bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different population trajectories of two reef‐building corals with similar life‐history traits
Authors: Shlesinger Tom , van Woesik Robert 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Increases in the frequency and intensity of acute and chronic disturbances are causing declines of coral reefs world‐wide. Although quantifying the responses of corals to acute disturbances is well documented, detecting subtle responses of coral populations to chronic disturbances is less common, but can also result in altered population and community structures.

We investigated the population dynamics of two key reef‐building Merulinid coral species, Dipsastraea favus and Platygyra lamellina, with similar life‐history traits, in the Gulf of Eilat and Aqaba, Red Sea from 2015 to 2018, to assess potential differences in their population trajectories.

Demographic processes, which included rates of survival, growth, reproduction and recruitment were used to parametrize integral projection models and estimate population growth rates and the likely population trajectories of both coral species.

The survival and reproduction rates of both D. favus and P. lamellina were positively related to coral colony size, and elasticity analyses showed that large colonies most influenced population dynamics. Although both species have similar life‐history traits and growth morphologies and are generally regarded as ‘stress‐tolerant’, the populations showed contrasting trajectories—D. favus appears to be increasing whereas P. lamellina appears to be decreasing.

As many corals have long‐life expectancies, the process of local and regional decline might be subtle and slow. Ecological assessments based on total living coral coverage, morphological groups or functional traits might overlook subtle, species‐specific trends. However, demographic approaches capable of detecting subtle species‐specific population changes can augment ecological studies and provide valuable early warning signs of decline before major coral loss becomes evident.
Asymmetric foraging lowers the trophic level and omnivory in natural food webs
Authors: Zheng Junjie , Brose Ulrich , Gravel Dominique , Gauzens Benoit , Luo Mingyu , Wang Shaopeng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Food webs capture the trophic relationships and energy fluxes between species, which has fundamental impacts on ecosystem functioning and stability. Within a food web, the energy flux distribution between a predator and its prey species is shaped by food quantity–quality trade‐offs and the contiguity of foraging. But the distribution of energy fluxes among prey species as well as its drivers and implications remain unclear.

Here we used 157 aquatic food webs, which contain explicit energy flux information, to examine whether a predator's foraging is asymmetric and biased towards lower or higher trophic levels, and how these patterns may change with trophic level. We also evaluate how traditional topology‐based approaches may over‐ or under‐estimate a predator's trophic level and omnivory by ignoring the asymmetric foraging patterns.

Our results demonstrated the prevalence of asymmetric foraging in natural aquatic food webs. Although predators prefer prey at higher trophic levels with potentially higher food quality, they obtain their energy mostly from lower trophic levels with a higher food quantity. Both tendencies, that is, stronger feeding preference for prey at higher trophic levels and stronger energetic reliance on prey at lower trophic levels are alleviated for predators at higher trophic levels.

The asymmetric foraging lowers trophic levels and omnivory at both species and food web levels, compared to estimates from traditional topology‐based approaches. Such overestimations by topology‐based approaches are most pronounced for predators at lower trophic levels and communities with higher number of trophic species.

