bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are polar bear habitat resource selection functions developed from 1985–1995 data still useful?
Authors: Durner George M. , Douglas David C. , Atwood Todd C. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Greenhouse‐gas‐induced warming in the Arctic has caused declines in sea ice extent and changed its composition, raising concerns by all circumpolar nations for polar bear conservation.

Negative impacts have been observed in three well‐studied polar bear subpopulations. Most subpopulations, however, receive little or no direct monitoring, hence, resource selection functions (RSF) may provide a useful proxy of polar bear distributions. However, the efficacy of RSFs constructed from past data, that is, reference RSFs, may be degraded under contemporary conditions, especially in a rapidly changing environment.

We assessed published Arctic‐wide reference RSFs using tracking data from adult female polar bears captured in the Beaufort Sea. We compared telemetry‐derived seasonal distributions of polar bears to RSF‐defined optimal sea ice habitat during the period of RSF model development, 1985–1995, and two subsequent periods with diminished sea ice: 1996–2006 and 2007–2016. From these comparisons, we assessed the applicability of the reference RSFs for contemporary polar bear conservation.

In the two decades following the 1985–1995 reference period, use and availability of optimal habitat by polar bears declined during the ice melt, ice minimum, and ice growth seasons. During the ice maximum season (i.e., winter), polar bears used the best habitat available, which changed relatively little across the three decades of study. During the ice melt, ice minimum, and ice growth seasons, optimal habitat in areas used by polar bears decreased and was displaced north and east of the Alaska Beaufort Sea coast. As optimal habitat diminished in these seasons, polar bears expanded their range and occupied greater areas of suboptimal habitat.

Synthesis and applications: Sea ice declines due to climate change continue to challenge polar bears and their conservation. The distribution of Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears remained similar during the ice maximum season, so the reference RSFs developed from data collected >20 years ago continue to accurately model their winter distribution. In contrast, reference RSFs for the ice transitional and minimum seasons showed diminished predictive efficacy but were useful in revealing that contemporary polar bears have been increasingly forced to use suboptimal habitats during those seasons.
Multiscale model of regional population decline in little brown bats due to white‐nose syndrome
Authors: Kramer Andrew M. , Teitelbaum Claire S. , Griffin Ashton , Drake John M. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

The introduced fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans is causing decline of several species of bats in North America, with some even at risk of extinction or extirpation. The severity of the epidemic of white‐nose syndrome caused by P. destructans has prompted investigation of the transmission and virulence of infection at multiple scales, but linking these scales is necessary to quantify the mechanisms of transmission and assess population‐scale declines.

We built a model connecting within‐hibernaculum disease dynamics of little brown bats to regional‐scale dispersal, reproduction, and disease spread, including multiple plausible mechanisms of transmission.

We parameterized the model using the approach of plausible parameter sets, by comparing stochastic simulation results to statistical probes from empirical data on within‐hibernaculum prevalence and survival, as well as among‐hibernacula spread across a region.

Our results are consistent with frequency‐dependent transmission between bats, support an important role of environmental transmission, and show very little effect of dispersal among colonies on metapopulation survival.

