bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of age at primiparity in pinnipeds in the absence of the quality–quantity trade‐off in reproduction
Authors: Kalberer Stephanie , DeRango Eugene , Trillmich Fritz , Krüger Oliver 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAge at primiparity (AP) is a key life history trait which is crucial to the evolution of life history strategies. This trait is particularly interesting in pinnipeds (walrus, eared seals, and true seals), which are monotocous animals. Thus, the commonly observed trade‐off between offspring quality and quantity does not apply to this taxon. Therefore, comparative studies on the evolution of AP might shed light on other important evolutionary correlates when litter size is fixed. Using phylogenetic generalized least squares analyses, we found a strong negative and robust correlation between relative birth mass (mean pup birth mass as a proportion of mean adult female mass) and AP. Rather than trading‐off an early start of reproduction with light relative offspring mass, this result suggests that pinnipeds exhibit either faster (i.e., higher relative offspring mass leading to shorter lactation length, and thus shorter interbirth interval) or slower life histories and that an early AP and a heavy relative offspring mass co‐evolved into a comparatively fast life history strategy. On the other hand, AP was positively related to lactation length: A later start of reproduction was associated with a longer lactation length. Consequently, variation in AP in pinnipeds seems to be affected by an interplay between costs and benefits of early reproduction mediated by relative investment into the single offspring via relative birth mass and lactation length.
Tracking the fate of deposited nitrogen and its redistribution in a subtropical watershed in China
Authors: Gao Yang , Hao Zhuo , Han Ning , Yang Jun , Tian Jing , Song Xianwei , Wen Xuefa , He Nianpeng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractVegetation cover and soil infiltration can result in nitrogen (N) redistribution and associative isotopic fractionation. This study investigated N and its isotopic characteristics from deposition to baseflow under different vegetation canopy cover types in a subtropical watershed in China. Results showed that canopy interception via vegetation cover types exhibited notable dilution effects on reactive nitrogen (Nr) deposition during the rainy season, with the highest maximum value of 287.4%. The range of δ15N changed from 3.0‰ to 11.9‰ in throughfall, which may have resulted from an increase in N taken up by vegetation and particles washed away from plant leaves during rainfall events. Throughfall, soil water, precipitation, and rainfall run‐off were the sources of D and 18O‐H2O in baseflow river water, wherein the rainwater and rainfall run‐off contributed 73% ± 8% and 15% ± 12%, respectively. Soil water was the main source of 15N‐NO3 in baseflow river water, which contributes 78% ± 4% of overall source, but precipitation only contributes 10%. The average annual Nr deposition flux was 24.4 ± 4.2 kg·ha−1·yr−1, whereas the annual total nitrogen exportation flux was 1062 ± 269.8 kg·yr−1. The 46% of HDO or D2O for river water came from rainfall run‐off, which would transport a maximum nitrate flux of 354 kg·yr−1. Moreover, vegetation cover and soil infiltration resulted in δ15N enrichment and a decrease in Nr in river flow.
Direct and indirect effects of flood regime on macroinvertebrate assemblages in a floodplain riverscape
Authors: Chanut Pierre C.M. , Datry Thibault , Gabbud Chrystelle , Robinson Christopher T. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFloods are necessary for the functioning of floodplain ecosystems. Ultimately, flood effects on biota are spatially complex and unfold at various time scales. Yet, biodiversity conservation in regulated floodplains requires a sound quantification of the main pathways how floods affect riverine ecosystems. Here, we investigated the relative effects of flood frequency, magnitude, and time elapsed since the last flood on macroinvertebrate communities of 24 parafluvial habitats in the Maggia river floodplain, Switzerland. Parafluvial habitats were sampled seasonally over 1 year, and a combination of 2D hydrodynamic modelling and piecewise structural equation modelling was used to quantify the direct and indirect effects of local hydrological metrics on macroinvertebrate communities. We found that high flood frequency favoured rheophilic species (EPT taxa) over other groups (Coleoptera, Diptera) and prevented strong competitive interactions and competitive exclusion by maintaining low food resource levels. Importantly, we found that parafluvial habitats exhibited more lentic‐like characteristics as time passed after a flood, which caused EPT taxa to be relatively more abundant and taxa richness higher immediately after flood disturbance. Lastly, overall taxa richness increased over time after a flood and even more so after larger floods. Our results suggest that variation in flood magnitude, frequency, and return period maximizes beta diversity within floodplain riverscapes due to the independent and spatially interactive responses of parafluvial habitats.
