bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does a Bioenergetics Model Accurately Predict Fish Consumption by American White Pelicans? A Case Study on Walleyes in the Tamarac River, Minnesota
Authors: Graham Jake D. , Hafs Andrew W. , Kennedy Anthony J. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The effect of piscivorous birds on fisheries is a growing concern for fisheries managers, especially when native birds consume large quantities of fish. The Red Lakes, Minnesota, fishery is one such example, where congregations of American white pelicans (AWPEs) Pelecanus erythrorhynchos forage on spawning Walleyes Sander vitreus. We quantified AWPE consumption of Walleyes on the Tamarac River, a major tributary of the Red Lakes, by using empirical diet data collected from lethally sampled birds and separately by using a bioenergetics model. Furthermore, we evaluated the diet and foraging patterns of AWPEs on the river. Camera trap data revealed that AWPEs were foraging nearly completely nocturnally, likely in response to Walleye spawning migrations, with Walleyes accounting for 98% of AWPE diets. The empirical estimate of daily fish consumption from lethally sampled birds was not significantly different from the bioenergetics estimate. Monte Carlo simulations were used to provide estimates of uncertainty in annual Walleye consumption. Based on the simulations, all estimates of annual Walleye consumption between 2014 and 2016 represented &lt; 1% of adult (age ≥ 3) Walleyes in the system and &lt; 2.5% of adult Walleye natural mortality. This amount of Walleye consumption by AWPEs, at current population levels, does not pose a management concern.
Numerical analysis of wetting‐induced instabilities in partially saturated soils under plane strain conditions
Authors: Rotisciani Giada M. , Desideri Augusto , di Prisco Claudio 
Published: May 2019

SummaryThis paper concerns the hydromechanical stability of partially saturated soils during wetting. The response of a loose silty sand is numerically/theoretically investigated with the main aim of identifying both triggering mechanisms and predisposing factors to instability. This latter is testified by both a rapid increase in the pore water pressure and an unexpected loss of numerical convergence. The study has been conducted at different scales from laboratory tests to boundary value problems, and in both cases, the controllability theory has been employed to both interpret and justify the numerical results.
Efficacy of low‐intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yuan Penghui , Ma Delin , Zhang Yucong , Gao Xintao , Liu Zhuo , Li Rui , Wang Tao , Wang Shaogang , Liu Jihong , Liu Xiaming 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimsLow‐intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li‐ESWT) has been applied in urolithiasis and some chronic diseases. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the efficacy of Li‐ESWT for the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).MethodsA comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library to January 6, 2019 was performed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on patients with CP/CPPS treated with Li‐ESWT compared with the sham group. Outcomes were evaluated based on the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH‐CPSI). The quality assessment of included studies was performed by the Cochrane System.ResultsSix publications involving five RCTs with 280 patients were assessed in this review. NIH‐CPSI total score, pain domain and quality of life (QOL) were significantly better in the Li‐ESWT group than those in the control group at the endpoint (P < 0.00001, P = 0.003, and P < 0.00001), 4 weeks (P < 0.00001, P = 0.0002 and P < 0.00001) and 12 weeks (P < 0.00001, P < 0.00001, and P = 0.0002) after the treatment. For urinary score, significant difference existed at 12 weeks after the treatment (P = 0.006). At 24 weeks after treatment, there was no significant difference between the two groups in NIH‐CPSI total score (P = 0.26), pain domain (P = 0.32), urinary score (P = 0.07), and QOL (P = 0.29).ConclusionsLi‐ESWT showed great efficacy for the treatment of CP/CPPS at the endpoint and during the follow‐up of 4 and 12 weeks, though the efficacy of 24‐week follow‐up was not significantly different due to insufficient data. Generally, Li‐ESWT is a promising minimal invasive method for the treatment of CP/CPPS.
