bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term treatment with metformin in type 2 diabetes and vitaminDlevels:Apost‐hocanalysis of a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Out Mattijs , Top Wiebe M. C. , Lehert Philippe , Schalkwijk Casper A. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Kooy Adriaan 
Published: April 2018

AimsTo study the effects of metformin, as compared to placebo, on serum levels of vitamin D (25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]) in patients with advanced type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsIn the HOME trial, a randomized placebo‐controlled trial, 390 insulin‐treated patients with type 2 diabetes were treated with 850 mg metformin or placebo thrice daily for 52 months. In apost‐hocanalysis, we examined changes in the combined levels of 25(OH)D2and 25(OH)D3at 4 and 16 months during the study.ResultsMean combined 25(OH)D at baseline was 68.2 nmoL/L (95% confidence interval [CI]: 65.5‐71.1). In mixed model analysis, metformin, as compared to placebo, had no effect on 25(OH)D levels during 16 months (coefficient: 1.002 per month, multiplicative model; 95% CI: 0.998‐1.006,P = .30). Metformin was associated with a small increase of 25(OH)D2(coefficient: 1.012 per month; 95% CI: 1.003‐1.021,P = .008). However, 25(OH)D2is only a very small fraction (3%) of 25(OH)D. Seasonal variation had the biggest impact on 25(OH)D levels. Vitamin B12 levels were not associated with the levels of 25(OH)D.ConclusionMetformin had no effect on serum 25(OH)D during 16 months in the setting of a clinical randomized controlled trial in patients with type 2 diabetes. Our results show that metformin doesn't lead to vitamin D deficiency.
Explaining global insect species richness: lessons from a decade of macroevolutionary entomology
Authors: Mayhew Peter J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe last 10 years have seen more research on insect macroevolution than all the previous years combined. Here, I summarize and criticise the claims that have been made by comparative phylogenetic and fossil studies, and identify some future opportunities. We know the fossil record and phylogeny of insects much better than we did 10 years ago. We cannot simply ascribe the richness of insects, or their subtaxa, to either age or diversification rate. There is evidence that fossil family richness peaked much earlier than previously suspected. Phylogenetic evidence, however, suggests that species‐level net diversification rates are accelerating, though this is highly variable across taxa, implying ongoing changes in global taxonomic composition. Although there is evidence that wings and metamorphosis have had some macroevolutionary effects, the most definitive broad phylogenetic study does not suggest that they directly elevated net diversification of species. There is little evidence that insect body size influences net diversification rate. Compared to other phyla, arthropod richness, of which insects comprise the major part, is best explained by non‐marine habit, presence of parasitic lifestyles, a skeleton, vision, and dioecy. Herbivory cannot yet robustly be said to increase diversification over other diets across all insects: there are contrary analyses, and effects differ in different taxa. Many phylogenetic studies now document how it sometimes does: from co‐speciation, to diffuse co‐evolution with host shifting. The last decade has shown that climate change and biogeographic processes are likely important in generating or limiting insect diversification, but there is a need for greater statistical rigour in such studies. There is also a need to understand the validity of some widely used statistical methods better, and to make better use of the data and methods that exist. Macroevolutionary entomology could greatly benefit from online data integration platforms to facilitate analyses of broader scope.
