bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accounting for sources of uncertainty when forecasting population responses to climate change
Authors: Zylstra Erin R. , Zipkin Elise F. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn Focus: Jaatinen, K., Westerbom, M., Norkko, A., Mustonen, O., & Koons, D. N. (2021). Detrimental impacts of climate change may be exacerbated by density‐dependent population regulation in blue mussels. Journal of Animal Ecology, 90, 562–573, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2656.13377. Conservation strategies for threatened species are increasingly dependent on forecasts of population responses to climate change. For such forecasts to be accurate, they must account for multiple sources of uncertainty, including those associated with projections of future climate scenarios and those associated with the models used to describe population dynamics. While many population forecasts incorporate parameter uncertainty in abiotic effects and process variance related to unexplained temporal variation, most forecasts overlook the importance of evaluating uncertainty in the structure of the population model itself. By accounting for structural uncertainties in a model of population growth for blue mussels, Jaatinen et al. (2021) demonstrated that density‐dependent processes are likely to exacerbate adverse effects of climate change and reduce population viability of this keystone species. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating structural unknowns in population forecasts and the value of approaches that account for multiple sources of climate and model uncertainties. Forecasts that capture a range of possible population trajectories under climate change will help ensure efficient allocation of limited conservation resources.
Low‐dose colchicine in type 2 diabetes with microalbuminuria: A double‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Wang Yue , Peng Xiaoqiong , Hu Jinbo , Luo Ting , Wang Zhihong , Cheng Qingfeng , Mei Mei , He Wenwen , Peng Chuan , Ma Linqiang , Gong Lilin , Yang Shumin , Li Qifu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundNeutrophil‐related chronic inflammation (NRCI) may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). We evaluated whether blocking NRCI with low‐dose colchicine prevents DKD.MethodsA double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study was conducted. A total of 160 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and microalbuminuria (urinary albumin creatinine ratio [UACR] 30 to 300 mg/g Cr) who received angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) for at least 3 months were included. Subjects were 1:1 randomized to a placebo or colchicine group (0.5 mg/day).ResultsThe primary end point was the incidence of overt nephropathy (UACR > 300 mg/g Cr). During the 36 months, 38 patients (51.4%) in colchicine group and 39 (54.1%) in the control group developed overt nephropathy (hazard ratio, 1.066; 95% confidence interval, 0.679‐1.673; P = .78). Compared with placebo, colchicine modestly lowered levels of NRCI parameters (P values <.05 for high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts, and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio), whereas the changes of UACR and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were similar between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in drug‐related adverse events, including infection, gastrointestinal symptoms, and limb numbness.ConclusionsIn patients with T2D with microalbuminuria, low‐dose colchicine effectively and safely lowered NRCI but did not prevent the incidence of overt nephropathy.
Radiographic anatomy of the heart of fruit bats
Authors: Rahma Anisa , Hanadhita Desrayni , Prawira Andhika Yudha , Rahmiati Dwi Utari , Gunanti Gunanti , Maheshwari Hera , Satyaningtijas Aryani Sismin , Agungpriyono Srihadi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAs the only mammal that can fly, bats have organ systems with a unique morphophysiology. One of the highlights is the heart and blood circulation system, which must be able to meet the needs of blood and oxygen supply when flying. This study examined the radiography of the normal condition of the heart organ in 3 species of fruit bats, namely Cynopterus titthaecheilus, Cynopterus brachyotis and Rousettus leschenaultii using radiological silhouette analysis and clock analogy. The results showed that the heart positions of the three bat species tend to be tilted to the left with the apex moving away from the midsagittal plane. Analysis of intercostal space (ICS) value and vertebral heart score (VHS), and evaluation of radiographic features showed R. leschenaultii has a relatively larger heart size than the other two species. All three bat species have a higher VHS than mammals in general. Radiographic images obtained, and interpretation results show the position, size and normal heart parts of the three bat species. They will be useful in diagnostic efforts related to heart problems in these three species.