The role of iron and myelin in orientation dependent R2* of white matter
Authors: Kor Daniel , Birkl Christoph , Ropele Stefan , Doucette Jonathan , Xu Tianyou , Wiggermann Vanessa , Hernández‐Torres Enedino , Hametner Simon , Rauscher Alexander 
Published: May 2019

Brain myelin and iron content are important parameters in neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Both myelin and iron content influence the brain's R2* relaxation rate. However, their quantification based on R2* maps requires a realistic tissue model that can be fitted to the measured data. In structures with low myelin content, such as deep gray matter, R2* shows a linear increase with increasing iron content. In white matter, R2* is not only affected by iron and myelin but also by the orientation of the myelinated axons with respect to the external magnetic field. Here, we propose a numerical model which incorporates iron and myelin, as well as fibre orientation, to simulate R2* decay in white matter. Applying our model to fibre orientation‐dependent in vivo R2* data, we are able to determine a unique solution of myelin and iron content in global white matter. We determine an averaged myelin volume fraction of 16.02 ± 2.07% in non‐lesional white matter of patients with MS, 17.32 ± 2.20% in matched healthy controls, and 18.19 ± 2.98% in healthy siblings of patients with MS. Averaged iron content was 35.6 ± 8.9 mg/kg tissue in patients, 43.1 ± 8.3 mg/kg in controls, and 47.8 ± 8.2 mg/kg in siblings. All differences in iron content between groups were significant, while the difference in myelin content between MS patients and the siblings of MS patients was significant. In conclusion, we demonstrate that a model that combines myelin‐induced orientation‐dependent and iron‐induced orientation‐independent components is able to fit in vivo R2* data.
Improved detection of lactate and β‐hydroxybutyrate using MEGA‐sLASER at 3 T
Authors: Dacko Michael , Lange Thomas 
Published: May 2019

Lactate and β‐hydroxybutyrate are important MRS‐visible biomarkers for the energy metabolism of the human brain. A major obstacle for their unambiguous detection and quantification in vivo is their inherently low concentration and spectral overlap with resonances from lipids and macromolecules. In this work, we demonstrate the improved detectability of lactate and β‐hydroxybutyrate with MEGA‐sLASER compared to MEGA‐PRESS at the clinical field strength of 3 T. The method is validated by numerical simulations, in vitro measurements and in vivo experiments on healthy subjects. It is demonstrated that MEGA‐sLASER offers an SNR increase of approximately 70% for lactate and β‐hydroxybutyrate detection compared to MEGA‐PRESS in various brain regions. This increased SNR translates into reduced Cramér‐Rao lower bounds for quantification and enables a more robust detection of subtle changes in the (brain) energy metabolism. The sensitivity of the method for detection of β‐hydroxybutyrate concentration changes is demonstrated through measurements before and during a ketogenic diet while the sensitivity for detection of lactate concentration changes is shown by measurements before and after an intensive anaerobic exercise.
Energy‐momentum‐entropy consistent numerical methods for large‐strain thermoelasticity relying on the GENERIC formalism
Authors: Betsch Peter , Schiebl Mark 
Published: May 2019

SummaryIn the present paper, structure‐preserving numerical methods for finite strain thermoelastodynamics are proposed. The underlying variational formulation is based on the general equation for nonequilibrium reversible‐irreversible coupling (GENERIC) formalism and makes possible the free choice of the thermodynamic state variable. The notion “GENERIC consistent space discretization” is introduced, which facilitates the design of Energy‐Momentum‐Entropy (EME) consistent schemes. In particular, three alternative EME schemes result from the present approach. These schemes are directly linked to the respective choice of the thermodynamic variable. Numerical examples confirm the structure‐preserving properties of the newly developed EME schemes, which exhibit superior numerical stability.
