bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel low‐loss control strategy for bidirectional DC–DC converter
Authors: Dung Nguyen Anh , Hieu Pham Phu , Hsieh Yao‐Ching , Lin Jing‐Yuan , Liu Yu‐Chen , Chiu Huang‐Jen 
Published: June 2017

SummaryBidirectional DC–DC converter with phase‐shift control is commonly used for hybrid electric vehicle and fuel‐cell vehicle applications. This converter is characterized by simple circuit topology and soft‐switching implementation without additional devices. Despite these advantages, the efficiency is poor at light load condition because of high switching and conduction losses caused by high RMS inductor current. To achieve zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) for all power MOSFETs, a constant offset inductor current is maintained to conduct the antiparallel body diodes before MOSFETs turn on. A control strategy of combining duty ratio and phase‐shift modulation is proposed to reach the constant offset current. By reaching the constant offset current, the RMS inductor current can be reduced significantly, and ZVS can be achieved in all load variation ranges, resulting in high efficiency. A 2.5‐kW prototype is implemented to verify the control scheme, and a minimum efficiency of 97.3% is achieved at light load condition. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicity and Protective Effect of Phenolic‐Enriched Ethylacetate Fraction of Ocimum gratissimum (Linn.) Leaf against Acute Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Rats
Authors: Ajayi Abayomi M. , Umukoro Solomon , Ben‐Azu Benneth , Adzu Bulus , Ademowo Olusegun G. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Preclinical Research

Ocimum gratissimum L. leaves have attracted considerable attention from researchers because of their medicinal value that include anti‐inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. In the present study, the toxicity and the protective effect of phenolic extract of O. gratissimum leaf (EAFOg) against acute inflammation and oxidative stress in rats was assessed. EAFOg, enriched in phenols had no cytotoxic effect against CHO‐k1 cells, and no lethality against brine shrimp eggs or mice at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. EAFOg (50 and 100 mg/kg) reduced paw edema by 47% and 61%, compared to 29% with the COX‐2 inhibitor, SC58125 (1 mg/kg) and 81% with indomethacin (5 mg/kg), respectively. In the rat carrageenan‐induced air pouch model, EAFOg reduced exudate volume, leucocyte count, nitrite, TNF‐α, and myeloperoxidase activity. EAFOg also protected against carrageenan‐induced lipid peroxidation and glutathione depletion. These results provide evidence of the protective effects of EAFOg against acute inflammation and oxidative stress in rats. Drug Dev Res 78 : 135‐145, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative evaluation of probiotics effects on plasma glucose, lipid, and insulin levels in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Memarrast Faeghe , Ghafouri‐Fard Soudeh , Kolivand Sedighe , Jafary‐Nodooshan Saeedeh , Neyazi Nadia , Sadroddiny Esmaeil , Motevaseli Elahe 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes is a chronic disorder caused by the relative decrease in insulin production from the pancreas, tissue resistance to insulin, or both. Daily consumption of probiotics, particularly Lactobacilli, has been proposed as a new strategy for prevention or control of diabetes.MethodsIn the current study, the effects of various probiotics including Lactobacillus reuteri (L reuteri), Lactobacillus crispatus (L crispatus), and Bacillus subtilis on the levels of blood glucose, lipid, and insulin as well as haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were investigated in rat models of streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes and compared with metformin. In addition, GLUT‐4 and PPAR‐γ transcript levels have been analysed in adipose tissues.ResultsA significant decrease in plasma glucose and HbA1c levels and a dramatic increase in insulin levels have been detected after consumption of probiotics. Furthermore, lipid profiles have been improved. The expression of Glut‐4 and Ppar‐γ genes in adipose tissues also increased after treatment period.ConclusionThe results of this experiment showed that daily consumption of probiotics can be effective in control of STZ‐induced diabetes and its complications.
Stabilizing mechanisms in a food web with an introduced omnivore
Authors: Granados Monica , Duffy Sean , McKindsey Christopher W. , Fussmann Gregor F. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIntraguild predation (IGP) is an omnivorous food web configuration in which the top predator consumes both a competitor (consumer) and a second prey that it shares with the competitor. This omnivorous configuration occurs frequently in food webs, but theory suggests that it is unstable unless stabilizing mechanisms exist that can decrease the strength of the omnivore and consumer interaction. Although these mechanisms have been documented in native food webs, little is known about whether they operate in the context of an introduced species. Here, we study a marine mussel aquaculture system where the introduction of omnivorous mussels should generate an unstable food web that favors the extinction of the consumer, yet it persists. Using field and laboratory approaches, we searched for stabilizing mechanisms that could reduce interaction strengths in the food web. While field zooplankton counts suggested that mussels influence the composition and abundance of copepods, stable isotope results indicated that life‐history omnivory and cannibalism facilitated the availability of prey refugia, and reduced competition and the interaction strength between the mussel omnivore and zooplankton consumers. In laboratory experiments, however, we found no evidence of adaptive feeding which could weaken predator–consumer interactions. Our food web study suggests that the impact of an introduced omnivore may not only depend on its interaction with native species but also on the availability of stabilizing mechanisms that alter the strength of those interactions.
