bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the role of matrix habitat use in determining avian area‐sensitivity
Authors: Roberts H. Patrick , King David I. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe absence of some species from small habitat patches has long posed a challenge for conservationists, yet the underlying mechanisms that cause this “area‐sensitivity” remain poorly understood. Capacity of a species to extend their activities into the surrounding matrix habitat represents one potential determinant of area‐sensitivity. Species may be able to occupy smaller patches if they can utilize matrix habitat beyond patch boundaries, whereas area‐sensitive species may be restricted to larger patches due to their inability to utilize the surrounding matrix. We investigated the potential role of matrix utilization in determining area‐sensitivity by mapping the movements of two shrubland‐obligate passerines with contrasting patch area requirements in shrub‐dominated forest openings ranging in area by nearly an order of magnitude. Our findings were consistent with our predictions; the less area‐sensitive chestnut‐sided warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica) exhibited greater use of matrix habitat than the highly area‐sensitive prairie warbler (S. discolor). Furthermore, chestnut‐sided warblers that occupied smaller openings used mature forest more than conspecifics in larger patches, yet forest use by prairie warblers was unrelated to opening size. Chestnut‐sided warblers foraged as frequently in mature forest as within shrubland, whereas prairie warblers foraged significantly more in openings compared to forest. The findings of this study suggest that the ability or inclination of a species to utilize surrounding matrix habitat explains at least some of the observed variation in area‐sensitivity in songbirds and potentially other taxa.
Do I really want to engage in contact? Volition as a new dimension of intergroup contact
Authors: Bagci Sabahat C. , Husnu Shenel , Turnuklu Abbas , Tercan Mustafa 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDespite burgeoning evidence for the effectiveness of intergroup contact on prejudice reduction, relatively less is known about how much individuals' internal control and active choice is involved in the formation of intergroup contact. Through four correlational studies (Ntotal = 1043, Study 1 in Cyprus and Studies 2–4 in Turkey), we investigated the construct of ‘contact volition’—the extent to which one engages in intergroup contact deliberately. Studies 1–3 showed that intergroup contact perceived as primarily intentional and pursued by the active choice of the self (volitional contact) was associated with greater intimacy and positivity and thereby more positive attitudes, compared to contact that is primarily based on external/situational conditions (contingent contact). Study 4 showed that contact quantity was associated with more positive attitudes and behavioral tendencies through greater intimacy and positivity, only when contact was volitional. Findings contribute to the recently emerging research literature on motivated contact behavior that can help maximize the effectiveness of contact.
An integrated microfluidics for assessing the anti‐aging effect of caffeic acid phenethylester in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhang Beibei , Zhuang Liping , Sun Duanping , Li Yinbao , Chen Zuanguang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAging is a fundamental and fascinating process. Anti‐aging research tried to find the mysteries about the human lifespan. To investigate the longevity‐extending role of caffeic acid phenethylester (CAPE) and reveal the possible regulation mechanism, the long‐term cultivation under well‐defined environments, real‐time monitoring, and live imaging is highly desired. In this paper, a well‐designed microfluidic device was proposed to analyze the anti‐aging effect of CAPE in Caenorhabditis elegans. With the combined use of multiple functional units, including micro‐pillar, worm responder, a branching network of distribution channels, and microchambers, the longitudinal measurements of the exact number of worms throughout the whole lifespans is possible. Meanwhile, the brief cooling function of temperature‐controllable system can achieve temporary and repeated immobilization of nematodes for fluorescence imaging. Our research data showed that CAPE can increase the survival of worms under normal and stress condition, including heat stress and paraquat‐induced oxidative stress. The further studies revealed the anti‐aging mechanism of CAPE. This proposed strategy and device would be a useful platform to facilitate future anti‐aging studies and the finding of new lead compounds.