Blonanserin versus haloperidol in Japanese patients with schizophrenia: A phase 3, 8‐week, double‐blind, multicenter, randomized controlled study
Authors: Harvey Philip D. , Nakamura Hiroshi , Murasaki Mitsukuni 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis Japanese, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind trial, evaluating the efficacy and safety of blonanserin compared with haloperidol in patients with schizophrenia, was previously published by Murasaki in the Japanese language. In this article, we present the results of the trial based on full analysis dataset instead of per protocol dataset formerly reported and discuss the findings in light of the latest knowledge of pharmacological treatment for schizophrenia.MethodsA total of 265 patients were randomized to receive blonanserin (8 to 24 mg/d) or haloperidol (4 to 12 mg/d) twice daily for 8 weeks. Efficacy assessments included the Clinical Global Impressions—Improvement (CGI‐I) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).ResultsBlonanserin was not inferior to haloperidol with a margin of 10% with respect to the improvement rate on CGI‐I at end of study (60.5% vs 50.0%, P < 0.001). The decrease in the PANSS total score did not differ between the drugs (−10.3 vs −7.1). For the PANSS negative symptom score, the decrease was significantly greater with blonanserin than with haloperidol (P = 0.006). Blonanserin was well tolerated. The incidence of adverse events was similar for the two drugs. Extrapyramidal adverse events, sedation, hypotension, and prolactin increase were rarer with blonanserin than with haloperidol. No clinically important weight gain was observed.ConclusionsBlonanserin is as effective as haloperidol for the treatment of schizophrenia. Blonanserin is more effective for negative symptoms with a lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms compared with haloperidol.
Fishing for survival: The forgotten slaves of Tromelin Island (Indian Ocean)
Authors: Béarez Philippe , Bouffandeau Laurie 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBetween 2006 and 2013, the island of Tromelin (Indian Ocean) was surveyed and excavated within the framework of the UNESCO project “Forgotten Slaves.” Archaeozoological studies evidenced the survival behaviours and subsistence strategies implemented by the l'Utile shipwreck victims abandoned on the island between 1761 and 1776. The ichthyoarchaeological analysis of 4,282 fish bones resulted in the identification of individuals belonging to 24 families of Teleostei and Chondrichthyes, among which Carangidae (jacks) largely dominate, followed by Serranidae (groupers), Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes), Balistidae (triggerfishes), Lutjanidae (snappers), and Pomacentridae (damselfishes). All of the cranial and postcranial elements were examined, and the taxonomic determination led to genus and species level attributions whenever possible. The composition of the assemblage, the ecology of the taxa, the nature of the nearby marine biotopes, and the fishing gear unearthed on the site provided helpful data to characterise the probable fishing techniques used by the survivors. Although line fishing along the drop‐off and offshore with a watercraft might have been practiced widely by the Malagasy slaves, spearing and/or harpooning on the sandbank and coral reef, as well as hand gathering in the tidal pools off the reef flat surrounding the island, could also have greatly contributed to the overall catch. The results of this study reveal that this broad‐spectrum exploitation of marine resources was opportunist, though it required skill and knowledge. They also shed light on the adaptation of the castaways to survive extreme conditions.
Modeling stochastic operation of reservoir under ambiguity with an emphasis on river management
Authors: Yoshioka Hidekazu , Yoshioka Yumi 
Published: May 2019

SummaryAn optimization problem of controlling a dam installed in a river is analyzed based on a stochastic control formalism of a diffusion process under model ambiguity: a new mathematical approach to this issue. The diffusion process is a pathwise unique solution to a water balance equation considering the inflow, outflow, water loss in the reservoir, and direct rainfall. Finding the optimal reservoir operation policy reduces to solving a degenerate parabolic partial differential equation: a Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman‐Isaacs equation. A monotone finite difference scheme is constructed for discretization of the equation, successfully generating nonoscillatory and reasonably accurate numerical solutions. Stability analysis of the resulting water balance dynamics is finally carried out for both environmentally friendly and not friendly reservoir operations.
