bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical, clinicopathologic, and gastrointestinal changes from administration of clopidogrel, prednisone, or combination in healthy dogs: A double‐blind randomized trial
Authors: Whittemore Jacqueline C. , Mooney Allison P. , Price Joshua M. , Thomason John 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundDogs with immune‐mediated disease often receive glucocorticoids with clopidogrel, but ulcerogenic effects of current protocols are unknown.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo compare gastrointestinal endoscopic findings among dogs administered clopidogrel, prednisone, and combination treatment.AnimalsTwenty‐four healthy research dogs.MethodsDouble‐blinded, placebo‐controlled randomized trial. Dogs received placebo, clopidogrel (2–3 mg/kg q24h), prednisone (2 mg/kg q24h), or prednisone with clopidogrel PO for 28 days. Attitude, food intake, vomiting, and fecal score were determined daily. Clinicopathologic testing was performed at baseline and on day 28. Gastrointestinal hemorrhages, erosions, and ulcers were numerated by 2 blinded investigators for endoscopies performed on days 0, 14, and 28, and endoscopic mucosal lesion scores were calculated. Results were compared using mixed model, split‐plot repeated measures ANOVAs and generalized estimating equation proportional odds models as appropriate.P < .05 was considered significant.ResultsClinical signs of gastrointestinal bleeding were not noted. Endoscopic mucosal lesion scores differed significantly by group (F[3, 20] = 12.8,P < .001) and time (F[2, 40] = 8.3,P < .001). Posthoc analysis revealed higher lesion scores in the prednisone‐receiving groups (P ≤ .006 for each) and on day 14 (P ≤ .007 for each). Ulcers were identified in 4 dogs administered prednisone and 3 dogs administered prednisone/clopidogrel. Odds of having endoscopic mucosal lesion scores ≥4 were 7‐times higher for dogs in prednisone (95%CI 1.1, 43.0;P= .037) and prednisone‐clopidogrel (95%CI 1.1, 43.4;P= .037) groups than those in the placebo group.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceGastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration occur commonly in healthy dogs administered prednisone or prednisone/clopidogrel treatment, but not clopidogrel monotherapy. Though lesions are severe in many cases, they are not accompanied by clinical signs.
Distinct taxonomic and phylogenetic patterns of plant communities on acid and limestone soils in subtropical and tropical China
Authors: Liu Changcheng , Qiao Xianguo , Wang Zi , Lu Shuaizhi , Hou Manfu , Wentworth Thomas R. , Hou Dongjie , Guo Ke 
Published: October 2019

AbstractQuestionUnderstanding the mechanisms determining species composition is one of the central goals in ecology. The limestone landscape of southwestern China is one of the most widely known landscapes developed on carbonate bedrock in the world. We explored the following question: What are the patterns of species composition and phylogenetic structures of the communities developed on the acid and limestone soils?LocationSouthwestern China.MethodsUsing 536 plots on acid and limestone soils, we identified distinct vegetation types on both soil types based on hierarchical clustering and ordination. Variation partitioning partitioned the effects of climate, geographic distance and soil on species composition. Generalized linear models determined the effects of climate and soil on phylogenetic diversities.ResultsThe typical vegetation on acid soils is evergreen broad‐leaved forests characterized by Castanopsis species, while typical vegetation on limestone soils is mixed evergreen and deciduous forests characterized by a high proportion of deciduous trees and calciphytes. Soil type was much more important in driving species composition than climate and spatial distance. The standardized mean pairwise phylogenetic distance (ses.MPD) and mean nearest taxon distance (ses.MNTD) were significantly lower on limestone soils than on acid soils, indicating a more clustered phylogenetic structure. The effect of soil on ses.MPD was stronger than on ses.MNTD, and ses.MNTD increased with increasing annual temperature and precipitation seasonality on acid soils but decreased on limestone soils, suggesting that soil affected phylogenetic structure at relatively deep branches, while climate combined with soil mainly affects the relatively recent branches, as ses.MPD measures phylogenetic structure at deep branches and ses.MNTD that at shallow branches.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of soil in shaping community structure at a regional scale, and it also reveals the unique features of limestone vegetation and supports the validity of limestone vegetation types in the Chinese vegetation classification system.
Diversity of functional trade‐offs enhances survival after fire in Neotropical savanna species
Authors: Corrêa Scalon Marina , Maia Chaves Bicalho Domingos Fabricius , Jonatar Alves da Cruz Wesley , Marimon Júnior Ben Hur , Schwantes Marimon Beatriz , Oliveras Imma 
Published: October 2019

