bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subtle but ubiquitous selection on body size in a natural population of collared flycatchers over 33 years
Authors: Björklund M. , Gustafsson L. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractUnderstanding the magnitude and long‐term patterns of selection in natural populations is of importance, for example, when analysing the evolutionary impact of climate change. We estimated univariate and multivariate directional, quadratic and correlational selection on four morphological traits (adult wing, tarsus and tail length, body mass) over a time period of 33 years (≈ 19 000 observations) in a nest‐box breeding population of collared flycatchers (Ficedula albicollis). In general, selection was weak in both males and females over the years regardless of fitness measure (fledged young, recruits and survival) with only few cases with statistically significant selection. When data were analysed in a multivariate context and as time series, a number of patterns emerged; there was a consistent, but weak, selection for longer wings in both sexes, selection was stronger on females when the number of fledged young was used as a fitness measure, there were no indications of sexually antagonistic selection, and we found a negative correlation between selection on tarsus and wing length in both sexes but using different fitness measures. Uni‐ and multivariate selection gradients were correlated only for wing length and mass. Multivariate selection gradient vectors were longer than corresponding vector of univariate gradients and had more constrained direction. Correlational selection had little importance. Overall, the fitness surface was more or less flat with few cases of significant curvature, indicating that the adaptive peak with regard to body size in this species is broader than the phenotypic distribution, which has resulted in weak estimates of selection.
Eco‐Efficiency Analysis of a Lithium‐Ion Battery Waste Hierarchy Inspired by Circular Economy
Authors: Richa Kirti , Babbitt Callie W. , Gaustad Gabrielle 
Published: May 2017

SummaryA circular economy (CE)‐inspired waste management hierarchy was proposed for end‐of‐life (EOL) lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) from electric vehicles (EVs). Life cycle eco‐efficiency metrics were then applied to evaluate potential environmental and economic trade‐offs that may result from managing 1,000 end‐of‐life EV battery packs in the United States according to this CE hierarchy. Results indicate that if technology and markets support reuse of LIBs in used EVs, the net benefit would be 200,000 megajoules of recouped cumulative energy demand, which is equivalent to avoiding the production of 11 new EV battery packs (18 kilowatt‐hours each). However, these benefits are magnified almost tenfold when retired EV LIBs are cascaded in a second use for stationary energy storage, thereby replacing the need to produce and use less‐efficient lead‐acid batteries. Reuse and cascaded use can also provide EV owners and the utility sector with cost savings, although the magnitude of future economic benefits is uncertain, given that future prices of battery systems are still unknown. In spite of these benefits, waste policies do not currently emphasize CE strategies like reuse and cascaded use for batteries. Though loop‐closing LIB recycling provides valuable metal recovery, it can prove nonprofitable if high recycling costs persist. Although much attention has been placed on landfill disposal bans for batteries, results actually indicate that direct and cascaded reuse, followed by recycling, can together reduce eco‐toxicity burdens to a much greater degree than landfill bans alone. Findings underscore the importance of life cycle and eco‐efficiency analysis to understand at what point in a CE hierarchy the greatest environmental benefits are accrued and identify policies and mechanisms to increase feasibility of the proposed system.
Design for Disassembly Criteria in EU Product Policies for a More Circular Economy: A Method for Analyzing Battery Packs in PC‐Tablets and Subnotebooks
Authors: Talens Peiró Laura , Ardente Fulvio , Mathieux Fabrice 
Published: May 2017

SummaryTechnological advances are increasing the complexity of products, especially those in the area of information and communication technologies. Complexity has increased in several aspects: An increased number of materials are used in products, small amounts of materials with key functions are included (i.e., rare earths in light‐emitting diodes), and there are more combinations of diverse types of components and connections. The difficulty of separating parts of the products limits the development of circular economy strategies where repair, upgrade, and remanufacture prevent wasting valuable resources contained in those products. This article presents a method for analyzing the removal of battery packs in newer portable computer models, namely PC‐tablets and subnotebooks, as an example on how the design of batteries can affect the life span and potential reuse of such computers. The study analyzes the difficulty of removing battery packs using the results from previous analyses of the design for disassembly of newer computer models together with audio‐visual material available on the Internet. The disassembly tasks for removal of batteries are summarized by disassembly codes that could be used to help identify the design features that facilitate easier disassembly. The article goes on to discuss also how the results could be included in European Union (EU) product policies aimed to help meet some of the objectives of the European Commission's (EC) Circular Economy Package.