Trends and cycles in macro series: The case of US real GDP
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Gil‐Alana Luis Alberiko 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper proposes a new modeling framework capturing both the long‐run and the cyclical components of a time series. As an illustration, we apply it to four US macro series, namely, annual and quarterly real gross domestic product (GDP) and GDP per capita. The results indicate that the behavior of US GDP can be captured accurately by a model incorporating both stochastic trends and stochastic cycles that allows for some degree of persistence in the data. Both appear to be mean reverting, although the stochastic trend is nonstationary, while the cyclical component is stationary, with cycles repeating themselves every 6–10 years.
The utility of PRAME immunohistochemistry in the evaluation of challenging melanocytic tumors
Authors: Alomari Ahmed K. , Tharp Andrew W. , Umphress Brandon , Kowal Rachel P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundPRAME (PReferentially expressed Antigen in Melanoma) immunohistochemistry has demonstrated high specificity for unequivocal melanomas; however, its utility in ambiguous melanocytic neoplasms has yet to be fully elucidated.MethodsCases of challenging melanocytic neoplasms were subclassified into one of three categories: challenging, favor benign (FB), challenging, cannot be subclassified (CCS), or challenging, favor malignant (FM). Using a previously published system, whereby cases with diffuse staining (>75%) were considered positive, scoring of PRAME was performed. Additionally, tumors with hotspot staining were also considered positive.ResultsSixteen out of 85 tumors showed positive staining representing 5% of FB tumors, 24% of CCS tumors, and 47% of FM. In FB and CCS tumors, positive staining was mainly encountered in atypical intraepidermal melanocytic proliferations and spitzoid neoplasms. The specificity of positive PRAME staining was 95% and its concordance with the final diagnostic interpretation was 75%.ConclusionsPRAME positivity is more common in neoplasms favored to be malignant by histopathologic evaluation. Its clinical utility may include early diagnosis of incipient melanoma in situ. Rarely, benign melanocytic neoplasms could show diffuse expression of PRAME, and additional studies are needed to determine optimal utilization. Lastly, hotspot staining may increase its sensitivity without much compromise in specificity.
High complexity of Glutamine synthetase regulation in Methanosarcina mazei: Small protein 26 interacts and enhances glutamine synthetase activity
Authors: Gutt Miriam , Jordan Britta , Weidenbach Katrin , Gudzuhn Mirja , Kiessling Claudia , Cassidy Liam , Helbig Andreas , Tholey Andreas , Pyper Dennis Joshua , Kubatova Nina , Schwalbe Harald , Schmitz Ruth Anne 
Published: March 2021

Small ORF (sORF)‐encoded small proteins have been overlooked for a long time due to challenges in prediction and distinguishing between coding‐ and noncoding‐predicted sORFs and in their biochemical detection and characterization. We report on the first biochemical and functional characterization of a small protein (sP26) in the archaeal model organism Methanosarcina mazei, comprising 23 amino acids. The corresponding encoding leaderless mRNA (spRNA26) is highly conserved on nucleotide level as well as on the coded amino acids within numerous Methanosarcina strains strongly arguing for a cellular function of the small protein. spRNA26 level is significantly enhanced under nitrogen limitation, but also under oxygen and salt stress conditions. Using heterologously expressed and purified sP26 in independent biochemical approaches [pull‐down by affinity chromatography followed by MS analysis, reverse pull‐down, microscale thermophoresis, size‐exclusion chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) analysis], we observed that sP26 interacts and forms complexes with M. mazei glutamine synthetase (GlnA1) with high affinity (app. KD = 0.76 µm± 0.29 µm). Moreover, seven amino acids were identified by NMR analysis to directly interact with GlnA1. Upon interaction with sP26, GlnA1 activity is significantly stimulated, independently and in addition to the known activation by the metabolite 2‐oxoglutarate (2‐OG). Besides, strong interaction of sP26 with the PII‐like protein GlnK1 was demonstrated (app. KD = 2.9 µm ± 0.9 µm). On the basis of these findings, we propose that in addition to 2‐OG, sP26 enhances GlnA1 activity under nitrogen limitation most likely by stabilizing the dodecameric structure of GlnA1.
