bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibiting fungus on largemouth bass eggs with copper sulfate and its toxicity to fry and juveniles
Authors: Straus David L. , Ledbetter Cynthia K. , Heikes David L. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis study determined the effectiveness of copper sulfate (CuSO4) to inhibit fungal growth (caused by Saprolegnia spp.) on largemouth bass (LMB) eggs spawned on/in fiber mats in very high‐alkalinity/‐hardness waters; experiments also determined the toxicity of CuSO4 to LMB fry and juveniles. An untreated control and three CuSO4 concentrations (10, 20, and 40 mg/L) were tested under a flow‐through scenario in the effectiveness experiment. Eggs were treated daily until hatching began. Fungal load at the time of hatch had a total area > 3.0 cm2 in the untreated controls, total area 1.0 to <2.0 cm2 in the 10 and 20 mg/L CuSO4 treatments, and total area > 1.0 cm2 in the 40 mg/L CuSO4 treatments. Fungus samples were identified as Saprolegnia australis. The 24‐hr median lethal concentration (LC50) values on the LMB yolk‐sac and swim‐up fry were 32.0 and 4.6 mg/L CuSO4, respectively; the No Observed Effect Concentrations (NOEC) were 16.0 and 0.125 mg/L CuSO4, respectively. Juvenile LMB were extremely tolerant to CuSO4, and their 24‐hr LC50 value was 185.5 mg/L; the NOEC was 64 mg/L. This study indicates that CuSO4 can be an important resource for hatcheries to control egg fungus, especially in high‐alkalinity/‐hardness waters.
Road kills of non‐human primates: a global view using a different type of data
Authors: Hetman Mateusz , Kubicka Anna Maria , Sparks Tim H. , Tryjanowski Piotr 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Road infrastructures and collisions with vehicles negatively affect many animal populations globally. However, data on road kills of non‐human primates are very limited, not only due to the rare character of this phenomenon, but also due to the geographical bias of reporting in scientific references.

As an alternative, we used data from social media (YouTube videos, online articles and blogs) in addition to searching the existing scientific information. The reports in scientific papers were published in 1994–2018, and the reports in social media dated from 2010 to 2018.

In total we collated information on 46 non‐human primate species and 368 individual animals that were killed due to collisions with vehicles on four continents. Numbers of observations and numbers of species in each continent were as follows: Africa, 46 and 15; Asia, 247 and 14; South America, 72 and 16; and Europe, 3 and 1.

Only two of the species found in our social media internet search belonged to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Endangered category, but a higher‐than‐expected number of fatalities was in the Vulnerable category. In scientific papers, seven Endangered species were reported as victims of collisions. Often it was young individuals crossing roads that were killed by vehicles.

Primates are very charismatic species, so collisions are likely to be reported on social media. We believe that the information we have collected can make a valid contribution to the debate on wildlife‐vehicle collisions, and can be used to plan ways to avoid or mitigate road kills of non‐human primates.
Cluster randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of a self‐management intervention using the teach‐back method for people with heart failure
Authors: Dinh Ha T. T. , Bonner Ann , Ramsbotham Joanne , Clark Robyn 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn this study, we examined the effectiveness of a self‐management intervention delivered to people with heart failure in Vietnam. It used teach‐back, a cyclical method of teaching content, checking comprehension, and re‐teaching to improve understanding. A single‐site cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted, and six hospital wards were randomized into two study groups. On the basis of ward allocation, 140 participants received either usual care or the teach‐back heart failure self‐management intervention plus usual care. The intervention involved, prior to discharge, an individual educational session on heart failure self‐care, with understanding reinforced using teach‐back, a heart failure booklet, weighing scales, diary, and a follow‐up phone call 2 weeks post‐discharge. The control group received usual care and the booklet. Outcomes were heart failure knowledge, self‐care (maintenance, management and confidence), and all‐cause hospitalizations assessed at 1 and 3 months (end‐point). Upon completion of the study, the intervention group had significantly greater knowledge and self‐care maintenance than the control group. Other outcomes did not differ between the two groups. The teach‐back self‐management intervention demonstrated promising benefits in promoting self‐care for heart failure patients.
Inflation Volatility with Regime Switching
Authors: Isakin Maksim A. , Ngo Phuong V. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis paper presents a new approach to model U.S. inflation dynamics by allowing regime switching in an unobserved components stochastic volatility framework. We use a modified particle filter to construct likelihood and estimate the model using MLE. The number of regimes is determined based on a bootstrap. We find that a model with three regimes and regime‐dependent constant volatilities has superior performance. In addition, we show that since 2000:II, U.S. inflation has entered a regime with moderate volatility where most of the volatility comes from transitory shocks.
Body mass index and risk of inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and dose‐response meta‐analysis of cohort studies of over a million participants
Authors: Rahmani Jamal , Kord‐Varkaneh Hamed , Hekmatdoost Azita , Thompson Jacqueline , Clark Cain , Salehisahlabadi Ammar , Day Andrew S. , Jacobson Kevan 
Published: June 2019