Effects of Alpine land‐use changes: Soil macrofauna community revisited
Authors: Steinwandter Michael , Schlick‐Steiner Birgit C. , Seeber Gilg U. H. , Steiner Florian M. , Seeber Julia 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAlthough soil invertebrates play a decisive role in maintaining ecosystem functioning, little is known about their structural composition in Alpine soils and how their abundances are affected by the currently ongoing land‐use changes. In this study, we re‐assessed the soil macrofauna community structure of managed and abandoned Alpine pastureland, which has already been evaluated 14 years earlier. Our results confirm clear shifts in the community composition after abandonment, in that (1) Chilopoda and Diplopoda were recorded almost exclusively on the abandoned sites, (2) Coleoptera larvae and Diptera larvae were more abundant on the abandoned than on the managed sites, whereas (3) Lumbricidae dominated on the managed sites. By revisiting managed and abandoned sites, we infer community patterns caused by abandonment such as changes in the epigeic earthworm community structure, and we discuss seasonal and sampling effects. Our case study improves the still limited understanding of spatio‐temporal biodiversity patterns of Alpine soil communities.
Closing the gaps for animal seed dispersal: Separating the effects of habitat loss on dispersal distances and seed aggregation
Authors: Jones Landon R. , Duke‐Sylvester Scott M. , Leberg Paul L. , Johnson Derek M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractHabitat loss can alter animal movements and disrupt animal seed dispersal mutualisms; however, its effects on spatial patterns of seed dispersal are not well understood. To explore the effects of habitat loss on seed dispersal distances and seed dispersion (aggregation), we created a spatially explicit, individual‐based model of an animal dispersing seeds (SEADS—Spatially Explicit Animal Dispersal of Seeds) in a theoretical landscape of 0%–90% habitat loss based on three animal traits: movement distance, gut retention time, and time between movements. Our model design had three objectives: to determine the effects of (1) animal traits and (2) habitat loss on seed dispersal distances and dispersion and (3) determine how animal traits could mitigate the negative effects of habitat loss on these variables. SEADS results revealed a complex interaction involving all animal traits and habitat loss on dispersal distances and dispersion, driven by a novel underlying mechanism of fragment entrapment. Unexpectedly, intermediate habitat loss could increase dispersal distances and dispersion relative to low and high habitat loss for some combinations of animal traits. At intermediate habitat loss, movement between patches was common, and increased dispersal distances and dispersion compared to continuous habitats because animals did not stop in spaces between fragments. However, movement between patches was reduced at higher habitat loss as animals became trapped in fragments, often near the parent plant, and dispersed seeds in aggregated patterns. As movement distance increased, low time between movements and high gut retention time combinations permitted more movement to adjacent patches than other combinations of animal traits. Because habitat loss affects movement in a nonlinear fashion under some conditions, future empirical tests would benefit from comparisons across landscapes with more than two levels of fragmentation.
DNA metabarcoding for diet analysis and biodiversity: A case study using the endangered Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea)
Authors: Berry Tina E. , Osterrieder Sylvia K. , Murray Dáithí C. , Coghlan Megan L. , Richardson Anthony J. , Grealy Alicia K. , Stat Michael , Bejder Lars , Bunce Michael 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe analysis of apex predator diet has the ability to deliver valuable insights into ecosystem health, and the potential impacts a predator might have on commercially relevant species. The Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) is an endemic apex predator and one of the world's most endangered pinnipeds. Given that prey availability is vital to the survival of top predators, this study set out to understand what dietary information DNA metabarcoding could yield from 36 sea lion scats collected across 1,500 km of its distribution in southwest Western Australia. A combination of PCR assays were designed to target a variety of potential sea lion prey, including mammals, fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, and birds. Over 1.2 million metabarcodes identified six classes from three phyla, together representing over 80 taxa. The results confirm that the Australian sea lion is a wide‐ranging opportunistic predator that consumes an array of mainly demersal fauna. Further, the important commercial species Sepioteuthis australis (southern calamari squid) and Panulirus cygnus (western rock lobster) were detected, but were present in <25% of samples. Some of the taxa identified, such as fish, sharks and rays, clarify previous knowledge of sea lion prey, and some, such as eel taxa and two gastropod species, represent new dietary insights. Even with modest sample sizes, a spatial analysis of taxa and operational taxonomic units found within the scat shows significant differences in diet between many of the sample locations and identifies the primary taxa that are driving this variance. This study provides new insights into the diet of this endangered predator and confirms the efficacy of DNA metabarcoding of scat as a noninvasive tool to more broadly define regional biodiversity.