AbstractQuestionsWhat are the trade‐offs and/or associated syndromes within and between fire‐associated traits? Does bud protection relate to bark properties and tree resprouting ability? Which traits will influence post‐fire tree survival (mortality rate and top‐kill) and tree recovery (canopy recovery and resprouting volume)? Do species with different leaf phenology have the same ecological strategies to survive and recover from fire?LocationTree community in a Neotropical savanna.MethodsFor each of the 24 most abundant species, we characterised the trade‐offs among bud protection, bark traits, mortality, canopy recovery and top‐kill, and resprouting strategies in both a burned and adjacent unburned area of Cerrado vegetation.ResultsSpecies with unprotected buds had a higher risk of dying, while high bud protection was associated to the ability to resprout from both the canopy and the base of the tree. We found three major trade‐offs defined by bark traits and plant properties. Cerrado woody species invest in either (a) high inner bark thickness and bark moisture, or (b) fast growth rate, height and bark density, or (c) thick outer bark and high wood density with high bud protection.ConclusionsCerrado species show different sets of fire‐related traits that seem to be important for both individual survival and community assembly. Here, we report these trade‐offs for Neotropical savannas, and our findings also shed light on how changes in fire regime may favour different groups of species, leading to changes in plant communities over time.
Parasite‐mediated selection in a natural metapopulation of Daphnia magna
Authors: Cabalzar Andrea P. , Fields Peter D. , Kato Yasuhiko , Watanabe Hajime , Ebert Dieter 
Published: October 2019