Techno‐economic feasibility of building attached photovoltaic systems for the various climatic conditions of Iran
Authors: Karimi Mohammad Sadjad , Fazelpour Farivar , Rosen Marc A. , Shams Mehrzad 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe integration of solar energy systems into buildings via photovoltaic (PV) and other technologies can curb the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by buildings. However, the performance of solar energy systems is highly dependent on climatic and economic conditions. In this regard, the techno‐economic feasibility of building attached PV systems are studied for three scenarios considering three cities of Iran namely Tehran, Tabriz, and Kish Island, which have different climatic conditions. The result shows that the PV systems can annually meet 4.5–20% of the electricity needs for Tehran, 3.0–13% for Tabriz and 2.0–11.5% for Kish Island. Moreover, roof mounted PV systems were found to be a better alternative to envelope attached systems in technical and economic terms. The payback period for the solar energy systems was found to be between 8.7 and 14.3 years for Tehran, 14.2 and 22.6 years for Tabriz, and 11.6 and 21.1 for Kish Island.
In silico design of crop ideotypes under a wide range of water availability
Authors: Jubery Talukder Z. , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar , Gilbert Matthew E. , Attinger Daniel 
Published: April 2019

AbstractGiven the changing climate and increasing impact of agriculture on global resources, it is important to identify phenotypes which are global and sustainable optima. Here, an in silico framework is constructed by coupling evolutionary optimization with thermodynamically sound crop physiology, and its ability to rationally design phenotypes with maximum productivity is demonstrated, within well‐defined limits on water availability. Results reveal that in mesic environments, such as the North American Midwest, and semi‐arid environments, such as Colorado, phenotypes optimized for maximum productivity and survival under drought are similar to those with maximum productivity under irrigated conditions. In hot and dry environments like California, phenotypes adapted to drought produce 40% lower yields when irrigated compared to those optimized for irrigation. In all three representative environments, the trade‐off between productivity under drought versus that under irrigation was shallow, justifying a successful strategy of breeding crops combining best productivity under irrigation and close to best productivity under drought.
Lektionen für Alexa & Co?!
Authors: Häb‐Umbach Reinhold 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWenn akustische Signalverarbeitung mit automatisiertem Lernen verknüpft wird: Nachrichtentechniker arbeiten mit mehreren Mikrofonen und tiefen neuronalen Netzen an besserer Spracherkennung unter widrigsten Bedingungen. Von solchen Sensornetzwerken könnten langfristig auch digitale Sprachassistenten profitieren.
Adjunctive Chinese herbal medicine therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Clinical evidence and experimental validation
Authors: Song Ying‐Chyi , Hung Kuo‐Feng , Liang Kai‐Li , Chiang Jen‐Huai , Huang Hui‐Chi , Lee Hui‐Ju , Wu Mei‐Yao , Yu Sheng‐Jie , Lo Hsin‐Yi , Ho Tin‐Yun , Yen Hung‐Rong 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the benefits of adjunctive Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).MethodsWe included all patients diagnosed with NPC during 1997‐2009 and followed until 2011 in Taiwan. We used 1:1 frequency matching by age, sex, comorbidity, conventional treatment, and index year to compare the CHM users and non‐CHM users (n = 2542 each). The prescribed CHM was further investigated with regard to its cytotoxicity.ResultsCompared with non‐CHM users, adjunctive CHM users had a lower hazard ratio of mortality risk, and a better survival probability. Gan‐Lu‐Yin (GLY) was the most commonly prescribed CHM, and it reduced cell viability, inhibited tumor proliferation, and induced apoptosis through the poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase and caspase‐3‐dependent pathway in human NPC TW01 cells. Oral administration of GLY retarded NPC‐TW01 tumor growth in the xenograft nude mouse model.ConclusionReal‐world data and laboratory experiments implied that adjunctive CHM might be beneficial for NPC patients.
