bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predator effects link ecological communities: kelp created by sea otters provides an unexpected subsidy to bald eagles
Authors: Rechsteiner Erin U. , Wickham Sara B. , Watson Jane C. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEcological communities are best studied at the landscape level, where linkages among communities are considered. Such linkages are often driven by increases in primary production caused by apex predators limiting herbivores. In this note, we describe a novel linkage among sea otters (Enhydra lutris), the long‐lived woody kelp (Pterygophora californica), and bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). While counting sea otters in an isolated group of rocky islets on the Central Coast of British Columbia, we found an eagle nest composed of mostly Pterygophora stalks. Pterygophora recruits rapidly after sea otters arrive in an area and limit sea urchins; the subsequent pulsed Pterygophora recruitment results in narrow age‐class cohorts that senesce en masse after about 20 yr. When the woody stipes wash ashore, they degrade slowly and persist as beach wrack for years. These windrows of woody kelp are common on the BC coast where sea otters have re‐established. We demonstrate how this subsidy can be used by bald eagles, and predict that as sea otters recover across their range in BC, further effects of Pterygophora to intertidal, supralittoral, and terrestrial communities will be observed.
RTEthernet: Real‐time communication for manufacturing cyberphysical systems
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc‐Tu , Leu Ming C. , Liu Xiaoqing Frank 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCloud manufacturing yields insights of manufacturing services over cyberspace based on the integration of advanced manufacturing with cloud computing. However, the different communication standards between the different system levels are the main challenge for the integration without conflicting communication. Ethernet appears to be the best solution to support all levels for industrial manufacturing systems. Since the synchronous integration is fulfilled, the prerequisite for deciding the overall performance of systems is adaptable real‐time communication. This motivates us to study the problem of designing a new real‐time communication based on Ethernet standards to enable real‐time processing for factory networks, termed real‐time Ethernet (RTEthernet). In this paper, we introduce new architectures for master and controller stations. The objective is to have the maximum number of machines transmitting data in a data transmission window (coordinated cycle). The problem is called the maximum number of real‐time data transmission (MNRDT) problem. The MNRDT is shown to be NP‐hard. An approximation and three relevant solutions are proposed for addressing the reduction of MNRDT and the MNRDT problem. Simulation results are provided to show the performance of proposed solutions.
Influence of fine ceramic aggregates on the residual properties of concrete subjected to elevated temperature
Authors: Rajawat Deepak , Siddique Salman , Shrivastava Sandeep , Chaudhary Sandeep , Gupta Trilok 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThe residual properties of concrete subjected to elevated temperature are of importance to assess the stability of the structure. This paper investigates the performance of concrete containing white ware ceramic sand exposed to elevated temperature. Concrete mixes containing 0%, 50%, and 100% ceramic sand were prepared. The specimen were exposed to elevated temperatures of 200°C, 500°C, and 800°C for a duration of 60 minutes. Their residual mechanical properties (compressive strength, split tensile strength), ultra sonic pulse velocity, and mass change for different cooling regimes were investigated and compared among specimen. The results showed that incorporation of ceramic sand in concrete mixes improved the resistance against elevated temperature of hardened concrete.