Host taxonomy constrains the properties of trophic transmission routes for parasites in lake food webs
Authors: Cirtwill Alyssa R. , Lagrue Clement , Poulin Robert , Stouffer Daniel B. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSome parasites move from one host to another via trophic transmission, the consumption of the parasite (inside its current host) by its future host. Feeding links among free‐living species can thus be understood as potential transmission routes for parasites. As these links have different dynamic and structural properties, they may also vary in their effectiveness as trophic transmission routes. That is, some links may be better than others in allowing parasites to complete their complex life cycles. However, not all links are accessible to parasites as most are restricted to a small number of host taxa. This restriction means that differences between links involving host and non‐host taxa must be considered when assessing whether transmission routes for parasites have different food web properties than other links. Here we use four New Zealand lake food webs to test whether link properties (contribution of a link to the predator's diet, prey abundance, prey biomass, amount of biomass transferred, centrality, and asymmetry) affect trophic transmission of parasites. Critically, we do this using both models that neglect the taxonomy of free‐living species and models that explicitly include information about which free‐living species are members of suitable host taxa. Although the best‐fit model excluding taxonomic information suggested that transmission routes have different properties than other feeding links, when including taxonomy, the best‐fit model included only an intercept. This means that the taxonomy of free‐living species is a key determinant of parasite transmission routes and that food‐web properties of transmission routes are constrained by the properties of host taxa. In particular, many intermediate hosts (prey) attain high biomasses and are involved in highly central links while links connecting intermediate to definitive (predator) hosts tend to be dynamically weak.
Non‐random species loss in a forest herbaceous layer following nitrogen addition
Authors: Walter Christopher A. , Adams Mary Beth , Gilliam Frank S. , Peterjohn William T. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractNitrogen (N) additions have decreased species richness (S) in hardwood forest herbaceous layers, yet the functional mechanisms for these decreases have not been explicitly evaluated. We tested two hypothesized mechanisms, random species loss (RSL) and non‐random species loss (NRSL), in the hardwood forest herbaceous layer of a long‐term, plot‐scale, fertilization experiment in the central Appalachian Mountains, USA. Using a random thinning algorithm, we simulated changes in species densities under RSL and compared the simulated densities to the observed densities among N‐fertilized (+N), N‐fertilized and limed (+N+L), and reference (REF) plots in regenerating forest stands. We found a lower S in the +N treatment across all survey years and determined that the reduction in S was a function of NRSL. Furthermore, non‐random effects were observed in certain species, as they occurred at densities that were either higher or lower than expected due to RSL. Differential advantages were also observed among species between +N and +N+L treatments, suggesting that species responded to either the fertilization or acidification effects of N, though no consistent pattern emerged. Species nitrophily status was not a useful trait for predicting specific species losses, but was a significant factor when averaged across all treatments and sampling years. Our results provide strong evidence that declines in S in the forest herbaceous layer under N fertilization are due largely to NRSL and not simply a function of species rarity.
A Simple, Efficient and Ultrasensitive Gold Nanourchin Based Electrochemical Sensor for the Determination of an Antimalarial Drug: Mefloquine
Authors: Chiwunze Tirivashe Elton , Thapliyal Neeta Bachheti , Palakollu Venkata Narayana , Karpoormath Rajshekhar 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMefloquine (MQ) is a quinoline based antimalarial drug, which is potent against multiple drug‐resistant Plasmodium falciparum. It is widely prescribed for the prophylactic treatment of malaria. Due to extensive usage of MQ, constant monitoring of the drug level in human body is of paramount importancein order to ensure that optimum drug exposure is achieved. The present work describes a gold nanourchins (AuNUs) based electrochemical sensor for the determination of MQ.AuNUs were synthesized via seed‐mediated method and characterized using ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, zeta‐sizer and electrochemical techniques (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry). Fabrication of the sensor was done by drop‐coating the synthesized AuNUs onto a glassy carbon electrode. The fabricated sensor exhibited enhanced voltammetric response, which was attributed to the excellent conductivity and high surface area of AuNUs. Under optimum square wave voltammetric conditions, the sensor displayed two linear response ranges (from 2.0×10−9 to 1.0×10−6 M and from 1.0×10−6 to 1.0×10−3 M) with a detection limit of 1.4 nM. The electrode demonstrated good reproducibility, stability and selectivity over common interferents. The utility of the sensor was successfully assessed for quantification of the drug in pharmaceutical preparation and spiked human urine sample. Thus, the present study demonstrates a promising approach for determination of MQ with practical utility in quality control and clinical analysis.
