bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
End‐state comfort in two object manipulation tasks: Investigating how the movement context influences planning in children, young adults, and older adults
Authors: Scharoun Benson Sara M. , Roy Eric A. , Bryden Pamela J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe movement context (pantomime, pantomime with image/object as guide, and actual use) has been shown to influence end‐state comfort—the propensity to prioritize a comfortable final hand position over an initially comfortable one—across the lifespan. The present study aimed to assess how the movement context (pantomime, using a dowel as the tool, and actual use) influences end‐state comfort when acting with objects (glass/hammer) that differ in use‐dependent experience. Children (ages 6–11, n = 70), young adults (n = 21), and older adults (n = 21) picked up an overturned glass to pour water and a hammer to hit a nail, where the handle faced away from the participant. End‐state comfort was assessed in each movement context. Findings provide support for an increase in end‐state comfort with age, adult‐like patterns at age 10, and no difference between older adults and 8‐ to 9‐year‐old children. In addition, this work revealed that perception of “graspability” led to an increase in end‐state comfort in the hammering task; therefore, suggesting our ability to act with objects and tools in the environment is influenced by use‐dependent experience and object perception. Results add to our understanding of changes in motor planning abilities with age, and factors underlying these changes.
Developmental and sex differences in tetramethylenedisulfotetramine (TMDT)‐induced syndrome in rats
Authors: Lauková Marcela , Velíšková Jana , Velíšek Libor , Shakarjian Michael P. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTTetramethylenedisulfotetramine (TMDT) is a synthetic neurotoxic rodenticide considered a chemical threat agent. Symptoms of intoxication include seizures leading to status epilepticus and death. While children and women have been often the victims, no studies exist investigating the neurotoxic effects of TMDT in developing individuals or females. Thus, we performed such an investigation in developing Sprague‐Dawley rats of both sexes in order to identify potential age‐ or sex‐dependent vulnerability to TMDT exposure. Subcutaneous injection was chosen as the preferred route of TMDT exposure. EEG recordings confirmed the seizure activity observed in both postnatal day 15 (P15) and adult rats. Additionally, P15 rats displayed greater sensitivity to TMDT than postnanatal day 25 or adult animals. Seizures were generally more severe in females compared to males. Barrel rotations accompanied convulsions in P25 and adult, but sparsely in P15 rats. Adults developed barrel rolling less frequently than P25 population. Neuronal cell death was not present in 24‐h TMDT survivors at any age or sex tested. A seizure rechallenge with flurothyl 7 days following TMDT exposure demonstrated longer latencies to the first clonic seizure but a faster progression into the tonic‐clonic seizure in P15 and adult survivors as compared to their vehicle‐injected counterparts. In conclusion, the youngest age group represents the most vulnerable population to the TMDT‐induced toxidrome. Females appear to be more vulnerable than males. TMDT exposure promotes seizure spread and progression in survivors. These findings will help to establish sex‐ and age‐specific treatment strategies for TMDT‐exposed individuals. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 78: 403–416, 2018
Life histories and ecotype conservation in an adaptive vertebrate: Genetic constitution of piscivorous brown trout covaries with habitat stability
Authors: Wollebaek Jens , Heggenes Jan , Roed Knut H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractEcotype variation in species exhibiting different life history strategies may reflect heritable adaptations to optimize reproductive success, and potential for speciation. Traditionally, ecotypes have, however, been defined by morphometrics and life history characteristics, which may be confounded with individual plasticity. Here, we use the widely distributed and polytypic freshwater fish species brown trout (Salmo trutta) as a model to study piscivorous life history and its genetic characteristics in environmentally contrasting habitats; a large lake ecosystem with one major large and stable tributary, and several small tributaries. Data from 550 fish and 13 polymorphic microsatellites (He = 0.67) indicated ecotype‐specific genetic differentiation (θ = 0.0170,p < .0001) among Bayesian assigned small riverine resident and large, lake migrating brown trout (>35 cm), but only in the large tributary. In contrast, large trout did not constitute a distinct genetic group in small tributaries, or across riverine sites. Whereas life history data suggest a small, river resident and a large migratory piscivorous ecotype in all studied tributaries, genetic data indicated that a genetically distinct piscivorous ecotype is more likely to evolve in the large and relatively more stable river habitat. In the smaller tributaries, ecotypes apparently resulted from individual plasticity. Whether different life histories and ecotypes result from individual plasticity or define different genetic types, have important consequence for conservation strategies.