Selective and mild fractionation of microalgal proteins and pigments using aqueous two‐phase systems
Authors: Suarez Ruiz Catalina A , Emmery Daniel P , Wijffels Rene H , Eppink Michel HM , van den Berg Corjan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDMicroalgal biomass is generally used to produce a single product instead of valorizing all of the cellular components. The biomass production and downstream processes are too expensive if only one product is valorized. A new approach was proposed for the simultaneous and selective partitioning of pigments and proteins from disrupted Neochloris oleoabundans cultivated under saline and freshwater conditions.RESULTSAn aqueous two‐phase system composed of polyethylene glycol and cholinium dihydrogen phosphate selectively separated microalgal pigments from microalgal proteins. 97.3 ± 1.0% of lutein and 51.6 ± 2.3% of chlorophyll were recovered in the polymer‐rich phase. Simultaneously, up to 92.2 ± 2.0% of proteins were recovered in a third phase (interface) in between the aqueous phases (interface). The recovered proteins, including Rubisco with a molecular weight of ∼560 kDa, seem to be intact and pigments did not suffer degradation, demonstrating the mildness of this system for fractionating microalgal biomolecules.CONCLUSIONThe ability of aqueous two‐phase systems (ATPSs) to simultaneously and efficiently fractionate different biomolecules in a mild manner from disrupted microalgae is demonstrated. This is an important step towards the development of a multiproduct microalgae biorefinery. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Ascitic fluid regulates the local innate immune response of patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Nieto Juan C , Perea Lídia , Soriano Germán , Zamora Carlos , Cantó Elisabet , Medina Aina , Poca Maria , Sanchez Elisabet , Roman Eva , Julià Germà , Navarro Ferran , Gely Cristina , Alvarado Edilmar A , Guarner Carlos , Juarez Cándido , Vidal Sílvia 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Ascitic neutrophils from cirrhotic patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) exhibit an impaired oxidative burst that could facilitate bacterial infection. However, the influence of the cell-free ascitic fluid of these patients on neutrophil function has not been investigated. To analyze this influence, we determined the ascitic levels of cytokines, resistin, and lactoferrin and their association with neutrophil function, disease severity score, and SBP resolution. We analyzed NETosis induction by microscopy and oxidative burst by the flow cytometry of healthy neutrophils cultured in ascitic fluid from cirrhotic patients with sterile ascites (SA) and with SBP before and after antibiotic treatment. Resistin, IL-6, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-1β, and lactoferrin levels were measured in ascitic fluids and supernatants of cultured neutrophils and PBMCs by ELISA. Upon stimulation, healthy neutrophils cultured in SBP ascitic fluid produced lower NETosis and oxidative burst than those cultured in SA. Ascitic resistin levels were negatively correlated with NETosis, oxidative burst, and ascitic glucose levels; and positively correlated with the model for end-stage liver disease score. After an E. coli or TNF-α stimulus, neutrophils were the major resistin producers. Resistin indirectly reduced the oxidative burst of neutrophils and directly reduced the inflammatory phenotype of monocytes and TNF-α production. Bacterial-induced resistin production can down-regulate the inflammatory response of macrophages and neutrophil function in ascitic fluid. Consequently, this down-regulation may jeopardize the elimination of bacteria that translocate to ascitic fluid in patients with cirrhosis.
Downregulation of the immune response of ascitic cells from cirrhotic patients can be induced by the content of ascitic fluid.
Oxalic acid preharvest treatment increases antioxidant systems and improves plum quality at harvest and during postharvest storage
Authors: Martínez‐Esplá Alejandra , Serrano María , Martínez‐Romero Domingo , Valero Daniel , Zapata Pedro J 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDPlums are much appreciated by consumers as fresh fruit but have a limited storage life. Since reactive oxygen species (ROS) are associated with fruit ripening, an increase in ROS scavenging antioxidant systems could lead to a delay in postharvest plum ripening and in maintaining fruit quality after long cold storage.RESULTSResults showed that crop yield (kg per tree) and fruit weight were enhanced by preharvest oxalic acid (OA) treatment of plum cultivars (‘Black Splendor’ and ‘Royal Rosa’), although the on‐tree ripening process was delayed. In addition, the ripening process during cold storage was delayed in plums from OA‐treated tress, manifested by lower firmness and acidity losses and reduced ethylene production, as compared with fruits from control trees. Antioxidant compounds (phenolics, anthocyanins and carotenoids) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes were higher in plums from OA‐treated trees than in controls, at harvest and during 50 days of cold storage.CONCLUSIONOA preharvest treatment could be a useful tool to maintain plum quality properties during long‐term storage, by delaying the postharvest ripening process through a delay in ethylene production, with an additional effect on increasing bioactive compounds with health beneficial effects. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of quantitative NMR and IRMS for the authentication of ‘Polish Vodka’