Product Design in a Circular Economy: Development of a Typology of Key Concepts and Terms
Authors: den Hollander Marcel C. , Bakker Conny A. , Hultink Erik Jan 
Published: May 2017

SummaryIn a circular economy (CE), the economic and environmental value of materials is preserved for as long as possible by keeping them in the economic system, either by lengthening the life of the products formed from them or by looping them back in the system to be reused. The notion of waste no longer exists in a CE, because products and materials are, in principle, reused and cycled indefinitely. Taking this description as a starting point, the article asks which guiding principles, design strategies, and methods are required for circular product design and to what extent these differ from the principles, strategies, and methods of eco‐design. The article argues that there is a fundamental distinction to be made between eco‐design and circular product design and proceeds to develop, based on an extensive literature review, a set of new concepts and definitions, starting from a redefinition of product lifetime and introducing new terms such as presource and recovery horizon. The article then takes Walter Stahel's Inertia Principle as the guiding principle in circular product design and develops a typology of approaches for Design for Product Integrity, with a focus on tangible durable consumer products. The newly developed typology contributes to a deeper understanding of the CE as a concept and informs the discussion on the role of product design in a CE.
The Downside of Asset Screening for Market Liquidity
Authors: VANASCO VICTORIA 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the tension between asset quality and market liquidity. I model an originator who screens assets whose cash flows are later sold in secondary markets. Screening improves asset quality but gives rise to asymmetric information, hindering trade of the asset cash flows. In the optimal mechanism (second‐best), costly retention of cash flows is essential to implement asset screening. Market allocations can feature too much or too little screening relative to second‐best, where too much screening generates inefficiently illiquid markets. Furthermore, the economy is prone to multiple equilibria. The optimal mechanism is decentralized with two tools: retention rules and transfers.
Lidocaine for pain control during intrauterine device insertion
Authors: Karasu Yetkin , Cömert Duygu Kavak , Karadağ Burak , Ergün Yusuf 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of topical lidocaine spray, cream and injection on pain perception during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion.MethodsMultiparous women of reproductive age were randomized into control, lidocaine cream, spray and injection groups. A 10 cm visual analog scale was used for all patients to evaluate pain during the three steps of the IUD insertion procedure. Baseline pain assessment was made immediately after the administration of analgesics, the second pain assessment was performed immediately after use of the tenaculum, and the third pain assessment was performed after IUD insertion.ResultsTwo hundred patients were enrolled in the study. The groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics. The lidocaine injection group exhibited higher baseline pain scores (P < 0.001). Pain associated with tenaculum use was lower in the lidocaine spray group. Pain related to IUD insertion was lower in the lidocaine spray and injection groups (P < 0.001); however, lidocaine spray was superior to injection for the reduction of IUD insertion related pain (P = 0.001).ConclusionLidocaine spray is a good option for reducing the pain experienced during insertion of an IUD. It reduces pain related to both tenaculum use and IUD insertion. Spray application is both easy and rapid. Paracervical lidocaine injection also reduces pain during IUD insertion, but has no effect on tenaculum‐related pain; moreover, the injection itself is painful. Therefore, this option is not a plausible method for reducing pain during IUD insertion.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor and unexplained miscarriage
Authors: Fan Hongjie , Su Xiaoling , Yang Binlie , Zhao Aimin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to carry out a preliminary investigation of the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in decidua and villus and the relationship between AhR and unexplained miscarriage.MethodsThe expression of AhR mRNA and protein from decidua and villus were measured using real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, western blot and immunohistochemistry in 34 patients with unexplained miscarriage (miscarriage group) and 38 women with normal early pregnancy (control group).ResultsThe AhR mRNA and protein expression was increased significantly in the villus in both groups compared with decidua (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). In decidua, AhR mRNA and protein expression in the miscarriage group was increased significantly compared with the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). In villus, AhR mRNA and protein expression in the miscarriage group was increased significantly compared with the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). AhR is expressed mostly in the cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblasts in villus, and also in the cytoplasm of decidual cells.ConclusionsAhR was expressed more in the villus than in the decidua, and the upregulation of AhR mRNA and protein expression is associated with the pathogenesis of unexplained miscarriage.
