bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biocrusts and their disturbance mediate the recruitment of native and exotic grasses from a hot desert ecosystem
Authors: Havrilla Caroline A. , Barger Nichole N. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn dryland ecosystems, biocrusts coexist in patchy mosaics with vascular plants and can influence plant performance through modifications of soil stability, hydrology, microclimate, and fertility. Biocrusts often have species‐specific effects on vascular plant recruitment and hypothesized to promote native over exotic plant establishment. While there is considerable interest in potential contributions of biocrusts to the biotic resistance of plant communities, relatively few studies have investigated this relationship. Particularly, we have a limited understanding of how biocrusts may impact exotic plant recruitment in hot desert ecosystems and how these relationships may be affected by biocrust disturbance. In a greenhouse setting, we investigated the effects of two biocrust types (cyanobacteria‐ and lichen‐dominated) from the hot, Chihuahuan Desert and their removal on the emergence, survival, growth, and overall recruitment performance of three perennial bunchgrasses: native species Aristida purpurea (Nutt.) and Bouteloua eriopoda (Torr.), and exotic Eragrostis lehmanniana (Nees.). Specifically, we tested two hypotheses: (1) Intact biocrusts offer favorable microhabitats for increased performance of native vascular grass species but decrease performance and recruitment of exotic species E. lehmanniana, and (2) biocrust removal increases the recruitment of E. lehmanniana. Overall, we found cyanobacteria‐dominated biocrusts decreased seedling performance, while lichen‐dominated biocrusts increased performance. While biocrusts promoted E. lehmanniana emergence over that of the two natives, conversely, native species survival and growth responded more positively to biocrusts than the exotic. Biocrust removal increased E. lehmanniana recruitment, but had mixed effects on the two natives. These results indicate the importance of biocrusts and biocrust disturbance in shaping dryland plant community structure and generate interesting questions about possible contributions of biocrusts to the biotic resistance of plant communities.
Assessing spatial discreteness of Hudson Bay polar bear populations using telemetry and genetics
Authors: Viengkone Michelle , Derocher Andrew E. , Richardson Evan S. , Obbard Martyn E. , Dyck Markus G. , Lunn Nicholas J. , Sahanatien Vicki , Robinson Barry G. , Davis Corey S. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIdentifying biologically meaningful populations is essential to the conservation and management of at‐risk species. Natural populations can be delineated using a variety of methods including tag recoveries, telemetry, stable isotopes, and population genetics, but understanding the processes that lead to and maintain the demographic and genetic distinctiveness of populations is also important. We combined telemetric and genetic data from three adjacent polar bear (Ursus maritimus) populations in Hudson Bay, Canada, to compare two methods of defining structure. We compared the population structure inferred from utilization distributions (UDs) of 62 adult female polar bears tracked by satellite telemetry during the mating season by grouping individuals in two ways: (1) by the management population in which individuals were sampled (capture location), and (2) by population genetic assignment of individuals using marker data (genetic assignment). We found that space‐use overlap varied depending on how individuals were grouped. We found 19.1–34.4% UD overlap when capture locations were used to group individuals, but there was no UD overlap for bears across different genetic groupings. Wildlife management objectives should include consideration of genetic diversity and differentiation, and we found that using genetic assignment to augment analyses from telemetric data provided additional insights on population delineation.
Reinforcement learning–based QoS/QoE‐aware service function chaining in software‐driven 5G slices
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Zonghang , Zhang Yupeng , Long Ruiming , Yu Hongfang , Du Xiaojiang , Guizani Mohsen 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWith the ever‐growing diversity of devices and applications that will be connected to 5G networks, flexible and agile service orchestration with acknowledged quality of experience (QoE) that satisfies the end user's functional and quality‐of‐service (QoS) requirements is necessary. Software‐defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) are considered key enabling technologies for 5G core networks. In this regard, this paper proposes a reinforcement learning–based QoS/QoE‐aware service function chaining (SFC) scheme in SDN/NFV‐enabled 5G slices. First, it implements a lightweight QoS information collector based on the Link Layer Discovery Protocol, which works in a piggyback fashion on the southbound interface of the SDN controller, to enable QoS‐awareness. Then, a deep Q‐network–based orchestration agent is designed to support SFC in the context of NFV. The agent takes into account the QoE and QoS as key aspects to formulate the reward so that it is expected to maximize QoE while respecting QoS constraints. The experiment results show that the proposed framework exhibits good performance in QoE provisioning and QoS requirements maintenance for SFC in dynamic network environments.
A generalized multi‐wavelength propagation model for VLC indoor channels using Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Ramirez‐Aguilera A.M. , Luna‐Rivera J.M. , Guerra V. , Rabadan J. , Perez‐Jimenez R. , Lopez‐Hernandez F.J. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce the Matrix‐MMC propagation model for indoor wireless optical channels. This proposed method is evolved from the modified Monte Carlo (MMC)–based ray tracing algorithm, but in addition to the properties of MMC, it has the capability of capturing reflection phenomena implying changes on wavelength (eg, fluorescence, phosphorescence, or iridescence) with a simplified analytical expression. The model provides unprecedented information about the mechanism of surface reflection in a visible light communication channel, which influences the propagation of the light waves, that depends on wavelength.