Volatility in the effective size of a freshwater gastropod population
Authors: Dillon Robert T. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDespite the utility of gastropod models for the study of evolutionary processes of great generality and importance, their effective population size has rarely been estimated in the field. Here, we report allele frequency variance at three allozyme‐encoding loci monitored over 7 years in a population of the invasive freshwater pulmonate snail Physa acuta (Draparnaud 1805), estimating effective population size with both single‐sample and two‐sample approaches. Estimated Ne declined from effectively infinite in 2009 to approximately 40–50 in 2012 and then rose back to infinity in 2015, corresponding to a striking fluctuation in the apparent census size of the population. Such volatility in Ne may reflect cryptic population subdivision.
Iron Oxide Nanoparticle and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Modified Glassy Carbon Electrodes. Application to Levodopa Detection
Authors: Baião Vanessa , Tomé Luciana I.N. , Brett Christopher M.A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe combination of iron (III) oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3NP) with functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) has been used to develop a new and easily prepared modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The Fe2O3NP‐MWCNT/GCE were electrochemically characterized by cyclic voltammetry with the model hexacyanoferrate(III)/(II) redox probe. Their application as electrochemical sensors was demonstrated using levodopa oxidation, with excellent analytical performance. The analytical parameters compare favourably with other similar modified electrodes reported in the literature. Excellent selectivity was shown in interference studies and the determination of levodopa was carried out in pharmaceutical samples.
The influence of transparency on budget forecast deviations in municipal governments
Authors: Ríos Ana‐María , Guillamón María‐Dolores , Benito Bernardino , Bastida Francisco 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper analyzes the impact of transparency on fiscal performance. Our sample considers the 100 largest Spanish municipalities for the years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2014. The results show that the level of municipal transparency influences budget forecast deviations in tax revenues and current expenditures. On the one hand, less transparent municipalities overestimate their revenues, allowing them to provide more public services without an immediate increase in taxes. On the other, these local governments, which are aware of the overestimation of their revenues, may spend less than they budgeted. More transparent municipalities, meanwhile, seem to be more prudent in their revenue estimations, since they underestimate their revenues, meaning they can spend more than projected. Our results also show that the behavior of politicians is influenced by the phase of the electoral cycle in which they find themselves, with politicians overestimating expenditures in the year before election.
Moisture sorption isotherm and changes in physico‐mechanical properties of films produced from waste flour and their application on preservation quality of fresh strawberry
Authors: Muangrat Rattana , Nuankham Chanida 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWaste flour from the noodle industry was used to produce films, which were plasticized with 40% w/w glycerol:sorbitol at 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1 w/w and formulated with 200 ppm potassium sorbate. Henderson's equation was found to be the best estimator for moisture sorption isotherm of the films stored at 5, 25, and 45°C, and then, equilibrated at 0.11, 0.23, 0.32, 0.43, 0.58, 0.64, 0.76, 0.84, and 0.93 water activity. Developed flour films (plasticized with 2:1 w/w glycerol:sorbitol/formulated with 20% w/w potassium sorbate), with the best mechanical properties (tensile strength of 1.05 MPa; elongation at break of 73.01%), were used to cover fresh strawberries on a polystyrene foam tray. It was found that higher average phenolic contents, antioxidant activity, and firmness were found in strawberries wrapped in plasticized/formulated films, when compared against both films without potassium sorbate and without film (control). Furthermore, a lower average total microorganism count was found for fresh strawberries wrapped in the plasticized/formulated films, when compared with films without potassium sorbate.