HLA‐B*35:01 Allele Is a Potential Biomarker for Predicting Polygonum multiflorum–Induced Liver Injury in Humans
Authors: Li Chaopeng , Rao Tai , Chen Xiaoping , Zou Zhengsheng , Wei Aiwu , Tang Jinfa , Xiong Peng , Li Pengyan , Jing Jing , He Tingting , Bai Zhaofang , Yin Jiye , Tan Zhirong , Yu Peng , Zhou Honghao , Wang Jiabo , Xiao Xiaohe , Ouyang Dongsheng 
Published: April 2019

Polygonum multiflorum (PM) is a well‐known Chinese herbal medicine that has been reported to induce inflammation‐associated idiosyncratic liver injury. This study aimed to identify the genetic basis of susceptibility to PM‐drug‐induced liver injury (PM‐DILI) and to develop biological markers for predicting the risk of PM‐DILI in humans. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) regions of 11 patients with PM‐DILI were sequenced, and all human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–type frequencies were compared to the Han‐MHC database. An independent replication study that included 15 patients with PM‐DILI, 33 patients with other DILI, and 99 population controls was performed to validate the candidate allele by HLA‐B PCR sequence‐based typing. A prospective cohort study that included 72 outpatients receiving PM for 4 weeks was designed to determine the influence of the risk allele on PM‐DILI. In the pilot study, the frequency of HLA‐B*35:01 was 45.4% in PM‐DILI patients compared with 2.7% in the Han Chinese population (odds ratio [OR], 30.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.7‐77.8; P = 1.9 × 10−10). In the independent replication study and combined analyses, a logistic regression model confirmed that HLA‐B*35:01 is a high‐risk allele of PM‐DILI (PM‐DILI versus other DILI, OR, 86.5; 95% CI, 14.2‐527.8, P = 1.0 × 10−6; and PM‐DILI versus population controls, OR, 143.9; 95% CI, 30.1‐687.5, P = 4.8 × 10−10). In the prospective cohort study, an asymptomatic increase in transaminase levels was diagnosed in 6 patients, representing a significantly higher incidence (relative risk, 8.0; 95% CI, 1.9‐33.2; P < 0.02) in the HLA‐B*35:01 carriers (37.5%) than in the noncarriers (4.7%). Conclusion: The HLA‐B*35:01 allele is a genetic risk factor for PM‐DILI and a potential biomarker for predicting PM‐DILI in humans.
Examining the link between flexible working arrangement bundles and employee work effort
Authors: Avgoustaki Argyro , Bessa Ioulia 
Published: April 2019

AbstractEmpirical evidence regarding the link between flexible working arrangements (FWAs) and work effort is mixed, with the literature showing that some practices are linked to more while others to less work effort. In this study, we argue that this discrepancy may be due to the existence of different types of FWA bundles with potentially distinct effects on work effort. Using Understanding Society, a British national survey, and building on theories related to social exchange, the study examines the link between employee‐centered and employer‐centered FWA bundles, and work effort. This study further tests whether these relationships differ depending on employees' family responsibilities. Based on a sample of 13,834 employees, results show that both employee‐centered and employer‐centered FWA bundles are negatively associated with work effort, and findings for the latter bundle are more pronounced. These negative associations are somewhat stronger for employees with fewer family responsibilities. We infer that employees appear to use employee‐centered FWAs for their intended purpose, that is, to balance life and job demands, while they might perceive employer‐centered FWAs as unfair, resulting in less work effort in an attempt to restore fairness.