Differences in dietary and lifestyle habits between pregnant women with small fetuses and appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses
Authors: Gómez Roig Maria Dolores , Mazarico Edurne , Ferrero Silvia , Montejo Rocío , Ibáñez Lourdes , Grima Francisco , Vela Antonio 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to determine differences in lifestyle and dietary habits between pregnant women with small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses and those appropriate for gestational age (AGA).MethodsThis cross‐sectional, prospective study was conducted over 14 months and included 46 mothers with SGA and 81 with AGA fetuses. Fetal growth was assessed by a routine third trimester scan. Participants completed questionnaires regarding dietary habits, lifestyle behavior and sociodemographic characteristics during the third trimester.ResultsMothers maintaining a Mediterranean‐type diet and lifestyle were more likely to have an AGA fetus (P < 0.05). The same number of women in both groups ate a vegetarian diet. Women in the SGA group had a lower intake of certain micronutrients: carotene, folic acid, iron, potassium and magnesium (P < 0.05). Women in the AGA group ate more vegetables, especially green beans, carrots, lettuce and oranges (P < 0.05). Bread, pasta, cakes and jam were also more frequently consumed by the AGA group (P < 0.05). Mothers in the SGA group drank more cola (P < 0.05), while mothers in the AGA group drank more diet cola and wine (P < 0.05). Women in the SGA group smoked more cigarettes per day (P < 0.05).ConclusionsMothers of SGA fetuses had a different nutritional intake and cigarette smoking habits compared with mothers of AGA fetuses. No other differentiating lifestyle habits were observed between the groups. Thus, intrauterine growth conditions might be improved by the endorsement of certain dietary habits during pregnancy.
A comparison of two sources of methionine supplemented at different levels on heat shock protein 70 expression and oxidative stress product of Peking ducks subjected to heat stress
Authors: Guo L. , Li R. , Zhang Y. F. , Qin T. Y. , Li Q. S. , Li X. X. , Qi Z. L. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThe aim of this study was to examine the effects of different sources and levels of methionine (Met) on Heat shock proteins HSP70 expression and protein carbonylation in liver, HSP70 expression and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in intestine under heat stress conditions during summer. A total of 720 (4 days old) Peking ducks were placed 20 per pen into six replicates for each of the six treatments with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, such that two sources of Met (DL‐methionine [DLM] and DL‐2‐hydroxy‐4‐methylthiobutyrate [HMTBA] were supplemented at three different levels (0.05%, 0.20%, or 0.35% on as‐fed basis respectively). The experiment was divided into a starter (day 4–16) and a grower (day 17–35) period. Diet supplemented with 0.35% Met significantly up‐regulated the HSP70 mRNA expression in duodenum, jejunum and ileum on day 16 and 35 as well as in liver on day 35 (p < .05) of ducks. HMTBA‐supplemented diets increased the HSP70 mRNA expression in duodenum, jejunum, ileum and liver on day 35 (p < .01). An increased MDA concentration was detected in jejunum of birds in 0.35% DLM‐supplemented treatment on day 16 (p < .05). And decreased protein carbonylation concentration was found in DLM‐supplemented treatment on day 16 (p < .01). The birds fed with 0.35% Met supplemental diet displayed lower hepatic protein carbonylation on day 16 (p < .05). In conclusion, supplementation of 0.35% Met in the duck diet showed up‐regulated HSP70 expression in small intestine and liver, which may provide new perspective to the mechanism of Met function. At the same time, DLM supplemented in diet may ameliorate oxidative status of liver, while HMTBA supplementation may partially improve the intestinal oxidative status of Peking ducks.