Classifying human influences on terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Rillig Matthias C. , Ryo Masahiro , Lehmann Anika 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHuman activity is affecting every ecosystem on Earth, with terrestrial biodiversity decreasing rapidly. Human influences materialize in the form of numerous, jointly acting factors, yet the experimental study of such joint impacts is not well developed. We identify the absence of a systematic ordering system of factors according to their properties (traits) as an impediment to progress and offer an a priori trait‐based factor classification to illustrate this point, starting at the coarsest level with the physical, biological or chemical nature of factors. Such factor classifications can serve in communication of science, but also can be used as heuristic tools to develop questions and formulate new hypotheses, or as predictors of effects, which we explore here. We hope that classifications such as the one proposed here can help shift the spotlight on the multitude of anthropogenic changes affecting ecosystems, and that such classifications can be used to help unravel joint impacts of a great number of factors.
Are Malaysian TVET graduates ready for the future?
Authors: Kenayathulla Husaina Banu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCurrently, we are at the beginning of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where the rapid developments in genetics, artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology, 3D printing and biotechnology are growing rapidly. It is expected that the majority of the children entering primary school today might end up working in jobs that do not yet exist. In such a fast‐changing employment landscape, the ability to prepare for future skills will be required to take advantage of the opportunities presented by these trends. National Dual Training System has been implemented by the Ministry of Human Resource to ensure TVET graduates are equipped with the employability skills needed in the job market. Questionnaires were distributed to employers from different training institutions, industries and agencies. The employers were to evaluate the level of employability skills obtained by the graduates that had gone through the National Dual Training System and then, the employers were asked to identify employability skills needed to meet employment demands in the Fourth Industry Revolution. The findings provide insights to the policymakers and curriculum developers on the appropriate interventions that need to be taken to ensure our graduates are well equipped with the employability skills needed for the future.
Urban nestlings have reduced number of feathers in Great Tits (Parus major)
Authors: Sándor Krisztina , Liker András , Sinkovics Csenge , Péter Áron , Seress Gábor 
Published: March 2021

The plumage of birds plays an essential role in thermal insulation and influences the heat tolerance of birds. These plumage functions are mainly determined by the number and the density of feathers, but it is unclear how feather density responds to environmental changes in wild populations. In urban birds, both high temperature and limited food could generate changes in plumage traits. To investigate the effect of urbanization, we compared the number of feathers in nestlings between urban and forest Great Tits Parus major using a novel non‐invasive method. We showed that urban nestlings have fewer feathers than forest nestlings at 6–9 days old. Although the density of feathers was slightly higher in urban nestlings, this was the result of the smaller size of their feather tracts. We suggest that the reduced feather number may be the result of adaptation to higher urban temperatures, constrained feather development due to limited optimal nestling‐food sources in urban environments, or both. Concentrating body feathers in a reduced tract area may also help birds to adapt to higher urban temperatures because this can increase the relative size of bare body surfaces, which may facilitate heat dissipation. We suggest several possibilities for future studies that would help to disentangle the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed patterns.
