bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate change‐associated trends in net biomass change are age dependent in western boreal forests of Canada
Authors: Chen Han Y. H. , Luo Yong , Reich Peter B. , Searle Eric B. , Biswas Shekhar R. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe impacts of climate change on forest net biomass change are poorly understood but critical for predicting forest's contribution to the global carbon cycle. Recent studies show climate change‐associated net biomass declines in mature forest plots. The representativeness of these plots for regional forests, however, remains uncertain because we lack an assessment of whether climate change impacts differ with forest age. Using data from plots of varying ages from 17 to 210 years, monitored from 1958 to 2011 in western Canada, we found that climate change has little effect on net biomass change in forests ≤ 40 years of age due to increased growth offsetting increased mortality, but has led to large decreases in older forests due to increased mortality accompanying little growth gain. Our analysis highlights the need to incorporate forest age profiles in examining past and projecting future forest responses to climate change.
Interaction effect of adjacent small defects on the fatigue limit of a medium carbon steel
Authors: Åman M. , Okazaki S. , Matsunaga H. , Marquis G.B. , Remes H. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractStructural steels contain various material irregularities and natural defects which cause local stress concentrations from which fatigue cracks tend to initiate. Two defects in close proximity to each other may affect local stress distributions, and thus, begin to interact. In this paper, the effect of interacting small cracks on the fatigue limit is systematically investigated in a medium carbon steel. The growth of interacting cracks, as well as the characteristics of non‐propagating cracks and microstructural aspects, was closely examined via the plastic replica method. It was found that although the fatigue limit is essentially controlled by the mechanics of interacting cracks, based on their configuration, the local microstructure comprised ferrite and pearlite has a statistical scatter effect on the behaviour of interacting cracks and non‐propagating thresholds. With respect to the fatigue limit, when two defects were in close proximity, they behaved as a larger single defect. However, with greater spacing between defects, rather than mechanical factors, it is the local microstructure which determines the location and characteristics of non‐propagating cracks.
Strain‐Induced Structural Phase Transition and its Effect on Piezoelectric Properties of (BZT‐BCT)‐(CeO2) Ceramics
Authors: Chandrakala Elugu , Paul Praveen John , Kumar Ajeet , James Ajit R. , Das Dibakar 
Published: July 2016

A strain‐induced structural phase transition and its subsequent effect on the piezoelectric properties of BZT‐BCT–x CeO2 (x = 0–0.1 wt%) ceramics have been reported in this manuscript. BZT‐BCT–x wt% CeO2 lead‐free piezoceramics were successfully been prepared using sol–gel method. X‐ray diffraction spectra of BZT‐BCT–x wt% CeO2 (x = 0–0.10 wt%) ceramics showed a purely single‐phase perovskite structure and a change in crystal structure between tetragonal and rhombohedral phases with increasing CeO2 content. The strain‐induced structural phase transition has resulted in excellent piezoelectric properties, d33 = 673 pC/N, kp ~ 56%, and Tc = 110°C for BZT‐BCT–0.08 wt% CeO2 ceramics. Greatly improved temperature stability of the piezoelectric properties has been observed over a temperature range between 20°C and 90°C. The ferroelectric–paraelectric transition temperature, Tc obtained in this study is 17°C higher than those reported earlier.
Oxygen Nonstoichiometry and Thermodynamic Explanation of Large Oxygen‐Deficient Ruddlesden–Popper Oxides LaxSr3−xFe2O7−δ
Authors: Ling Yihan , Wang Fang , Okamoto Yusuke , Nakamura Takashi , Amezawa Koji 
Published: July 2016

