bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perianth and abiotic factors regulate seed germination of Haloxylon stocksii—A cash crop candidate for degraded saline lands
Authors: Rasheed Aysha , Hameed Abdul , Gul Bilquees , Khan Muhammad Ajmal 
Published: May 2019

AbstractHaloxylon stocksii, a common succulent halophyte of saline flats in Pakistan and adjacent countries, is utilized as forage, washing soda, and medicines by the local people. In addition, its cultivation can also prevent land degradation by erosion and salinity. Given that information about its seed ecology is limited, this study aimed to unveil the germination requirements of H. stocksii seeds. Seed morpho‐physical features and effects of perianth persistence, salinity (0–500‐mM NaCl), photoperiod (12 hr light/12 hr dark and 24 hr dark), thermoperiod (10/20°C, 15/25°C, 20/30°C, and 25/35°C), and osmotic stress (0 to −4.29 MPa) on germination and recovery were studied. Presence of perianth caused reductions both in imbibition and germination compared to seeds with perianth removed. Seeds germinated optimally under moderate (20/30°C) than lower (10/20°C and 15/25°C) and higher (25/35°C) temperatures. Under 24 hr dark seed germination was ~20% lower than that in 12‐hr photoperiod at 20/30°C and in distilled water. NaCl increment decreased germination, and only ~20% seeds germinated in the highest NaCl concentration. Ungerminated seeds, when shifted from salt solution to distilled water, showed high recovery of germination. Polyethylene glycol treatment also reduced germination, which was comparable with NaCl treatments. However, polyethylene glycol‐treated seeds showed low recovery, unlike NaCl‐treated seeds. Our data unveil that seeds of H. stocksii germinate optimally upon removal of perianth, under moderate temperature, in absence of salinity and/or osmotic stresses. This study thus provides essential baseline information for mass‐scale cultivation and conservation of H. stocksii in degraded arid‐saline areas.
Tribological performance and degradation of 1‐n‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium methylsulfate ionic liquid in glycerol as lubricant for steel‐steel sliding contacts
Authors: Pejaković Vladimir , Totolin Vladimir , Ristic Andjelka , Gabler Christoph , Kalin Mitjan , Dörr Nicole 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe ionic liquid (IL) 1‐n‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium methylsulfate was studied as additive for glycerol in steel‐steel contacts. The mixtures were evaluated in different IL concentrations with a reciprocating sliding tribometer in a ball‐on‐disc configuration under elastohydrodynamic and boundary conditions at room temperature and 100°C, respectively. At room temperature, friction and wear were mainly determined by the high viscosity of glycerol; hence, little differentiation was found. At 100°C, surface smoothening resulted in decrease of friction and wear with increase of IL concentration, which indicates corrosion as dominant part of the lubricating mechanism. A 0.6‐wt% IL turned out as best performing mixture regarding tribological behaviour and additive efficiency. Methylsulfate is reduced to sulphide when in contact with the steel surface. Methylsulfate reacts with glycerol to give glyceryl sulfate already during mixing as revealed by mass spectrometry. Acorrdingly, after triboexperiments, ions composed of sulfate, iron, and glycerol were identified.
Poly(m‐phenylenediamine)‐coated 316L SS: A promising material for bipolar plates in PEMFC environment
Authors: Shanmugham Chellakkutty , Rajendran N. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe applicability of conducting polymer coatings to enhance corrosion resistance of bipolar plates in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) is gaining greater significance as electrical conductivity is as important as corrosion resistance. Metaphenylenediamine (mPD) monomer was electropolymerized to poly(m‐phenylenediamine) (PmPD) conducting polymer over 316L SS and characterized by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy to confirm the formation of P
mPD polymer. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the surface morphology of the polymer. Open‐circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and potentiodynamic polarization studies were conducted to assess the corrosion protection performance of the PmPD polymer coating in PEMFC environment. The charge‐transfer resistance measured from EIS for the coated substrates was higher than the uncoated substrate. Potentiodynamic polarization studies showed lower corrosion current density for the PmPD‐coated substrates. All the results proved that the PmPD‐coated substrates could exhibit enhanced corrosion resistance in PEMFC environment.
Self‐Assembled Acrylic ABA Triblock Copolymer Hydrogels with Various Block Compositions: Water Absorbency, Rheology, and SAXS
Authors: Arens Lukas , Wilhelm Manfred 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA series of well‐defined symmetric poly(methyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(sodium methacrylate)‐b‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA‐b‐PSMA‐b‐PMMA) triblock copolymers with various block compositions is synthesized. The amphiphilic ABA triblock copolymers form polyelectrolyte hydrogels in water by self‐assembly. The hydrophobic PMMA endblocks act as physical cross‐links in the form of frozen micelles, while the hydrophilic PSMA midblocks span the 3D network. The influence of various synthetic parameters on the self‐assembly and the macroscopic properties of these hydrogels is systematically investigated by water absorbency, oscillatory shear rheology, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. The polymer concentration during the hydrogel formation affects the ratio between looping and bridging chains. The number of MMA units per endblock (nA) determines the size and the relaxation rates of the physical cross‐links and thus, the mechanical stability of the hydrogels. More SMA units in the midblock (nB) increase the water absorbency, while the mechanical moduli decrease. Even lower G‐moduli are achieved by partly exchanging the symmetric ABA triblock with AB diblock copolymers, which can only form non‐elastic dangling ends.
Sedative Efficacy of Tobacco Extract, Clove Oil, Tricaine Methanesulfonate, and Ketamine: Effects on Hematological Parameters and Blood Biochemical Profile in Sterlet
Authors: Delafkar Khayyam , Sattari Masoud , Khara Hossein , Poursaeid Samaneh , Falahatkar Bahram 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of four sedatives, including tobacco extract, clove oil, tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222), and ketamine, in juvenile Sterlet Acipenser ruthenus by use of two experiments. First, fish with an average weight (±SD) of 64.1 ± 3.4 g were exposed to immersion at six concentrations of each sedative, including clove oil at 14, 35, 56, 77, 98, and 119 mg/L; MS-222 at 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, and 70 mg/L; ketamine at 35, 37.5, 40, 42.5, 45, and 50 mg/L; and tobacco extract at 375, 450, 525, 600, 675, and 700 mg/L. Induction time (deep induction) and recovery time were measured, and the concentrations inducing lower induction time and recovery (i.e., optimum concentrations) of each sedative were obtained as follows: 56 mg/L for clove oil, 60 mg/L for MS-222, 45 mg/L for ketamine, and 675 mg/L for tobacco extract. To evaluate the impact of the selected concentration of each sedative on physiological responses of Sterlet, the hematological indices, plasma cortisol, glucose, and lactate concentrations were measured. Additionally, one nonexposed group was considered as a control group. Significant changes were revealed in all hematological parameters except for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and monocytes percent. Biochemical parameters were measured at 0, 1, 3, and 6 h after induction. Significant changes were found in cortisol and lactate levels for all treatments except clove oil. Glucose concentration changed significantly only in the control group. Given that fish sedated with clove oil did not indicate changes in blood chemistry, clove oil may be the more effective sedative according to our results.
Evaluation of Anal Spines, Dorsal Spines, and Scales as Potential Nonlethal Surrogates to Otoliths for Estimating Ages of Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass
Authors: Blackwell Brian G. , Kaufman Todd M. , Moos Tyrel S. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
We compared the precision of age estimates from anal spines, dorsal spines, otoliths, and scales and evaluated the agreement of age estimates from nonlethal structures (i.e., anal spines, dorsal spines, and scales) to estimates obtained from otoliths for Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides and Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu collected in northeastern South Dakota glacial lakes. Reader agreement and coefficient of variation (CV) significantly differed across structures for both species. Otoliths had the highest complete and partial (i.e., at least two of three agree) reader agreement rates, while scales had the lowest for both species along with dorsal spines for Smallmouth Bass. Mean CV for otolith age estimates was 2.0% for Largemouth Bass and 2.3% for Smallmouth Bass; CV means for the nonlethal structures ranged from 8.0% to 15.2% for Largemouth Bass and from 10.0% to 10.7% for Smallmouth Bass. Age estimates derived from anal spines and dorsal spines underestimated ages of both species relative to otoliths. Otolith and scale age estimates were similar through age 9 for Largemouth Bass and through age 7 for Smallmouth Bass. Scale ages generally coincided with otolith ages for Largemouth Bass &lt; 35 cm TL and for Smallmouth Bass &lt; 31 cm TL. Neither anal spines nor dorsal spines proved to be a good nonlethal alternative for estimating ages, while scales may have utility for younger cohorts of both species. We recommend that otoliths be the standard structure for estimating Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass ages when sacrificing fish is acceptable. If sacrificing fish is a concern, then scales may be used as a surrogate for estimating ages of Largemouth Bass &lt; 35 cm TL and Smallmouth Bass &lt; 34 cm TL.
Impact of LUTS on treatment‐related behaviors and quality of life: A population‐based study in Brazil
Authors: Soler Roberto , Averbeck Márcio A. , Koyama Mitti A. H. , Gomes Cristiano M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimsTo report on the impact of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on treatment‐related behaviors and quality of life in Brazilian adults greater than or equal to 40 years.MethodsData were from a computer‐assisted telephone survey conducted in Brazil between 1 September and 31 December 2015 (Brazil LUTS study). Participants were adults greater than or equal to 40 years with landlines living in major cities from five geographical regions in Brazil. Participants rated how often they experienced individual LUTS during the previous month and associated bother, and the impact on quality of life (QoL), treatment seeking, treatment, treatment satisfaction, and treatment discontinuation. Multiple logistic regression models were adjusted to analyze the simultaneous effects of predictor variables on each dependent variable.ResultsWhen the presence of LUTS was defined as symptoms occurring less than half the time or more, one‐quarter of respondents sought treatment but 6% fewer actually received treatment. Of these, around 25% reported dissatisfaction with treatment and almost 10% reported treatment discontinuation. The occurrence of some symptoms and, in particular, the resultant bother were significantly related to worse QoL and to treatment‐related outcomes, such as treatment seeking, actual treatment, treatment dissatisfaction, and treatment discontinuation. Symptoms of all three categories were associated with all these domains for both sexes.ConclusionsThis is the first population‐based study carried out in South America showing that treatment seeking and treatment rates for LUTS are low. Since the LUTS prevalence is high, this reinforces the importance of a comprehensive medical assessment, focusing on the resulting bother, for more appropriate and personalized patient management.
On entropy stable schemes for degenerate parabolic multispecies kinematic flow models
Authors: Bürger Raimund , Méndez Paul E. , Parés Carlos 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEntropy stable schemes for the numerical solution of initial value problems of nonlinear, possibly strongly degenerate systems of convection–diffusion equations were recently proposed in Jerez and Parés's study. These schemes extend the theoretical framework of Tadmor's study to convection–diffusion systems. They arise from entropy conservative schemes by adding a small amount of viscosity to avoid spurious oscillations. The main condition for feasibility of entropy conservative or stable schemes for a given model is that the corresponding first‐order system of conservation laws possesses a convex entropy function and corresponding entropy flux, and that the diffusion matrix multiplied by the inverse of the Hessian of the entropy is positive semidefinite. As a new contribution, it is demonstrated in the present work, first, that these schemes can naturally be extended to initial‐boundary value problems with zero‐flux boundary conditions in one space dimension, including an explicit bound on the growth of the total entropy. Second, it is shown that these assumptions are satisfied by certain diffusively corrected multiclass kinematic flow models of arbitrary size that describe traffic flow or the settling of dispersions and emulsions, where the latter application gives rise to zero‐flux boundary conditions. Numerical examples illustrate the behavior and accuracy of entropy stable schemes for these applications.
A linear, decoupled fractional time‐stepping method for the nonlinear fluid–fluid interaction
Authors: Li Jian , Huang Pengzhan , Zhang Chong , Guo Gaihui 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this paper, a linear decoupled fractional time stepping method is proposed and developed for the nonlinear fluid–fluid interaction governed by the two Navier–Stokes equations. Partitioned time stepping method is applied to two‐physics problems with stiffness of the coupling terms being treated explicitly and is also unconditionally stable. As for each fluid, the velocity and pressure are respectively determined by just solving one vector‐valued quasi‐elliptic equation and the Possion equation with homogeneous Neumann boundary condition per time step. Therefore, the cost of the fluid–fluid interaction is dominant to solve four simple linear equations, which greatly reduces the computational cost of the whole system. The method exploits properties of the fluid–fluid system to establish its stability and convergence with the same results as the standard scheme. Finally, numerical experiments are presented to show the performance of the proposed method.
Duty on fish: Zooarchaeological evidence from Kastre Castle and customs station site between Russia and Estonia
Authors: Lõugas Lembi , Rannamäe Eve , Ehrlich Freydis , Tvauri Andres 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe majority of medieval and early modern fish, bird, and mammal remains in Estonia originate from urban contexts, but a promising site for archaeological faunal finds outside the towns appears to be Kastre (Varbek) in central‐eastern Estonia. The site was a castle and customs station that belonged to the Tartu (Dorpat) bishop and was first founded at the end of the 14th century on the bank of the Emajõgi River, between Lake Peipsi and Tartu town. River traffic was controlled there; inter alia trade between the Hanseatic towns of Novgorod in western Russia and Tartu, historical sources show, “duty on fish” was collected there in the 15th and 16th centuries. Large numbers of fish, mammal, and bird remains were gathered from the castle during archaeological excavations in 2001 and analysed for the current study. Faunal material reflects animal products consumed most probably by the castle staff, whereas the evidence of fish processing in the castle may refer to the value added to fish for resale. Any direct connection to the customs tax by the faunal remains has not been proven but indirectly hypothesized. Thus, a large amount of fish remains including long‐distance imports, together with the evidence of fur processing and presence of farm animals in the castle, may indicate the duty taken on the trade and/or fishing rights on the Emajõgi River.
Comparison and optimization of genetic tools used for the identification of ancient fish remains recovered from archaeological excavations and museum collections in the Mediterranean region
Authors: Puncher Gregory Neils , Cariani Alessia , Cilli Elisabetta , Massari Francesco , Leone Agostino , Morales‐Muñiz Arturo , Onar Vedat , Toker Nezir Yaşar , Bernal Casasola Dario , Moens Tom , Tinti Fausto 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAmong the many fish species commercially exploited since prehistoric times, Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is one of the most economically significant, having left an indelible imprint on several civilizations including the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans. Here, we describe our efforts to identify tuna specimens among the remains of 345 fish vertebrae and bones in several large collections from the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea, dating from the Late Iron Age (2nd century BCE) to the early 20th century (1911–1927). Unfortunately, ancient fish specimens are often mislabelled, which can cause a great deal of confusion among zoologists. Protocols were developed and optimized to overcome the unique challenges related to the compromised integrity of genetic material preserved in ancient bones. Three DNA isolation protocols were compared to maximize yields, and as reported for other faunal remains, a silica spin column‐based method was proven most effective. Endogenous DNA was successfully extracted from the majority of bones and amplified using polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) and an assortment of four primer pairs targeting nuclear (internal transcribed spacer) and mitochondrial sequences (cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 and control region). Protocols targeting mitochondrial markers were more successful than those focused on nuclear targets. Due to the restricted length of the extracted DNA molecules, character‐based keys containing diagnostic nucleotide substitutions were defined and used to identify 231 samples to genera, of which 171 were identified to species level. The success rate of assignment of specimens to species level varied between location and collection, reflecting variation in DNA preservation between different sites and environments. The methods detailed herein can be used to identify other ancient fish specimens and provide information about historical human diets, trade, species distribution, and biodiversity. The same tools can be applied to the analysis of processed food items with highly damaged DNA.
Beinaglutide showed significant weight‐loss benefit and effective glycaemic control for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in a real‐world setting: a 3‐month, multicentre, observational, retrospective, open‐label study
Authors: Zhang Y. L. , Zhou C. , Li X. F. , Yang M. N. , Tao L. , Zheng X. Y. , Jia Y. S. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryAimsThe purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of beinaglutide on body weight, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a real‐world setting in China.Materials and methodsThis was a multicentre, observational, retrospective, open‐label study conducted in China. Data were collected from T2DM patients who started treatment with beinaglutide between 2017 and 2018.ResultsA total of 314 patients were included in the study. After 3 months of treatment with beinaglutide, there were significant reductions in body weight (−10.05 kg [95% confidence interval −9.29 to −10.80]), HbA1c (−2.87% [−2.62 to −3.11]), 2‐h postprandial plasma glucose (−5.46 mmol L−1 [−4.96 to −5.95]) and fasting plasma glucose (−3.04 mmol L−1 [−2.78 to −3.31]) (all p < 0.0001). In addition, 84.96% and 72.18% of the patients achieved weight loss of ≥5% and ≥10%, respectively. Subgroup analyses showed that weight loss was significantly greater in patients with ≥28 kg m−2 of baseline body mass index and 0.60 mg of beinaglutide doses (p = 0.007 and p < 0.0001, respectively). HbA1c reductions were significantly greater in patients with ≥9.0% baseline HbA1c and in those administered 0.40–0.48 mg of beinaglutide doses (all p < 0.0001). Weight loss at 3 months was positively correlated with baseline BMI and the dose of beinaglutide. Positive determinants for HbA1c reduction after 3 months were baseline HbA1c and the dose of beinaglutide.ConclusionsThese observational results confirmed the benefits of beinaglutide in weight loss and glycaemic control and support the use of beinaglutide as an effective treatment for T2DM.
Institutional and policy issues experienced in the implementation of Botswana's national disability policy
Authors: Omotoye Abiodun Marumo Tito 
Published: May 2019

People with disabilities (PWDs) are often subjected to economic and social exclusion. Despite the Government of Botswana's efforts to uplift marginalised and vulnerable groups, PWDs remain disenfranchised as a result of social, physical, and legislative barriers. This paper assesses policy and institutional factors that contribute to and or hinder the implementation of Botswana's national disability policy. Data were collected using secondary data sources and analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis of determinants of policy impact (ADEPT) approach, which aims to explain and influence policy development and policy impact implementation with four determinants (goals, obligations, resources, and opportunities), was adopted. The study's findings show that 22 years after its adoption, the National Policy on Care for People with Disabilities has not resulted in the desired policy outcomes, let alone achieved its objective of improving the lives of PWDs. Although the policy has the potential to be an important tool in achieving social inclusion and protecting the rights of PWDs, implementation gaps remain, essentially limiting its effectiveness.
Posttraumatic stress in young children with cancer: Risk factors and comparison with healthy peers
Authors: Tillery Rachel , Willard Victoria W. , Long Alanna , Phipps Sean 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe most commonly occurring childhood cancers are diagnosed during the preschool years; yet limited psycho‐oncology research has focused on this developmental time period. The primary objective was to examine rates of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in young children with cancer and compare these findings with those of children without a history of serious illness (comparisons). The secondary aim was to examine risk and modifiable factors associated with PTSS.MethodNinety‐seven caregivers of patients (n = 50) and comparisons (n = 47) aged three to six years completed diagnostic interviews for the assessment of PTSD. They also completed a survey measure of PTSS adapted from the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL‐PTSD), along with measures of their child's temperament and their own current psychological functioning.ResultsOn the CBCL‐PTSD, no differences in PTSS were observed between children with cancer and comparisons, although many in both groups appeared at risk, with approximately 34% of children with cancer and 27% of comparisons meeting threshold scores for probable PTSD. However, using a “gold‐standard” clinical‐interview assessment, only three children in the patient group and no children in the comparison group met diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Parental distress and child temperament were significantly associated with PTSS scores.ConclusionFindings indicate PTSD is relatively infrequent in children with cancer, and survey measures may overestimate rates of PTSD in young children. However, other emotional or behavioral issues may be present. Ultimately, screening for potential emotional/behavioral concerns in young children with cancer is indicated, and interventions should continue to target caregiver distress.