Individualized education focusing on self‐management improved the knowledge and self‐management behaviour of elderly people with atrial fibrillation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Oh Yun Hee , Hwang Seon Young 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimThis study examined the effect of an individualized educational intervention on the knowledge, attitudes and self‐management ability after 12 weeks for outpatients with atrial fibrillation.MethodsA randomized control‐group pretest‐post‐test experimental design was used. Elderly outpatients with atrial fibrillation aged over 65 years were recruited from a university hospital in Korea. The experimental group received a 50‐min individualized education on self‐management, one telephone counselling after 8 weeks and maintenance of a self‐management diary for 12 weeks. Data were collected from November 2017 to April 2018 and analysed using SPSS 22.0 for descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing.ResultsThe participants' mean age was 71.9 (4.6) years. Compared to the control group (n = 29), the experimental group (n = 31) showed a significantly greater improvement in knowledge regarding atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention (t = −2.27, p = .027) and self‐management behaviours (t = −8.02, p < .001). There were no significant group differences in attitudes towards atrial fibrillation.ConclusionThe findings suggest that education for elderly people with atrial fibrillation should be individualized, focusing on self‐management in daily life to prevent cardiovascular complications. Future research is needed to confirm the long‐term effects of such education programmes.
Acetate and auto‐inducing peptide are independent triggers of quorum sensing in Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Meng Fanqiang , Lu Fengxia , Du Hechao , Nie Ting , Zhu Xiaoyu , Connerton Ian F. , Zhao Haizhen , Bie Xiaomei , Zhang Chong , Lu Zhaoxin , Lu Yingjian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe synthesis of plantaricin in Lactobacillus plantarum is regulated by quorum sensing. However, the nature of the extra‐cytoplasmic (EC) sensing domain of the histidine kinase (PlnB1) and the ability to recognize the auto‐inducing peptide PlnA1 is not known. We demonstrate the key motif Ile‐Ser‐Met‐Leu of auto‐inducing peptide PlnA1 binds to the hydrophobic region Phe‐Ala‐Ser‐Gln‐Phe of EC loop 2 of PlnB1 via hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. Moreover, we identify a new inducer, acetate, that regulates the synthesis of plantaricin by binding to a positively charged region (Arg‐Arg‐Tyr‐Ser‐His‐Lys) in loop 4 of PlnB1 via electrostatic interaction. The side chain of Phe143 on loop 4 determined the specificity and affinity of PlnB1 to recognize acetate. PlnA1 activates quorum sensing in log phase growth and acetate in stationary phase to maintain the synthesis of plantaricin under conditions of reduced growth. Acetate activation of PlnB was also evident in four types of PlnB present in different Lb. plantarum strains. Finally, we proposed a model to explain the developmental regulation of plantaricin synthesis by PlnA and acetate. These results have potential applications in improving food fermentation and bacteriocin production.
Awe, wonder, and the human mind
Authors: Shiota Michelle N. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe human mind is unique in its ability to form, store, and manipulate elaborate conceptual models of the world; yet these models have vast, inevitable gaps. Where the models end, the potential for wonder and awe begins. Psychology research has begun to uncover distinctive implications of awe for how we perceive our environment and ourselves. More science investigating basic features of awe is needed to fulfill its promise for improving the human experience. Awe, accessible in everyday life, can be a valuable tool for enhancing well‐being.
Effectiveness of a 30‐year periodontist’s primary care for 1946 patients during five‐year follow‐up
Authors: Lai Hongmin , Yen Amy Ming‐Fang , Chen Sam Li‐Sheng , Chen Tony Hsiu‐Hsi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of the periodontal primary care (PPC) on the improvement of periodontal probing depth based on a periodontist's 30‐year practice.Materials and MethodsWe enrolled a total of 2,894 patients who underwent periodontal basic treatment between 1987 and 2017 with 84.5% retention rate. The study population was composed of 80% (n = 1,946) of retained patients with complete re‐evaluation up to five‐year follow‐up. The outcome was measured by the improvement of probing depths (graded as 1:1–3 mm; 2:4–6 mm; 3: ≥7 mm) before and after PPC on both sextant and patient levels. Whether a better improvement was seen in the surgical group and the non‐smoker group opposed to their comparators was assessed with various multi‐variable regression models.ResultsOn patient (sextant) level, 82% (38%) improved, 13% (59%) unchanged, and 5% (3%) deteriorated. Adjusted better improvement of probing depth was noted for the surgical group by 63% and non‐smoker by 31% compared with their counterparts. The similar findings were found for the outcomes based on continuous probing depth scores.ConclusionsWe demonstrate the improvement of probing depth scores with a periodontal primary care offered for the retained patients and larger effect for the surgical group and non‐smoker patients.