Clinical benefit of a high‐throughput sequencing approach for minimal residual disease in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Wright Gary , Watt Eleanor , Inglott Sarah , Brooks Tony , Bartram Jack , Adams Stuart P. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe molecular detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) is standard of care in acute lymphoblastic leukemia to personalize the stratification of patients to appropriate intensity chemotherapy regimens. High‐throughput sequencing (HTS) techniques are driving changes to MRD methodologies. Our study demonstrates HTS can identify suitable diagnostic markers, even in cases where traditional screening has been unsuccessful. Markers identified by HTS were used to track MRD using standard real‐time quantitative PCR. We show, with six patient examples, clinical benefits of utilizing HTS to screen diagnostic samples and its necessity when traditional screening techniques fail. This is practical evidence that current MRD diagnostic marker screening should be replaced by an HTS approach.
Enhancement of flame‐retardant and mechanical performance of phenolic foam with the incorporation of cardanol‐based siloxane
Authors: Bo Caiying , Yang Xiaohui , Hu Lihong , Zhang Meng , Jia Puyou , Zhou Yonghong 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTA novel cardanol‐based siloxane (SAECD), which has silicon groups and reactive epoxy groups, was synthesized. Its structure was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. Then, phenolic foams (PFs) modified with different contents of SAECD were prepared. While addition of appropriate amount of SAECD into resin matrix enhances the flexural strength of PFs, incorporation of SAECD into PFs leads to a reduced pulverization ratio. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) increases continuously with the increasing addition of SAECD into PFs. The results of the cone calorimeter test showed that the addition of 3% SAECD could effectively reduce the heat release rate and total heat release of the foam by the condensed phase flame retardant mechanism. The TTI of the modified foam was delayed by 19 s; the PHRR, mean HRR, and THR of the modified foams decreased by 9.10%, 4.11%, and 7.55%, respectively, compared with those of the pristine PF. In addition to the increase in the toughness of the PF, SAECD addition can also improve the flame retardant properties of the PF.
Using validated reanalysis data to investigate the impact of the PV system configurations at high penetration levels in European countries
Authors: Victoria Marta , Andresen Gorm B. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractLong‐term hourly time series representing the photovoltaic (PV) generation in European countries have been obtained and made available under open license. For every country, four different PV configurations, ie, rooftop, optimum tilt, tracking, and delta have been investigated. These are shown to have a strong influence on the hourly difference between electricity demand and PV generation. To obtain PV time series, irradiance from CFSR reanalysis dataset is converted into electricity generation and aggregated at country level. Prior to conversion, reanalysis irradiance is bias corrected using satellite‐based SARAH dataset and a globally applicable methodology. Moreover, a novel procedure is proposed to infer the orientation and inclination angles representative for PV panels based on the historical PV output throughout the days around summer and winter solstices. A key strength of the methodology is that it does not rely on historical PV output data. Consequently, it can be applied in places with no existing knowledge of PV performance.
Nanostructure stability and swelling of ternary block copolymer/homopolymer blends: A direct comparison between dissipative particle dynamics and experiment
Authors: Goodson Amy D. , Liu Guoliang , Rick Maxwell S. , Raymond Andrew W. , Uddin Md Fakar , Ashbaugh Henry S. , Albert Julie N. L. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTTernary block copolymer (BCP)‐homopolymer (HP) blends offer a simple method for tuning nanostructure sizes to meet application‐specific demands. Comprehensive dissipative particle dynamic (DPD) simulations were performed to study the impact of polymer interactions, molecular weight, and HP volume fraction (φHP) on symmetric ternary blend morphological stability and domain spacing. DPD reproduces key features of the experimental phase diagram, including lamellar domain swelling with increasing φHP, the formation of an asymmetric bicontinuous microemulsion at a critical HP concentration , and macrophase separation with further HP addition. Simulation results matched experimental values for and lamellar swelling as a function of HP to BCP chain length ratio, α = NHP/NBCP. Structural analysis of blends with fixed φHP but varying α confirmed that ternary blends follow the wet/dry brush model of domain swelling with the miscibility of HPs and BCPs depending on α. Longer HPs concentrate in the center of domains, boosting their swelling efficiencies compared to shorter chains. These results advance our understanding of BCP‐HP blend phase behavior and demonstrate the value of DPD for studying polymeric blends. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 794–803