SummaryThe relationship between body mass index (BMI) and risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is controversial. We performed a dose‐response meta‐analysis to investigate the association between BMI and risk of incident ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) using prospective cohort studies. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases from inception to January 2019. DerSimonian and Laird random‐effects model was used to estimate combined hazard ratios (HRs). Overall, 882 articles were screened, and 42 full‐text articles were reviewed for inclusion using the study eligibility criteria. Five studies evaluated the association between BMI and IBD with 1 044 517 participants. Pooled results showed a significant association between participants affected by obesity and risk of CD (HR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.18‐1.71, I2: 0.00). There was a significant nonlinear association between BMI and risk of CD (P = .01, coeff = 0.5024). Pooled results did not show any significant association between being underweight and risk of UC (HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.96‐1.19, I2: 0.00) or CD (HR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.93‐1.31, I2: 12.8). There was no difference in the risk for UC among participants affected by obesity compared with participants categorized as having normal BMI (HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.80‐1.14, I2: 8.0). This systematic review and meta‐analysis identified significant dose‐response relationship between being affected by obesity, as a risk factor, and incidence of CD.
Identification and characterisation of a novel FT orthologous gene in London plane with a distinct expression response to environmental stimuli compared to PaFT
Authors: Cai F. , Shao C. , Zhang Y. , Bao Z. , Li Z. , Shi G. , Bao M. , Zhang J. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) is a key integrator of environmental signals and internal cues, and codes for florigen‐like activity which regulates the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth in flowering plants. Unlike annual plants, perennial tree species undergo several years of vegetative growth prior to the transition to the reproductive stage, as characterised by the ability to form flower buds. Thereafter, trees in temperate regions typically display an annual growth cycle involving distinct vegetative growth, flowering and dormancy stages.

In London plane (Platanus acerifolia Willd.), a FT‐like gene has previously been identified. Here, we report the isolation of a novel FT orthologous gene, PaFTL, and investigate the functions of PaFT and PaFTL through the analysis of expression profiles and transgenic phenotypes.

PaFT displayed the highest levels of expression during tree dormancy, and similarly elevated expression levels were seen under conditions of low temperature and short days (LT/SD). In contrast, PaFTL transcripts were up‐regulated during the floral transition phase, the early stages of inflorescence development and throughout the main flowering period, whereas expression levels were low and variable during dormancy and in response to LT/SD treatments. Ectopic expression of 35s::PaFTL in tobacco produced a phenotype similar to that with PaFT, namely, advanced floral initiation.