Food web associations and effect of trophic resources and environmental factors on parasitoids expanding their host range into non‐native hosts
Authors: Murillo Pacheco Henry , Vanlaerhoven Sherah L. , Marcos García M. Ángeles , Hunt David W. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTrophic interactions and environmental conditions determine the structure of food webs and the host expansion of parasitoids into novel insect hosts. In this study, we investigate plant–insect–parasitoid food web interactions, specifically the effect of trophic resources and environmental factors on the presence of the parasitoids expanding their host range after the invasion ofChrysodeixis chalcites(Esper) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae). We also consider potential candidates for biological control of this non‐native pest. A survey of larval stages ofPlusiinae (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) and their larval parasitoids was conducted in field and vegetable greenhouse crops in 2009 and 2010 in various locations of Essex and Chatham‐Kent counties inOntario,Canada. Twenty‐one plant–host insect–host parasitoid associations were observed amongTrichoplusia ni(Hübner) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae),C. chalcites, and larval parasitoids in three trophic levels of interaction.Chrysodeixis chalcites, an old‐world species that had just arrived in the region, was the most common in our samples. The larval parasitoidsCampoletis sonorensis(Cameron) (Hymenoptera:Ichneumonidae),Cotesia vanessae(Reinhard),Cotesiasp.,Microplitis alaskensis(Ashmead), andMeteorus rubens(Nees) (allHymenoptera:Braconidae) expanded their host range intoC. chalciteschanging the structure of the food web.Copidosoma floridanum(Ashmead) (Hymenoptera:Encyrtidae) was the most common parasitoid ofT. nithat was not found in the invasive species. Plant species, host abundance, and agro‐ecosystem were the most common predictors for the presence of the parasitoids expanding their host range intoC. chalcites. Our results indicate thatC. sonorensis,C. vanessae, andC. floridanumshould be evaluated for their potential use in biological control ofC. chalcitesandT. ni.
Interrelation of mating, flight, and fecundity in navel orangeworm females
Authors: Rovnyak Angela M. , Burks Charles S. , Gassmann Aaron J. , Sappington Thomas W. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae, Phycitini), is an economically important pest of nut crops in California, USA. Improved management will require better understanding of insect dispersal, particularly relative to when mating occurs. A previous study demonstrated a more robust laboratory flight capacity compared to other orchard moth pests, but it was unclear how mating affects dispersal, and how dispersal affects fecundity. In this study, 1‐ and 2‐day‐old females were allowed to fly overnight on a flight mill either before or after mating, respectively, and were then allowed to oviposit. Data on fecundity were compared between treatments to minimally handled or tethered‐only control females. Females that mated before flight flew longer and covered a greater distance than those flying prior to mating. However, timing of flight relative to mating did not affect fecundity, nor did any measure of flight performance. There was no effect on fecundity when females were forced to fly for designated durations from 3 min to 2 h. Together, our data revealed no obvious trade‐off between flight activity and reproductive output. Distances measured on the flight mills (mean ca. 15 km for mated females) may overestimate net displacement in the field where flight tracks are often meandering. The results suggest that most females mate and oviposit in or near their natal habitat, but that some may disperse potentially long distances to oviposit elsewhere.
Narratives boost entrepreneurial attitudes: Making an entrepreneurial career attractive?
Authors: Fellnhofer Katharina 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis article analyses the impact of narratives on entrepreneurial attitudes and intentions. To this end, a quasi‐experiment was conducted to evaluate web‐based entrepreneurial narratives. The paired‐sample tests and regression analysis use a sample of 466 people from Austria, Finland, and Greece and indicate that individuals’ perceptions of the desirability of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial intention are significantly different before and after exposure to entrepreneurial narratives. Furthermore, the findings indicate that perceptions of the feasibility of entrepreneurship are more strongly affected by videos than by cases. From a policy perspective, this study raises awareness that entrepreneurship is an attractive career path.
Activation of central GABAB receptors offsets the cyclosporine counteraction of endotoxic cardiovascular outcomes in conscious rats
Authors: Sallam Marwa Y. , El‐Gowilly Sahar M. , Abdel‐Galil Abdel‐Galil A. , El‐Mas Mahmoud M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe have previously shown that cyclosporine (CSA) counteracts cardiovascular manifestations induced by endotoxemia (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) such as hypotension and cardiac autonomic dysfunction in conscious rats. In this study, we investigated whether the facilitation of central γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission blunts these favorable influences of CSA. The LPS‐CSA interaction was determined in the absence and presence of drugs that activate GABAA or GABAB receptors or elevate synaptic GABA levels in the central nervous system. The consequent i.v. administration of CSA (10 mg/kg) blunted the LPS‐evoked hypotension, tachycardia, and reductions in time‐ and frequency‐domain indices of heart rate variability (measures of cardiac autonomic control) evoked by LPS (10 mg/kg i.v.). The ability of CSA to reverse the LPS effects disappeared in rats treated intracisternally (i.c.) with baclofen (selective GABAB agonist, 2 μg/rat) but not muscimol (selective GABAA agonist, 1 μg/rat), indicating a preferential compromising action for central GABAB receptors on the advantageous effects of CSA. Moreover, the improvement by CSA of LPS‐evoked cardiovascular derangements was also eliminated after concurrent i.c. administration of vigabatrin (GABA transaminase inhibitor, 200 μg/rat) or tiagabine (GABA reuptake inhibitor, 100 μg/rat). These results demonstrate that the activation of central GABAB receptors either directly via baclofen or indirectly following interventions that boost GABA levels in central synapses counterbalances the rectifying action of CSA on endotoxemia.