Observing home‐visiting quality across time: A longitudinal reliability study of the Home Visit Rating Scales
Authors: Manz Patricia H. , Ventresco Nina E. 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTEmpirical examination of home‐visiting quality over time is lacking in the research literature. To this end, this study examined the most recent edition of a widely used observational measure of home‐visiting quality, the Home Visit Rating Scales (HOVRS), over four repeated assessments spanning an average of 6 months. Psychometric quality for the HOVRS Total and Home Visitor Practice Scales, including item ratings and calculated scores, across time was demonstrated. Stability indicators for the Family Engagement Scales varied, with superior reliability often indicated for individual ratings over the calculated score. The exploration of interrelationships among family demographics and change in HOVRS scores over time were largely insignificant. Interestingly, a decline in the Home Visitor Practice Scale significantly related to increased symptoms of maternal depression, possibly suggesting that home‐visitors’ focus shifted from children's needs to those of parents when mental health concerns were observed. Although this study is an examination of one program model and poses limited generalizability, it sets the stage for advancing the HOVRS and longitudinal measurement of home‐visiting quality.
In situ tissue classification during laser ablation using acoustic signals
Authors: Alperovich Ziv , Yamin Gal , Elul Eliav , Bialolenker Gabriel , Ishaaya Amiel A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe suggest a novel method to classify the type of tissue that is being ablated, using the recorded acoustic sound waves during pulsed ultraviolet laser ablation. The motivation of the current research is tissue classification during vascular interventions, where the identification of the ablated tissue is vital. We classify the acoustic signatures using Mel‐frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs) feature extraction with a Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm, and in addition, use a fully connected deep neural network (FC‐DNN) algorithm. First, we classify three different liquids using our method as a preliminary proof of concept. Then, we classify ex vivo porcine aorta and bovine tendon tissues in the presence of saline. Finally, we classify ex vivo porcine aorta and bovine tendon tissues where the acoustic signals are recorded through chicken breast medium. The results for tissue classification in saline and through chicken breast both show high accuracy (>98%), based on tens of thousands of acoustic signals for each experiment. The experiments were conducted in a noisy and challenging setting that tries to imitate practical working conditions. The obtained results could pave the way towards practical tissue classification in various important medical procedures, achieving enhanced efficacy and safety.
Evaluation of in vitro cytotoxicity and properties of polydimethylsiloxane‐based polyurethane/crystalline nanocellulose bionanocomposites
Authors: Khadivi Parinaz , Salami‐Kalajahi Mehdi , Roghani‐Mamaqani Hossein 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPolydimethylsiloxane‐based polyurethane (PU)/crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) bionanocomposites were produced via in situ prepolymer approach. Also, hexamethylene diisocyanate as aliphatic diisocyanate monomer and 1,4‐butanediol as aliphatic chain extender were used. CNC was incorporated into PU matrix to prepare different PU/CNC bionanocomposites. Effect of CNC content on the properties of the bionanocomposites such as thermal, thermophysical, microstructure, and in vitro cytotoxicity was investigated. According to the results, incorporating CNCs into PU matrix significantly affected the hydrogen bonding between different microstructures of matrix. Adding different amounts of CNCs affected the thermal and thermophysical properties of bionanocomposites. Also, higher amounts of CNCs resulted in lower crystallization of hard segment. Neat PU matrix showed a moderate cytotoxicity behavior against human fibroblast cells. However, incorporating CNCs significantly improved the cytotoxicity behavior of bionanocomposites where by addition of 2 wt % of CNCs, cell viability increased to 90–100%. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1771–1778, 2019.