The oxygen nonstoichiometry of large oxygen‐deficient Ruddlesden–Popper oxides LaxSr3−xFe2O7−δ (LSFO7‐x) (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5) was measured by the high‐temperature gravimetry and the coulometric titration. In the composition series, the P(O2) dependencies exhibited typical plateaus at δ = (2−[])/2. Meanwhile, La0.5Sr2.5Fe2O7−δ showed the smallest oxygen nonstoichiometry and was the most thermochemically stable compound against P(O2), temperature, and the La content. Based on the defect equilibrium model and the statistical thermodynamic calculation derived oxygen nonstoichiometric data, the substitution of La for Sr‐site can promote the forward reaction of oxygen incorporation, the backward reaction of the disproportionation of the charge carriers, and oxygen redistribution between the O1 and O3 sites, resulting in the reduction of oxygen‐deficient and the lower decomposition P(O2). The obtained thermodynamic quantities of the partial molar enthalpy of oxygen, , and the partial molar entropy of oxygen, , calculated from the statistical thermodynamic calculation are in good agreement with those using the Gibbs–Helmholtz equation.
Cellular response to alkylating agent MNNG is impaired in STAT1‐deficients cells
Authors: Ah‐Koon Laurent , Lesage Denis , Lemadre Elodie , Souissi Inès , Fagard Remi , Varin‐Blank Nadine , Fabre Emmanuelle E. , Schischmanoff Olivier 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe SN1 alkylating agents activate the mismatch repair system leading to delayed G2/M cell cycle arrest and DNA repair with subsequent survival or cell death. STAT1, an anti‐proliferative and pro‐apoptotic transcription factor is known to potentiate p53 and to affect DNA‐damage cellular response. We studied whether STAT1 may modulate cell fate following activation of the mismatch repair system upon exposure to the alkylating agent N‐methyl‐N′‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). Using STAT1‐proficient or ‐deficient cell lines, we found that STAT1 is required for: (i) reduction in the extent of DNA lesions, (ii) rapid phosphorylation of T68‐CHK2 and of S15‐p53, (iii) progression through the G2/M checkpoint and (iv) long‐term survival following treatment with MNNG. Presence of STAT1 is critical for the formation of a p53‐DNA complex comprising: STAT1, c‐Abl and MLH1 following exposure to MNNG. Importantly, presence of STAT1 allows recruitment of c‐Abl to p53‐DNA complex and links c‐Abl tyrosine kinase activity to MNNG‐toxicity. Thus, our data highlight the important modulatory role of STAT1 in the signalling pathway activated by the mismatch repair system. This ability of STAT1 to favour resistance to MNNG indicates the targeting of STAT1 pathway as a therapeutic option for enhancing the efficacy of SN1 alkylating agent‐based chemotherapy.
Intrasexual selection favours an immune‐correlated colour ornament in a dragonfly
Authors: Moore M. P. , Martin R. A. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractSexual signalling is predicted to shape the evolution of sex‐specific ornamentation, and establishing the costs and benefits of ornamentation and the information that ornamentation provides to receivers is necessary to evaluating this adaptive function. Here, we assessed the adaptive function of a common colour ornament in insects, melanin wing ornamentation, using the dragonfly Pachydiplax longipennis. We hypothesized that greater ornamentation would improve territory‐holding success by decreasing aggression that males receive from territorial rivals, but that more ornamented males may have shorter lifespans. Using mark–recapture field observations, we found that more ornamented males had greater territory‐holding success and that viability selection did not act on wing melanization. We then compared the aggression of territorial rivals to decoy males before and after experimentally augmenting wing melanization, finding that males significantly reduced aggression following the manipulation. We next hypothesized that wing melanization would signal fighting ability to territorial rivals by reflecting condition via investment in the costly melanin synthesis pathway. We observed a positive relationship between ornamentation and the likelihood of winning territorial disputes, suggesting that wing melanization provides information about fighting ability to rivals. We also found a positive relationship between melanin‐based immune defence and ornamentation, supporting a link between the signal and condition. We conclude that wing melanization is a condition‐related signal of fighting ability and suggest that this may be a common mechanism promoting the evolution of melanin ornamentation.
Mitigating Chinese–Indian rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) hybridity at the California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC)
Authors: Kanthaswamy Sree , Ng Jillian , Broatch Jennifer , Short Jennifer , Roberts Jeffrey 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe effectiveness of abating hybridity in a rhesus breeding colony was evaluated. STR data from the 2006 to 2015 newborns were analyzed. Hybridity decreased over successive years. Birth cohorts retained high genetic variability without signs of inbreeding and differentiation. Hybridity was minimized without compromising overall genetic variability.
Synergistic effect of honokiol and 5‐fluorouracil on apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Ji Ning , Jiang Lu , Deng Peng , Xu Hao , Chen Fangman , Liu Jinli , Li Jing , Liao Ga , Zeng Xin , Lin Yuchun , Feng Mingye , Li Longjiang , Chen Qianming 
Published: July 2016