Using 3D Printing to Create a Robust and Compact Peristaltic Field Pump: An Update to the Montana Drill Pump
Authors: Miller Jordyn B. , Frisbee Marty D. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe collection of water samples from springs, streams, and wells is a critical component of field hydrogeological studies. Fieldwork, especially in mountainous terrain, often involves hiking to remote springs and streams. It is logistically and physically difficult to carry bulky, heavy sampling equipment such as large peristaltic pumps with built‐in batteries in these areas. To address this problem, researchers at the University of Montana designed the Montana Drill Pump (MDP) roughly 30 years ago to provide a compact, low‐cost and portable option for sampling with a peristaltic pump in the backcountry (Woessner ). Although the MDP is popular, with the advent of 3D printing techniques, a more robust and precise fitting pump design can be inexpensively created that can be quickly assembled in the lab or field. This new pump design was tested on multiple backpacking sampling campaigns in the Panamint Mountains of southern California, Mount Hood in Oregon, and Glacier National Park in northern Montana during the summer of 2017. The design was proven to be easy to use and durable in the field and offers a rugged, updated, more precisely fitting option to the MDP.
Antioxidant activity in HepG2 cells, immunomodulatory effects in RAW 264.7 cells and absorption characteristics in Caco‐2 cells of the peptide fraction isolated from Dendrobium aphyllum
Authors: Liu Huifan , Ye Hongji , Sun Chongzhen , Xi Hongru , Ma Juanjuan , Lai Furao , Wu Hui 
Published: April 2018

SummaryDA‐P, fraction of peptides with a molecular weight <1 kDa isolated from Dendrobium aphyllum, was analysed in three types of cell lines to verify its bioactivity and absorptivity. The cellular antioxidant activity of DA‐P in HepG2 cells was used and results revealed an EC50 of 2.88 ± 0.143 mg mL−1 and a CAA unit of 63.46 ± 2.11 μm QE/100 g peptides. DA‐P treatment enhanced the secretion of cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells. After demonstrating the presence of tight junctions in Caco‐2 monolayers, the absorption was 25.57% ± 0.016% and 19.7% ± 0.012% from different sides. The relatively high absorption indicated that the antioxidant‐relevant immune functions of DA‐P had a greater possibility to be absorbed by Caco‐2 cells. Free amino acids and LC‐MS/MS analysis indicated the degradation and expulsion of components after the absorption of DA‐P, and Ser‐Ser‐Arg was able to come across the monolayers.
Microbiological changes and their impact on quality characteristics of red hot chilli pepper mash during natural fermentation
Authors: Watts Evelyn G. , Janes Marlene E. , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , Shen Yixiao , Xu Zhimin , Johnson Danielle 
Published: April 2018

SummaryProduction of hot sauce may require fermentation of red hot pepper mash in barrels from 2 weeks up to 3 years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microbiological changes and their impact on quality characteristics of red hot pepper mash during natural fermentation over a period of 18 months. Aerobic plate count (APC), lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast counts, as well as changes in pH, acid content, colour and aroma of red hot pepper mash, were analysed. LAB and yeast presented a symbiotic association throughout the fermentation process. Significant pH reduction was observed, with an inverse correlation with acid content. There were minor changes in the colour of the mash. Aroma was analysed based on six volatile compounds which had a significant increase during the first 60 days of fermentation, followed by a significant reduction after 300 days.
