bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unambiguous method for DLL BOC signals tracking
Authors: Feneniche Wafa , Rouabah Khaled , Flissi Mustapha , Atia Salim , Mezaache Salah Eddine , Meguellati Sabrina 
Published: February 2020

SummaryIn this paper, we propose an efficient method for eliminating ambiguity in the acquisition and tracking processes of binary offset carrier (BOC)‐modulated signals. Our contribution is realized in two stages. The first one is based on the use, at the receiver end, of optimized locally generated subcarrier sequences to get a completely unambiguous composite correlation function (CF). This first stage is used to initialize and control the second stage of the proposed method designed on the basis of a maximum likelihood algorithm (MLA) to mitigate, specifically, multipath (MP) effect. In fact, the idea is to combine, in this second stage, the received signal (affected by noise and MP) with a set of locally generated ideal BOC(m,n)‐modulated signals, which are delayed and weighted by the MLA‐estimated parameters of delays, amplitudes, and phases of all the MP signals, to obtain an unambiguous CF with better performance. The simulation results, based on MATLAB tool, have demonstrated that the proposed method effectively eliminates the ambiguity problem. Besides, a comparative study with several methods has shown that the proposed method grants better performance than the most popular techniques.
Understanding neighborhood effects to increase restoration success of woody plant communities
Authors: Ibáñez Inés , Rodríguez Alejandro 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRevegetation is the most common procedure in the restoration of disturbed areas; this practice usually aims at reconstructing plant communities that can last without further management. A low‐cost strategy to assist these efforts is the application of ecological knowledge in the design of the restoration. Promoting ecological processes that enhance the functioning of the restored community could result in higher restoration success. Among these processes, plant–plant interactions, e.g., facilitation and competition, can play an important role, both facilitating and impeding the development of a self‐sustaining plant community. Although these processes have been well‐studied in nature, we rarely have sufficient knowledge about the whole plant community. To develop that knowledge, we leverage on a restoration experiment that took place after a mine toxic spill, where ~15,000 woody plants from 13 species were planted and geolocated. Species were planted in three mixtures mimicking natural communities found along soil moisture gradients (xerophyte, intermediate, and hydrophyte). Plantings also varied in density. Approximately 2,600 plants were monitored for damage status, survival, and growth, for 4 yr. We analyzed growth performance of six targeted species as a function of their damage status, planted mixture, and density. Growth was also assessed on the basis of neighboring plants, accounting for the species identity and distance to the focal plant. Results show that survival among planted species was relatively high and was mostly unaffected by mixture or density of the plantings. Only very damaged plants in one species experienced a decrease in survival with increasing density. Neighborhood effects on growth show positive, neutral, and negative interactions among the tested species; these also varied depending on the type of growth performance considered (height, crown area, diameter). The species‐specific results ranged from positive to negative, varying between pair of species and growth performance metric. Results gathered from our neighborhood analyses on plant growth provide valuable information for the design of planting schemes that could enhance the performance of the target species. The methods developed can be applied to other systems and species. Given the potential impacts that facilitation and competition may have during revegetation, these interactions could be considered in restoration operations.
The effect of temporal environmental autocorrelation on eco‐evolutionary dynamics across life histories
Authors: Postuma Maarten , Schmid Max , Guillaume Frédéric , Ozgul Arpat , Paniw Maria 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOne of the largest causes of fluctuations in the size and structure of populations is changes in the environment. In nature, these changes are often temporally autocorrelated and the strength and direction of the autocorrelation can affect population dynamics. These effects are mediated by complex, simultaneously occurring ecological and evolutionary processes, such as phenotypic plasticity and selection. Determining how these processes interact to affect responses of different life histories to autocorrelated environmental fluctuations is of paramount importance to infer which taxa are likely to go extinct or become invasive under global change. Here, we assessed the effect of autocorrelation in environmental states on the trait and population dynamics of different life histories using an evolutionary explicit individual‐based modeling approach. We found that, in general, higher positive temporal autocorrelation caused more variation in population size. Fast life histories were more affected than slow ones as they were able to adapt more quickly to varying environmental optima and therefore experienced larger initial decreases in population size when optima changed. Including adaptive phenotypic plasticity buffered the effects of autocorrelation on population dynamics while nonadaptive plasticity amplified them, especially for slow life histories, which recovered less from maladaptation. This study highlights that integration of phenotypic plasticity, selection, and population dynamics is important to improve our understanding of how different life histories deal with autocorrelated climate variability.
Plant–soil feedback effects altered by aboveground herbivory explain plant species abundance in the landscape
Authors: Heinze Johannes , Wacker Alexander , Kulmatiski Andrew 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRelatively little is known about how plant–soil feedbacks (PSFs) may affect plant growth in field conditions where factors such as herbivory may be important. Using a potted experiment in a grassland, we measured PSFs with and without aboveground insect herbivory for 20 plant species. We then compared PSF values to plant landscape abundance. Aboveground herbivory had a large negative effect on PSF values. For 15 of 20 species, PSFs were more negative with herbivory than without. This occurred because plant biomass on “home” soils was smaller with herbivory than without. PSF values with herbivory were correlated with plant landscape abundance, whereas PSF values without herbivory were not. Shoot nitrogen concentrations suggested that plants create soils that increase nitrogen uptake, but that greater shoot nitrogen values increase herbivory and that the net effect of positive PSF and greater aboveground herbivory is less aboveground biomass. Results provided clear evidence that PSFs alone have limited power in explaining species abundances and that herbivory has stronger effects on plant biomass and growth on the landscape. Our results provide a potential explanation for observed differences between greenhouse and field PSF experiments and suggest that PSF experiments need to consider important biotic interactions, like aboveground herbivory, particularly when the goal of PSF research is to understand plant growth in field conditions.
Methodologies for detecting environmentally induced DNA damage and repair
Authors: Li Wentao , Sancar Aziz 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEnvironmental DNA damaging agents continuously challenge the integrity of the genome by introducing a variety of DNA lesions. The DNA damage caused by environmental factors will lead to mutagenesis and subsequent carcinogenesis if they are not removed efficiently by repair pathways. Methods for detection of DNA damage and repair can be applied to identify, visualize, and quantify the DNA damage formation and repair events, and they enable us to illustrate the molecular mechanisms of DNA damage formation, DNA repair pathways, mutagenesis, and carcinogenesis. Ever since the discovery of the double helical structure of DNA in 1953, a great number of methods have been developed to detect various types of DNA damage and repair. Rapid advances in sequencing technologies have facilitated the emergence of a variety of novel methods for detecting environmentally induced DNA damage and repair at the genome‐wide scale during the last decade. In this review, we provide a historical overview of the development of various damage detection methods. We also highlight the current methodologies to detect DNA damage and repair, especially some next generation sequencing‐based methods.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Interface Between Primary Care and Hepatology Clinics
Authors: Elangovan Harendran , Rajagopaul Sashen , Williams Suzanne M. , McKillen Benjamin , Britton Laurence , McPhail Steven M. , Horsfall Leigh U. , Valery Patricia C. , Hayward Kelly L. , Powell Elizabeth E. 
Published: February 2020

Primary care physicians (PCPs) have the primary role in the diagnosis and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and in selecting patients for referral to a hepatologist for further evaluation. This study aimed to characterize PCP referrals for patients diagnosed with NAFLD at a major referral hospital, and to determine the severity of liver disease and patient pathway following evaluation in secondary care. New patients seen in the hepatology outpatient clinic (HOC) with a secondary care diagnosis of NAFLD were identified from the HOC scheduling database. PCP referrals for these patients were retrieved from the electronic medical records and reviewed by study clinicians, along with the hepatologists’ clinic notes and letters. Over a 14‐month period, 234 new PCP referrals received a diagnosis of NAFLD, accounting for 20.4% of the total number of new cases (n = 1,147) seen in the HOC. The 234 referrals were received from 170 individual PCPs at 135 practices. Most patients with NAFLD (88.5%) were referred for investigation of abnormal liver enzymes or other clinical concerns, including abnormal iron studies, hepatomegaly, and abdominal pain. Only 27 (11.5%) referrals included an assessment of liver disease severity. Following evaluation in the liver clinic, 175 patients (74.8%) were found to have a low risk of advanced fibrosis, and most (n = 159; 90.9%) were discharged back to their PCP for ongoing follow‐up in primary care. Conclusion: In addition to better access to noninvasive fibrosis tests, educational strategies to enhance awareness and recognition of NAFLD as a cause for many of the initial concerns prompting patient referral might improve risk stratification and increase the appropriateness of PCP referrals.
Predicting Clinical Effects of CYP3A4 Modulators on Abemaciclib and Active Metabolites Exposure Using Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling
Authors: Posada Maria M. , Morse Bridget L. , Turner P. Kellie , Kulanthaivel Palaniappan , Hall Stephen D. , Dickinson Gemma L. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAbemaciclib, a selective inhibitor of cyclin‐dependent kinases 4 and 6, is metabolized mainly by cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A4. Clinical studies were performed to assess the impact of strong inhibitor (clarithromycin) and inducer (rifampin) on the exposure of abemaciclib and active metabolites. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model incorporating the metabolites was developed to predict the effect of other strong and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers. Clarithromycin increased the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC) of abemaciclib and potency‐adjusted unbound active species 3.4‐fold and 2.5‐fold, respectively. Rifampin decreased corresponding exposures 95% and 77%, respectively. These changes influenced the fraction metabolized via CYP3A4 in the model. An absolute bioavailability study informed the hepatic and gastric availability. In vitro data and a human radiolabel study determined the fraction and rate of formation of the active metabolites as well as absorption‐related parameters. The predicted AUC ratios of potency‐adjusted unbound active species with rifampin and clarithromycin were within 0.7‐ and 1.25‐fold of those observed. The PBPK model predicted 3.78‐ and 7.15‐fold increases in the AUC of the potency‐adjusted unbound active species with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors itraconazole and ketoconazole, respectively; and 1.62‐ and 2.37‐fold increases with the concomitant use of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors verapamil and diltiazem, respectively. The model predicted modafinil, bosentan, and efavirenz would decrease the AUC of the potency‐adjusted unbound active species by 29%, 42%, and 52%, respectively. The current PBPK model, which considers changes in unbound potency‐adjusted active species, can be used to inform dosing recommendations when abemaciclib is coadministered with CYP3A4 perpetrators.
Synthesis and anti‐proliferative activity studies of 2‐(2‐(trifluoromethyl)‐6‐(substituted)imidazo[1,2‐b]pyridazin‐3‐yl)‐N‐(substituted)acetamide derivatives
Authors: Gaikwad Dattatraya D. , Pawar Umakant D. , Chavan Sadhana L. , Pawar Chandrakant D. , Pansare Dattatraya N. , Shelke Rohini N. , Chavan Santosh L. , Zine Ashok M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA series of novel imidazo[1,2‐b]pyridazin‐3‐yl acetamide derivatives (9a‐9j) were synthesized from a 3,6‐dichloropyridazine. We have developed a simple strategy for the synthesis of functionally diverse imidazole, and pyridiazine derivatives were reported via a series of steps. The work involves bicyclic imidazo‐pyridazine ring formation, halogenation, cynation, hydrolysis, peptide coupling, and Buchwald reaction. The structure of the synthesized compounds was confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR,19F NMR, mass spectra, and elemental analysis, and purity is checked by HPLC. All synthesized compounds were screened for anticancer activity against A‐549 and Du‐145 cancer cell lines by MTT assay. The preliminary bioassay suggests that most of the compounds show anti‐proliferation with different degrees; doxorubicin was used as positive control. The synthesized compound shows IC50 values in the range of 1.74μM to 16.17μM in both cell lines. The compounds 9e, 9g, and 9h were active compared with doxorubicin in both the cell lines. The compounds having cyclopentyl ring are active compared with higher and lower carbon analogues.
Quantifying non‐fibrous carbohydrates, acid detergent fiber and cellulose of forage through an in vitro gas production technique
Authors: Miranda‐Romero Luis Alberto , Tirado‐González Deli Nazmín , Tirado‐Estrada Gustavo , Améndola‐Massiotti Ricardo , Sandoval‐González Laura , Ramírez‐Valverde Rodolfo , Salem Abdelfattah ZM 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe in vitro gas production (GP) technique has been useful for evaluating the potential degradability of feedstuffs in ruminal environments; GP is related to the components of feedstuff ingredients.RESULTSLinear models were generated and validated as alternatives of quantifying neutral detergent‐soluble fiber, starch (St)/hemicellulose (Hem) and cellulose (Cel) through GP. Residuals of models obtained from the peaks of GP [0–8 h (GP‐8), > 8–24 h (GP‐24), > 24–48 h (GP‐48) and > 24–81 h (GP‐81)] of 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.12 and 0.20 g of glucose (Glu), St and Cel respectively. The incubations were analyzed in mixtures of Glu, St and Cel. The best fitting models (r2 from 0.709 to 0.935) were tested on corn stover (CS) to quantify rapid fermentation fractions (RF; equivalent to Glu), medium fermentation fractions (MF; equivalent to St) and low fermentation fractions (LF48; equivalent to Cel); in CS, RF, MF and LF models had standardized residuals < 0.09. The analysis with Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala Lam. de Wit) and star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst) consider high‐protein ingredients.CONCLUSIONThe in vitro GP of RF, MF and LF48 fractions equivalent to Glu, St and Cel are affected by maturity and harvest time even when the chemical composition remains similar, and so RF, MF and LF48 should be considered during the design of ruminant diets. In vitro GP could be used to quantify the components of some forages, although further studies are necessary. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
African Wild Dog Dispersal and Implications for Management
Authors: Cozzi Gabriele , Behr Dominik M. , Webster Hugh S. , Claase Megan , Bryce Caleb M. , Modise Boitshepho , Mcnutt John W. , Ozgul Arpat 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTSuccessful conservation of species that roam and disperse over large areas requires detailed understanding of their movement patterns and connectivity between subpopulations. But empirical information on movement, space use, and connectivity is lacking for many species, and data acquisition is often hindered when study animals cross international borders. The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) exemplifies such species that require vast undisturbed areas to support viable, self‐sustaining populations. To study wild dog dispersal and investigate potential barriers to movements and causes of mortality during dispersal, between 2016 and 2019 we followed the fate of 16 dispersing coalitions (i.e., same‐sex group of ≥1 dispersing African wild dogs) in northern Botswana through global positioning system (GPS)‐satellite telemetry. Dispersing wild dogs covered ≤54 km in 24 hours and traveled 150 km to Namibia and 360 km to Zimbabwe within 10 days. Wild dogs were little hindered in their movements by natural landscape features, whereas medium to densely human‐populated landscapes represented obstacles to dispersal. Human‐caused mortality was responsible for >90% of the recorded deaths. Our results suggest that a holistic approach to the management and conservation of highly mobile species is necessary to develop effective research and evidence‐based conservation programs across transfrontier protected areas, including the need for coordinated research efforts through collaboration between national and international conservation authorities. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Effects of increased scrotal temperature on semen quality and seminal plasma proteins in Brahman bulls
Authors: Boe‐Hansen Gry Brandt , Rêgo João Paulo A. , Satake Nana , Venus Bronwyn , Sadowski Pawel , Nouwens Amanda , Li Yutao , McGowan Michael 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEnvironmental temperature has effects on sperm quality with differences in susceptibility between cattle subspecies and breeds, but very little is known about the seminal plasma protein (SPP) changes resulting from testicular heat stress. Scrotal insulation (SI) for 48 hr was applied to Brahman (Bos indicus) bulls. Semen was collected at 3‐day intervals from before, until 74 days post‐SI. The changes in sperm morphology and motility following SI were comparable to previously reported and differences were detected in measures of sperm chromatin conformation as early as 8 days post‐SI. New proteins spots, in the SPP two‐dimensional (2‐D) gels, were apparent when comparing pre‐SI with 74 days post‐SI, and SPP identified as associated with mechanisms of cellular repair and protection. Similar trends between 2‐D gel and Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectra (SWATH‐MS) data was observed, with SWATH‐MS able to quantify individual SPP that otherwise were not resolved on 2‐D gel. The SPP assessment at peak sperm damage (21–24 days) showed a significant difference in 29 SPP (adjusted p < .05), and identified six proteins with change in abundance in the SI group. In conclusion both spermatozoa and SPP composition of bulls are susceptible to temperature change incurred by SI, and SPP markers for testicular heat insults may be detected.
