bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No effect of passive integrated transponder tagging method on survival or body condition in a northern population of Black‐capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus)
Authors: Farr Jonathan J. , Haave‐Audet Elène , Thompson Peter R. , Mathot Kimberley J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPassive integrated transponder (PIT) tags allow a range of individual‐level data to be collected passively and have become a commonly used technology in many avian studies. Although the potential adverse effects of PIT tags have been evaluated in several species, explicit investigations of their impacts on small (<12 g) birds are limited. This is important, because it is reasonable to expect that smaller birds could be impacted more strongly by application of PIT tags. In this study, we individually marked Black‐capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus), a small (circa 10 g) passerine, at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden to evaluate potential lethal and sublethal effects of two PIT tagging methods: attachment to leg bands or subcutaneous implantation. We used a Cox proportional hazards model to compare the apparent survival of chickadees with leg band (N = 79) and implanted PIT tags (N = 77) compared with control birds that received no PIT tags (N = 76) over the subsequent 2 years based on mist net recaptures. We used radio‐frequency identification (RFID) redetections of leg band PIT tags to evaluate sex‐specific survival and increase the accuracy of our survival estimates. We also used a generalized linear regression model to compare the body condition of birds recaptured after overwintering with leg band PIT tags, implanted PIT tags, or neither. Our analysis found no evidence for adverse effects of either PIT tagging method on survival or body condition. While we recommend carefully monitoring study animals and evaluating the efficacy of different PIT tagging methods, we have shown that both leg band and subcutaneously implanted PIT tags ethical means of obtaining individualized information in a small passerine.
Disentangling effects of multiple stressors on matter flow in a lake food web
Authors: Wang Shuran Cindy , Liu Xueqin , Liu Yong , Wang Hongzhu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractUnderstanding the relative importance of multiple stressors is valuable to prioritize conservation and restoration measures. Yet, the effects of multiple stressors on ecosystem functioning remain largely unknown in many fresh waters. Here, we provided a methodology combining ecosystem modeling with linear regression to disentangle the effects of multiple stressors on matter flow, an important ecosystem function. Treating a shallow lake as the model ecosystem, we simulated matter flow dynamics during 1950s–2010s with different combinations of stressors by Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) modeling and determined the relative importance of each stressor by generalized linear mixed models. We found that matter flow of the lake food web was highly dynamic, attributing to effects of multiple anthropogenic stressors. Biological invasion played the strongest role in driving the matter flow dynamics, followed by eutrophication, while biomanipulation (i.e., phytoplankton control by planktivorous fish stocking) was of little importance. Eutrophication had a stronger role on primary producers, pelagic food chain, and top predators, while biological invasion on consumers in the middle of food chains. The former was more important in driving the quantity of matter flow, while the latter on trophic transfer efficiencies. Scenario forecasting showed that reducing nutrients contents could largely shape the matter flow pattern, while biomanipulation had little effect. Our findings provided new insights into understanding the mechanistic links between anthropogenic stressors and ecosystem functioning by combining ecosystem modeling with linear regression.
Disentangling biotic and abiotic drivers of intraspecific trait variation in woody plant seedlings at forest edges
Authors: Zheng Shilu , Webber Bruce L. , Didham Raphael K. , Chen Chun , Yu Mingjian 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn fragmented forests, edge effects can drive intraspecific variation in seedling performance that influences forest regeneration and plant composition. However, few studies have attempted to disentangle the relative biotic and abiotic drivers of intraspecific variation in seedling performance. In this study, we carried out a seedling transplant experiment with a factorial experimental design on three land‐bridge islands in the Thousand Island Lake, China, using four common native woody plant species. At different distances from the forest edge (2, 8, 32, 128 m), we transplanted four seedlings of each species into each of three cages: full‐cage, for herbivore exclusion; half‐cage, that allowed herbivore access but controlled for caging artifacts; and no‐cage control. In the 576 cages, we recorded branch architecture, leaf traits, and seedling survival for each seedling before and after the experimental treatment. Overall, after one full growing season, edge‐induced abiotic drivers and varied herbivory pressure led to intraspecific variation in seedling performance, including trade‐offs in seedling architecture and resource‐use strategies. However, responses varied across species with different life‐history strategies and depended on the driver in question, such that the abiotic and biotic effects were additive across species, rather than interactive. Edge‐induced abiotic variation modified seedling architecture of a shade‐tolerant species, leading to more vertical rather than lateral growth at edges. Meanwhile, increased herbivory pressure resulted in a shift toward lower dry matter investment in leaves of a light‐demanding species. Our results suggest that edge effects can drive rapid directional shifts in the performance and intraspecific traits of some woody plants from early ontogenetic stages, but most species in this study showed negligible phenotypic responses to edge effects. Moreover, species‐specific responses suggest the importance of interspecific differences modulating the degree of trait plasticity, implying the need to incorporate individual‐level responses when understanding the impact of forest fragmentation on plant communities.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the impact of cornelian cherry consumption on blood lipid profiles
Authors: Mohammadi Keyhan , Alizadeh Sani Mahmood , Nattagh‐Eshtivani Elyas , Yaribash Shakila , Rahmani Jamal , Shokrollahi Yancheshmeh Behdad , Julian McClements David 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPolyphenolic and flavonoid compounds are claimed to improve blood lipid profiles and to provide protective effects against cardiovascular disease. For this reason, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies that comprehensively investigated the effects of cornelian cherry supplementation on lipid profiles in rat models. Up to December 2020, 855 articles were screened, and finally, seven articles were selected as eligible for the meta‐analysis. This meta‐analysis revealed that cornelian cherry supplementation significantly decreased low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) (WMD = −6.38 mg/dl; 95% CI, −9.93 to–2.84; p < .001), triglyceride (TG) (WMD = −52.36 mg/dl; 95% CI, −80.50 to −24.22; p < .005), and cholesterol level (WMD = −37.16 mg/dl; 95% CI, −51.19 to −23.13; p < .005) in treated rats compared with control groups. A nonsignificant increase in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) level was observed (WMD = 4.21 mg/dl; 95% CI, −3.25 to 11.66; p = .268). These results suggest that cherry supplementation may have health effects by modifying lipid profiles. However, there is a need for more well‐controlled human clinical trials to make more definitive conclusions about the potential health benefits of cherry supplementation.
Uptake of Primary Care Services and HIV and Syphilis Infection among Transgender Women attending the Tangerine Community Health Clinic, Bangkok, Thailand, 2016 – 2019
Authors: van Griensven Frits , Janamnuaysook Rena , Nampaisan Oranuch , Peelay Jitsupa , Samitpol Kritima , Mills Stephen , Pankam Tippawan , Ramautarsing Reshmie , Teeratakulpisarn Nipat , Phanuphak Praphan , Phanuphak Nittaya 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionTransgender women (TGW) need a specific package of primary care services usually not available in the publicly funded healthcare system. In addition, little is known about HIV and syphilis prevalence and incidence in clinic‐based samples of TGW. Here we evaluate the uptake of a transgender‐specific package of primary care services by TGW in Bangkok, Thailand and assess HIV and syphilis prevalence and incidence among them.MethodsOpen cohort study of TGW attending services at the Tangerine Community Health Clinic from 2016 to 2019. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal analysis of routinely collected clinic data was performed to study trends in the number of clients, clinic visits and HIV and syphilis prevalence and incidence.ResultsDuring the study period, 2947 TGW clients made a total of 5227 visits to Tangerine. The number of clients significantly increased from 446 in 2016 to 1050 in 2019 (p < 0.001) and the number of visits from 616 to 2198 during the same period (p < 0.001). Prevalence of HIV at first visit was 10.8% and of syphilis 9.8%. HIV incidence was 1.03 per 100 person years (PY) and of syphilis 2.06 per 100 PY of follow‐up. From 2016 to 2019, significant decreases occurred in the annual prevalence of HIV from 14.6% to 9.9% (p < 0.01). The annual prevalence of syphilis significantly increased from 6.6% in 2016 to 14.6% in 2018, and then decreased to 7.3% in 2019 (p < 0.001). The annual HIV incidence decreased during 2016 to 2019, from 1.68 to 1.28 per 100 PY, but this reduction was not statistically significant. The annual incidence of treponemal test seroconversion significantly increased from zero in 2016 to 4.55 per 100 PY in 2019 (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe increasing uptake of a transgender‐specific package of services, including co‐located gender affirmative hormone therapy, suggests this may be an effective model in engaging and retaining TGW in primary care. The decrease in HIV prevalence and low HIV incidence across calendar years point at a possible reduction of HIV acquisition among the TGW population served by Tangerine. The increasing prevalence of syphilis suggests ongoing high‐risk sexual behaviour and underscores the need for screening and treatment for this infection at the time of delivery of HIV services.
Elevated F-EDN correlates with mucosal eosinophil degranulation in patients with IBS—A possible association with microbiota?
Authors: Casado-Bedmar Maite , de-Faria Felipe Meira , Biskou Olga , Lindqvist Carl Mårten , Ranasinghe Purnika Damindi , Bednarska Olga , Peterson Christer , Walter Susanna A , Carlson Marie , Keita Åsa V 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEosinophils have been linked to functional dyspepsia; however, less is known about their role in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study tested the hypothesis of alterations in levels of fecal eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (F-EDN) and eosinophil density and degranulation within the colonic mucosa of IBS patients compared with healthy controls (HC). Colonic biopsies were collected from 37 IBS patients and 20 HC and analyzed for eosinophil numbers and local degranulation of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) by histologic procedures. Fecal samples were collected for F-EDN and microbiota analysis. Differentiated 15HL-60 cells were used in vitro to investigate the direct effect of live bacteria on eosinophil activation measured by a colorimetric assay with o-phenylenediamine (OPD) substrate. We observed a higher number of eosinophils and increased extracellular ECP in the mucosa of IBS patients compared with HC. Moreover, F-EDN levels in IBS samples were elevated compared with HC and positively correlated to extracellular ECP. Metagenomic analysis showed significant correlations between bacterial composition and eosinophil measurements in both HC and IBS patients. In vitro experiments revealed an increased degranulation of 15HL-60 after stimulation with Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella enterica, and Yersinia enterocolitica. To conclude, we could demonstrate alterations related to eosinophils in IBS, and, for the first time, a positive correlation between F-EDN levels and degranulated eosinophils in the colonic mucosa of IBS patients. Together our results suggest that eosinophils play a role in the pathophysiology of IBS and the mechanisms might be linked to an altered microbiota.
Cytokines regulate stemness of mesenchymal stem cells via miR‐628‐5p during periodontal regeneration
Authors: Iwata Tomoyuki , Mizuno Noriyoshi , Nagahara Takayoshi , Kaneda‐Ikeda Eri , Kajiya Mikihito , Sasaki Shinya , Takeda Katsuhiro , Kiyota Mari , Yagi Ryoichi , Fujita Tsuyoshi , Kurihara Hidemi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundCytokines play key roles in stimulating periodontal regeneration; however, their exact mechanisms of action remain unclear. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that have self‐renewal abilities and can differentiate into periodontal tissues such as bone, cementum, and periodontal ligaments following transplantation, like periodontal progenitor cells. Here, we used MSCs to identify the regulatory genes induced by periodontal regenerative cytokines.MethodsHuman MSCs (hMSCs) were cultured under conditions of periodontal regenerative cytokine stimulation or silencing of undifferentiated hMSC transcription factors. To characterize the changes associated with periodontal regenerative cytokine‐regulated microRNAs (miRNAs), miRNA, and mRNA expression was evaluated using miRNA arrays and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. One of the identified miRNAs, miR‐628‐5p, was then overexpressed or suppressed in hMSCs during osteogenesis; the effect of these changes on osteogenesis was investigated.ResultsCytokine‐stimulated MSCs showed characteristic miRNA profiles and mRNA levels of undifferentiated hMSC transcription factors ETV1, SOX11, and GATA6. Next, we silenced these transcription factors in MSCs and examined the miRNA profiles. The levels of miR‐628‐5p were decreased upon all cytokine treatments and were increased upon silencing of ETV1, SOX11, and GATA6. Overexpression of miR‐628‐5p suppressed osteogenesis; however, its inhibition enhanced OPN, ALP, OC, BMP2, and RUNX2 mRNA levels, and bone matrix mineralization, but not OSX mRNA or ALP activity.ConclusionsmiR‐628‐5p negatively regulates MSC stemness during periodontal regeneration. Periodontal regenerative cytokines act as miR‐628‐5p suppressors to support periodontal regeneration. Thus, selection of effective cytokines for different MSCs, based on miRNA profiling, is important for advancing regenerative therapies.
A fatigue model for spiral bevel gears under mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication conditions
Authors: Cao Wei , Pu Wei , Wang Di , Yang Yu , Li Xuanqiu , Liu Cunbo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMany contributions have focused on the pitting analysis in gear transmissions. However, studies on pitting fatigue in spiral bevel gears are limited due to the complexity of tooth contact and lubrication analysis. This paper is to present a reasonable methodology to simulate the pitting crack nucleation of spiral bevel gears considering the real three‐dimensional (3D) rough surface contact where the intermittent asperity stress concentrations is prominent. The proposed model includes a loaded tooth contact analysis model, a mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication model proposed previously, 3D stress filed formulation, and multi‐axial fatigue criterions. In order to determine an appropriate multi‐axial fatigue criterion for spiral bevel gear, a characteristic plane approach and a conventional critical plane approach are employed in this study. The predicted micro‐pitting lives are compared to published micro‐pitting investigations to assess the reliability of two fatigue criterions in simulation of the micro‐pitting failure. It is observed that the characteristic plane approach is better to reveal the failure mechanism in spiral bevel gears.
Insight into the nondestructive performance evaluation of fiber‐reinforced polymer composite laminate immersed in produced water using embedded fiber Bragg grating sensor
Authors: Mohanta Santoshi , Padarthi Yashwanth , Gupta Jeetendra , Neogi Swati 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are exposed to various corrosive media during their service life, which adversely affects their material properties. Here, a novel approach is developed to investigate the long‐term performance of glass FRP composite laminate immersed in produced water generated in oil fields. This is achieved by monitoring the internal hygroscopic strain developed over the aging time using embedded fiber Bragg grating sensor. Composite material strength reduction over the immersion time is evaluated by conducting destructive mechanical tests at regular intervals, and the mechanism of property degradation is established. It is observed that property degradation follows first‐order kinetics and absorption of produced water medium obeys dual‐sorption diffusion kinetics. Moreover, the strain developed within the composite laminate is formulated by considering the unified influence of swelling and chemical degradation. The predicted strain closely interprets the experimentally recorded strain. This work proves that the strain measurement is an effective nondestructive technique to estimate the property of FRP composite laminates on a real‐time basis.
Post‐consumer recycled high density polyethylene/polypropylene blend with improved overall performance through modification by impact polypropylene copolymer: morphology, properties and fracture resistance
Authors: Mehrabi‐Mazidi Majid , Sharifi Hossein 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe effect of an impact polypropylene copolymer (IPC) having excellent stiffness–toughness balance on the microstructure and properties of a blend comprising 80 wt% recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) and 20 wt% recycled isotactic polypropylene (rPP) was studied. Morphological observations revealed improved interfacial interactions, a finer dispersion state and a more homogeneous phase morphology upon IPC incorporation into the blend up to 20 wt%. Flexural modulus, flexural strength, tensile strength and tensile ductility were steadily increased with IPC loading, and exhibited 13%, 14%, 35% and 520% improvement at 20 wt% IPC. A monotonic rise in Izod impact energy, accompanied by a transition from semi‐brittle to fully ductile failure mode, was observed with IPC concentration, so that this parameter showed 110% increment at 20 wt% IPC. The change in properties was attributed to the compatibilization, toughening as well as reinforcing effects of the IPC phase in the modified blends. Melting and crystallization of the blends were studied by the DSC technique. Failure mechanisms and micro‐deformations accompanying the impact fracture process of the blends were closely examined, and the role of IPC in improving the toughness and fracture resistance of the modified blends was clarified. The results were interpreted in terms of interfacial strength, efficiency of stress transfer across the phase boundaries, and stability of plastic micro‐deformations during the fracture process. The results clearly demonstrate that simultaneous improvement in stiffness, strength and (impact) toughness of the incompatible rHDPE/rPP blend can be achieved by modification with a properly chosen IPC. The present work addresses some challenges, with respect to stiffness and strength, encountered with the use of conventional elastomeric and/or plastomeric olefin copolymers as common modifiers for polyolefin blends. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of telephone‐based cognitive behaviour therapy compared to treatment as usual CBT for cancer patients: Evidence from a small, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rodrigues Pedro , Watson Maggie , White Charlotte , Lynch Andrea , Mohammed Kabir , Sagoo Gurdeep S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveA previous equivalence randomised trial indicated that Telephone‐based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (T‐CBT) was not inferior to Treatment as Usual CBT (TAU‐CBT) delivered face to face in terms of psychological benefit with both groups showing post‐therapy improvements compared to pre‐therapy baseline. The aim here is to clarify costs and benefits through an economic evaluation of the two therapy models.MethodThe cost‐effectiveness analysis (cost per quality‐adjusted life year [QALY]) was derived from a single‐centre (UK‐based), two‐arm randomised control trial. Data from 78 patients were available for the main analysis, which includes both an NHS cost perspective and a societal perspective which includes the cost of time off work and any additional private care. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken, which included patients only completing the four core therapy sessions (46 patients) and considering only patients taking both core and the additional therapy sessions which were optional (32 patients).ResultsThe base‐case analysis, adopting an NHS perspective, showed that T‐CBT was associated with an incremental cost of £50 (95% CI: −£759 to £989) and a 0.03 QALY (95% CI: −0.09 to 0.03) decrement per patient when compared to TAU‐CBT. The analysis adopting a societal perspective yielded similar results, with T‐CBT providing an incremental cost of £171 (95% CI: −£769 to £1112) and a 0.03 QALY (95% CI: −0.08 to 0.03) decrement per patient in comparison to TAU‐CBT. The first sensitivity analysis, considering patients only taking the core therapy sessions, showed that T‐CBT provided an incremental cost of £100 (95% CI: −£945 to £1247) and yielded a decrement of 0.01 QALY (95% CI: −0.03 to 0.01) per patient compared to TAU‐CBT. The second sensitivity analysis, which focused solely on patients who also underwent optional sessions, showed that T‐CBT was associated with an incremental cost of £17 (95% CI: −£1307 to £1454) and a 0.04 QALY (95% CI: −0.11 to 0.03) decrement per patient when compared to TAU‐CBT.ConclusionsBased on this single trial, T‐CBT is not cost‐effective as a therapy option for cancer patients with high psychological needs when compared to TAU‐CBT.
Robust design under cumulative damage due to dynamic failure mechanisms
Authors: Engel Avner , Teller Amit , Shachar Shalom , Reich Yoram 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to broaden the practical notion of Taguchi's Quality Loss Function (QLF) from a static, one‐stage concept into a dynamic time‐varying tool. Taguchi challenged the old‐age notion of engineering tolerance and proposed a quadratic QLF that quantifies loss to society, caused by deviation of products and systems from their target values. Accordingly, design engineers attempt to set each technical parameter to minimize such systems' losses. Traditionally, failure mechanisms are assumed to affect systems' performance stochastically under a steady state. So often, technical parameters are set at the mid‐point between the lower and upper specification limits where they are least likely to cause a system failure. However, in reality, many failure mechanisms affect systems over time in a predictable and directional manner rather than stochastically. Such mechanisms are designated as “Directional Degrading Failure Mechanisms”. The paper describes an optimized robust design method based on setting the operating points of technical parameters to explicitly counteract the effects of such failure mechanisms. Then, the paper describes how to minimize the lifetime societal loss of a given system utilizing a cardiac pacemaker system. The consequence of this approach suggests an extension to the Taguchi's QLF from its current static confines to a dynamic, time‐varying concept achieving, in our example, ≈65% reduction in lifetime societal losses.