Effects of an 8‐week pelvic core stability and nutrition community programme on maternal health outcomes
Authors: Walton Lori Maria , Raigangar Veena , Abraham Mini Sara , Buddy Cherisse , Hernandez Magaly , Krivak Gretchen , Caceras Rose 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroductionWomen, during the antenatal and post‐partum period, report pelvic, low back pain, stress and urge urinary incontinence, colorectal dysfunction, and other co‐morbidities that negatively affect health‐related quality of life. Exercise and nutrition are important considerations for improving maternal health in this period.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a community‐driven nutrition and exercise programme focused on pelvic floor and core stability, healthy nutrition, and breastfeeding counselling over an 8‐week period on pelvic floor and urinary distress (UDI), prolapse and colorectal distress for antenatal and post‐partum women with limited access to health care, and low socio‐economic resources from a Midwestern Region of the United States.Materials and methodsPurposive sample of 35 females, ages 18–44, were recruited for this prospective, preintervention to postintervention study, following ethical approval from Institutional Review Board and voluntary written consent from participants. The Health History Questionnaire, SF‐36, Food Frequency Questionnaire, report of pelvic organ prolapse dysfunction (POPDI), colorectal‐anal dysfunction (CRADI), and UDI as measured by the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI) were completed before and after intervention.ResultsThirty‐five women (n = 35) 18 to 44 years old (mean age of 22.72 ± 3.45 years) completed the study. A significant difference was found from preintervention to postintervention scores means for PFDI total scores, CRADI individual scores, and UDI individual scores (p < .05). POPDI scores decreased preintervention to postintervention but were not significant. A significant improvement in healthy nutrition and breastfeeding postintervention was also found (z = 3.21, p = .001). Further analysis showed significant, but weak, correlation between parity and POPDI (r = .366, p = .033); between parity and UDI (r = .384, p = .03); and between parity and PFDI (r = .419, p = .014).DiscussionOur study found a significant reduction in pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary, and colorectal‐anal distress symptoms and improvement in breastfeeding and healthy nutrition following an 8‐week community‐driven nutrition and exercise programme focused on pelvic floor and core stability, healthy nutrition, and breastfeeding counselling.
Crystal structure of a novel ATPase RadD from Escherichia coli
Authors: Kuang Xiaolin , Tang Qun , Liu Yan‐Ping , Yan Xiao‐Xue , Xu Wenqing 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe helicase superfamily 2 (SF2) proteins are involved in essentially every step in DNA and RNA metabolism. The radD (yejH) gene, which belongs to SF2, plays an important role in DNA repair. The RadD protein includes all seven conserved SF2 motifs and has shown ATPase activity. Here, we first reported the structure of RadD from Escherichia coli containing two RecA‐like domains, a zinc finger motif, and a C‐terminal domain. Based on the structure of RadD and other SF2 proteins, we then built a model of the RedD‐ATP complex.
The influence of pore structure on reaction mechanism of propylene dimerization in zeolite: A theoretical viewpoint
Authors: Li Xin , Shen Wanling 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMolecular sieves have been widely used in the petrochemical industry as environment‐friendly catalysts. The pore structure is an important factor influencing the catalytic performance of the zeolite. In this work, a combined Our own N‐layered Integrated molecular Orbital and Molecular mechanics method was used to study the mechanism of propylene dimerization in four zeolites (ZSM‐5, BEA, MCM‐22, and MOR) with different pore structures. Comparing the stepwise mechanism and the concerted mechanism, it is found that the two mechanisms compete with each other in the macroporous BEA, MCM‐22, and MOR zeolites, and both mechanisms are possible. However, in ZSM‐5 zeolite with medium pore size, the propylene dimerization reaction tends to proceed according to the stepwise mechanism. Furthermore, no matter which mechanism is adopted, the activation energy of propylene dimerization reaction in MCM‐22 is the smallest in the four zeolites, indicating that its MWW‐type structure (A framework type defined by the International Zeolite Association) may be the most favorable pore structure for the reaction and possesses the highest catalytic activity.