AbstractParasite‐mediated selection varying across time and space in metapopulations is expected to result in host local adaptation and the maintenance of genetic diversity in disease‐related traits. However, nonadaptive processes like migration and extinction‐(re)colonization dynamics might interfere with adaptive evolution. Understanding how adaptive and nonadaptive processes interact to shape genetic variability in life‐history and disease‐related traits can provide important insights into their evolution in subdivided populations. Here we investigate signatures of spatially fluctuating, parasite‐mediated selection in a natural metapopulation of Daphnia magna. Host genotypes from infected and uninfected populations were genotyped at microsatellite markers, and phenotyped for life‐history and disease traits in common garden experiments. Combining phenotypic and genotypic data a QST–FST‐like analysis was conducted to test for signatures of parasite mediated selection. We observed high variation within and among populations for phenotypic traits, but neither an indication of host local adaptation nor a cost of resistance. Infected populations have a higher gene diversity (Hs) than uninfected populations and Hs is strongly positively correlated with fitness. These results suggest a strong parasite effect on reducing population level inbreeding. We discuss how stochastic processes related to frequent extinction‐(re)colonization dynamics as well as host and parasite migration impede the evolution of resistance in the infected populations. We suggest that the genetic and phenotypic patterns of variation are a product of dynamic changes in the host gene pool caused by the interaction of colonization bottlenecks, inbreeding, immigration, hybrid vigor, rare host genotype advantage and parasitism. Our study highlights the effect of the parasite in ameliorating the negative fitness consequences caused by the high drift load in this metapopulation.
Impact of pharmacologic inhibition of tooth movement on periodontal and tooth root tissues during orthodontic force application
Authors: Baxter Sarah J. , Sydorak Inna , Ma Peter X. , Hatch Nan E. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe goal of this study was to investigate potential negative sequelae of orthodontic force application ±delivery of an osteoclast inhibitor, recombinant osteoprotegerin protein (OPG‐Fc), on periodontal tissues.Setting and Sample PopulationSprague Dawley rats from a commercial supplier were investigated in a laboratory setting.Materials and MethodsRats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7 each): one group with no orthodontic appliances and injected once prior to the experimental period with empty polymer microspheres, one group with orthodontic appliances and injected once with empty microspheres, one group with orthodontic appliances and injected once with polymer microspheres containing 1 mg/kg of OPG‐Fc, and one group with orthodontic appliances and injected with non‐encapsulated 5 mg/kg of OPG‐Fc every 3 days during the experimental period. The animals were euthanized after 28 days of tooth movement for histomorphometric analyses.ResultsRoot resorption, PDL area and widths were similar in animals without appliances and animals with appliances plus high‐dose OPG‐Fc. PDL blood vessels were compressed and decreased in number in all animals that received orthodontic appliances, regardless of OPG‐Fc. Hyalinization was significantly increased only in animals with orthodontic appliances plus multiple injections of 5 mg/kg non‐encapsulated OPG‐Fc when compared to animals without appliances.ConclusionsResults of this study indicate that while pharmacological modulation of tooth movement through osteoclast inhibition is feasible when delivered in a locally controlled low‐dose manner, high‐dose levels that completely prevent tooth movement through bone may decrease local blood flow and increase the incidence of hyalinization.
Unskilled immigration, technical progress, and wages—Role of the household sector
Authors: Marjit Sugata , Pant Manoj , Huria Sugandha 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis paper revisits the relationship between unskilled immigration and skilled wage in the context of the BREXIT episode. Our simple general equilibrium model introduces a household sector, the inclusion of which shows that both return to capital and effective skilled wage may increase with a greater inflow of immigrants. This is a novel outcome in the theory of trade and factor flows. In addition, though technical progress in a skill‐intensive sector raises wage inequality, it no longer displaces traditional jobs. Here, the usual negative impact of unskilled immigration on the traditional sector is mitigated by increased returns to the unskilled workers.
Using ichnological relationships to interpret heterolithic fabrics in fluvio‐tidal settings
Authors: Melnyk Scott , Gingras Murray K. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn fluvio‐tidal settings, the sediment is dominantly derived from the river systems. However, the importance of landward tidal transport of sediment in tidally influenced sedimentary environments is difficult to assess, particularly in the rock record. This problem is addressed using two intervals within the Lower Cretaceous McMurray Formation, each representing a distinct inclined heterolithic stratification motif. The ichnological variation between the heterolithic intervals is analyzed to determine which lithosomes are associated with brackish‐water (tidally influenced) colonization windows. From this, the relative fluvial influence responsible for the deposition of the fine and coarse members can be determined. Both of the inclined heterolithic stratification fabrics studied record the deposition of fluvio‐tidal point bars wherein the heterolithic bedding represents variations in river discharge. The first fabric comprises inclined heterolithic stratification in which bioturbation only occurs in mudstone beds. This fabric indicates that deposition occurred in more proximal positions within a fluvio‐tidal system (i.e. the outermost inner to middle estuary or distributary channels). In this example sand deposition is interpreted to represent high‐energy, freshwater dune migration within a fluvial‐dominated setting, whereas mud beds reflect brackish‐water suspension deposition during times of low river discharge. The second fabric, which is interpreted to have developed in more distal depositional positions (i.e. the middle estuary or seaward of the turbidity maximum in deltas), consists of inclined heterolithic stratification with laminated mudstone and bioturbated sandstone. In these inclined heterolithic stratification successions the mudstone beds were deposited under the influence of freshwater and heightened sedimentation rates, whereas bioturbated sandstone was colonized under brackish‐water conditions and in the presence of tidally facilitated sediment transport. In both examples, the bioturbated lithosomes are related to colonization windows that indicate the predominance at that time of marine or tidally influenced processes over fluvial processes.
Hamstring muscle elasticity differs in specialized high‐performance athletes
Authors: Avrillon Simon , Lacourpaille Lilian , Hug François , Le Sant Guillaume , Frey Alain , Nordez Antoine , Guilhem Gaël 
Published: October 2019