Overall, the results suggest that PaFT and PaFTL have both conserved and diverse functions in floral initiation, floral development and dormancy regulation.
Proinflammatory polarization of stifle synovial macrophages in dogs with cruciate ligament rupture
Authors: Yarnall Benjamin W. , Chamberlain Connie S. , Hao Zhengling , Muir Peter 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine polarization of synovial macrophages during development of cruciate ligament rupture (CR) and determine whether differences in synovial macrophage polarization in CR, osteoarthritis (OA), and healthy joints exist.Study designProspective case‐controlled study.AnimalsClient‐owned dogs with unstable stifles with CR (n = 22), paired stable contralateral stifles with partial CR (pCR; n = 7), joints with OA not related to CR (n = 6), and clinically normal (Normal; n = 7) joints.MethodsSynovial fluid samples were collected. Smears were made for differential cytology counts and estimated total nucleated cell counts. Cytospin preparations were made, and immunocytochemical staining was performed with the pan‐macrophage marker CD68, M1 macrophage markers inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and chemokine (C‐C motif) receptor 7 (CCR7), and M2 macrophage markers arginase 1 and CD163. Positively stained cells were counted.ResultsNumbers of lymphocytes were increased in the CR group compared with the OA and Normal groups (P < .05). Numbers of CD68+, CCR7+, and iNOS+ cells in the CR and OA groups were increased compared with the Normal group (P < .05). Globally, the ratio of positively stained M1 polarized CD68+ cells to M2 polarized CD68+ cells was highest for the OA group (2.49), followed by the pCR (2.1), CR (1.63), and Normal (0.7) groups.ConclusionPolarization of synovial macrophages toward an M1 proinflammatory phenotype is an early event in the development of canine CR.Clinical significanceM1 polarization in pCR stifles provides evidence of a possible role for macrophages in progressive development of cruciate ligament fiber damage. Lymphocytes may play a role in the synovitis found in CR joints. Our findings provide evidence that these cells are therapeutic targets.
Delimitation of sympatric Palaemon (Decapoda, Palaemonidae) species of the Laguna Madre, Mexico
Authors: Jordán‐Hernández María , Rodríguez‐Almaráz Gabino , Favela‐Lara Susana 
Published: June 2019

AbstractGrass shrimps Palaemon mundusnovus, P. pugio and P. vulgaris sympatrically inhabit in the Laguna Madre, Mexico. They exhibit very close morphological similarity and overlap in their diagnostic characteristics, which has hindered certainty in their identification and has raised doubt regarding their taxonomic validity. In this work, we analyse intra‐ and interspecific morphometric and meristic variability through a multivariate analysis, and we determine the molecular variation using mitochondrial sequences of the 12S, 16S and COX1 genes to confirm the validity of the three taxa as having distinct lineages or to recognize a smaller number of species with phenotypic plasticity. Our results corroborate the taxonomic validity of the three species; however, there is intraspecific plasticity, interspecific overlap of characteristics and greater morphological and molecular similarity between the species P. mundusnovus and P. pugio, whereas P. vulgaris was better delimited. These species form a monophyletic group but the phylogenetic relationship obtained is discussed. Telson length was the primary variable in the principal components analysis, whereas the length of the propodus of the second pereiopod was the best discriminant. The range of variation reported in the characteristics linked to the rostrum is extended, and its influence on the separation of these species is recognized. The joint application of multivariate analysis from morphological variables and molecular tools is recommended to clarify the taxonomic status of species featuring close morphological similarity and sympatric distribution.
Taking advantage of external mechanical work to reduce metabolic cost: the mechanics and energetics of split‐belt treadmill walking
Authors: Sánchez Natalia , Simha Surabhi N. , Donelan J. Maxwell , Finley James M. 
Published: June 2019