Temperature‐dependent inactivation and catalysis rates of plant‐based ureases for engineered biomineralization
Authors: Feder Marnie J , Akyel Arda , Morasko Vincent J , Gerlach Robin , Phillips Adrienne J 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEngineered (bio)mineralization uses the enzyme urease to catalyze the hydrolysis of urea to promote carbonate mineral precipitation. The current study investigates the influence of temperature on ureolysis rate and degree of inactivation of plant‐sourced ureases over a range of environmentally relevant temperatures. Batch experiments at 30°C demonstrated that jack bean meal (JBM) has a 1.7 to 56 times higher activity (844 μmol urea hydrolyzed g−1 JBM min−1) than the other tested plant‐sourced ureases (soybean, pigeon pea and cottonseed). Hence, ureolysis and enzyme inactivation rates were evaluated for JBM at temperatures between 20°C and 80°C. A combined first‐order urea hydrolysis and first‐order enzyme inactivation model described the inactivation of urease over the investigated range of temperatures. The temperature‐dependent rate coefficients (kurea) increased with temperature and ranged from 0.0018 at 20°C to 0.0249 L g−1 JBM min−1 at 80°C; JBM urease became ≥50% inactivated in as little as 5.2 minutes at 80°C and in as long as 2238 minutes at 50°C. The combined urea hydrolysis kinetics and enzyme inactivation model provides a mathematical relationship useful for the design of biomineralization technologies and can be incorporated into reactive transport models.
Polyethylene film modification using polylactic acid ‐ Starch additives and study ionizing radiation effect onto aging properties
Authors: Maziad Nabila A. , Abdel Ghaffar Ashraf M. , Ali Hussein E. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractModification of low density polyethylene (LDPE) films by blending with Polylactic acid (PLA) and Starch (St) were carried out. Also, the study describes the comparison of two curing methods one by thermal curing at 70°C and the other is radiation curing at dose 20 kGy for the bioblend film composed of LDPE/PLA/St with composition (98%:1%:1% wt%). The efficiency of modification was determined by using different devices such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), mechanical, TGA, and XRD. In addition, the properties of the different bioblends were compared with other synthetic polymers such as commercial LDPE and blank LDPE. The results show that the improved properties of radiation cured method at dose 20 kGy than thermal treatment method at 70°C. The radiation cured bioblend film show good thermal stability either shown by the TGA results or against heating aging from ambient temperature up to 60°C than thermally treated blend film at 70°C. The radiation cured bioblend film found to be stable against UV‐ exposure with increasing time of exposure up to 30 min at higher wavelength (λ = 320 nm), which simulate ultraviolet radiation from sunshine. The modified properties of prepared radiation cured bioblend film are due to increase in interfacial adhesion bond between LDPE, PLA, and Starch by effect of irradiation dose at 20 kGy. The modified radiation cured bioblend films at 20 kGy can be applied in different fields such as packaging due to improvement in chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties that could partially replace the traditional petrochemical plastics.
Incorporation of heteroatoms into reticulated vitreous carbon foams derived from sucrose to improve its energy storage performance
Authors: Vazquez‐Samperio Juvencio , Acevedo‐Peña Próspero , Guzmán‐Vargas Ariel , Reguera Edilso , Cordoba‐Tuta Elcy 
Published: November 2020

SummaryHerein, a binder‐free 3D reticulated carbon doped with N, F, and B is proposed as an excellent choice to be used as an electrode in volumetric supercapacitors for stationary devices. The carbonaceous electrode was obtained by pyrolysis (N2 atmosphere) of sucrose resin modified with precursors of heteroatoms doping, impregnated on the polyurethane foam used as a template. Different techniques such as SEM, Raman, XPS, and FTIR were employed to characterize the properties of RVC. Cyclic Voltammetry, Galvanostatic charge and discharge curves, and EIS were used to evaluate the energy storage performance of the foams. The electrochemical evaluation in acidic medium shows that the composition and chemical state of doping elements in the RVC determine their capacitance. RVC‐N electrode exhibits the best performance among the foams here synthetized registering volumetric capacitances of 3.57, 3.20, 2.25, 1.45, and 0.63 F cm−3 at 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mV s−1, respectively. Further, a symmetric supercapacitor was assembled by using RVC‐N as a positive and negative electrode. The device shows volumetric capacitances of 3.82, 1.4, 0.57, 0.47, 0.37, 0.24, and 0.15 F cm−3 at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 18 y 35 mA cm−3 inside a voltage window of 1.4 V. Moreover, the device retained the 80% of its initial capacitance after 10 000 cycles.