The effect of training on hamstring flexibility has been widely assessed through the measurement of the maximal range of motion or passive torque. However, these global measures do not provide direct information on the passive muscle mechanical properties of individual muscle. This characterization is crucial to better understand the effect of interventions as selective adaptations may occur among synergist muscles. Taking advantage of shear wave elastography, we aimed to determine whether elite sport athletes exhibit different passive shear modulus of hamstring heads compared to controls. Passive shear modulus was measured on semitendinosus (ST), semimembranosus (SM), and biceps femoris (BF) using shear wave elastography with the knee flexed at 60° and 90°, and 90° of hip flexion. A total of 97 elite athletes from various sports including running sprint, figure skating, fencing, field hockey, taekwondo, basketball, and soccer and 12 controls were evaluated. The shear modulus measured at 60° of knee flexion was lower in SM for figure skating (P < .001; d = 1.8), taekwondo (P < .001; d = 2.1), fencing (P = .024; d = 1.0), and soccer (P = .011; d = 0.9) compared to controls, while no difference was found for athletic sprinters, field hockey, and basketball players. Shear modulus of the BF and ST muscle was not significantly different between controls and elite athletes, regardless of the sport specialization (all P values = 1). We provide evidence that the shear modulus of the SM is altered in athletes involved in elite sport practice performed over large range of motion and/or including substantial stretching program in training content (taekwondo, figure skating, fencing, and soccer).
Detection of Sizes and Locations Air Voids in Reinforced Concrete Slab using Ground Penetrating Radar and Impact-Echo Methods
Authors: Abdul Razak Nurhayati , Senin Syahrul Fithry , Hamid Roszilah 
Published: October 2019

The presence of inevitable air void defects in reinforced concrete components due to poor quality control during construction can further aggravate the moisture and chloride penetration in concrete to accelerate the corrosion process of the reinforcing steel. Non-destructive test (NDT) methods, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Impact-Echo (IE), are utilised tp detect the void defects. This study is to compare the accuracy and limitations of both methods in detecting the sizes and depths of the air voids. The sample is a 600 × 400 ×200 mm3 reinforced grade 40 concrete slab with embedded air voids in the sample. The air-voids are introduced in the concrete slab by positioning air-void plastic balls with diameters of 67, 45, 27, 20 and 3 mm each at the depths of 70, 80, 100, 80 and 80 mm, respectively, from the top surface of the slab. Results show that GPR can detect the air voids with sizes larger than 20 mm in diameter with error ranging from -8.9 to 30% from their actual diameters. The IE method is only able to detect the air voids depths and not the voids’ sizes. It is also observed that the void depth estimation acquired by GPR is more accurate only for large size void (67 mm), but for sizes less than that, IE is more accurate in determining their locations. Both methos should be considered for NDT application in detecting voids depending on which parameter accuracy is inticipated.
CHARACTERIZATION OF PERODUA MYVI K3-VE I4 ENGINE PERFORMANCE USING EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR)
Authors: Mat Muhammad M. Hanif , Hanafiah A. Qaiyum , Ihsan Mamat Aman Mohd 
Published: October 2019

Internal combustion engines are the main power source for automobile vehicles. As current emission regulations becomes more stringent, more fuel efficient and less polluting engines are becoming the focus of car manufacturers. This paper presents the study of improving the performance of K3-VE I4 internal combustion engine that is used in the Perodua Myvi for the Perodua Eco-Challenge 2013. The strategy was to use an EGR system to reduce Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) while maintaining or increasing the engine power. The effects of different location of EGR on the engine performance were tested on a chassis dynamometer. The sensitivity of the engine performance and gas emission were studied since EGR implementation plays a major role in influencing NOx emission. The performance parameter such as engine power and BSFC were then analysed. The result shows that a significant increase of power can be achieved and a reduction of around 56% was obtained on the BSFC. While the best NOx reduction was around 93%. These improvements are obtained at low RPM that corresponds to Perodua Eco-Challenge’s objective.
MEDIATING IMPACT OF MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY, LEAN AND STRATEGIC FLEXIBILITY ON MANUFACTURING PERFORMANCE
Authors: Mohamed Ismail Risyawati , Che Razak Razli , Mad Lazim Halim 
Published: October 2019

In respect of Malaysian lean manufacturer; there has been insufficient research on what are the winning formulae to overcome the mounting challenges from the business environment. In this study, three identified strategies i.e lean, manufacturing technology and strategic flexibility, that could positively improve manufacturing performances, are investigated in depth. The research approach used was quantitative with data analyzed using SmartPLS. Results from this study also emphasize several interesting quasi - paradoxical relationships which implied that Malaysian lean manufacturers prefer a cautious approach towards manufacturing technology implementation, preferring to incorporate technology in a more stable business environment and view strategic flexibility as unfavorable toward performance improvement. In conclusion, this study manages to produce a strong predictive strategy-performance model, which explains the mediation impact of manufacturing strategies on external environmental factors and manufacturing performance.
COMPACT DUAL-BAND DIELECTRIC RESONATOR ANTENNA FOR 2.4/5.8 GHZ WLAN APPLICATIONS
Authors: Mataria A. , Kamarudin M. R. , Khalily M. 
Published: October 2019

Design of a Dual-Band Dielectric Resonator Antenna (DRA) for the radio-frequency identification (RFID) and wireless local area network (WLAN) is presented. The necessity of a compact sized dual-band antenna is to allow the manufacturers to produce small size high-performance WLAN access points. The proposed antenna consists of printed T-Shaped monopole antenna and rectangular dielectric resonator to operate simultaneously at 2.4 and 5.8 GHz. The monopole antenna was printed on a standard 1.6 mm FR4 substrate material. Impedance bandwidth for -10 dB return loss in the 2.35 GHz and 5.86 GHz center frequency reaches 0.25 GHz (2.22 GHz to 2.47 GHz) and 0.28 GHz (5.72 GHz to 6 GHz), respectively. A good agreement is achieved between measured and simulated results. This compact antenna fed by a 50 Ω microstrip line is a low-profile and easy to manufacture antenna.
STEERABLE ARRAY ANTENNA USING A 2 × 2 BUTLER MATRIX FOR 5G APPLICATIONS
Authors: Orakwue Stella Ifeoma , Ngah Razali , A. Rahman Tharek , Sa’ad B. M. , Khalily Mohsen 
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the design of a beam steerable array antenna based on branch line coupler (BLC) at 28 GHz frequency band for fifth generation (5G) wireless applications. The array is designed using Rogers RT/duroid 5880 substrate material of 0.254 mm thickness and dielectric constant of 2.2. The designed antenna has six elements array and is fed by a BLC which serves as a beamformer to obtain the beam scanning ranging from -16 to +16 degrees. The maximum gain of 14.5 dBi and a wideband that cover from 25.2 GHz to 32 GHz was obtained by measurement. The proposed antenna is applicable to 28 GHz frequency band proposed for 5G wireless communications. All simulated and measured results are clearly presented.
A REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE ASPHALT MIXTURES USING BIO-BINDER AS ALTERNATIVE BINDER
Authors: Mamat Rosmawati , Hainin Mohd Rosli , Abdul Hassan Norhidayah , Abdul Rahman Noor Azah , M. Warid M. Naqiuddin , Idham Mohd Khairul 
Published: October 2019

This paper provides an overview of the performance in asphalt mixture using bio-binder from biomass as alternative binder. The bio-binder considered from the previous research was produced by pyrolysis process. The aim of this study is to review the performance of asphalt mixture modified by bio-binder. The Rotational Viscometer (RV), Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO), Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) were conducted to evaluate the rheological properties of bio-binder in asphalt mixtures. Many previous studies focused on the chemical composition, physical properties and performance of bio-binder in asphalt mixtures. Several research studies have evaluated the viability of bio-binder in asphalt pavement mixtures. Therefore, in many of these case the bio-binder was evaluated in minimal proportions (<10 percent). This is necessary in order to identify a mixtures containing bio-binder at higher blending proportions (up to 50% replacement). Additionally, a review will be a positive step in the direction of achieving mixture modified with bio-binder has shown similar or improved performance when compared to conventional mixtures.