Effect of ultrahigh temperature treatment on qualities of watermelon juice
Authors: Wang Yubin , Guo Xiaofei , Ma Yue , Zhao Xiaoyan , Zhang Chao 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe watermelon juice was pasteurized by the ultrahigh temperature (UHT) treatment, and the qualities of the pasteurized juice were compared to screen the optimal UHT. The UHT of 120 and 135°C inactivated the microbial colonies and maintained the original color of the watermelon juice. The temperature of 120 and 135°C was also maintained the phenolic content by reducing the polyphenoloxidase activity. Moreover, the C9 aldehydes, especially the (E,Z)‐2,6‐nonadienal, presented the main aroma of the watermelon juice. The C9 aldehydes were formed as the results of the heat reduction and enzymatic metabolism. The temperature of 120 and 135°C reduced the alcohol dehydrogenase activity and well maintained the C9 aldehyde content of the watermelon juice. Hence, the temperature of 120°C of the UHT treatment was the optimal temperature for the production of the watermelon juice.
Performance of a Cu–Fe‐based oxygen carrier combined with a Ni‐based oxygen carrier in a chemical‐looping combustion process based on fixed‐bed reactors
Authors: Tian Qiang , Che Lixin , Ding Bin , Wang Qianwei , Su Qingquan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe application of chemical‐looping combustion (CLC) based on fixed‐bed reactors for distributed medium‐ and small‐scale hot‐water and steam gas‐fuelled boilers is promising due to its low NOx emission, high energy efficiency and nearly zero energy consumption in carbon capture. For fixed‐bed reactors, a wide operating temperature window (Tw) for the oxygen carrier (OC) is crucial to ensure the performance and cycle life of the OC. The performance of Cu30–Fe50/Al20‐M combined with different Ni‐based OCs was investigated to extend the Tw(L) of 600°C for Cu30–Fe50/Al20‐M to a lower temperature, which was developed previously. The different Ni‐based OCs would work as CH4 steam reforming catalysts if their required reduction temperatures were significantly lower than the Tw(L) of Cu30–Fe50/Al20‐M. Results showed that a Ni‐based OC of Ni60/Al40‐M could be reduced with CH4/H2O with an S/C of 1.0 at a temperature of 450°C. The combination of Cu30–Fe50/Al20 and Ni25/Al75‐I, which was packed in the bed by a mixing method, exhibited a low‐temperature reactivity and Tw(L) was lowered from 600°C to 490°C. Moreover, carbon deposition and an intermediate compound, NiFe2O4, which was found in a composite OC of Ni–Cu–Fe–/Al, were not detected during the reduction step. Based on the results, a new CLC process, which was characterised by an integrated methane steam reforming in the reduction step, was proposed. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity and specificity of a briefer version of the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCog‐Short) in the detection of cognitive decline in the elderly: An exploratory study
Authors: Radanovic Marcia , Facco Giuliana , Forlenza Orestes V. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo create a reduced and briefer version of the widely used Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCog) battery as a concise cognitive test to be used in primary and secondary levels of health care to detect cognitive decline. Our aim was to reduce the administration time of the original test while maintaining its diagnostic accuracy.MethodsOn the basis of the analysis of 835 CAMCog tests performed by 429 subjects (107 controls, 192 mild cognitive impairment [MCI], and 130 dementia patients), we extracted items that most contributed to intergroup differentiation, according to 2 educational levels (≤8 and >8 y of formal schooling).ResultsThe final 33‐item “low education” and 24‐item“high education” CAMCog‐Short correspond to 48.5% and 35% of the original version and yielded similar rates of accuracy: area under ROC curves (AUC) > 0.9 in the differentiation between controls × dementia and MCI × dementia (sensitivities > 75%; specificities > 90%); AUC > 0.7 for the differentiation between controls and MCI (sensitivities > 65%; specificities > 75%).ConclusionsThe CAMCog‐Short emerges as a promising tool for a brief, yet sufficiently accurate, screening tool for use in clinical settings. Further prospective studies designed to validate its diagnostic accuracy are needed.
