastal morphology prevailed (in palaeo‐highs or incised valleys); (ii) during the course of the transgression, Gilbert delta deposits suggest a prominent steepening linked to a tectonic uplift in the proximal depozone (between the tectonically active frontal part of the orogenic wedge and the proximal foredeep). Instead, in the distal depozone (between the proximal foredeep and the proximal border of the flexural uplifted forebulge), deposits were characterized either by wave‐dominated or mixed wave‐tide environments and are likely eustatically‐driven; (iii) during the maximum flooding stage, water depth remained shallow below the storm‐weather wave base; and (iv) during the regression, the proximal depozone is characterized by the progradation of gravel‐rich fan deltas. In the distal depozone, mixed wave‐tide systems preceded the development of river to tidal depositional environments. These results were integrated and compared with facies models from other basin analogues worldwide. A model tackling the evolution of process changes within third‐order sequences (of the overfilled phase) of foreland basins is proposed, thereby improving sequence stratigraphic predictions in foreland basins.
Age‐related changes to characteristics of the human eyes in women from six different ethnicities
Authors: Flament Frederic , Francois Ghislain , Seyrek Inci , Saint‐Leger Didier 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo describe some morphological characteristics of the eyes of women of 6 different ethnicities and ages.Material & MethodsStandard digital photographs of 3600 women of different ethnicities and ages were taken for evaluating the effects of some makeup products (eyeliners, mascaras, eyelids makeup, etc) through a before/after comparison. Photographs corresponding to pre‐applications offered opportunity to quantify, through image analysis, some features of the human eyes (height, length, ellipticity, horizontality, etc) for recording their possible variations linked to ethnicities and/or age.ResultsAlthough some minor differences between ethnicities were found (inter‐pupillary distance and inner canthal distance), most eyes criteria among the 11 recorded were comparable (height and length of the eyes, ellipticity, etc). The somewhat low variability of the latter more reflects individual morphologies, at comparable ages. Asian subjects significantly differ by a much more oblique orientation of their main axis versus the horizontal inter‐pupillary line. In all ethnicities, the skin aging process was found significantly altering i) the height of the eyes and ii) their orientation. Whereas the decrease of height likely results from a sagging of the upper eyelid, the decrease of orientation in all ethnicities (more marked among Asian women) possibly results from a sagging of the outer corner of the eyes. Whether this sagging may be related to the progressive outcome of crow's feet wrinkles is a plausible hypothesis.ConclusionThe present work is an original and complementary approach to the skin aging process prone at modifying some characteristics of women eyes of different ethnicities.
Detecting Florida's Gerrymander: A Lesson in Putting First Things First
Authors: Best Robin E. , Krasno Jonathan S. , Magleby Daniel B. , McDonald Michael D. 
Published: January 2020

ObjectiveWe show that Florida's post‐2010 congressional districts were an ex ante knowable gerrymander, which, if diagnosed as a factual matter before enactment, would have avoided both the 2012 and 2014 harm and the state's unnecessarily burdensome reliance on a showing of intent.MethodWe recount the legal focus on intent, apply the McDonald‐Best equal vote weight effects test standard to the Florida facts, and use more than 25,000 simulated districting plans to check on whether there was a gerrymander effect.ResultsWe find a pro‐Republican gerrymander effect could have been detected in advance of enacting Florida's redistricting plan.ConclusionIn specific reference to Florida, we conclude the enacted districts could have been identified as a gerrymander beforehand, allowing court proceedings to move expeditiously and with a clear focus. As a general matter, we conclude a comprehensive approach to gerrymandering is best served by following a two‐part prescription: (1) set an effect standard for identifying a gerrymander and (2) know the intent by checking the facts against the standard.
Making Partisan Gerrymandering Fair: One Old and Two New Methods
Authors: Brams Steven J. 