The Failure of Foreign Policy Entrepreneurs in the Trump Administration
Authors: Haar Roberta N. , Krebs Lutz F. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOne of the most important decisions a president will make after an election is what kind of relationship he/she will have with cabinet secretaries and agency heads. Will the president be controlling or autonomy giving? George H. W. Bush created a contractor presidency, one that subcontracted management to important officials, giving them considerable freedom, making them policy entrepreneurs. Yet, when it came time to support initiatives, Bush did not back his policy entrepreneurs, which ultimately led to policy failure. Bush's approach to government is informative because of its similarities with Donald J. Trump's strategy, who also created a contractor presidency. But Trump prevented those same executives from building their own teams and gave equivocal, or even contradictory, responses to their policy initiatives. Just as Bush's unsupportive relationship with his policy entrepreneurs led to policy defeat, Trump's contradicting connection with his policy entrepreneurs also resulted in policy failure.Related ArticlesDolan, Chris J. 2008. “The Shape of Elite Opinion on U.S. Foreign Policy, 1992 to 2004.” Politics & Policy 36 (4): 542‐585. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00121.x/abstractHaar, Roberta. 2010. “Explaining George W. Bush's Adoption of the Neoconservative Agenda after 9/11.” Politics & Policy 38 (5): 965‐990. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00265.x/abstract
Pyrolysis of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Bisphenol-A-Polycarbonate in a Laboratory Scale Thermal Destruction Facility
Authors: Missoum A. , Gupta A. K. , Keating E. L. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Results of pyrolysis tests are presented from a laboratory scale thermal destruction facility on samples containing varying composition of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and bisphenol-A-polycarbonate (PC) mixed with non-plastic material (cellulose). Equilibrium thermochemical calculations were performed under conditions of pyrolysis. Temperature was varied from 600 to 1400K. Data provided the effect of temperature and the chemical composition of the surrogate solid waste on the emissions of NOx, CO, CO2, HC and O2. Increase in temperature enhances thermal destruction behavior of the surrogate waste which results in maximum volume reduction of the waste and an increase in the volume and heating value of the product gases. The numerical calculations using equilibrium conditions show similar trends to those obtained experimentally. Under pyrolysis conditions, the measured levels of CO, CO2 and HC were lower than the calculated ones in the temperature range of 700–1000K and higher in the 1100–1400K range. In all tests the measured O2 concentrations were higher than the calculated results. In general the level of CO was found to be very high while CO2 decreased with an increase in temperature. These results suggest that the composition of the waste as well as the conditions under which the thermal destruction process takes place, (i.e., temperature and rate of heating) affects thermal destruction. These results reveal significant effect of controlled pyrolysis on the amount and nature of species formed. This information can assist in developing strategies for the design and operation of thermal destruction facilities.
Design and Manufacturing of Sheet Metal Parts: Using Features to Resolve Manufacturability Problems
Authors: Bourne David A. , Wang Cheng-Hua 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper describes a system for the design and production of sheet metal parts. We have designed over sixty test parts with our “Parallel Design” system, and the features are automatically generated as the design progresses. After the design is complete, our automatic process planning system uses the features and generates new ones to aid the production of a near-minimum manufacturing cost plan. Finally, these plans are used to produce parts on an automatic bending system.
The results of our Intelligent Bending Workstation outperform human experts in many cases, while achieving a key goal; to complete planning and production in less than 30 minutes. In industry, this process can take substantially longer (in some cases, weeks).
Once a plan is produced it can be used to produce the part, and to provide feedback to design and other factory systems. Several key manufacturing problems are considered and the result of planning is used to resolve these problems.