Regional variation of recession flow power‐law exponent
Authors: Patnaik Swagat , Biswal Basudev , Nagesh Kumar Dasika , Sivakumar Bellie 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRecession flows of a basin provide valuable information about its storage–discharge relationship as during recession periods discharge occurs due to depletion of storage. Storage–discharge analysis is generally performed by plotting −dQ/dt against Q, where Q is discharge at time t. For most real world catchments, −dQ/dt versus Q show a power‐law relationship of the type: −dQ/dt = kQα. Because the coefficient k varies across recession events significantly, the exponent α needs to be computed separately for individual recession events. The median α can then be considered as the representative α for the basin. The question that arises here is what are the basin characteristics that influence the value of α? Studies based on a small number of basins (up to 50 basins) reveal that α has good relationship with several basin characteristics. However, whether such a relationship is universal remains an important question, because a universal relationship would allow prediction of the value of α for any ungauged basin. To test this hypothesis, here, we study data collected from a relatively large number of basins (358 basins) in USA and examine the influence of 35 different physio‐climatic characteristics on α. We divide the basins into 2 groups based on their longitudes and test the relationship between α and basin characteristics separately for the two groups. The results indicate that α is not identically influenced by different basin characteristics for the two datasets. This may suggest that the power‐law exponent α of a region is determined by the way local physio‐climatic forces have shaped the landscape.
Long‐term evaluation of vascular grafts with circumferentially aligned microfibers in a rat abdominal aorta replacement model
Authors: Li Wen , Chen Jingrui , Xu Pan , Zhu Meifeng , Wu Yifan , Wang Zhihong , Zhao Tiechan , Cheng Quhan , Wang Kai , Fan Guanwei , Zhu Yan , Kong Deling 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLong‐term results of implants in small animal models can be used to optimize the design of grafts to further promote tissue regeneration. In previous study, we fabricated a poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) bi‐layered vascular graft consisting of an internal layer with circumferentially aligned microfibers and an external layer with random nanofibers. The circumferentially oriented vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were successfully regenerated after the grafts were implanted in rat abdominal aorta for 3 months. Here we investigated the long‐term (18 months) performance of the bi‐layered grafts in the same model. All the grafts were patent. No thrombosis, aneurysm, or stenosis occurred. The endothelium maintained complete. However, most of circumferentially oriented VSMCs migrated to luminal surface of the grafts to form a neointima with uniform thickness. Accordingly, extracellular matrix including collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan displayed high density in neointima layer while with low density in the grafts wall because of the incomplete degradation of PCL. A small amounts of calcification occurred in the grafts. The contraction and relaxation function of regenerated neoartery almost disappeared. These data indicated that based on the structure design, many other factors of grafts should be considered to achieve the regenerated neoartery similar to the native vessels after long‐term implantation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2596–2604, 2018.
Morphological and chemical changes in human deciduous dentin after phosphoric acid, self‐etching adhesive and Er: YAG laser conditioning
Authors: de los Angeles Moyaho‐Bernal María , Contreras‐Bulnes Rosalía , Rodríguez‐Vilchis Laura Emma , Rubio‐Rosas Efraín , Scougall‐Vilchis Rogelio José , Centeno‐Pedraza Claudia 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe morphological and chemical changes in deciduous dentin produced by different conditioning protocols were evaluated in this in vitro study. Eighty primary dentin samples were divided into eight groups (n = 10): G1, acid etching; G2, self‐etching adhesive; G3, G4, Er: YAG laser irradiation at 25.5 and 38.2 J cm−2, respectively; 10 Hz and spray irrigation. Groups 5, 6, 7, and 8 were irradiated at previous densities, and then phosphoric acid or self‐etching adhesive conditioning was applied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to evaluate chemical and morphological changes. Paired t‐test and One‐way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis (p ≤ 0.05). All samples showed different morphology with specific characteristics according to the conditioning protocol. Changing element concentration values are expressed in atomic percent (at %). After conditioning, there were statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) for p at% and Ca/P in all groups; highlighting the following additional findings by group: G1, G7, and G8 showed changes in all elements studied, G2 presented a decrease in C at% and increased Ca at%, G3 and G4 exhibited at% changes in C, trace elements and Ca. Furthermore, G5 showed at% changes in O and trace elements; while G6 changes were observed on C at%, O at% and trace elements at%. Dentin morphology and chemical composition varied in accordance with the conditioning protocol, with characteristics specific for each one that could have clinical implications for the retention and bond strength performance of adhesive materials.