Electrochemical Cyclization of Adrenaline, the Simplest Derivatization for its Selective Determination
Authors: Rafiee Mohammad , Khalafi Lida , Mousavi Fatemeh , Babaloii Fatemeh , Kalhori Fatemeh 
Published: June 2017

AbstractElectrochemical techniques are the most reliable techniques for determination of neurotransmitters and selective determination is their most challenging issue. Herein we have optimized the condition for oxidation of adrenaline and noradrenaline, as the most similar neurotransmitters, to find a simple and fast technique for their selective determination. Under mild acidic condition, oxidation of adrenaline is followed by a cyclization reaction and oxidation of the product (ECE mechanism) whereas noradrenaline undergoes just oxidation (E mechanism). The redox potential of the product of ECE mechanism has 350 mV difference with the product of E mechanism. This different in reactivity and redox potential yields two baseline separated reduction peaks for the oxidation products of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which used for their selective determination.
An Experiment on Building Evaluation Capacity to Address Health Inequities in China
Authors: Zhao Kun , Sridharan Sanjeev , Ingabire Marie‐Gloriose , Yu Mo , Nakaima April , Li Xue , Xiao Yue , Chen Emily 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis paper describes an evaluation experiment conducted in China between 2013 and 2016 to use evaluative thinking and evaluation approaches to help build the salience of health equity as a performance measure for health systems. This project was informed by a realist evaluation approach that sought to understand the context, mechanisms, and outcomes underlying health inequities. This chapter describes a theory of change that includes descriptions of the key actors involved in the project, the mechanisms of impact, and short‐ and long‐term outcomes. Key questions that could help assess the impact of this project are also discussed. This paper contributes to the literature on building evaluation capacity for health inequities.
Evaluation at the Time of Health Systems Reform: Chinese Policymakers’ Need for a Robust System of Evaluations to Assess Progress in the Implementation of Reform Efforts
Authors: Zhao Kun , Nakaima April , Guo Wudong , Qiu Yingpeng , Sridharan Sanjeev 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn 2014 the authors of this paper, evaluators from China and Canada, jointly interviewed 12 policymakers in China at the national and provincial levels. This paper describes the needs of policymakers and how they view the evaluation capacity‐building needs of the health system. The learnings from the policymaker dialogues informed the evaluation capacity‐building efforts at three pilot sites in China. This paper focuses on the evaluation capacities needed by policymakers and implementers specifically to address inequities in the health sector, unlike most publications that focus on evaluation capacities of researchers.
A meta‐analysis of pelvic floor muscle training for the treatment of urinary incontinence
Authors: Nie Xiao‐Fei , Ouyang Yan‐Qiong , Wang Lan , Redding Sharon R. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundSymptoms associated with urinary incontinence (UI) frequently affect quality of life.ObjectivesTo assess the effects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) among women with UI.Search strategyThe Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched using relevant terms for all English‐language studies published up to August 15, 2016.Selection criteriaStudies that evaluated the effects of PFMT on UI symptoms, PFM function, and quality of life were included.Data collection and analysisData were screened and collected by two independent investigators. Pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.Main resultsTwelve studies were included, involving 763 patients. Use of PFMT increased PFM strength when measured by digital palpation and the Muscle Strength Oxford Scale (standardized mean difference [SMD] 1.18, 95% CI 0.56–1.80). The PFM pressure was increased by PFMT when measured using a perineometer (SMD 0.40, 95% CI 0.07–0.73). Finally, PFMT improved quality of life (SMD 1.67, 95% CI 0.41–2.94).ConclusionsRegular use of PFMT provided symptom relief and improved quality of life among women with UI.
Effect of HIV infection on outcomes after surgical repair of genital fistula
Authors: Shephard Steven N. , Lengmang Sunday J. , Anzaku Stephen A. , Mamven Oluwatobi V. , Kirschner Carolyn V. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo compare outcomes following surgical repair of genital fistula among Nigerian women with or without HIV.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of all genital fistula repair surgeries performed at Evangel Vesicovaginal Fistula Center in Jos, Nigeria, between January 1, 2004, and April 30, 2014. Patient characteristics, HIV status, genital fistula characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were assessed for between‐group variance. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were the primary measures used for determining the association between HIV status and surgical outcomes.ResultsOf the 3313 surgeries recorded, 201 (6.1%) were performed among patients with HIV infection. No statistically significant between‐group differences were found for patient or fistula characteristics. By contrast, failed vesicovaginal failure (VVF) closure was significantly more common among women infected with HIV than among their HIV‐negative counterparts (OR 0.629, 95% CI 0.443–0.894). No between‐group differences in failure rates were found for ureterovaginal or rectovaginal fistulas.ConclusionDetermining HIV status before surgery could aid prediction of outcomes among Nigerian women undergoing repair of VVF. Further studies are required to examine factors that might improve outcomes for women with HIV infection.