Modification of human MSC surface with oligopeptide‐PEG‐lipids for selective binding to activated endothelium
Authors: Noiri Makoto , Asawa Kenta , Okada Naoya , Kodama Tomonobu , Murayama Yuichi , Inoue Yuuki , Ishihara Kazuhiko , Ekdahl Kristina N , Nilsson Bo , Teramura Yuji 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPromising cell therapies using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is proposed for stroke patients. Therefore, we aimed to efficiently accumulate human MSC (hMSC) to damaged brain area to improve the therapeutic effect using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐conjugated phospholipid (PEG‐lipid) carrying an oligopeptide as a ligand, specific for E‐selectin which is upregulated on activated endothelial cells under hypoxia‐like stroke. Here we synthesized E‐selectin‐binding oligopeptide (ES‐bp) conjugated with PEG spacer having different molecular weights from 1 to 40 kDa. We found that ES‐bp can be immobilized onto the hMSC surface through PEG‐lipid without influence on cell growth and differentiation into adipocytes and osteocytes, respectively. It is also possible to control the immobilization of ES‐bp on hMSC surface (<108 ES‐bp per cell). Immobilized ES‐bp can be continuously immobilized at the outside of cell membrane when PEG‐lipids with PEG 5 and 40 kDa were used. In addition, the modified hMSC can specifically attach onto E‐selectin‐immobilized surface as a model surface of activated endothelium in human blood, indicating the sufficient number of immobilized ES‐bp onto hMSC. Thus, this technique is one of the candidates for hMSC accumulation to cerebral infarction area. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1779–1792, 2019.
Integrating biocathode into electrocatalytic reactor to reduce applied voltage to generate hydroxyl radicals for advanced oxidation
Authors: Mo Yinghui , Yuan Tingting , Liu Mengxin , Du Manman , Wang Hong , He Benqiao , Li Jianxin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDAnodic oxidation, a promising approach for the removal of refractory organic pollutants in wastewater through advanced oxidation, still faces the challenge of high energy consumption. This study coupled an O2‐reducing biocathode, a cathode thermodynamically more favorable than conventional abiotic ones, with an MnOx/Ti electrocatalytic porous anode, to produce a novel biocathode–electrocatalytic reactor (BECR).RESULTSAfter inoculation, the BECR was successfully started up to generate current at a voltage of 0.7 V, which was lower than the startup voltages of electrocatalytic reactors with abiotic cathodes. The cathode potential of the BECR was increased by approximately 300 mV. Abundant electrochemically active microorganisms were found on the BECR cathode with Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter as the dominant genera reducing O2 to H2O. Furthermore, hydroxyl radical (·OH) generation was detected in the anode chamber of the BECR after startup at 0.7 V and contributed to its current production. This phenomenon was not observed for electrocatalytic reactors. The mechanism of the BECR in reducing the applied voltage to generate ·OH was well elucidated using the thermodynamic theory of Gibbs free energy.CONCLUSIONSThe coupling of the O2‐reducing biocathode improved the thermodynamics of the BECR cathode toward a high redox potential and consequently reduced its applied voltage to generate ·OH, thereby rendering it as potentially energy saving and suitable for use in wastewater treatment. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Lymphocytic esophagitis: An Australian (Queensland) case series of a newly recognized mimic of eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Islam Shamsul , Lee Antonio , Lampe Guy 
Published: April 2019

Background and AimLymphocytic esophagitis (LoE) is a recently described upper gastrointestinal tract “disorder” diagnosis of which hinges on histology and is characterized by the excessive infiltration of lymphocytes in the peripapillary fields of the esophageal epithelium, with clinical manifestations similar to those of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). In this article, we aim to describe for the first time the clinico‐pathological characteristics of a large cohort of Australian (Queensland) cases of LoE.MethodsHistological data that fulfilled the criteria (predominant lymphocytic infiltration in the peripapillary fields, none or minimal neutrophils or eosinophils, and no infection) were collected between January 2014 and May 2016 from a number of major Queensland Public Hospital anatomical pathology laboratories. Patient presentations were subsequently examined to compile clinical and endoscopic correlates.ResultsA total of 62 cases of LoE were identified. The median age was 55 years, with 59.6% of subjects being male. Major clinical manifestations included dysphagia (32), epigastric or abdominal pain (8), gastro‐esophageal reflux (8), association with Crohn's disease (8), and vomiting or diarrhea (6). Endoscopy was normal in 47% of cases; 47% had appearances similar to those of EoE. There were three cases with associated mild monilial esophagitis (6%).ConclusionLoE is a relatively recently recognized condition of the esophagus with variable clinical and endoscopic findings. Diagnosis is based on characteristic histological features. Further investigation is needed to ascertain the etiopathology and natural history of the condition and to establish a safe and effective treatment regimen.