Effects of in ovo feeding of L‐arginine on the development of digestive organs, intestinal function and post‐hatch performance of broiler embryos and hatchlings
Authors: Gao T. , Zhao M. M. , Li Y. J. , Zhang L. , Li J. L. , Yu L. L. , Gao F. , Zhou G. H. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThis study was to investigate the effects of in ovo feeding (IOF) L‐arginine (Arg) solution on the development of digestive organs, the duodenal mucosa of broiler embryos and hatchlings, and the growth performance of chicks during the first week post‐hatch. A total of 720 fertilized eggs with similar weight were randomly allocated to three groups, consisting of eight replicates of 30 eggs each. Three treatments were arranged as non‐injected control, diluent‐injected (0.75% NaCl solution) group and Arg solution‐injected group containing 1% Arg, dissolved in diluent. At 17.5 days of incubation, 0.6 ml of IOF solution was injected into amniotic fluid of each egg of injected groups. Results showed IOF of Arg solution increased (p < .05) the chick embryo weight at 19 days of incubation; the body weight gain of post‐hatch broilers during 1–7 days; the weights of liver, pancreas, proventriculus and gizzard; the concentrations of duodenal ghrelin, vasoactive intestinal peptide and glucagon‐like peptide 2; and the duodenum mucosal enzyme activities of alkaline phosphatase, maltase, sucrase and inducible nitric oxide synthase of 7‐day‐old post‐hatch broilers compared with other groups. The IOF of Arg solution also increased (p < .05) the villus height (VH) and the ratio of VH to crypt depth (CD) and decreased (p < .05) the CD in duodenum of broiler embryos and post‐hatch hatchlings, except for the CD at 19 days of incubation. In conclusion, IOF of 1% Arg solution into the amnion at 17.5 days of incubation could improve the development of digestive organs, the duodenal morphology, the releasing of gastrointestinal hormones and mucosal enzyme activities of broiler embryos and hatchlings and finally the growth performance of chicks during the first week post‐hatch. Therefore, IOF of appropriate Arg solution could be an effective technology for regulating early nutrition supply and subsequent growth development in poultry industry.
Roles of spermine in modulating the antioxidant status and Nrf2 signalling molecules expression in the thymus and spleen of suckling piglets—new insight
Authors: Cao W. , Xu X. , Jia G. , Zhao H. , Chen X. , Wu C. , Tang J. , Wang J. , Cai J. , Liu G. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThis study aimed to investigate the effects of spermine and extended spermine administration on the antioxidant status and expression of NF‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) signalling molecules in the thymus and spleen in suckling piglets. One half of eighty 12‐day‐old suckling piglets obtained sufficient nutrient intake supplemented with spermine (0.4 mmol/kg body weight), and another half received restricted nutrient intake supplemented with physiological saline in equal doses once a day for 7 hr or 3, 6 or 9 days in pairs. Spermine supplementation and its extended duration significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) contents (p < .05), but markedly improved antisuperoxide anion (ASA), antihydroxyl radical (AHR), catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) activities (p < .05) and glutathione (GSH) content (p < .05) in the thymus and spleen. Additionally, real‐time PCR analysis showed that spermine administration and extended spermine intake reduced Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1) gene transcription and enhanced SOD1, GPx1, CAT, glutathione reductase (GR) and Nrf2 mRNA levels of the thymus and spleen (p < .05), and also improved GST gene expression in the thymus (p < .05). Notably, the spermine‐supplemented time for the optimal effects of suckling piglet was determined to be 6 days. Collectively, the current study suggested that spermine supplementation and extended spermine administration could protect the health of the thymus and spleen from early weaning by enhancing the antioxidant status and regulating the expression of antioxidant‐related signalling molecules.