Another Chance for Classic AFCs? Experimental Investigation of a Cost‐Efficient Unitized Regenerative Alkaline Fuel Cell, Using Platinum‐Free Gas Diffusion Electrodes
Authors: Wagner E. , Kohnke H.‐J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe big challenge of global phase‐down of carbon dioxide emissions leads us to alternatives in storing electric energy from renewable sources. For the worldwide use of batteries and fuel cells very high amounts of precious electrode materials are needed. Batteries require rare earth metals and environmentally harmful Lithium, PEM fuel cells require noble platinum and iridium. Thus, an economical and eco‐friendly alternative to lithium‐ion‐batteries should be found, especially for the use in domestic homes. In the on‐hand work, a well‐known type of fuel cell is revised and considered in the new context of global material usage. Therefore, an alkaline fuel cell with the classic design of an electrolyte gap in‐between the electrodes is observed. Gas‐diffusion‐electrodes are used, based on Raney‐nickel. Results are given for different catalysts: Raney‐nickel, Raney‐silver, manganic‐oxide, carbon and ruthenium. For the analysis current‐voltage‐characteristics, chronopotentiometry and SEM micrographs are used. The results are discussed in comparison to a unitized reversible PEM fuel cell. At low current density, the alkaline cell is obtaining round‐trip efficiencies close to 70%, while the PEM cell achieves only 60% efficiency. With Silver‐catalyst clear higher efficiencies up to 80% are presentable. The PEM fuel cell shows obvious better performance at high current densities.
The mediating role of sense of coherence on mental health outcomes in carers of older dependent relatives: A longitudinal study
Authors: López‐Martínez Catalina , Orgeta Vasiliki , Frías‐Osuna Antonio , del‐Pino‐Casado Rafael 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundSense of coherence (SOC) is an important protective factor for carer well‐being but research to date remains cross‐sectional, focusing primarily on the direct effects of SOC on carers' mental health. The study's aim was to investigate the mediating role of SOC in the longitudinal relationship between caregiver strain and carers' psychological health, and its stability over time.MethodsProspective longitudinal study conducted in Jaén (Spain) with a probabilistic sample of 132 carers of older people, with data collected at baseline and at 1‐year follow‐up. We measured SOC, caregiver strain, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and several care‐recipient characteristics and intensity of care provided. We used multiple linear regression modelling and the Sobel test to analyse mediation effects.ResultsSOC was significantly negatively longitudinally associated with both anxiety (β = −0.38, p = 0.001) and depressive symptoms (β = −0.28, p = 0.023), after controlling for several confounders. SOC mediated both the relationship between caregiver strain and anxiety, and caregiver strain and depressive symptoms (Sobel test: p < 0.001 for anxiety and p < 0.001 for depressive symptoms). Differences between baseline and 1‐year follow‐up SOC scores were not statistically significant (p = 0.617).ConclusionsSOC appears to buffer the impact of caregiver strain on symptoms of depression and anxiety in informal carers of older people. Our data showed that SOC is an important psychological resource for carers that remained relatively stable under non‐experimental conditions over a period of 1 year in this sample. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at strengthening SOC may protect carer psychological well‐being.