Our study highlights the importance of energy flux information in understanding the foraging behaviour of predators as well as the structural complexity of natural food webs. The increasing availability of flux‐based food web data will thus provide new opportunities to reconcile food web structure, functioning and stability.
Histological sequence of the development of rat mesothelioma by MWCNT, with the involvement of apolipoproteins
Authors: Hojo Motoki , Yamamoto Yukio , Sakamoto Yoshimitsu , Maeno Ai , Ohnuki Aya , Suzuki Jin , Inomata Akiko , Moriyasu Takako , Taquahashi Yuhji , Kanno Jun , Hirose Akihiko , Nakae Dai 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA rat model of mesothelioma development by peritoneal injection of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) has been established and found to be useful to understand the mechanisms underlying fibrous particles‐associated carcinogenesis. Its detailed histological sequence, however, remains largely obscure. We therefore aimed to assess the time‐course of mesothelioma development by MWCNT and evaluate a set of lipoprotein‐related molecules as potential mechanism‐based biomarkers for the phenomenon. Male Fischer 344 rats were injected intraperitoneally (ip) with MWCNT (MWNT‐7) at 1 mg/kg body weight, and necropsied at 8, 16, 24, 32, or 42 wk after injection. For biochemical analyses of the lipoprotein‐related molecules, more samples, including severe mesothelioma cases, were obtained from 2 other carcinogenicity tests. Histologically, in association with chronic inflammation, mesothelial proliferative lesions appeared at c. Wk‐24. Before and at the beginning of the tumor development, a prominent infiltration of CD163‐positive cells was seen near mesothelial cells. The histological pattern of early mesothelioma was not a papillary structure, but was a characteristic structure with a spherical appearance, composed of the mesothelioma cells in the surface area that were underlain by connective tissue‐like cells. Along with the progression, mesotheliomas started to show versatile histological subtypes. Serum levels of apolipoprotein A‐I and A‐IV, and a ratio of HDL cholesterol to total cholesterol were inversely correlated with mesothelioma severity. Overall, the detailed histological sequence of mesotheliomagenesis by MWCNT is demonstrated, and indicated that the altered profile of apolipoproteins may be involved in its underlying mechanisms.
Effectiveness and safety of zinc oxide nanoparticle‐coated socks compared to uncoated socks for the prevention of pitted keratolysis: a double‐blinded, randomized, controlled trial study
Authors: Ongsri Punyawee , Leeyaphan Charussri , Limphoka Pichaya , Kiratiwongwan Rungsima , Bunyaratavej Sumanas 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundPitted keratolysis (PK) and bromodosis have negative impacts on the quality of life especially for military personnel. The antibacterial efficacy and safety of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) make them a suitable additive for textiles. We aim to establish the ability of ZnO‐NP‐coated socks to prevent PK and bromodosis in a real‐life setting.Materials and methodsA double‐blinded, randomized, controlled trial was conducted in January 2019. Naval cadets assigned to a 14‐day field training course were randomly allocated to either a ZnO‐NP‐coated or an uncoated‐sock group. They completed questionnaires evaluating behavioral risk factors and self‐assessed foot odor levels using a visual analogue scale (VAS); intervention‐blinded dermatologists also performed foot examinations. They reassessed their odor levels and had their feet re‐examined upon completion of the training course.ResultsThe 148 cadets enrolled for the study were allocated to two groups of 74 each. The ZnO‐NP‐coated sock participants demonstrated significantly less PK development than uncoated socks (P = 0.05). There was a reduction of the foot odor levels in both groups, as measured by the VAS, without statistical difference. However, the uncoated sock group experienced more foot odor with a significantly greater negative effect on their daily lives (P = 0.04) than the ZnO‐NP‐coated sock group.ConclusionsZnO‐NP‐coated socks proved their efficacy in inhibiting the development of PK for military personnel.
State‐of‐the‐art microscopy to understand islets of Langerhans: what to expect next?
Authors: de Boer Pascal , Giepmans Ben NG 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe discovery of Langerhans and microscopic description of islets in the pancreas were crucial steps in the discovery of insulin. Over the past 150 years, many discoveries in islet biology and type 1 diabetes have been made using powerful microscopic techniques. In the past decade, combination of new probes, animal and tissue models, application of new biosensors and automation of light and electron microscopic methods and other (sub)cellular imaging modalities have proven their potential in understanding the beta cell under (patho)physiological conditions. The imaging evolution, from fluorescent jellyfish to real‐time intravital functional imaging, the revolution in automation and data handling and the increased resolving power of analytical imaging techniques are now converging. Here, we review innovative approaches that address islet biology from new angles by studying cells and molecules at high spatiotemporal resolution and in live models. Broad implementation of these cellular imaging techniques will shed new light on cause/consequence of (mal)function in islets of Langerhans in the years to come.
Derivation of the Structural Integrity of Residual (SIR) glass model for the enhancement of waste loading
Authors: McClane Devon L. , Amoroso Jake W. , Hsieh Madison C. , Fox Kevin M. , Kruger Albert A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA new model based on glass structure to allow for enhanced waste loading in nuclear waste glass while maintaining chemical durability is proposed. The model is derived by splitting the molar concentrations of the targeted starting glass composition into theoretical crystalline phases anticipated to be observed during devitrification and a residual glass. An empirically derived relationship based on maintaining the residual glass structure, determined from a calculated non‐bridging oxygen content, was demonstrated to successfully screen glasses for acceptable durability. The proposed model can successfully identify durable glass compositions containing 20–35 wt% Al2O3, a concentration that would significantly increase the projected waste loading in glasses processed at the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant.
Snow depth and woody debris drive variation in small‐mammal winter seed removal
Authors: Guiden Peter W. , Orrock John L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsIn temperate forests, small increases in winter temperature can lead to substantial decreases in snow accumulation, which may alter plant–consumer interactions such as seed predation. However, seed predation by small mammals may also be affected by local habitat structure (e.g., downed woody debris). We tested whether the effect of snow depth on seed predation by small mammals depends on habitat structure (woody debris) that may influence small‐mammal foraging behavior.LocationNorthern temperate forests in Wisconsin, USA.MethodsWe performed a factorial manipulation of snow depth and woody debris presence at 10 sites that differed in site‐level ambient woody debris. At these sites, we monitored seed removal of four temperate tree species (Abies balsamea, Acer rubrum, Acer saccharum, Pinus resinosa).ResultsMean rates of winter seed removal varied among species, as did the effects of snow depth and woody debris. The presence of woody debris decreased Abies balsamea seed removal in plots with snow removed. Regardless of woody debris, snow removal increased Acer saccharum seed removal. Acer rubrum seed removal was lowest at sites with high site‐level woody debris volume, especially in plots with snow removed.ConclusionsWarming winter temperatures may amplify seed removal for some tree species, but local‐scale heterogeneity in woody debris may modify these effects. Because the effects of woody debris and snow removal were much stronger for some tree species than others, changes in seed removal associated with reduced future snow cover or changes in forest management may accelerate regional changes in forest composition.
Feminist Critical Hindu Studies in formation
Authors:   FCHS Collective
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article outlines the philosophy, methodology, and aims of Feminist Critical Hindu Studies (FCHS). We propose a series of strategies and commitments for change and action in the fields of South Asian Religions, Hindu Studies, and South Asian Studies. We draw on the work of scholars in Queer, Critical Race, and Feminist theories. We argue for a queering methodology that disorients us from and seeks to make visible the structures of knowledge and power on which Hinduism and Hindu Studies rest, including the intersecting processes of racialization, the regulation of sexuality and gender, and the violence of caste. We use the concept of Hindu formations to complicate the notions of “Hinduism” and “Hindus” as categories that not only arise in conjunction with forms of white supremacy and caste supremacy, but are imbricated with them. This approach allows us to explore how these categories have been used by various groups throughout history to empower and subjugate people. Driven by the theoretical frameworks of disorientation, intersectionality, and assemblage, FCHS reorients us in our relationship to Hindu Studies, as well as the spaces, practices, and people that inhabit academic institutions, newly attentive to who and what is missing. The work of FCHS is both academic and activist in nature: we call for ethical commitments to build meaningful relations of solidarity and allyship. Working against systemic oppression requires a willingness to interrogate our own positionalities and challenge our complicities.
In vivo determination of the Infrared‐A protection factor on human skin
Authors: Kim Su Ji , Lee Hyo Jin , Lee Ji Hyun , Oh Heemuk , Park Saerom , Lim Doo Hyeon , Park Myeong Sam , Lee Jun Bae 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundChronic exposure to infrared A (IR‐A) irradiation causes photoaging. However, daily or acute exposure to IR‐A rarely induces erythema or pigmentation. Thus, evaluation of the physiological changes taking place on the skin surface is insufficient for clinical investigations.Materials and methodsWe fabricated a novel device to obtain the IR‐A protection factor (IPF) on human skin. This device consists of an artificial light source that mimics the actual IR‐A intensity of sunlight, and a spectrophotometer to measure the spectral reflectance on the skin surface. The IPF can be determined by measuring the difference in spectral reflectance on the skin before and after the use of products and can be verified by the statistical criterion. A validation study was performed using different light intensities and two experimenters. Finally, we monitored the IPF on 12 commercial cosmetics.ResultsAfter considering the IPF and L*‐values, we selected the optimal sample and performed a validation study. Neither the intensity of IR‐A irradiation or the experimenters significantly affected the IPF. 12 commercial products exhibited their own IPF values and were verified by statistical criteria, with one exception.ConclusionThe present IPF evaluation method was concluded to be robust and reliable. This method is simple and safe for the subjects, and could be helpful for the development of IR‐A protection products and the confirmation of product performances.
Limited specificity of commercially available SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG ELISAs in serum samples of African origin
Authors: Emmerich Petra , Murawski Carolin , Ehmen Christa , von Possel Ronald , Pekarek Neele , Oestereich Lisa , Duraffour Sophie , Pahlmann Meike , Struck Nicole , Eibach Daniel , Krumkamp Ralf , Amuasi John , Maiga‐Ascofaré Oumou , Rakotozandrindrainy Raphael , Asogun Danny , Ighodalo Yemisi , Kann Simone , May Jürgen , Tannich Egbert , Deschermeier Christina 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesSpecific serological tests are mandatory for reliable SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnostics and seroprevalence studies. Here, we assess the specificities of four commercially available SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG ELISAs in serum/plasma panels originating from Africa, South America, and Europe.Methods882 serum/plasma samples collected from symptom‐free donors before the COVID‐19 pandemic in three African countries (Ghana, Madagascar, Nigeria), Colombia, and Germany were analysed with three nucleocapsid‐based ELISAs (Euroimmun Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2‐NCP IgG, EDI™ Novel Coronavirus COVID‐19 IgG, Mikrogen recomWell SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG), one spike/S1‐based ELISA (Euroimmun Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG), and in‐house common cold CoV ELISAs.ResultsHigh specificity was confirmed for all SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG ELISAs for Madagascan (93.4–99.4%), Colombian (97.8–100.0%), and German (95.9–100.0%) samples. In contrast, specificity was much lower for the Ghanaian and Nigerian serum panels (Ghana: NCP‐based assays 77.7–89.7%, spike/S1‐based assay 94.3%; Nigeria: NCP‐based assays 39.3–82.7%, spike/S1‐based assay 90.7%). 15 of 600 African sera were concordantly classified as positive in both the NCP‐based and the spike/S1‐based Euroimmun ELISA, but did not inhibit spike/ACE2 binding in a surrogate virus neutralisation test. IgG antibodies elicited by previous infections with common cold CoVs were found in all sample panels, including those from Madagascar, Colombia, and Germany and thus do not inevitably hamper assay specificity. Nevertheless, high levels of IgG antibodies interacting with OC43 NCP were found in all 15 SARS‐CoV‐2 NCP/spike/S1 ELISA positive sera.ConclusionsDepending on the chosen antigen and assay protocol, SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG ELISA specificity may be significantly reduced in certain populations probably due to interference of immune responses to endemic pathogens like other viruses or parasites.
Food insecurity and depression: a cross‐sectional study of a multi‐site urban youth cohort in Durban and Soweto, South Africa
Authors: Jesson Julie , Dietrich Janan , Beksinska Mags , Closson Kalysha , Nduna Mzikazi , Smit Jenni , Brockman Mark , Ndung'u Thumbi , Gray Glenda , Kaida Angela 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of food insecurity and the independent association between depression and food insecurity among youth living in two urban settings in South Africa.MethodsBaseline cross‐sectional survey data was analysed from a prospective cohort study conducted between 2014 and 2016 among youth (aged 16–24 years) in Soweto and Durban. Interviewer‐administered questionnaires collecting socio‐demographic, sexual and reproductive health and mental health data were conducted. Household food insecurity was measured using the 3‐item Household Hunger Scale, with food insecure participants defined as having ‘moderate’ or ‘severe hunger’ compared to ‘no hunger’. Depression was assessed using the 10‐item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES‐D 10) Scale (range 0–30, probable depression ≥ 10). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between depression and food insecurity.ResultsThere were 422 participants. Median age was 19 years (interquartile range [IQR] 18–21) and 60% were women. Overall, 18% were food insecure and 42% had probable depression. After adjustment for socio‐demographic variables (age, gender, female‐headed household, household size and school enrolment), participants with probable depression had higher odds of being food insecure than non‐depressed participants (2.79, 95%CI 1.57–4.94).ConclusionNearly one‐fifth of youth in this study were food insecure. Those with probable depression had increased odds of food insecurity. Interventions are needed to address food insecurity among urban youth in South Africa, combining nutritional support and better access to quality food with mental health support.
Dévisser, découper, éclater et aplatir les espaces de Berkovich
Authors: Ducros Antoine 
Published: March 2021

RésuméNous développons dans cet article des techniques d'aplatissement des faisceaux cohérents en géométrie de Berkovich, en nous inspirant de la stratégie générale que Raynaud et Gruson ont mise en œuvre pour traiter le problème analogue en théorie des schémas. Nous donnons ensuite quelques applications à l’étude des morphismes entre espaces analytiques compacts, et obtenons notamment une description de l'image d'un tel morphisme.
A Method for Designing Ball Wheels for Omnidirectional Vehicles
Authors: West Mark , Asada Haruhiko 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A method for designing ball wheel mechanisms for vehicles with omnidirectional motion capability is presented in this paper. A ball wheel mechanism holds a spherical tire while allowing it to rotate with two degrees of freedom such that it may roll in an arbitrary direction on the floor. This paper concerns a particular class of ball wheel mechanisms which hold a spherical tire in a special arrangement of rollers. Due to point contacts between these rollers and the tire, and between the tire and the ground, specific considerations are required to achieve large payload capacity and traction as well as high position control accuracy. First, we review the kinematic conditions for theoretical functionality of the class of ball wheels and describe a proof-of-concept prototype vehicle. Starting from the generalized ball wheel mechanism, we then identify a subset of designs that contains the optimal ball wheel mechanisms for most applications. Within this subset, the design is optimized by parameterizing the design space. By analyzing the phenomena relating the design parameters to three performance indices — payload capacity, acceleration and repeatability — a surface can found in the performance space that represents the maximum ball wheel performance for all permutations of the design parameters. This surface will be used by vehicle designers to evaluate ball wheel performance in comparison with other omnidirectional drive mechanisms. A simple lookup table can then be used to find the design parameter values which provide desired performance.
An Overview of Engineering Concepts and Current Design Algorithms for Probabilistic Structural Analysis
Authors: Duffy S. F. , Hu J. , Hopkins D. A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The article begins by examining the fundamentals of traditional deterministic design philosophy. The initial section outlines the concepts of failure criteria and limit state functions, two traditional notions that are embedded in deterministic design philosophy. This is followed by a discussion regarding safety factors (a possible limit state function) and the common utilization of statistical concepts in deterministic engineering design approaches. Next, the fundamental aspects of a probabilistic failure analysis are explored, and it is shown that deterministic design concepts mentioned in the initial portion of the article are embedded in probabilistic design methods. For components fabricated from ceramic materials (and other similarly brittle materials) the probabilistic design approach yields the widely used Weibull analysis after suitable assumptions are incorporated. The authors point out that Weibull analysis provides the rare instance where closed form solutions are available for a probabilistic failure analysis. Since numerical methods are usually required to evaluate component reliabilities, a section on Monte Carlo methods is included to introduce the concept. The article concludes with a presentation of the technical aspects that support the numerical method known as fast probability integration (FPI). This includes a discussion of the Hasofer-Lind and Rackwitz-Fiessler approximations.