Background5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) is an essential chemotherapeutic agent for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, toxic side effects have limited its role in OSCC therapy. The aim of this study was to explore whether combination therapy with 5‐FU and honokiol (HNK), a small natural organic molecule shown to induce apoptosis in OSCC cells, could enhance the anticancer activity of 5‐FU without notably increasing its toxicity.Methods5‐FU and/or HNK were used to treat OSCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. The therapeutic effect and underlying mechanisms were evaluated by cell viability assay, flow cytometry, OSCC xenograft mouse model, and Western blot. Tumor tissue apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Toxicity was assessed following hematoxylin and eosin staining.ResultsExposure to HNK + 5‐FU produced a synergistic cytotoxic effect on OSCC cells. Both HNK and 5‐FU could induce apoptosis through the mitochondria‐mediated intrinsic pathway, and their specific signaling pathways were different. In the mouse OSCC xenograft model, treatment with 5‐FU + HNK substantively retarded tumor growth, as compared to treatment with either drug individually. TUNEL analysis further confirmed that the superior in vivo antitumor efficacy of 5‐FU + HNK was associated with enhanced stimulation of cell apoptosis. Notably, HNK did not increase the toxicity of 5‐FU.ConclusionThese findings suggest that HNK and 5‐FU exert a synergistic therapeutic effect on OSCC by inducing apoptosis. HNK might thus enhance the clinical therapeutic efficacy of 5‐FU without increasing its toxicity.
Development of carvedilol-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes using fluid-bed granulation: a novel solid-state complexation alternative with technological advantages
Authors: Alonso Ellen C P , Riccomini Karina , Silva Luis Antônio D , Galter Daniela , Lima Eliana M , Durig Thomas , Taveira Stephania F , Martins Felipe Terra , Cunha-Filho Marcílio S S , Marreto Ricardo N 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Objectives
This study sought to evaluate the achievement of carvedilol (CARV) inclusion complexes with modified cyclodextrins (HPβCD and HPγCD) using fluid-bed granulation (FB).

Methods
The solid complexes were produced using FB and spray drying (SD) and were characterised by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction, SEM, flowability and particle size analyses and in vitro dissolution.

Key findings
The DSC, FTIR and powder X-ray diffraction findings suggested successful CARV inclusion in the modified β- and γ-cyclodextrins, which was more evident in acidic media. The CARV dissolution rate was ~7-fold higher for complexes with both cyclodextrins prepared using SD than for raw CARV. Complexes prepared with HPβCD using FB also resulted in a significant improvement in dissolution rate (~5-fold) and presented superior flowability and larger particle size.