Effects of bentonite Bgp35b‐p on the gut microbiota of mice fed a high‐fat diet
Authors: Lee Eun‐Sook , Song Eun‐Ji , Lee So‐Young , Park So‐Lim , Kim Daeyoung , Kim Daniel , Kim Jae‐Hwan , Lim Seong‐Il , Nam Young‐Do 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDBentonite is a natural clay mineral with health‐promoting effects due to its high adsorption abilities with high cation‐exchange capacity. Previously, we found an anti‐obesity effect for Bgp35b‐p bentonite produced in South Korea, where its high adsorbent ability of dietary lipids possibly partially removed the lipidic environment in the gut (unpublished). It is hypothesized that Bgp35b‐p affects the intestinal microbial community, and thus the microbial changes were investigated via next‐generation sequencing targeting the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and bioinformatics using QIIME (Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology) were performed on feces of C57BL/6 male mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) with the Bgp35b‐p.RESULTSThe HFD caused microbial dysbiosis, characterized by a decrease in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and an increase in abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. It was found that HFD + Bgp35b‐p led to significant changes in the microbial compositions of family‐level bacteria known as short‐chain fatty‐acid‐producing bacteria. The relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae was significantly increased, and the abundances of Clostridiaceae and Lachnospiraceae were decreased by HFD + Bgp35b‐p, shifting close to that in mice fed a normal diet.CONCLUSIONBgp35b‐p induced compositional changes in intestinal microbiota, which can be considered as a prebiotic effect, thus suggesting that bentonite may be a potential prebiotic functional supplement. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Regional‐based mitigation to reduce wildlife–vehicle collisions
Authors: Snow Nathan P. , Zhang Zhen , Finley Andrew O. , Rudolph Brent A. , Porter William F. , Williams David M. , Winterstein Scott R. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTVehicular collisions with large ungulates pose serious challenges for managing and conserving large ungulates throughout the world. Despite the global frequency, mitigation efforts are mostly limited to localized hotspots and not effective on broad scales. Our goal was to determine whether dynamic, regional attributes could inform broader focus for mitigation efforts. We applied a spatiotemporal dynamic model to examine the regional influences on white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)–vehicle collisions (DVCs) throughout the Midwest United States from traffic, abundance of deer, and composition and configuration of the landscape during 2000–2011. The regions included eco‐zones representing landscape dominated by shelter‐forage habitats with ubiquitous and abundant distribution of deer (i.e., forest‐agriculture matrix), landscape dominated by agriculture with sparse refugia (i.e., agriculture), and landscape dominated by forests with seasonal migration for deer (i.e., northern forest). We found little fluctuation in the factors affecting collisions through time but substantial differences among regions. In the forest‐agriculture matrix eco‐zone, fragmentation of the landscape was the most important predictor of collisions. In the agriculture eco‐zone, traffic and abundance of deer best predicted collisions. In the northern forest eco‐zone, the predictors of collisions were variable and likely related to winter severity and deer migration. This research provides new justification for broadening the focus of current mitigation measures to regional extents. In regions dominated by forest and agriculture, new policies that reduce habitat fragmentation should be the primary focus for reducing collisions. Reducing abundance of ungulates will have the most direct effect in regions dominated by agriculture. Finally, a variety of seasonal and local mitigation measures will be most effective in northern forests where large ungulates migrate. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.