How Japanese nurses participate in decision making: Infants with congenital life‐threatening conditions
Authors: Shitaya Sohei , Nakamura Nobue , Sato Naho 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundIn Japan, owing to the progress in medical technology, more children with congenital life‐threatening conditions survive than ever before. Nurses who care for these children may also influence decision making in difficult situations.AimWe aimed to describe Japanese nurses' approach toward medical decision making when caring for families of infants with congenital life‐threatening conditions. Frequently, these nurses must care for and support parents with ambivalent feelings.DesignQualitative descriptive study.MethodsParticipants were recruited from neonatal intensive care unit and paediatric wards at a university hospital in Japan from June to July 2016. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and qualitatively analysed.ResultsJapanese nurses described these situations as “decision making regarding the child's medical care” and “daily life at hospitals.” The themes included support of parents and the choices made about their children, nurses giving or holding their opinions about care choices, or withholding their opinions during decision‐making events. The narratives included 5 focus areas: the parents; the children, the family as a whole; relationship between families and health care providers; and the effect of the clinical environment on the children and families.ConclusionWhen caring for children with life‐threatening congenital conditions, nurses should develop supportive relationships with parents and contribute to the clinical decision‐making process with empathy and based on the most current research data.
The diary of a nonagenarian‐centenarian woman with dementia: Memory loss, life changes, and community care in Japan
Authors: Suwa Sayuri , Otani Saori , Tsujimura Mayuko , Nogawa Kotoko , Shiya Yoko 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAim: This study aimed to explore the experiences and thoughts of a nonagenarian‐centenarian woman with dementia living alone, through detailed analysis of her unsolicited diary.Data Source: After receiving consent from Aki (a pseudonym), her family and caregivers, copies of her diaries, hand‐written in Japanese, were provided for analysis.Methods: The content of the diaries was broadly organized into themes and qualitative content analysis carried out for each theme along a sequential timeline. Changes in perspective, expression, quality of script, and frequency of notations were noted over time are compared with clinical assessments of dementia and activities of daily living recorded by health care providers. Demographic history was obtained from family members.Results: On recommendation by her nursing care manager, Aki began keeping a diary. By age 99, Aki was widowed and noted: “I'm lonely by myself.” but still expressed hope: “I won't give up on myself.” Concerning memory loss, she wrote: “I've already forgotten what happened this afternoon,” and “I'll do things for myself.” Regarding dependence, she said: “I get help from my children and others outside the family.” And commented on the home care staff: “I don't know if they've come to help.” “Is it someone I know well?” Although she thought that they took her belongings, she wrote: “I'll try not to forget to be grateful to them.”Discussion: The diaries show that even as the dementia progressed, Aki was aware of her cognitive decline compounded by family losses. She used the diary as a coping method and to address relationships with family and caregivers.
Early career nurses with fewer supportive peers for safe patient handling are likely to quit
Authors: Hurtado D.A. , Heinonen G.A. , Dumet L.M. , Greenspan S.A. 
Published: April 2018

This prospective study observed turnover during 1 year at a community hospital in Oregon (n = 39). The study tested whether nurses who at baseline nominated fewer peers as sources of safe patient handling support were more likely to quit than nurses with more supportive peers. Six nurses with tenure under 2 years left their positions. Nurses who quit reported half as many co‐workers as sources of support relative to nurses who remained employed, and each additional peer nomination reduced the risk of turnover by 15%. Further research should establish the contribution of peer safety support reducing turnover among recent hires.
Mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of 3D Cf/SiBCN composites at elevated temperatures
Authors: Ding Qi , Ni Dewei , Wang Zhen , Wang Hongda , Zhou Haijun , Kan Yanmei , Dong Shaoming 
Published: April 2018

Abstract3D Cf/SiBCN composites were fabricated by an efficient polymer impregnation and pyrolysis (PIP) method using liquid poly(methylvinyl)borosilazanes as precursor. Mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of the prepared 3D Cf/SiBCN composites at elevated temperatures in the range of 1500‐1700°C were investigated. As temperature increased from room temperature (371 ± 31 MPa, 31 ± 2 GPa) to 1500°C (316 ± 29 MPa, 27 ± 3 GPa), strength and elastic modulus of the composite decreased slightly, which degraded seriously as temperature further increased to 1600°C (92 ± 15 MPa, 12 ± 2 GPa) and 1700°C (84 ± 12 MPa, 11 ± 2GPa). To clarify the conversion of failure mechanisms, interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and microstructure evolution of the 3D Cf/SiBCN composites at different temperatures were investigated in detail. It reveals that the declines of the strength and changes of the IFSS of the composites are strongly related to the defects and SiC nano‐crystals formed in the composites at elevated temperatures.