Conclusions
The findings suggested that FB is the best alternative for large-scale production of solid dosage forms containing CARV. Additionally, the results suggest that HPγCD could be considered as another option for CARV complexation because of its excellent performance in inclusion complex formation in the solid state.
A Facebook Follow‐Up Strategy for Rural Drug‐Using Women
Authors: Dickson Megan F. , Staton‐Tindall Michele , Smith Kirsten E. , Leukefeld Carl , Webster J. Matthew , Oser Carrie B. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractPurposeFacebook (FB) use has grown exponentially over the past decade, including in rural areas. Despite its popularity, FB has been underutilized as a research follow‐up approach to maintain contact with research participants and may have advantages in less densely populated areas and among more hard‐to‐reach, at‐risk groups. The overall goal of this study was to examine FB as a supplemental follow‐up approach to other follow‐up strategies with rural drug‐using women.MethodsFace‐to‐face interviews were conducted with randomly selected women who completed baseline interviews in 3 rural jails in 1 state. Analyses focus on participants who were released from jail and were eligible for 3‐month follow‐up (n = 284). Bivariate analyses were used to examine differences between FB users and nonusers, and multivariate logistic regression models examined predictors of 3‐month follow‐up participation and being located for follow‐up using FB.FindingsAbout two‐thirds (64.4%) of participants were regular FB users. Bivariate analyses indicated that FB users were younger, more educated, and more likely to have used alcohol in the 30 days before incarceration but less likely to have a chronic health problem. Regression analyses indicated that rural FB users had more than 5 times the odds of being located for the 3‐month follow‐up interview, even after controlling for other variables. There were no significant predictors of being followed up using FB.ConclusionsFindings suggest that FB is widely used and well accepted among rural drug‐using women. Among hard‐to‐reach populations, including those in rural, geographically isolated regions, FB serves as a method to improve participant follow‐up.
Differences in epidemiology of candidaemia in the Nordic countries – what is to blame?
Authors: Hesstvedt Liv , Arendrup Maiken C. , Poikonen Eira , Klingpor Lena , Friman Vanda , Nordøy Ingvild ,   The Swedish fungal Surveillance Group Collaborators (16)
Published: July 2016

SummaryNational data from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden demonstrate remarkable differences in candidaemia epidemiology. Only Denmark has reported a high incidence of 10 per 100 000 inhabitants and a species shift towards increased C. glabrata candidaemias. The reasons for this development remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore possible contributing factors for the differences in Candida epidemiology in the Nordic countries. We used public data from 2011 from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden on epidemiology, demographics, health facilities, predisposing risk factors, consumption of antimicrobial drugs and fungicides in agricultural industry. Only the prevalence of haematological malignancies (P < 0.001) was significantly higher in Denmark compared to the other Nordic countries. The antibacterial drug use of metronidazole, piperacillin‐tazobactam, ciprofloxacin, colistin and carbapenems, and antifungal use of fluconazole in humans (P < 0.001), were significantly higher in Denmark compared to the other Nordic countries (all P < 0.001). Our findings suggest haematological malignancy, the use of certain antibacterial drugs and azoles in humans as possible contributing factors for the differences in Candida epidemiology. However, our results should be interpreted with caution due to the lack of long‐term, case‐specific data. Further studies are needed.
Enhancing Environmental Quality and Sustainability through Negotiation and Conflict Management: Research into Systems, Dynamics, and Practices
Authors: Elliott Michael L. , Kaufman Sanda 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn a world of rapid population growth, urbanization, and climate change, sustainability and environmental integrity are increasingly central concerns. The frequent recurrence of conflict within these arenas, coupled to the difficulty in determining their impact on social–ecological systems, challenges governance at all levels of society. Negotiation‐based conflict management provides a promising response to these challenges. This guest editor's article examines: (a) the emergence and conduct of environmental and public policy (EPP) conflict management as a distinctive practice over the past 40 years; (b) the interplay between theories of environmental decision‐making and practices ofEPPconflict management; (c) trends in research intoEPPconflict management systems, the dynamics of interventions into these systems to resolve conflict, and the efficacy and impact ofEPPconflict management practices; and (d) the contributions of the articles contained in this special issue to this literature and future directions in the field.
Eating and arterial endothelial function: a meta‐analysis of the acute effects of meal consumption on flow‐mediated dilation
Authors: Thom N. J. , Early A. R. , Hunt B. E. , Harris R. A. , Herring M. P. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryGiven that endothelial dysfunction precedes atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, exploring the parameters that modify postprandial flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) is important for public health. The objectives of the study are to estimate the population effect of meal ingestion on FMD and to determine how the effect varied based on patient characteristics and modifiable methodological features. Articles published before June 2015 were located using MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science. One hundred fifty‐four effects were derived from 78 articles involving 2,548 subjects were selected. Included articles required measurement of FMD in adults before and after meal ingestion. Effects were analysed using an unstandardized mean gain random effects model, and significant moderators were analysed using meta‐regression. Meal consumption significantly reduced FMD by a heterogeneous mean effect size delta (Δ) of −2.03 (95% CI: [−2.28, −1.77]), an ~2% reduction in FMD. FMD reductions were larger among normal weight individuals, males, those with a cardio‐metabolic disorder, those with elevated baseline FMD, and individuals with impaired glucose tolerance at baseline. Macronutrient meal ingestion significantly reduced FMD, an effect that was moderated by body mass index, sex and two‐way interactions between disease status and both baseline FMD and baseline blood glucose levels.
Epistemic Injustice
Authors: McKinnon Rachel 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThere's been a great deal of interest in epistemology regarding what it takes for a hearer to come to know on the basis of a speaker's say‐so. That is, there's been much work on the epistemology of testimony. However, what about when hearers don't believe speakers when they should? In other words, what are we to make of when testimony goes wrong? A recent topic of interest in epistemology and feminist philosophy is how we sometimes fail to believe speakers due to inappropriate prejudices – implicit or explicit. This is known as epistemic injustice. In this article, I discuss Miranda Fricker's groundbreaking work on epistemic injustice, as well as more recent developments that both offer critique and expansion on the nature and extent of epistemic injustice.
EMPIRICAL MODELLING OF ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS VIA SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION
Authors: Norzain Norul Ashikin , Sahlan Shafishuhaza , Ab Halim Fatah , Abdul Wahab Norhaliza 
Published: July 2016

Activated sludge process is an important stage in Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). In this study, model of the activated sludge process from Bunus Regional Sewage Treatment Plant Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is developed. This paper focuses on modelling and model reduction of the WWTP system. The model with best fits of higher than 80% and the order of less than 10 is selected. For modelling purposes, data obtained is stimulated and modelled using System Identification technique which employ linear model ARX. For model reduction purposes, the high order model is reduced using model order reduction (MOR) of a combination of Singular Perturbation Approximation (SPA) and Frequency Domain Gramian based Model Reduction (FDIG) method. From the modelling results obtained, the ARX model with best fit of 85.11% is selected. Meanwhile, for the MOR FD-SPA technique, a 9th order model is selected with reduction error between frequencies 0.05 rad/s and 1.4 rad/s.
DETERMINATION OF EPOCH LENGTH AND REGRESSION MODEL FOR 15-SECOND SEGMENT OF SEMG SIGNAL USED IN JOINT ANALYSIS OF ELECTROMYOGRAPHY SPECTRUM AND AMPLITUDE
Authors: Mohamad Ishak Nurul Ain , Khalid Puspa Inayat , Mahmood Nasrul Humaimi , Harun Mokhtar 
Published: July 2016

Regression model is one of the techniques employed in Joint Analysis of Electromyography Spectrum and Amplitude (JASA) to investigate the behaviour of muscle fatigue indices. However, the analysis of the electromyography signal is influenced by the epoch length and regression model used. To meaningfully describe the behaviour of fatigue indices, this study was conducted to determine the appropriate epoch length and regression model for 15-second segment of electromyography signal. Ten subjects participated in this study. With their right forearm and upper arm formed an angle of 90 degree, the subjects were asked to hold a 2-kg dumbbell and stayed in that position for 2 minutes. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to record the signal from the biceps brachii muscle. Two fatigue indices were extracted: Root Mean Square (RMS) and Mean Frequency (MNF). The 120-second sEMG signal from each subject was then sliced into 8 segments (15 seconds each). In each segment, the effect of different epoch lengths (1-second, 3-second, and 5-second) was studied. Standard Error Estimate (SEE) was used to decide the suitable epoch length. The 3-second and 5-second epoch lengths were found to fit the regression model better (smaller SEE value). When 3-second and 5-second epoch lengths were applied in different regression models (linear and polynomial), polynomial regression was found to better estimate the behaviour of the fatigue indices (higher correlation coefficient). This study concludes that 3-second and 5-second epoch length can fit the polynomial regression well. However, fatigue behaviour (pattern of changes in fatigue indices) for every 15-second segment of sEMG signal is better described by JASA using polynomial regression with 3-second epoch length.