Associations between cognitive function, actigraphy‐based and self‐reported sleep in older community‐dwelling adults: Findings from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing
Authors: Scarlett Siobhan , Kenny Rose Anne , O'Connell Matthew DL , Nolan Hugh , de Looze Céline 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveCognitive impairment is prevalent in older ages. Associations with sleep are well established; however, ambiguity remains in which sleep characteristics contribute to this impairment. We examined cross‐sectional associations between both self‐reported and actigraphy‐based sleep and cognitive performance across a number of domains in community‐dwelling older adults.Methods1520 participants aged 50 and older with self‐reported and actigraphy‐based total sleep time (TST) (≤5, 6, 7–8, 9 and ≥10 h) and self‐reported sleep problems were analysed. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), verbal fluency, immediate and delayed recall memory, colour trails tests, and choice reaction tests (CRT). Associations between sleep and cognition were modelled using linear and negative binomial regression.ResultsNegative associations were found between ≥10 h of self‐reported TST and MoCA error rate (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18, 1.71; p < 0.001); verbal fluency (beta [B] = −2.32 words; 95% CI = −4.00, −0.65; p < 0.01); and delayed recall (B = −0.91 words; 95% CI = −1.58, −0.25; p < 0.05) compared to 7–8 h. Significant associations with actigraphy‐based TST were limited to MoCA error rate in ≤5 h (IRR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.02, 1.45; p < 0.05) compared to 7–8 h. Higher numbers of sleep problems were associated with slower performance in CRT cognitive response time (IRR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.00, 104; p < 0.05) and total response time (IRR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.00, 1.04; p < 0.05).ConclusionsSelf‐reported long sleep duration was consistently associated with worse cognitive performance across multiple domains. Marginal associations between cognition and both actigraphy‐based sleep and self‐reported sleep problems were also apparent. These results further affirm poor sleep as a risk factor for cognitive impairment.
Neutral Ceramidase Mediates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis by Regulating Monounsaturated Fatty Acids and Gut IgA+ B Cells
Authors: Gu Xuemei , Sun Rui , Chen Liang , Chu Shenghui , Doll Mark A. , Li Xiaohong , Feng Wenke , Siskind Leah , McClain Craig J. , Deng Zhongbin 
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with obesity and an increased risk for liver cirrhosis and cancer. Neutral ceramidase (NcDase), which is highly expressed in the intestinal brush border of the small intestine, plays a critical role in digesting dietary sphingolipids (ceramide) to regulate the balance of sphingosine and free fatty acids. It remains unresolved whether obesity‐associated alteration of NcDase contributes to the manifestation of NASH. Here, we revealed that NcDase deficiency in murine models of NASH prevents hepatic inflammation and fibrosis but not steatosis.

Approach and Results
NcDase−/− mice display reduced stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD) 1 expression with a compositional decrease of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) under the different dietary conditions. We further found that NcDase is a functional regulator of intestinal B cells and influences the abundance and quality of the secretory IgA response toward commensal bacteria. Analysis of composition of the gut microbiota found that Clostridiales colonization was increased in NcDase−/− mice. The colonization of germ‐free mice with gut microbiota from NcDase−/− mice resulted in a greater decrease in the expression of SCD1 and the level of MUFAs in the liver relative to gut microbiota from wild‐type littermates, which are associated with the alternation of IgA‐bound bacteria, including increase of Ruminococcaceae and reduction of Desulfovibrio. Mechanistically, NcDase is a crucial link that controls the expression of SCD1 and MUFA‐mediated activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin. Very importantly, our experiments further demonstrated that Wnt3a stimulation can enhance the activity of NcDase in hepatocytes.

Conclusions
Thus, the NcDase‐SCD1‐Wnt feedback loop promotes the diet‐induced steatohepatitis and fibrosis through the regulation of intestinal IgA+ immune cells.
Persistent Control of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis Delta Virus Infection Following REP 2139-Ca and Pegylated Interferon Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis B Virus/Hepatitis Delta Virus Coinfection
Authors: Bazinet Michel , Pântea Victor , Cebotarescu Valentin , Cojuhari Lilia , Jimbei Pavlina , Anderson Mark , Gersch Jeff , Holzmayer Vera , Elsner Carina , Krawczyk Adalbert , Kuhns Mary C. , Cloherty Gavin , Dittmer Ulf , Vaillant Andrew 
Published: November 2020

Finite therapy of HBV/HDV co-infection with REP 2139-Ca and pegIFN has good long term safety and is accompanied by high rates of functional cure of HDV, normalization of liver function and additional functional cure of HBV. HBV functional cure is accompanied inactivation / clearance of cccDNA and clearance of integrated HBV DNA.
The nucleic acid polymer REP 2139 inhibits assembly/secretion of hepatitis B virus (HBV) subviral particles. Previously, REP 2139-Ca and pegylated interferon (pegIFN) in HBV/hepatitis delta virus (HDV) coinfection achieved high rates of HDV RNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss/seroconversion in the REP 301 study (NCT02233075). The REP 301-LTF study (NCT02876419) examined safety and efficacy during 3.5 years of follow-up. In the current study, participants completing therapy in the REP 301 study were followed for 3.5 years. Primary outcomes were safety and tolerability, and secondary outcomes were HDV functional cure (HDV RNA target not detected [TND], normal alanine aminotransferase [ALT]), HBV virologic control (HBV DNA ≤2,000 IU/mL, normal ALT), HBV functional cure (HBV DNA TND; HBsAg <0.05 IU/mL, normal ALT), and HBsAg seroconversion. Supplemental analysis included high-sensitivity HBsAg (Abbott ARCHITECT HBsAg NEXT), HBV pregenomic RNA (pgRNA), HBsAg/hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) immune complexes (HBsAg ICs), and hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg). Asymptomatic grade 1-2 ALT elevations occurred in 2 participants accompanying viral rebound; no other safety or tolerability issues were observed. During therapy and follow-up, HBsAg reductions to <0.05 IU/mL were also <0.005 IU/mL. HBsAg ICs declined in 7 of 11 participants during REP 2139-Ca monotherapy and in 10 of 11 participants during follow-up. HDV functional cure persisted in 7 of 11 participants; HBV virologic control persisted in 3 and functional cure (with HBsAg seroconversion) persisted in 4 of these participants. Functional cure of HBV was accompanied by HBV pgRNA TND and HBcrAg <lower limit of quantitation. Conclusion: REP 2139-Ca + pegIFN is not associated with long-term safety or tolerability issues. The establishment of HDV functional cure and HBV virologic control/functional cure and HBsAg seroconversion are durable over 3.5 years and may reflect removal of integrated HBV DNA from the liver. Further investigation is warranted in larger studies.
Effects of geological structures on rainfall‐runoff responses in headwater catchments in a sedimentary rock mountain
Authors: Inaoka Jun , Kosugi Ken'ichirou , Masaoka Naoya , Itokazu Tetsushi , Nakamura Kimihito 
Published: November 2020

AbstractClarifying rainfall‐runoff responses in mountainous areas is essential for disaster prediction as well as water resource management. Although runoff is considered to be significantly affected by topography, some previous studies have reported that geological structures also have significant effects on rainfall‐runoff characteristics. Particularly in headwater catchments located in sedimentary rock mountains, dips and strikes may significantly affect rainwater discharge. In this study, the effects of geological structures on rainfall‐runoff characteristics were investigated based on observed discharge hydrographs from 12 catchments, which lie radially from the summit of a sedimentary rock mountain. The results obtained were as follows: (1) Even though the topographic wetness index (TWI) distributions of the 12 catchments were similar, there were significant differences in their runoff characteristics; (2) Catchments with average flow direction oriented towards the strike direction (strike‐oriented catchments) are characterized by large baseflows; (3) Catchments with average flow direction oriented towards the opposite dip direction (opposite dip‐oriented catchments) are steep, and this results in quick storm runoff generation; (4) Catchments with average flow direction oriented toward the dip direction (dip‐oriented catchments) are gentle, and this results in delayed storm runoff generation. It was presumed that in strike‐oriented catchments, large quantities of groundwater flowing along the bedding planes owing to hydraulic anisotropy, exfiltrate and sustain the large amount of the observed baseflow, that is, in strike‐oriented catchments, runoff is directly controlled by geological structures. Conversely, in opposite dip‐oriented and dip‐oriented catchments, runoff is indirectly controlled by geological structures, that is, geological structures affect slope gradients, which result in differences in storm runoff generation. Thus, this study clearly illustrates that geological structures significantly affect rainfall‐runoff responses in headwater catchments located in sedimentary rock mountains.