Authors: Ciepielowski Grzegorz , Pacholczyk‐Sienicka Barbara , Frączek Tomasz , Klajman Kamila , Paneth Piotr , Albrecht Łukasz 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe production of 'Polish Vodka' is restricted by law to the ethyl alcohol of agricultural origins obtained from rye, wheat, barley, oat, triticale and potatoes grown on the territory of the Republic of Poland. The current labeling system should guarantee that the spirit is authentic and of good quality but not all producers are honest. Unfortunately, authentic 'Polish Vodka' is the most often counterfeited by the addition of cheaper and more accessible maize spirits. These illegal practices significantly reduce costs of the spirit production. Therefore, determination of the botanical origin of alcohol in Poland is highly relevant.RESULTSQuantitative 2H nuclear magnetic resonance and isotope ratio mass spectrometry were used to investigate the authenticity of 30 samples of Polish spirits. Several isotopic parameters were used to determine the botanical origin of 10 unknown samples. Both approaches led to the same conclusions regarding the percentage of maize‐derived ethanol addition.CONCLUSIONSApplied techniques are a valuable tool in the fight against counterfeiting of products. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Automated Manufacturing of Sensor‐Monitored Parts
Authors: Binder Maximilian , Illgner Matthias , Anstaett Christine , Kindermann Philipp , Kirchbichler Ludwig , Seidel Christian 
Published: May 2018

AbstractLaser beam melting (LBM) is a powder bed‐based additive manufacturing technique, where metal powders are layerwise and selectively molten into complex geometries. LBM is state of the art in several industries, such as aerospace or medical for the production of metal parts. The automated integration of sensors and actuators during LBM exhibits great potential for manufacturing of function‐integrated metal parts. However, this potential has hardly been exploited until today. This contribution introduces a handling system allowing for automated manufacturing of sensor‐monitored parts by means of LBM. Furthermore, an outlook is given on the potential of sensor integration in multi‐material metal parts using the example of an injection molding part.
Matching the Intensity of the Laser to the Speed
Authors: Knauer Doris 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe performance of precision, multi‐axis positioning solutions for laser processing depends both on the mechanics and the drive type selected, and also its automation controller. For example, to achieve consistent path quality during laser cutting, the intensity of the laser and the speed of the moving components must be precisely matched to each other in order to cut as consistently as possible and in the shortest possible time. In conjunction with high‐performance controllers and intelligent algorithms, precision positioning systems now fulfill the requirements that enable laser processing to achieve high accuracy and at the same time, high throughput.
Low level laser therapy for the management of breast cancer‐related lymphedema: A randomized controlled feasibility study
Authors: Baxter George David , Liu Lizhou , Tumilty Steve , Petrich Simone , Chapple Cathy , Anders Juanita J. ,   On Behalf of the Laser Lymphedema Trial Team
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting a full scale randomized controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of low level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, used in addition to conventional therapy, for managing breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL).Materials and MethodsPatients with BCRL were recruited from the Southern District Health Board (New Zealand) via lymphedema therapists’ referrals, and randomly allocated into either the laser group, which received BCRL conventional therapy (e.g., wearing compression garments, massage therapy, and/or exercise) plus a 6‐week LLLT (PBM) intervention program (wavelength: 980/810 nm (80:20 ratio); output power: 500 mW beam spot size: 5 cm2; irradiance: 100 mW/cm2; treatment time per area: 1 minute dosage per area treated: 30J (6J/cm2); 10 points of treatment from axilla to wrist total LLLT (PBM) treatment time: 10 minutes total dosage delivered: 300 J), or the control group, which received BCRL conventional therapy alone. Feasibility was determined by recruitment and randomization rates, retention of participants and treatment protocol adherence, and was assessed during the recruiting and intervention periods. Data on participant satisfaction and adverse reactions of LLLT (PBM) were collected on completion of this study. Clinical outcomes (i.e., limb circumference, participant's perceived symptoms, psychological impacts, and activity disability) were assessed at baseline, and 6 and 12 weeks post‐randomization.ResultsOver a 6‐month recruitment window, 17 participants with BCRL were recruited in the study, and randomized into the two groups (recruitment rate of 81%, and randomization rate of 100%). Treatment adherence was high in the laser group (88.9% of participants completed all treatments). Retention rates were 88.9% for the laser group and 100% for the control group at both 6 and 12 weeks post‐randomization. All participants who completed LLLT (PBM) treatment indicated that they were satisfied with the treatment. No serious adverse reactions were reported in this study. Clinical outcomes failed to show additional benefits of LLLT (PBM) intervention.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that it is feasible to conduct a fully powered RCT to definitively test the effectiveness of the additional use of LLLT (PBM) in the management of BCRL. For such a trial, 114 participants will be needed at baseline. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:924–932, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatial, Temporal, and Biological Characteristics of a Nearshore Coral Reef Fishery in the Northern Mariana Islands
Authors: Trianni Michael S. , Gourley John E. , Ramon Manny S. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Fishery landings of coral reef fish from a nearshore commercial spear fishery from 2011 to 2014 were analyzed and summarized. Results showed that the fishery comprised two effort components—shore and boat based fishing—with shore based fishing dominating fishery effort. These two components yielded differing fishery characteristics, including landings, CPUE, seasonality, fishing locations, and targeted species. Time series of select species’ sizes (family Acanthuridae and subfamily Scarinae) showed relatively consistent trends over the sampling period, with the sizes of most harvested species exceeding the life history milestones of length at maturity and length at sex change. Sizes of harvested species were influenced by fishing effort type. Brief comparisons with prior spear fishery analyses focusing on the Northern Mariana Islands indicated that effectively evaluating the nighttime commercial coral reef spear fishery requires an understanding of fishery dynamics and implementation of a long term monitoring program.
Comparative Performance of Three Length Based Mortality Estimators
Authors: Huynh Quang C. , Beckensteiner Jennifer , Carleton Liese M. , Marcek Benjamin J. , Nepal KC Vaskar , Peterson Cassidy D. , Wood Megan A. , Hoenig John M. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Length based methods provide alternatives for estimating the instantaneous total mortality rate (Z) in exploited marine populations when data are not available for age based methods. We compared the performance of three equilibrium length based methods: the length converted catch curve (LCCC), the Beverton–Holt equation (BHE), and the length based spawning potential ratio (LB SPR) method. The LCCC and BHE are two historically common procedures that use length as a proxy for age. From a truncated length frequency distribution of fully selected animals, the LCCC estimates Z with a regression of the logarithm of catch at length by the midpoint of the length bins, while the BHE estimates Z as a function of the mean length. The LB SPR method is a likelihood based population dynamics model, which—unlike the LCCC and BHE—does not require data truncation. Using Monte Carlo simulations across a range of scenarios with varying mortality and life history characteristics, our study showed that neither the LCCC nor the BHE was uniformly superior in terms of bias or root mean square error across simulations, but these estimators performed better than LB SPR, which had the largest bias in most cases. Generally, if the ratio of natural mortality (M) to the von Bertalanffy growth rate parameter (K) is low, then the BHE is most preferred, although there is likely to be high bias and low precision. If M/K is high, then the LCCC and BHE performed better and similarly to each other. Differences in performance among commonly used truncation methods for the LCCC and BHE were small. The LB SPR method did not perform as well as the classical methods but may still be of interest because it provides estimates of a logistic selectivity curve. The M/K ratio provided the most contrast in the performance of the three methods, suggesting that it should be considered for predicting the likely performance of length based mortality estimators.
Lactobacillus fermentum Improves Tacrolimus‐Induced Hypertension by Restoring Vascular Redox State and Improving eNOS Coupling
Authors: Toral Marta , Romero Miguel , Rodríguez‐Nogales Alba , Jiménez Rosario , Robles‐Vera Iñaki , Algieri Francesca , Chueca‐Porcuna Natalia , Sánchez Manuel , de la Visitación Néstor , Olivares Mónica , García Federico , Pérez‐Vizcaíno Francisco , Gálvez Julio , Duarte Juan 
Published: May 2018

ScopeThe aim is to analyze whether the probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 (LC40) can prevent endothelial dysfunction and hypertension induced by tacrolimus in mice.Methods and resultsTacrolimus increases systolic blood pressure (SBP) and impairs endothelium‐dependent relaxation to acetylcholine and these effects are partially prevented by LC40. Endothelial dysfunction induced by tacrolimus is related to both increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX2) and uncoupled endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)‐driven superoxide production and Rho‐kinase‐mediated eNOS inhibition. LC40 treatment prevents all the aortic changes induced by tacrolimus. LC40 restores the imbalance between T‐helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cells induced by tacrolimus in mesenteric lymph nodes and the spleen. Tacrolimus‐induced gut dysbiosis, that is, it decreases microbial diversity, increases the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and decreases acetate‐ and butyrate‐producing bacteria, and these effects are prevented by LC40. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from LC40‐treated mice to control mice prevents the increase in SBP and the impaired relaxation to acetylcholine induced by tacrolimus.ConclusionLC40 treatment prevents hypertension and endothelial dysfunction induced by tacrolimus by inhibiting gut dysbiosis. These effects are associated with a reduction in vascular oxidative stress, mainly through NOX2 downregulation and prevention of eNOS uncoupling, and inflammation possibly because of decreased Th17 and increased Treg cells polarization in mesenteric lymph nodes.
Yerba Mate Stimulates Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Thermogenesis in High‐Fat‐Diet‐Induced Obese Mice
Authors: dos Santos Tanila Wood , Miranda Jonatan , Teixeira Lucimara , Aiastui Ana , Matheu Ander , Gambero Alessandra , Portillo María P. , Ribeiro Marcelo Lima 
Published: May 2018

ScopeThe potential effects of yerba mate (YM) on mitochondrial biogenesis and thermogenesis are evaluated.Methods and resultsThe in vitro effects of YM on mitochondrial respiration are assessed in C2C12 cells. The expression of genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis and thermogenesis are analyzed by quantitative PCR. The in vivo experiments are performed on mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) and treated with YM extract. Indirect calorimetry was performed, and the expression of genes and proteins related to mitochondrial biogenesis, thermogenesis, and de novo lipogenesis is determined by quantitative PCR and western blot. Our in vitro data indicate that YM increases mtDNA copy number as well as mitochondrial spare respiratory capacity and coupling efficiency. The gene expression profile reinforces this evidence, indicating a modulation of genes downstream of Ampk. In vivo, it is found that YM partially prevents diet‐induced obesity by increasing energy expenditure and enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis via the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC1α pathway.ConclusionsYM stimulates mitochondriogenesis and Ucp expression, leading to an increase in the spare respiratory capacity and energy dissipation. These effects may help to better understand the potential use of YM for obesity treatment.
Why are triploid zebrafish all male?
Authors: Delomas Thomas A. , Dabrowski Konrad 
Published: May 2018

Adult triploid zebrafish Danio rerio has previously been reported to be all male. This phenomenon has only been reported in one other gonochoristic fish species, the rosy bitterling Rhodeus ocellatus, despite the fact that triploidy is induced in numerous species. To investigate the mechanism responsible, we first produced triploid zebrafish and observed gonad development. Histological sections of juvenile triploid gonads showed that primary growth oocytes were able to develop in the juvenile ovary, but no cortical alveolus or more advanced oocytes were found. All adult triploids examined were male (n = 160). Male triploids were able to induce oviposition by diploid females during natural spawning trials, but fertilization rates were low (1.0 ± 3.1%) compared with diploid male siblings (67.4 ± 16.6%). The embryos produced by triploid sires were aneuploid with a mean ploidy of 2.4 ± 0.1n, demonstrating that triploid males produce aneuploid spermatozoa. After confirming that adult triploids are all male, we produced an additional batch of triploid zebrafish and exposed them (and a group of diploid siblings) to 100 ng/L estradiol (E2) from 5 to 28 dpf. The E2 treated triploids and nontreated triploids were all male. The nontreated diploids were also all male, but the E2 treated diploids were 89% female. This demonstrates that triploidy acts downstream of estrogen synthesis in the sex differentiation pathway to induce male development. Based on this and the observations of juvenile gonad development in triploids, we suggest that triploidy inhibits development of oocytes past the primary growth stage, and this causes female to male sex reversal.