Published: January 2020

ObjectiveTo introduce a novel way to make partisan gerrymandering fair.MethodsIn the context of two parties, divide a state into two geographical areas, each of which contain a number of districts that are roughly proportional to the share of the statewide vote received by each party in the last congressional elections. Allow each party to unilaterally design the districts in a designated area of the state, restricted only by traditional districting principles. Adaptations may be made to account for more than two parties.ResultsEach party gerrymanders but is limited to doing so in its designated area of the state, with results that are roughly proportional to the statewide vote.Conclusion“Fair gerrymandering” is a way to counter unfair partisan gerrymandering and it is likely to reduce the number of uncontested elections and increase voter turnout.
What happens at adolescent and young adult HIV clinics? A national survey of models of care, transition and disclosure practices in Kenya
Authors: Njuguna Irene , Beima‐Sofie Kristin , Mburu Caren , Black Danae , Evans Yolanda , Guthrie Brandon , Wagner Anjuli D , Mugo Cyrus , Neary Jillian , Itindi Janet , Onyango Alvin , Wamalwa Dalton , John‐Stewart Grace 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveTailored services for adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with HIV may improve treatment outcomes. We surveyed HIV clinics throughout Kenya to determine AYA clinic practices, disclosure and transition services.MethodsWe deployed a mobile team to conduct surveys in a random sample of 102 public HIV clinics with> 300 total clients. Data were collected from healthcare workers offering AYA services who had >6 months of experience delivering AYA care.ResultsOf 102 surveyed HIV clinics, almost all (101/102) had the same staff to provide services to all age groups. AYA‐specific services included dedicated clinic days (91%), the majority being on weekends (57%) and designated clinic spaces (20%). Activities to support AYA retention and adherence were common (support groups [97%] and HIV literacy meetings [93%]). Fewer clinics offered more holistic care, including psychosocial support (16%) and career education (2%), posted additional staff during the AYA day (17%), provided food (17%) or had sporting activities (10%) as incentives. Tracking of disclosure of HIV status to AYA was common (87%). In 40% of clinics, disclosure discussions with caregivers or AYA occurred a median of 2 years later in practice than stated in clinic policy. Transition was not routinely tracked, and definitions were heterogeneous. Median age at transition was reported as 20 years (range: 14–30 years).ConclusionHIV programmes have implemented varied approaches to enhance AYA services that could be leveraged to support transition to adult services. Research on the impact of these services on health outcomes is needed.
Markups, import competition and exporting
Authors: Caselli Mauro , Schiavo Stefano 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper analyses the relationship between markups and international trade at the firm level using a large sample of French manufacturing firms for the period 1995–2007. In particular, the paper investigates the effect of increasing import competition from China on firms' price–cost margins and the way in which exporting interacts with this effect. The results show robust evidence that firms in more direct competition with Chinese imports decrease their markups. However, firms that become exporters experience a smaller reduction in their price–cost margins. Consistent with these findings, the results also show that firms facing tougher competition from China are more likely to start exporting to avoid such competitive pressures.
Isolation and identification of two phytotoxic compounds from the medicinal plant Cassia alata L.
Authors: Das Krishna Rany , Iwasaki Keitaro , Suenaga Kiyotake , Kato‐Noguchi Hisashi 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTCassia alata (Caesalpiniaceae), an ornamental shrub, has many biological properties such as antifungal and antibacterial activities. Several bioactive and phytotoxic compounds have already been isolated from C. alata. Phytotoxic substances from plants have drawn attention as an alternative biological approach to control weeds. Thus, we conducted this research to explore other phytotoxic compounds in C. alata leaves. Aqueous methanol extracts of C. alata leaves strongly inhibited the seedling growth of broccoli, cabbage, cress, radish and rapeseed, in which the level of inhibition correlated with concentration. Two active compounds were isolated through chromatographies and identified using spectral data as (S)‐4‐(3‐hydroxybutyl)phenol [(+)‐rhododendrol] and (E)‐4‐((1R,4R)‐4‐hydroxy‐2,6,6‐trimethylcyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐yl)but‐3‐en‐2‐one [3‐hydroxy‐α‐ionone]. These two active compounds inhibited the growth of cress seedlings in a concentration‐dependent manner. The required concentrations for 50% growth inhibition (I50 value) of cress seedlings were 192.0–296.1 μM for (+)‐rhododendrol and 132.4–195.3 μM for 3‐hydroxy‐α‐ionone. These results indicate that the two phytotoxic compounds play a part in the phytotoxic activity of C. alata leaves.
Celos, desesperanza e ideación suicida en población con orientación sexual diversa
Authors: Avendaño-Prieto Bertha Lucía , Betancort Montesinos Moisés , Bernal-Aguirre Angela , González-Martínez Laura Andrea , Gómez-Sánchez Stephany M. , Villalobos-Sánchez Christian F. 
Published: January 2020

Los celos, la desesperanza y la ideación suicida son emociones que disminuyen la calidad de vida de quienes los padecen y a quienes afectan. En el imaginario social, prevalece la idea de que tales problemas se exacerban en las parejas constituidas por personas con orientación sexual diversa, razón por la cual se analizó la relación entre estas variables, en un grupo constituido por heterosexuales (79 %) y no heterosexuales (21 %). La muestra fue intencional, los participantes fueron 288 colombianos, mayores de 18 años. La estrategia metodológica utilizada fue predictiva transversal. Los instrumentos empleados fueron el CECLA que evalúa clases de celos en población colombiana y el Inventario de Desesperanza e Ideación Suicida (IDIS). Respecto a la relación entre la orientación sexual y la ideación suicida, los resultados mostraron diferencias entre los heterosexuales y los otros dos grupos (homosexuales y bisexuales) F = 10.49, p < 0.05. La prueba post hoc indicó que las diferencias se presentaron entre heterosexuales y homosexuales p < 0.05 y entre heterosexuales y bisexuales p < 0. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la orientación sexual y las variables celos y desesperanza. Pero independientemente de la orientación sexual, se halló relación entre la triada celos-desesperanza-ideación suicida, la cual se presenta en un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales.
Compatibility of Ionic Liquid With Glycerol Monooleate and Molybdenum Dithiocarbamate as Additives in Bio-Based Lubricant
Authors: Syahir A. Z. , Harith M. H. , Zulkifli N. W. M. , Masjuki H. H. , Kalam M. A. , Yusoff M. N. A. M. , Zulfattah Z. M. , Ibrahim T. M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis study reports the tribological characteristics of trimethylolpropane trioleate (TMPTO) additivated with antifriction and antiwear additives, which are ionic liquid (IL), glycerol monooleate (GMO), and molybdenum dithiocarbamate (MoDTC). In addition, to obtain the ideal composition that results in the minimal coefficient of friction (COF), optimization tool was employed using response surface methodology (RSM) technique with the Box–Behnken design. The IL used in this study was a phosphorus-type IL, namely trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinate, [P14,6,6,6][TMPP]. The resulting COF and worn surface morphology were investigated using high-frequency reciprocating rig (HFRR) tribotester and scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), respectively. From the experimental results, a second-order polynomial mathematical model was constructed and able to statistically predict the resulting COF. The optimized values that resulted in the lowest average COF of 0.0458 were as follows: 0.93 wt% IL, 1.49 wt% GMO, and 0.52 wt% MoDTC. The addition of IL into neat base oil managed to reduce the COF, while the combination of IL, GMO, and MoDTC at optimum concentration further reduced the average COF and wear as observed through SEM micrographs when compared with those of additive-free TMPTO, suggesting that GMO and MoDTC were compatible to be used with IL.
Suppression of Cross-Well Oscillations for Bistable Composites Through Potential Well Elimination
Authors: Lee Andrew J. , Xie Antai , Inman Daniel J. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Although there have been numerous efforts into harnessing the snap through dynamics of bistable structures with piezoelectric transducers to achieve large energy conversion, these same dynamics are undesirable under morphing applications where stationary control of the structure’s configuration is paramount. To suppress cross-well vibrations that primarily result from periodic excitation at low frequencies, a novel control strategy is proposed and implemented on the piezoelectrically generated bistable laminate, which consists of only macro fiber composites (MFCs) in a [0MFC/90MFC]T layup. While under cross-well regimes such as subharmonic, chaotic, or limit cycle oscillations, a single MFC is actuated to the laminate’s limit voltage to eliminate one of its potential wells and force it into the remaining stable state. Simultaneously, a positive position feedback (PPF) controller suppresses the resulting single-well oscillations through the other MFC. This dual control strategy is numerically and experimentally demonstrated through the suppression of various cross-well regimes and results in significant reduction of amplitude. The active control capability of the laminate prevents snap through instability when under large enough external vibrations.