Direction‐averaged diffusion‐weighted MRI signal using different axisymmetric B‐tensor encoding schemes
Authors: Afzali Maryam , Aja‐Fernández Santiago , Jones Derek K. 
Published: February 2020

PurposeIt has been shown, theoretically and in vivo, that using the Stejskal‐Tanner pulsed‐gradient, or linear tensor encoding (LTE), and in tissue exhibiting a “stick‐like” diffusion geometry, the direction‐averaged diffusion‐weighted MRI signal at high b‐values (

) follows a power‐law, decaying as

. It has also been shown, theoretically, that for planar tensor encoding (PTE), the direction‐averaged diffusion‐weighted MRI signal decays as 1/b. We aimed to confirm this theoretical prediction in vivo. We then considered the direction‐averaged signal for arbitrary b‐tensor shapes and different tissue substrates to look for other conditions under which a power‐law exists.MethodsWe considered the signal decay for high b‐values for encoding geometries ranging from 2‐dimensional PTE, through isotropic or spherical tensor encoding to LTE. When a power‐law behavior was suggested, this was tested using in silico simulations and, when appropriate, in vivo using ultra‐strong (300 mT/m) gradients.ResultsOur in vivo results confirmed the predicted 1/b power law for PTE. Moreover, our analysis showed that using an axisymmetric b‐tensor a power‐law only exists under very specific conditions: (a) “stick‐like” tissue geometry and purely LTE or purely PTE waveforms; and (b) "pancake‐like" tissue geometry and a purely LTE waveform.ConclusionsA complete analysis of the power‐law dependencies of the diffusion‐weighted signal at high b‐values has been performed. Only three specific forms of encoding result in a power‐law dependency, pure linear and pure PTE when the tissue geometry is “stick‐like” and pure LTE when the tissue geometry is "pancake‐like". The different exponents of these encodings could be used to provide independent validation of the presence of different tissue geometries in vivo.
Mechanisms underlying immobilization‐induced muscle pain in rats
Authors: Oga Satoshi , Goto Kyo , Sakamoto Junya , Honda Yuichiro , Sasaki Ryo , Ishikawa Kumiko , Kataoka Hideki , Nakano Jiro , Origuchi Tomoki , Okita Minoru 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntroductionWe investigated the mechanisms underlying immobilization‐induced muscle pain in rats.MethodsIn rat skeletal muscle, pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the gastrocnemius muscle was measured, and nerve growth factor (NGF) level, peripheral nerve fiber density, macrophage number, and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) mRNA expression were examined. An NGF receptor inhibitor was injected intramuscularly to assess the relationship between PPT and NGF levels.ResultsImmobilization resulted in a decrease in PPT and increases in NGF level, C‐fiber density, M1 macrophage number, and IL‐1β mRNA expression. Injection of NGF receptor inhibitor reversed the decrease in PPT.DiscussionNGF upregulation may be a major contributor to immobilization‐induced muscle pain. The increases in C‐fiber density, M1 macrophage number, and IL‐1β mRNA expression may be related to immobilization‐induced muscle pain.