Key points
The neuromotor system generates flexible motor patterns that can adapt to changes in our bodies or environment and also take advantage of assistance provided by the environment.
We ask how energy minimization influences adaptive learning during human locomotion to improve economy when walking on a split‐belt treadmill. We use a model‐based approach to predict how people should adjust their walking pattern to take advantage of the assistance provided by the treadmill, and we validate these predictions empirically.
We show that adaptation to a split‐belt treadmill can be explained as a process by which people reduce step length asymmetry to take advantage of the work performed by the treadmill to reduce metabolic cost.
Our results also have implications for the evaluation of devices designed to reduce effort during walking, as locomotor adaptation may serve as a model approach to understand how people learn to take advantage of external assistance.
AbstractIn everyday tasks such as walking and running, we often exploit the work performed by external sources to reduce effort. Recent research has focused on designing assistive devices capable of performing mechanical work to reduce the work performed by muscles and improve walking function. The success of these devices relies on the user learning to take advantage of this external assistance. Although adaptation is central to this process, the study of adaptation is often done using approaches that seem to have little in common with the use of external assistance. We show in 16 young, healthy participants that a common approach for studying adaptation, split‐belt treadmill walking, can be understood from a perspective in which people learn to take advantage of mechanical work performed by the treadmill. Initially, during split‐belt walking, people step further forward on the slow belt than the fast belt which we measure as a negative step length asymmetry, but this asymmetry is reduced with practice. We demonstrate that reductions in asymmetry allow people to extract positive work from the treadmill, reduce the positive work performed by the legs, and reduce metabolic cost. We also show that walking with positive step length asymmetries, defined by longer steps on the fast belt, minimizes metabolic cost, and people choose this pattern after guided experience of a wide range of asymmetries. Our results suggest that split‐belt adaptation can be interpreted as a process by which people learn to take advantage of mechanical work performed by an external device to improve economy.
Cardiac remodelling in a swine model of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: comparison of right vs. left ventricle
Authors: Stam Kelly , Cai Zongye , van der Velde Nikki , van Duin Richard , Lam Esther , van der Velden Jolanda , Hirsch Alexander , Duncker Dirk J , Merkus Daphne 
Published: June 2019

Key points
Right ventricle (RV) function is the most important determinant of survival and quality of life in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).
The changes in right and left ventricle gene expression that contribute to ventricular remodelling are incompletely investigated.
RV remodelling in our CTEPH swine model is associated with increased expression of the genes involved in inflammation (TGFβ), oxidative stress (ROCK2, NOX1 and NOX4), and apoptosis (BCL2 and caspase‐3).
Alterations in ROCK2 expression correlated inversely with RV contractile reserve during exercise.
Since ROCK2 has been shown to be involved in hypertrophy, oxidative stress, fibrosis and endothelial dysfunction, ROCK2 inhibition may present a viable therapeutic target in CTEPH.
AbstractRight ventricle (RV) function is the most important determinant of survival and quality of life in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The present study investigated whether the increased cardiac afterload is associated with (i) cardiac remodelling and hypertrophic signalling; (ii) changes in angiogenic factors and capillary density; and (iii) inflammatory changes associated with oxidative stress and interstitial fibrosis. CTEPH was induced in eight chronically instrumented swine by chronic nitric oxide synthase inhibition and up to five weekly pulmonary embolizations. Nine healthy swine served as a control. After 9 weeks, RV function was assessed by single beat analysis of RV–pulmonary artery (PA) coupling at rest and during exercise, as well as by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Subsequently, the heart was excised and RV and left ventricle (LV) tissues were processed for molecular and histological analyses. Swine with CTEPH exhibited significant RV hypertrophy in response to the elevated PA pressure. RV–PA coupling was significantly reduced, correlated inversely with pulmonary vascular resistance and did not increase during exercise in CTEPH swine. Expression of genes associated with hypertrophy (BNP), inflammation (TGFβ), oxidative stress (ROCK2, NOX1 and NOX4), apoptosis (BCL2 and caspase‐3) and angiogenesis (VEGFA) were increased in the RV of CTEPH swine and correlated inversely with RV–PA coupling during exercise. In the LV, only significant changes in ROCK2 gene‐expression occurred. In conclusion, RV remodelling in our CTEPH swine model is associated with increased expression of genes involved in inflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting that these processes contribute to RV remodelling and dysfunction in CTEPH and hence represent potential therapeutic targets.
Development of a Flow Visualization Borescope and a Two-Phase Flow
Probe for Aeroengine Transmission Gears
Authors: Arisawa Hidenori , Shinoda Yuji , Noguchi Yoshiyuki , Goi Tatsuhiko , Banno Takahiko , Akahori Hirofumi 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
To reduce power losses due to oil flows in aeroengine gearboxes, the oil flows should be visualized and measured. In this study, we develop a flow visualization borescope that qualitatively visualizes oil flows along with a two-phase flow probe that quantitatively measures the oil/air ratio and flow velocity. The flow visualization borescope comprises a 16-mm-diameter pipe. Within the pipe, an air purge passage for removing oil mist and a borescope are integrated with an illumination laser and optical lenses, enabling clear, high-speed photography. The two-phase probe consists of a 5-mm-diameter pipe with a 1-mm-diameter measurement hole and an internal pressure adjustment pipe. The borescope and flow probe were demonstrated using a shrouded spur gear with a peripheral speed of 100 m/s and oil supply of 20 l/min. Flow visualization at 30,000 fps revealed that oil outflow from the shroud opening spreads turbulently over the entire width of the opening. Measurements of the oil/air ratio and flow velocity using the two-phase flow probe revealed a thin oil-rich layer on the shroud wall and showed that the flow speed is lower than the gear peripheral speed. The measurement equipment used herein would be easy to install in a gearbox and is therefore expected to be applied in actual aeroengine gearboxes.
Nondestructive Testing Ultrasonic Technique for Localization of Areas Subjected to Creep Deformation on In-Service Pipings Manufactured From Low-Alloyed Steel
Authors: Zavadil Tomas 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Creep failure of the pressure equipment operated at high temperatures in power and petrochemical industry is a frequent reason of its collapse. Ultrasonic waves' velocity is sensitive to change of material properties due to thermally induced degradation processes, especially plastic strain. The article demonstrates that measurement of ultrasonic waves' velocity ratio is able to localize plastic strain induced by various means including creep. Results are confirmed by comparison with hardness and metallographic analysis. Furthermore, statistical significance of the results is tested by t-statistics. The proposed application may help with selection of potentially critical areas during routine inspections on pressure equipment in operation.
Neutronic Analyses of the FREYA Experiments in Support of the ALFRED Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor Core Design and Licensing
Authors: Sarotto Massimo , Firpo Gabriele , Kochetkov Anatoly , Krása Antonin , Fridman Emil , Cetnar Jerzy , Domanska Grazyna 
Published: June 2019

AbstractDuring the EURATOM FP7 project FREYA, a number of experiments were performed in a critical core assembled in the VENUS-F zero-power reactor able to reproduce the ALFRED lead-cooled fast reactor spectrum in a dedicated island. The experiments dealt with the measurements of integral and local neutronic parameters, such as the core criticality, the control rod and the lead void reactivity worth, the axial distributions of fission rates for the nuclides of major interest in a fast spectrum, the spectral indices of important actinides (238U, 239Pu, 237 Np) with respect to 235U. With the main aim to validate the neutronic codes adopted for the ALFRED core design, the VENUS-F core and its characterization measurements were simulated with both deterministic (ERANOS) and stochastic (MCNP, SERPENT) codes, by adopting different nuclear data libraries (JEFF, ENDF/B, JENDL, TENDL). This paper summarizes the main results obtained by highlighting a general agreement between measurements and simulations, with few discrepancies for some parameters that are discussed here. Additionally, a sensitivity and uncertainty analysis was performed with deterministic methods for the core reactivity: it clearly indicates that the small over-criticality estimated by the different codes/libraries resulted to be lower than the uncertainties due to nuclear data.