Stability of Rotating Machinery Supported on Active Magnetic Bearings Subjected to Base Excitation
Authors: Jarroux Clément , Mahfoud Jarir , Defoy Benjamin , Alban Thomas 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The stability of rotating machinery is a major challenge for the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units such as steam turbines or centrifugal compressors. The use of active magnetic bearings (AMBs) in turbomachines enables high operating speeds, active mechatronic system for the diagnostics, and the control and enables downsizing of the whole installation footprint. In case of strong base motions, the rotor can contact its touchdown bearings (TDBs) which are used as emergency and landing bearings. The aim of this study is to assess the stability of a rotating machine supported on AMBs during severe foundation excitation. The combined effect of unbalance forces, base motion excitation, and contact non-linearity on a rotor–AMB system response is analyzed focusing on the capacity of an augmented proportional-integral-derivative controller to maintain the system stable. An academic scale test rig was used for the experimental investigations. The controller was efficient and able to maintain the system stable during and after the application of the excitation, but the dynamic capacity of the AMBs was largely oversized with respect to the studied system. In order to check the capacity of the AMBs, when they are designed as a function of the rotor weight and expected excitation, numerical simulations were carried out (downsized). A finite element (FE) model was developed to model the on-board rotor–AMB system. Predicted and measured responses due to impulse excitation applied on the foundations were compared. The capacity of the controller to maintain the system stability is then discussed.
Non-Linear Coupled Dynamics of a Flexible Propeller-Shaft System Supported by Water Film Bearings
Authors: Lin Chang-Gang , Zou Ming-Song , Sima Can , Qi Li-Bo , Yu Yue 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A slice method to determine the boundary conditions between the stern bearing and shaft by dividing the journal in the stern bearing into several slice elements along the axial direction is proposed for the first time. A comprehensive finite element model considering the nonlinear force of the water film and the flexibility of the propeller blade is established for a propeller-shaft system. The long bearing approximation is adopted to calculate the pressure distribution around each journal element in the stern bearing. The mode superposition method is employed. The nonlinear equation of motion is solved iteratively using the Newmark method. A parametric study is implemented to analyze the nonlinear vibration characteristics of the system. It is shown that the real motion state of the journal in the stern bearing can be simulated more precisely by the slice method proposed. The responses of the system alternate among period-one, quasi-periodic, multi-periodic, and chaotic motions as the rotating speed increases. The damping ratio has a significant effect on the dynamic characteristics of the propeller-shaft system. The motion of the system is unstable when the damping ratio is very small. At this time, the modes of the flexible propeller blades can be excited readily. The slice method, which can also be extensively used in similar rotor-bearing systems in the engineering field, is very simple and efficient to analyze the nonlinear vibration characteristics of a flexible propeller-shaft system supported by water film bearings.
Identification of Physical and Excitation Parameters of Under-Chassis Equipment for Railway Vehicles
Authors: Chen Jiangxue , Gong Dao , Zhou Jinsong , Sun Wenjing , Sun Yu , You Taiwen 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The accuracy of the physical parameters and excitation parameters of the under-chassis equipment has a significant impact on investigations of the coupled vibration of the vehicle body and the under-chassis equipment. In this study, an equipment vibration isolator test bench is used to develop a physical parameter identification method based on the free vibration acceleration response of the equipment and an excitation parameter identification method based on the forced vibration acceleration response. The equipment mass parameter and the center of the gravity position parameter can be obtained first through a static load test, and then, the inertia parameters can be obtained through a dynamic test. Identification of the excitation parameters of the equipment is based on the physical parameters and the acceleration response. The accuracy of the physical parameters directly affects the excitation parameter identification results. The larger the frequency ratio, the smaller the identification error will be, and the larger the damping ratio, the larger the identification error will be. The identification test results of single-frequency excitation and multifrequency excitation show that the proposed excitation parameter identification method has high accuracy.