Adrenal cortex reactivity in dairy cows differs between lactational stages and between different feeding levels
Authors: Gross J. J. , Zbinden R. S. , Dohme‐Meier F. , Bruckmaier R. M. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryChanges inACTHchallenge test characteristics in dairy cows changing their physiological status at different lactational stages and different feeding levels were not investigated in terms of repeatability yet. In 23 multiparous Holstein cows (10 cows fed a sole fresh herbage diet without concentrate, 13 cows fed with concentrate), threeACTHchallenge tests were performed: once during pregnancy shortly prior to drying off (T1), and in week 3 (T2) and 8 (T3) after parturition. Test characteristics were correlated to performance and metabolic parameters:DMI,BW, energy balance (EB), plasma concentrations of free fatty acids (NEFA) and beta‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Basal plasma cortisol concentrations were higher at T1 compared with T2 and T3 (p < .05). The adrenal cortex sensitivity (expressed as totalAUC(AUCt) of cortisol response afterACTHapplication) was lowest at T2 compared with T1 and T3 (p < .05). Ranking of the individual animals’ responses was not repeatable between time points of theACTHtests. Enhancing the energy deficiency during early lactation by omission of concentrate did not affect baseline cortisol concentrations in plasma, but decreased peak height at T2 (p < .05). Baseline plasma cortisol concentrations were positively correlated with cortisol peak values afterACTHapplication, previous lactation performance, milk yield andBW(p < .05). TheAUCtwas positively correlated with baseline cortisol concentrations,EBandDMI. Cortisol release afterACTHinjection was lower in animals with high plasma concentrations ofNEFA,BHBand with higher contents of fat and free fatty acids in milk (p < .05). Cortisol peak height afterACTHadministration was higher in cows with a more positiveEB, higherDMIand lower plasma concentrations ofNEFAandBHB. In summary, cortisol responses toACTHchallenges in this study were not repeatable in dairy cows changing their physiological status.
Evaluation of Weight Change During Carboplatin Therapy in Dogs With Appendicular Osteosarcoma
Authors: Story A.L. , Boston S.E. , Kilkenny J.J. , Singh A. , Woods J.P. , Culp W.T.N. , Skorupski K.A. , Lu X. 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundThe prevalence of cancer cachexia in veterinary medicine has not been studied widely, and as of yet, no definitive diagnostic criteria effectively assess this syndrome in veterinary patients.Objectives(1) To determine the patterns of weight change in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma treated with amputation and single‐agent carboplatin during the course of adjuvant chemotherapy; and (2) to determine whether postoperative weight change is a negative prognostic indicator for survival time in dogs with osteosarcoma.AnimalsEighty‐eight dogs diagnosed with appendicular osteosarcoma. Animals were accrued from 3 veterinary teaching hospitals.MethodsRetrospective, multi‐institutional study. Dogs diagnosed with appendicular osteosarcoma and treated with limb amputation followed by a minimum of 4 doses of single‐agent carboplatin were included. Data analyzed in each patient included signalment, tumor site, preoperative serum alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), and body weight (kg) at each carboplatin treatment.ResultsA slight increase in weight occurred over the course of chemotherapy, but this change was not statistically significant. Weight change did not have a significant effect on survival. Institution, patient sex, and serum ALP activity did not have a significant effect on survival.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceWeight change was not a prognostic factor in these dogs, and weight loss alone may not be a suitable method of determining cancer cachexia in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma.