bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of oil exposure, plant species composition, and plant genotypic diversity on salt marsh and mangrove assemblages
Authors: Hughes A. R. , Cebrian J. , Heck K. , Goff J. , Hanley T. C. , Scheffel W. , Zerebecki R. A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractClimate change is causing shifts in the distribution and abundance of many species. Because species vary in the rate and degree of these shifts, novel transition zones have developed where new combinations of species overlap. If climate‐mediated range shifts result in greater diversity, transition communities could have enhanced resistance and/or resilience, particularly if the resident and colonizing species differ in their response to environmental change. The range expansion of the tropical black mangrove,Avicennia germinans, into salt marshes dominated by the temperate cordgrass,Spartina alterniflora, provides an opportunity to examine the responses of climate‐mediated transition zones to disturbance. We conducted a yearlong mesocosm experiment testing the effects of plant species identity and composition (A. germinans,S. alterniflora), as well as plant genotypic diversity (S. alternifloraonly), on the response of coastal wetlands to oiling disturbance. Oil negatively impactedS. alternifloraandA. germinansboth above‐ and belowground, though the timing of these effects varied, withS. alterniflorashowing more immediate declines thanA. germinans. As hypothesized, the magnitude of the oil effect was reduced in the mixed plant species treatment compared to the single species treatment forA. germinanssurvival (12% vs. 21% reduction) and belowground biomass (19% vs. 71% reduction). In addition, when exposed to oil,A. germinanscrown area and volume were greater in the mixed species treatment compared to the single species treatment at the end of the experiment. However, we did not detect any benefit of mixed species communities orS. alternifloragenotypic diversity for theS. alternifloraresponse to oil. Our results suggest that transition habitats in the northern Gulf of Mexico whereA. germinansandS. alternifloraco‐occur will be negatively impacted by future oiling events, but that they are no more susceptible, and perhaps slightly less so, than habitats dominated by either individual species.
Caught in transit: offshore interception of seafaring propagules from seven mangrove species
Authors: Van der Stocken Tom , Vanschoenwinkel Bram , De Ryck Dennis , Koedam Nico 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMany organisms are transported passively and make use of the energy of natural phenomena or other organisms to disperse. However, not all species are equally likely to disperse over long distances. In mangroves, which possess seafaring propagules, it is largely unknown which species are more likely to reach the ocean and contribute to long‐distance dispersal. This is because dispersal has been mainly studied under reductionist laboratory conditions and via localized release–recapture experiments. Direct interceptions of propagules at sea have hardly been attempted because of the high labor intensity. Here, we set up a local citizen‐science network and engaged local fishermen to collect floating mangrove propagules over a period of 27 months. By comparing the dispersing community of propagules from the local stands in which they were produced, the open water of the bay, and the open ocean beyond the coral reef barrier, we could study the transition between local and long‐distance dispersal. The composition of the dispersing community changed from the local stands toward the ocean, suggesting that this transition imposes an important selective filter for leaving the local system. With the exception of three rare species (Lumnitzera racemosa, Pemphis acidula, and Xylocarpus moluccensis), we intercepted dispersing propagules of every mangrove species occurring in the East African region. Most intercepted propagules were produced by Rhizophora mucronata and Ceriops tagal, followed by Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Avicennia marina, which also represent the most abundant species in the nearby mangrove forest. A larger number of propagules were intercepted during the wet season, with fewer propagules recovered during the dry season. Overall, our study indicates that differences in the dispersal capacity of mangrove propagules are not straightforward and that some species may better disperse at local scales within an estuary or embayment, while others might be more suitable for dispersal over longer distances. The presence of such trade‐offs may help explain why current attempts to use mangrove traits to predict mangrove species distributions at different scales have remained only moderately successful.
Synthesis of glucooligosaccharides with prebiotic potential by glucansucrase URE 13–300 acceptor reactions with maltose, raffinose and lactose
Authors: Bivolarski Veselin , Vasileva Tonka , Gabriel Valerie , Iliev Ilia 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn the present work, we report an efficient synthesis of glucooligosaccharides (GOSs) with prebiotic potential by novel glucansucrase URE 13–300 fromLeuconostoc mesenteroidesURE 13 strain. The highest total yield of GOSs with degree of polymerization (DP) from 3 to 6 was obtained with maltose as an acceptor and maltose/sucrose (M/S) ratio 1–136 g/L. An efficient modulation of GOSs composition is achieved by varying the M/S ratio. At M/S = 1, 2, 4 and 7 the content of DP3 products gradually increase from 54.50 to 91.70%. When the M/S ratio was decreased the synthesis of DP>3 GOSs is predominant and reaches 75.60% (M/S = 0.25). In addition, the maltose derived GOSs with DP>3, as well as raffinose and lactose glucosylation products have a branched structure which is prerequisite for increased prebiotic potential. The synthesized GOSs were efficiently metabolized by probiotic strains ofLb. plantarumS26,Lb. brevisS27 andLb. sakeiS16, and the calculated values of specific growth rate (μ) were nearly identical to this on glucose media, when maltose derived GOSs were used as a carbohydrate source. Strain specific features were observed in the utilization of the synthesized GOSs, as well as in the production of lactic acid and acetic acid.
Field validation of POCIS for monitoring at underwater munitions sites
Authors: Rosen Gunther , Lotufo Guilherme R. , George Robert D. , Wild Bill , Rabalais Lauren K. , Morrison Shane , Belden Jason B. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

The present study evaluated polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) for quantification of conventional munitions constituents, including trinitrotoluene (TNT), aminodinitrotoluenes, diaminonitrotoluenes, dinitrotoluene, and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in a field setting. The POCIS were deployed at varying distances from the commonly used explosive formulation composition B (39.5% TNT, 59.5% RDX, 1% wax) in an embayment of Santa Rosa Sound (Pensacola, FL, USA). Time-weighted averaged water concentrations from a 13-d deployment ranged from 9 to 103 ng/L for TNT and RDX, respectively, approximately 0.3 to 2 m from the source. Concentrations decreased with increasing distance from the source to below quantitation limits (5–7 ng/L) at stations greater than 2 m away. Moderate biofouling of POCIS membranes after 13 d led to a subsequent effort to quantify potential effects of biofouling on the sampling rate for munitions constituents. After biofouling was allowed to occur for periods of 0, 7, 14, or 28 d at the field site, POCIS were transferred to aquaria spiked with munitions constituents. No significant differences in uptake of TNT or RDX were observed across a gradient of biofouling presence, although the mass of fouling organisms on the membranes was statistically greater for the 28-d field exposure. The present study verified the high sensitivity and integrative nature of POCIS for relevant munitions constituents potentially present in aquatic environments, indicating that application at underwater military munitions sites may be useful for ecological risk assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2257–2267. Published 2018 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
HIV knowledge and use of health services among people from South‐East Asia and sub‐Saharan Africa living in Western Australia
Authors: Gray Corie , Crawford Gemma , Reid Alison , Lobo Roanna 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundHIV notifications among people born in sub‐Saharan Africa and South‐East Asia have increased in Australia in the last decade. People born in these regions have the highest rates of HIV diagnosis by region of birth and are overrepresented in late or advanced presentation of HIV infection.MethodsThis study developed and tested a questionnaire for reliability through test‐retest. A cross‐sectional survey using intercept and online recruitment of HIV knowledge and use of health services was then undertaken among people born in sub‐Saharan Africa and South‐East Asia, who had arrived in Australia less than 10 years ago and were living in Western Australia (n = 209). Results were reported on by gender and length of time in Australia.ResultsParticipants had a reasonable knowledge of HIV transmission, but held a number of incorrect beliefs. Two‐thirds (65%) of participants reported a barrier to accessing health services in Australia. Just over a third (34%) of participants had ever tested for HIV, despite indicating that they believed HIV testing was important.ConclusionsThis project indicates a very low rate of HIV testing among this priority population. Further action is required to improve early diagnosis of HIV and reduce onward transmission of HIV infection within these communities.So what?We need targeted interventions that extend beyond knowledge to increase HIV testing rates among this population.
Effect of low‐cost interventions on the retention of knowledge and skills following Helping Babies Breathe training
Authors: Cordova Erika , Al‐Rousan Tala , Castillo‐Angeles Manuel , Aftab Saima , Nelson Brett D. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of a post‐Helping Babies Breathe bundle of interventions on the retention of provider‐level knowledge and skills.MethodThe present prospective pre–post study following a 1‐day Helping Babies Breathe training of professional midwives, physicians, and nurses was conducted in Cajamarca Province, Peru between January 1 and July 31, 2017. The interventions to improve retention included structured worksite practice before every shift, weekly in‐service simulated scenarios, and monthly supervised peer‐to‐peer abbreviated refresher trainings. Knowledge and skills were assessed before, immediately after, and 6 months after training using two validated multiple‐choice knowledge test and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs; OSCE A and OSCE B). Data were analyzed for changes in knowledge and skills over time and to identify predictors of performance.ResultsThere were 60 learners included. No significant differences were observed between assessments immediately after training and at 6‐month follow‐up for knowledge scores or time‐to‐effective‐ventilation. Pass rates for OSCE B increased from 83% immediately after training to 95% at follow‐up (P=0.007). The only factor associated with a reduced time to effective ventilation at 6‐month follow‐up was working in a hospital (P<0.001), accounting for years of training and experience.ConclusionHelping Babies Breathe knowledge and skills can be retained and even improved with simple, inexpensive interventions, including supervised on‐the‐job and peer‐to‐peer training.
An industrial perspective on membrane distillation processes
Authors: Kiss Anton A , Kattan Readi Olga M 
Published: April 2018

AbstractProcess intensification has led to significant developments in both distillation and membrane technology. Membrane distillation (MD) is an emerging technology for fluid separations that are typically performed by conventional separation processes, such as distillation or reverse osmosis (e.g. water desalination, or water removal). Compared with other membrane technologies, the driving force in MD is the difference in vapor pressure across the hydrophobic membrane, rather than the total pressure. MD can be a cost effective separation process, especially when more sustainable alternative sources of energy (e.g. geothermal and solar) or waste heat sources are used. Many review papers on MD are available in the open literature, but most of them focus on the membrane characteristics (e.g. material aspects).This industrial perspective paper assesses the MD technology and reports on relevant issues by offering a concise overview of MD technology, addressing different MD configurations, current major applications, operating parameters and their effect on the MD process, commercially available membranes, as well as cost estimations to determine the feasibility of MD processes. While successfully applied in desalination and a few other niche applications, MD has failed to make a strong industrial impact in other areas still dominated by distillation. A key message is that membrane distillation is still a growing technology for separation and purification processes, but it needs further exploration and optimization to become a mature technology applicable to more industrial processes in the chemical process industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Towards optimal substrate feeding for heterologous protein production in Pichia pastoris (Komagataella spp) fed‐batch processes under PAOX1 control: a modeling aided approach
Authors: Ponte Xavier , Barrigón José Manuel , Maurer Michael , Mattanovich Diethard , Valero Francisco , Montesinos‐Seguí José Luis 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDTo improve the efficiency of a bioprocess, key parameters, such as yield, titer and productivity, must be considered. They are mainly dependent on the specific rates for product (qP) and cell growth (μ), and their correlation determines the most suitable feeding polices that should be applied.RESULTSThe mathematical description of the Pichia pastoris (Komagataella spp) PAOX1‐based system (Mut+) expressing recombinant Rhizopus oryzae lipase (ROL), which includes cell growth, substrate consumption and product formation kinetics, was used to define the optimal profiles regarding methanol feeding‐rate (F), residual methanol concentration (S) and specific growth rate (μ). Optimal trajectories obtained using numerical optimization and algorithms based on S‐profile determination were first applied to manage the multiplicity of S‐states with both μ and qP. Once the S‐profile was determined, the F and μ profiles were obtained in a straightforward manner from mass balances and growth kinetics. From experimental results, the bioprocess efficiency improvement was confirmed in terms of a 2.2‐fold higher final titer and 3.4‐fold higher productivity compared with the best standard pre‐programmed exponential substrate feeding strategy. Additionally, 1.2‐fold higher productivity and 1.1‐fold higher final titer relative to the most promising feedback control of the methanol concentration strategy were obtained.CONCLUSIONThe whole model‐based approach was established as a versatile and simple platform, which would then be transferable to alternative modes of operation and even to produce other proteins of interest. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of impedance decrease during radiofrequency current application for atrial fibrillation ablation on myocardial lesion and gap formation
Authors: Inaba Osamu , Nagata Yasutoshi , Sekigawa Masahiro , Miwa Naoyuki , Yamaguchi Junji , Miyamoto Takamichi , Goya Masahiko , Hirao Kenzo 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical impact of a decrease in impedance during radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) has not been fully clarified. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of impedance decrease and to determine its optimal cutoff value during RFCA.MethodsWe evaluated 34 consecutive patients (total 3264 lesions, mean age 66 ± 8.7 years, 10 females) who underwent their first ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). The impedance decrease, average contact force (CF), application time, force‐time integral (FTI), product of impedance decrease and application time (PIT), and the product of impedance decrease and FTI (PIFT) were measured for all lesions. Levels of cardiac troponin I (TrpI) were measured for assessment of myocardial injury. The incidence of intraprocedural pulmonary vein‐left atrium reconnection or dormant conduction (reconnection) was determined. The relationships between the ablation parameters and the increase in TrpI (ΔTrpI) were evaluated. The predictive value of the parameters for reconnection was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsReconnection was detected in 18 patients. Average FTI and PIT were significantly correlated with ΔTrpI (FTI: r2 = .19, P = .0090, PIT: r2 = .21, P = .0058). PIFT was correlated with ΔTrpI and was the best of the three indexes (PIFT: r2 = .29, P = .0010). In ROC curve analysis, the area under the curve for predicting reconnection was 0.71 and the optimal cutoff value was 5200 for PIFT (sensitivity 78%, specificity 63%).ConclusionThe combination of CF and a decrease in impedance could be important in the evaluation of myocardial lesions and reconnection during RFCA.
In vivo bioavailability of polyphenols from grape by‐product extracts, and effect on lipemia of normocholesterolemic Wistar rats
Authors: Olivero‐David Raul , Ruiz‐Roso María B , Caporaso Nicola , Perez‐Olleros Lourdes , De las Heras Natalia , Lahera Vicente , Ruiz‐Roso Baltasar 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe direct use of phenolic extracts from grape by‐products can be useful when formulating functional food to improve consumer health. The use of phenolic extracts instead of pure polyphenols as an ingredient is relevant in this context. The present study investigated the bioavailability and absorption of polyphenols from grape by‐product extracts and their health effect on cholesterolemia, by adding the extract (GE) to Wistar rats diet (50 g kg−1) in vivo.RESULTSGE caused the appearance of (+)‐catechin, myricetin and quercetic acid in plasma and liver. (+)‐Catechin was the most abundant compound (6 μg mL−1 in plasma and 0.7 μg mg−1 protein in liver), whereas no phenolic compounds were detected in plasma or liver in the control group. Similarly, 3,4‐hydroxyphenylacetic, a major product of polyphenol digestion, was detected in the plasma, liver and urine of the GE‐group only. GE‐group had significantly lower cholesterol level and lower total cholesterol/high‐density lipoprotein ratio in plasma. Total bile acid content significantly increased in fecal matter after 24 h administration of the GE‐enriched diet.CONCLUSIONGrape extract polyphenols are partially bioavailable and showed improvement in lipid metabolism. Thus, the results suggest that GE is promising as a functional ingredient in the prevention of hypercholesterolemia. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A Crossover Comparison of Standard and Telerobotic Approaches to Prenatal Sonography
Authors: Adams Scott J. , Burbridge Brent E. , Badea Andreea , Kanigan Nadine , Bustamante Luis , Babyn Paul , Mendez Ivar 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesTo determine the feasibility of a telerobotic approach to remotely perform prenatal sonographic examinations.MethodsThirty participants were prospectively recruited. Participants underwent a limited examination (assessing biometry, placental location, and amniotic fluid; n = 20) or a detailed examination (biometry, placental location, amniotic fluid, and fetal anatomic survey; n = 10) performed with a conventional ultrasound system. This examination was followed by an equivalent examination performed with a telerobotic ultrasound system, which enabled sonographers to remotely control all ultrasound settings and fine movements of the ultrasound transducer from a distance. Telerobotic images were read independently from conventional images.ResultsThe mean gestational age ± SD of the 30 participants was 22.9 ± 5.3 weeks. Paired‐sample t tests showed no statistically significant difference between conventional and telerobotic measurements of fetal head circumference, biparietal diameter, or single deepest vertical pocket of amniotic fluid; however, a small but statistically significant difference was observed in measurements of abdominal circumference and femur length (P < .05). Intraclass correlations showed excellent agreement (>0.90) between telerobotic and conventional measurements of all 4 biometric parameters. Of 21 fetal structures included in the anatomic survey, 80% of the structures attempted across all patients were sufficiently visualized by the telerobotic system (range, 57%–100% per patient). Ninety‐seven percent of patients strongly or somewhat agreed that they would be willing to have another telerobotic examination in the future.ConclusionsA telerobotic approach is feasible for remotely performing prenatal sonographic examinations. Telerobotic sonography (robotic telesonography) may allow for the development of satellite ultrasound clinics in rural, remote, or low‐volume communities, thereby increasing access to prenatal imaging in underserved communities.
Correlation of Point Shear Wave Velocity and Kidney Function in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Grosu Iulia , Bob Flaviu , Sporea Ioan , Popescu Alina , Şirli Roxana , Schiller Adalbert 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesPoint shear wave elastography is a quantitative ultrasound‐based imaging method used in the assessment of renal disease. Among point shear wave elastographic options, 2 techniques have been studied considerably: Virtual Touch quantification (VTQ; Siemens AG, Erlangen, Germany) and ElastPQ (EPQ; Philips Healthcare, Bothell, WA). Both rely on the tissue response to an acoustic beam generated by the ultrasound transducer. The data on renal VTQ are more extensive, whereas EPQ has been used less thus far in the assessment of the kidneys. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of EPQ in the kidney and compare it with VTQ.MethodsWe studied 124 participants using EPQ: 22 with no renal disease and 102 with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Ninety‐one were studied with both the EPQ and VTQ methods. We obtained 5 valid measurements in each kidney, expressed in meters per second.ResultsThe mean kidney stiffness measurements ± SD obtained with EPQ in the healthy control group were as follows: right kidney, 1.23 ± 0.33 m/s; and left kidney, 1.26 ± 0.32 m/s (P = .6). In the patients with CKD (all stages), the mean kidney stiffness measurements obtained were significantly lower: right kidney, 1.09 ± 0.39 m/s; and left kidney, 1.04 ± 0.38 m/s (P = .4). We observed that, similar to VTQ, EPQ values decreased with CKD progression, based on analysis of variance results using different CKD stages. From a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cutoff value for an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 45 mL/min was 1.24 m/s, and the value for an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 30 mL/min was 1.07 m/s.ConclusionsWhen using EPQ, the kidney shear wave velocity is decreased in patients with CKD, an observation similar to that obtained by using the VTQ method.