Mechanisms of ultralow and anisotropic thermal expansion in cordierite Mg2Al4Si5O18: Insight from phonon behaviors
Authors: Li Yiran , Wang Jiemin , Sun Luchao , Wang Jingyang 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMaterials with negative or ultralow thermal expansion are of crucial importance for technological applications since they make it possible to tailor the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of composite to a specific positive, negative or even zero value. In this work, first‐principle calculations were performed to investigate the thermal expansion behavior in cordierite Mg2Al4Si5O18, which is a representative silicate widely used in the ceramic industry and of promising application due to its ultralow CTE and good thermal shock resistance. According to the quasi‐harmonic approximation and the Grüneisen theory, temperature dependences of linear CTEs along a, b, and c directions were predicted. The transverse acoustic modes and low‐energy optic modes are identified to take the most of the responsibility for the negative CTE, especially at low temperatures while the high‐energy optic modes contribute positively to the thermal expansion, leading to increasing CTE at higher temperatures. The ultralow linear CTEs result from the weighted average of all the modal contributions with negative or positive Grüneisen parameters. In addition, the anisotropy of thermal expansion originates from its layered crystal structure containing rigid tetrahedron rings in a‐b plane staking along c direction. This work provides an insight into the mechanism of ultralow and anisotropic thermal expansion in Mg2Al4Si5O18 and further enriches the scope of material design for use in applications needing to control thermal expansion.
Weibull parameters obtained from dependence of fiber strength on fiber length and area
Authors: Callaway Evan Benjamin , Zok Frank W. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWeibull strength parameters of ceramic fibers can be inferred from variations in strength with fiber diameter or gauge length. The goal of this article is to provide a critical assessment of the efficacy of these methods. The issues are addressed using theorems in regression analysis and uncertainty propagation as well as Monte Carlo simulations. The results show that, when Weibull moduli are obtained from strength variations with fiber area, inordinately large sample sizes (>1000) are required to achieve reliable results. In contrast, Weibull moduli can be accurately estimated from the dependence of average fiber strength on gauge length for a modest sample size at each of two gauge lengths, provided the gauge length range is sufficiently large. The dependence of strengths of bundles containing many (ca. 500) fibers on gauge length yields yet more reliable results. The results are used to assess the fidelity of Weibull moduli obtained from these methods and provide guidance for preferred test methods.
Synthesis and growth mechanism of single crystal β‐Si3N4 particles with a quasi‐spherical morphology
Authors: Sun Si‐Yuan , Ge Yi‐Yao , Wang Qi , Tian Zhao‐Bo , Zhang Jie , Cui Wei , Liu Guang‐hua , Chen Ke‐Xin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSingle‐crystal β‐Si3N4 particles with a quasi‐spherical morphology were synthesized via an efficient carbothermal reduction‐nitridation (CRN) strategy. The β‐Si3N4 particles synthesized under an N2 pressure of 0.3 MPa, at 1450°C and with 10 mol% unique CaF2 additives showed good dispersity and an average size of about 650 nm. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that there was no SiC or Si–C–N compounds in the β‐Si3N4 products. Selected‐area electron‐diffraction pattern and high‐resolution image indicated single crystalline structure of the typical β‐Si3N4 particles without an obvious amorphous oxidation layer on the surface. The growth mechanism of the quasi‐spherical β‐Si3N4 particles was proposed based on the transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy characterization, which was helpful for controllable synthesis of β‐Si3N4 particles by CRN method. Owing to the quasi‐spherical morphology, good dispersity, high purity, and single‐crystal structure, the submicro‐sized β‐Si3N4 particles were promising fillers for preparing resin‐based composites with high thermal conductivity.