The results help identify the influential parameters and largest sources of uncertainty. The model also offers a generalizable method to assess hypotheses about hibernaculum‐to‐hibernaculum transmission and to identify gaps in knowledge about key processes, and could be expanded to include additional mechanisms or bat species.
The rise and fall of major royal jelly proteins during a honeybee (Apis mellifera) workers' life
Authors: Dobritzsch Dirk , Aumer Denise , Fuszard Matthew , Erler Silvio , Buttstedt Anja 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe genome of the western honeybee (Apis mellifera) harbors nine transcribed major royal jelly protein genes (mrjp1‐9) which originate from a single‐copy precursor via gene duplication. The first MRJP was identified in royal jelly, a secretion of the bees' hypopharyngeal glands that is used by young worker bees, called nurses, to feed developing larvae. Thus, MRJPs are frequently assumed to mainly have functions for developing bee larvae and to be expressed in the food glands of nurse bees. In‐depth knowledge on caste‐ and age‐specific role and abundance of MRJPs is missing. We here show, using combined quantitative real‐time PCR with quantitative mass spectrometry, that expression and protein amount of mrjp1‐5 and mrjp7 show an age‐dependent pattern in worker's hypopharyngeal glands as well as in brains, albeit lower relative abundance in brains than in glands. Expression increases after hatching until the nurse bee period and is followed by a decrease in older workers that forage for plant products. Mrjp6 expression deviates considerably from the expression profiles of the other mrjps, does not significantly vary in the brain, and shows its highest expression in the hypopharyngeal glands during the forager period. Furthermore, it is the only mrjp of which transcript abundance does not correlate with protein amount. Mrjp8 and mrjp9 show, compared to the other mrjps, a very low expression in both tissues. Albeit mrjp8 mRNA was detected via qPCR, the protein was not quantified in any of the tissues. Due to the occurrence of MRJP8 and MRJP9 in other body parts of the bees, for example, the venom gland, they might not have a hypopharyngeal gland‐ or brain‐specific function but rather functions in other tissues. Thus, mrjp1‐7 but not mrjp8 and mrjp9 might be involved in the regulation of phenotypic plasticity and age polyethism in worker honeybees.
Shaping the diversity of Th2 cell responses in epithelial tissues and its potential for allergy treatment
Authors: Matthias Julia , Zielinski Christina E. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTh2 cells have evolved to protect from large helminth infections and to exert tissue protective functions in response to nonmicrobial noxious stimuli. The initiation, maintenance, and execution of these functions depend on the integration of diverse polarizing cues by cellular sensors and molecular programs as well as the collaboration with cells that are coopted for signal exchange. The complexity of input signals and cellular collaboration generates tissue specific Th2 cell heterogeneity and specialization. In this review, we aim to discuss the advances and recent breakthroughs in our understanding of Th2 cell responses and highlight developmental and functional differences among T cells within the diversifying field of type 2 immunity. We will focus on factors provided by the tissue microenvironment and highlight factors with potential implications for the pathogenesis of allergic skin and lung diseases. Especially new insights into the role of immunometabolism, the microbiota and ionic signals enhance the complexity of Th2 cell regulation and warrant a critical evaluation. Finally, we will discuss how this ensemble of established knowledge and recent breakthroughs about Th2 immunobiology advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of allergic diseases and how this could be exploited for future immunotherapies.
Histogram partitioning algorithms for adaptive and autonomous threshold estimation in cognitive radio–based industrial wireless sensor networks
Authors: Onumanyi A. J. , Abu‐Mahfouz A. M. , Hancke G. P. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractModern energy detectors typically use adaptive threshold estimation algorithms to improve signal detection in cognitive radio–based industrial wireless sensor networks (CR‐IWSNs). However, a number of adaptive threshold estimation algorithms often perform poorly under noise uncertainty conditions since they are typically unable to auto‐adapt their parameter values per changing spectra conditions. Consequently, in this paper, we have developed two new algorithms to accurately and autonomously estimate threshold values in CR‐IWSNs under dynamic spectra conditions. The first algorithm is a parametric‐based technique termed the histogram partitioning algorithm, whereas the second algorithm is a fully autonomous variant termed the mean‐based histogram partitioning algorithm. We have evaluated and compared both algorithms with some well‐known methods under different CR sensing conditions. Our findings indicate that both algorithms maintained over 90% probability of detection in both narrow and wideband sensing conditions and less than 10% probability of false alarm under noise‐only conditions. Both algorithms are quick and highly scalable with a time complexity ofO(V), whereVis the total number of input samples. The simplicity, effectiveness, and viability of both algorithms make them typically suited for use in CR‐IWSN applications.
Effect of Moringa Oleifera leaf powder supplementation on reducing anemia in children below two years in Kisarawe District, Tanzania
Authors: Shija Angela E. , Rumisha Susan F. , Oriyo Ndekya M. , Kilima Stella P. , Massaga Julius J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAnemia is a nutritional disorder that affects mostly children below 2 years and is mainly contributed by iron deficiency. Moringa oleifera leaves are rich in iron and other essential nutrients necessary for iron metabolism. We investigated the effect of M. oleifera leaf powder supplementation on reducing anemia among children below 2 years. A community‐based interventional study was conducted that enrolled 95 anemic children who were followed for 6 months. The intervention communities received M. oleifera leaf powder and nutrition education, while control communities only received nutrition education. Changes on mean hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and anemia prevalence were compared between the two groups using t test and proportional test where appropriate. At baseline, the mean Hb concentrations of control and intervention groups were 7.9 g/dl  (SD = 1.3) and 8.3 g/dl (SD = 1.6) g/L, respectively (p‐value = 0.0943). After 6 months, anemia prevalence significantly decreased in the intervention group by 53.6% (100%–46.4%; p < 0.001) compared to 13.6% (100%–86.4%; p = 0.005) in control community. The mean Hb was 10.9 g/dl (95% CI: 10.2–11.4) for intervention and 9.4 g/dl (95% 7.8–10.1) for control (p‐value = 0.002). The effect was also observed in the reduction of the prevalence of moderate and severe anemia in the intervention communities by 68.2% and 77.9%, respectively, and by 23.3% and 56.9%, respectively, in the control communities. Increasing amount and time of using M. oleifera supplementation resulted to significant reduction in anemia cases therefore can be used as complementary solution in addressing anemia among children especially when the use of infant formulas and fortified food product is very poor.
Geochemical characteristics, depositional environment, and provenance attitude of the Middle Jurassic Yangye Formation lacustrine mudstones in Kashi Sag, south‐western Tarim Basin
Authors: Wang Jingbin , He Zhiliang , Zhu Dongya , Ding Qian 
Published: July 2019

Middle Jurassic mudstones from the Yangye Formation are widely exposed in the Kashi Sag and regarded as significant potential source rocks. Geochemical characteristics of mudstones in the Keziletao Depression have been analysed to decipher their source‐area weathering, provenance, tectonic setting, and depositional environment that have received significantly little attention. Mudstones are characterized by high Ca, U, Th, and REE contents when compared to those of PAAS. Their total REE abundances range from 155.2 to 234.2 ppm, with the enrichment of LREEs and distinct negative Eu anomalies, implying a principal felsic provenance. Various indicators (e.g., CIA, Th/Sc, ICV, and Rb/Sr) and A‐CN‐K ternary diagram suggest parental rocks experienced a moderate to intense chemical weathering degree and simple recycling and sorting. Furthermore, paleoenvironmental indexes (e.g., B, “S,” Sr/Ba, “C,” Sr/Cu, and V/(V + Ni)) indicate that they were likely deposited in a suboxic to anoxic freshwater setting, with semi‐arid to semi‐humid paleoclimatic conditions during the deposition of Yangye Formation. The geochemical data also demonstrate that the provenances were derived predominantly from the unroofing of felsic rocks with a minor intermediate supply. These parental rocks were commonly formed in the continental island arc, active continental margin, and/or collision tectonic settings. The results of this study, combined with published data, suggest the West Kunlun Orogen and thrusting zone to the west and south‐west of the basin were probably arrested to provide substantial detritus for sediments, stimulating a better understanding for the formation mechanism of the Yangye Formation sediments (especially for potential source rocks) in the Kashi Sag.
Comparing selected countries using sin tax policy in sustainable health financing: Implications for developing countries
Authors: Javadinasab Hamideh , Masoudi Asl Iravan , Vosoogh‐Moghaddam Abbas , Najafi Behzad 
Published: July 2019

SummaryBackgroundSustainable health financing is one of the main challenges of policy makers and planners. This study aimed at comparing the experiences of countries in using the sin tax policies for sustainable health financing resources.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted in two phases. First, a comparative study was carried out by searching databases from 1990 to 2017, and six countries (Thailand, England, Australia, the Philippines, South Africa, and Vietnam) were selected. Second, the existing Iranian high policy documents from 2005 to 2017 were reviewed deeply by using the content analysis method.ResultsThe sin tax, such as taxes on tobacco and alcohol, was one of the main policies to provide sustainable health financing in all selected countries. The Iranian health system had no significant‐related legal and political gap, but there were limitations in enforcing and implementing them. Finally, it is necessary to evaluate the policy and follow its effects up.ConclusionsThe main financial resources in the selected countries included health promotion funds with different names and goals which took taxes on harmful goods, tobacco, and alcohol. Weaknesses in implementing laws and monitoring them were the main reasons for the lack of sustainable financing.
Modifying the thermal performance of electrical distribution transformers using phase change materials (paraffin wax)
Authors: Hasan Mushtaq I. , Abduladheem Alaa Abdullah 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this paper, an electrical distribution transformer has been studied experimentally and a novel technique has been proposed to enhance its cooling performance by addition of paraffin wax to transformer oil using closed containers made of aluminum. These containers were immersed in the transformer oil. A 100 kVA transformer was used as a model for study because these transformers are widely used in the electricity distribution network in Iraq. As temperature rises, the phase change material (paraffin wax) absorbs heat and melts inside the containers at a constant temperature. This feature can be utilized to store heat for a period until the temperature for weather drops; then this heat is rejected, and the wax begins to solidify. In this experiment, five containers were used, each containing 2 kg of wax. The results showed a clear decrease in the temperature of the oil, which led to the enhancment of its thermal insulation and kept the oil from failure and the preserved the transformer from breakdown. The results showed that the reduction in temperature is approximately 7°C and the reduction increased upon increasing the amount of wax added.
Dynamics of nonuniform viscosity of unsteady CuO–H2O nanofluid flow from a spinning body
Authors: Giri Shib Sankar , Das Kalidas , Kundu Prabir Kumar 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis paper studies an unsteady rotating flow over a sphere. The substantial effect of nonuniform viscosity is accounted in the extant study. nanofluid is used in adopted nanofluid model. A comparative study among the upshot of nonuniform viscosity and uniform viscosity on present nanofluid model is established here. Primary equations of adopted model have been standardized through similarity methodology and the subsequent equations have been resolved numerically by expending an RK‐4 shooting exercise. The stimulus of encouraging flow parameters on the flow specific is made accurately through diagrams and charts. We witnessed that the heat transmission rate is intensified for unsteadiness factor of the present flow, which suggests that the rate of cooling improves. The unsteadiness factor supports the flow to upsurge in and the reverse consequence originates in the spinning direction. The heat transmission rate is higher in case of nonuniform viscosity than uniform viscosity.
Association of blood cell counts with the risk of olanzapine‐ or clozapine‐induced dyslipidemia in Chinese schizophrenia patients
Authors: Xiong Zongping , Cheng Ming , Zhu Peng , Huang Shiqiong , Guo Jun , Zhang Wei , Zhou Honghao , Shu Yan , Li Qing 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate correlation of peripheral blood cell counts with the dyslipidemia induced by olanzapine or clozapine in Chinese schizophrenia patients.MethodsA total of 703 eligible schizophrenia patients were enrolled . The counts of red blood cell (RBC), platelet, white blood cell (WBC) and its subtypes, and serum lipids were determined for all participants before and after 2–4 weeks of olanzapine or clozapine treatment.ResultsThe two representative second‐generation antipsychotics (SGAs), olanzapine and clozapine, markedly caused dyslipidemia in Chinese schizophrenia patients. The tertiles of total RBC counts were positively associated with the odds of having abnormal triglyceride (p < .01) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels (.05). The tertiles of platelet counts were also positively associated with the odds of having abnormal total cholesterol (.03), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < .01), HDL‐C (.01), and non‐HDL‐C (p < .01). However, the counts of WBC and its some subtypes were negatively correlated with the risk of dyslipidemia in these patients.ConclusionThe profile of peripheral blood cells may be an early biomarker for predicting the risk of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases in schizophrenia patients treated with SGAs.
Remediation of Eutrophic Aquatic Ecosystems: Evaluation of Phosphorus Adsorption by Sawdust
Authors: Pantano Glaucia , Souza Thaís CR , Pereira-Filho Edenir R , Fadini Pedro S , Mozeto Antonio A 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
A wide range of anthropogenic activities have caused various problems to the aquatic environment, leading to economic, social, and environmental losses. The use of materials for the recovery of water quality is very important due to the water scarcity scenario present in different parts of the world. The use of sawdust as an organic adsorbent for P removal in eutrophic environments attempts to address both water quality preservation and possible application of the organic adsorbent as fertilizer for agricultural practices. This use will result in important contributions to the water and food security. In this work, we performed laboratory experiments to study P adsorption and to evaluate possible adsorption of metals and emerging contaminants by sawdust. The experiments were carried out in 36 microcosms (glass jars), using 50% of the flasks as treatments (containing bags with sawdust) and the rest of the flasks as control (water and sediment without sawdust). For future application of sawdust as a fertilizer it is important to be aware of the presence of possible pathogenic microorganisms, thus the presence of helminth eggs was determined in the sawdust. The results showed the tendency of P adsorption by the biosorbent; maximum adsorption occurred at 214 d (41 μg P g–1), after the P desorption occurred. No helminth eggs or emerging contaminants and toxic metal were detected in the sawdust after its use as biosorbent, providing an important subsidy regarding the use of the biosorbent as soil fertilizer. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:1–12. © 2019 SETAC
Reducing drug and alcohol use and improving well‐being for Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians using the Community Reinforcement Approach: A feasibility and acceptability study
Authors: Calabria Bianca , Shakeshaft Anthony P. , Clifford Anton , Stone Chiara , Clare Philip J. , Allan Julaine , Bliss Donna 
Published: July 2019

There is a lack of evidence of effective and appropriate drug and alcohol treatment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This paper contributes to addressing the evidence gap by examining the feasibility and acceptability and conducting a pre/post‐evaluation of the Aboriginal‐adapted Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) delivered in New South Wales, Australia. Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal clients (n = 55) received tailored CRA delivery between March and November 2013. Compared to the original US version, tailored CRA had reduced technical language, reduced number of treatment sessions, and the addition of group delivery option. An Australian training manual with local case studies was developed. Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Test (ASSIST), Kessler‐5 (K‐5) and the Growth Empowerment Measure were used. 58% of participants were followed‐up at 3 months. Tailored CRA was feasible to deliver in a rural, community‐based health setting, and rated by clients as highly effective and acceptable. CRA was associated with statistically significant reductions in the use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, amphetamine and over the counter medication, and levels of psychological distress, and an increase in levels of empowerment for Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal clients. This study provides evidence for the feasibility and acceptability of an Aboriginal‐adapted psychological intervention addressing drug, alcohol and mental health outcomes.