BIM for tunnelling for a company – Approaches and strategies
Authors: Gruber Christian , Weiner Thorsten , Zuchtriegel Ralf 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for tunnelling projects, is not yet very common in Austria or Germany. First attempts to use BIM in tunnelling are being undertaken on specially selected and supported projects, but this can only be considered a first small step. In the following article, the current status and progress of BIM in tunnelling in Austria and Germany will be described and compared. Furthermore, the article focuses on a range of different aspects of BIM in tunnelling. Particular attention is paid to the special requirements of underground mining. This regards the challenges of the state of the art software capacities concerning the complex geometrical structures of underground constructions. Another important aspect is the interaction between ground and excavation method. The physical properties of the ground will never be completely known. Therefore, consolidated basics/rules for the behaviour and treatment of the ground have to be developed. BIM follows the principle of ”first build virtually, then in reality“, for which reason construction companies have to be involved in the early planning phase. It is necessary to develop new contract models and to strive for a cooperative partnership.
BIM pilot project Granitztal tunnel chain – Development of data structures for tunnel structure and track superstructure
Authors: Exinger Christoph , Mulitzer Günther , Felsner Rudolf , Lemmerer Johann , Matt Robert , Griesser Ewald 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAn essential part of the Koralmbahn line, the Granitztal tunnel chain with a length of about 6.1 km runs between the Lavanttal and the Jauntal valleys and crosses the Deutsch Grutschen, the Granitztal and the Langer Berg. In early 2016, Austrian Railways ÖBB made a decision for the Granitztal tunnel chain project, which was then already under construction, to test the 3D model‐based Building Information Modelling (BIM) design method in addition to conventional 2D design. One essential precondition for the application of the BIM method on transport infrastructure projects was recognised as the required data structures. In addition to the definition of general project requirements and standards for BIM, work started on the structuring and classification of the construction elements required for the tunnel structure and their properties. Of equal importance are the spatial positioning and location of the construction elements and the definition of topological relationships to each other.The article gives an insight into the current state of development of BIM data structures for tunnel structure and track superstructure at the ÖBB and is intended to make a contribution to initiating the development of such data structures by all the disciplines involved in tunneling and transport infrastructure. The prime intention is to provide the BIM data structures produced in this way as an active contribution to the further development of the open BIM standard IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) in the IFC Underground Construction Group at buildingSMART
Optimized protocol for detection of native, full‐length HIV‐1 envelope on the surface of transfected cells
Authors: Altman J.B. , Liu X. , Itri V. , Zolla‐Pazner S. , Powell R.L.R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAimsDesigning therapeutics against the HIV envelope glycoprotein (Env) is only as accurate as the structure of the Env they are targeting. Conserving the structure of the Env trimer is crucial for proper experimental assessment of antibody binding and neutralization. However, Env is notably difficult to express by transfection of a recombinant Env plasmid. To increase surface expression, researchers commonly utilize c‐tail mutants of the gp41 transmembrane glycoprotein of HIV‐1, but mutations and deletions in this region can impact the overall conformation and stability of the Env trimer. Multiple studies have shown that while tail mutants have higher Env surface expression, they are easier to neutralize and have altered trimer conformations compared with wild‐type Env found in vivo on infected cells. To assess and characterize native cell surface Env structures, we sought a protocol that could reliably detect wild‐type Env surface expression by flow cytometry.Methods and resultsBy avoiding fetal bovine serum–based buffers, significantly increasing the amounts of transfected plasmid and Env‐specific antibody and by selecting a bright, biotin + streptavidin‐PE detection system, we were able to increase the surface expression of transfected Env protein.ConclusionThis protocol will allow for more precise assessment of antibody binding, epitope exposure, and Env structure, all of which will contribute to designing more effective vaccines and immunotherapeutics.
Screening for low muscularity in colorectal cancer patients: a valid, clinic‐friendly approach that predicts mortality
Authors: Cespedes Feliciano Elizabeth M. , Avrutin Egor , Caan Bette J. , Boroian Adam , Mourtzakis Marina 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundLow skeletal muscle quantified using computed tomography (CT) scans is associated with morbidity and mortality among cancer patients. However, existing methods to assess skeletal muscle from CT are time‐consuming, expensive, and require training. Clinic‐friendly tools to screen for low skeletal muscle in cancer patients are urgently needed.MethodsWe included 807 scans from non‐metastatic colorectal cancer patients. With the digital ruler available in most radiological software, we implemented an abbreviated method to assess skeletal muscle area at the third lumbar vertebra (L3), which consisted of assessing the height and width of the psoas and paraspinal muscles and computing their combined ‘linear area’ in centimetres squared (cm2). A subset of CT scans was assessed twice by two analysts to compute intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability. We derived cut‐points for ‘low’ linear area using optimal stratification and then calculated the sensitivity and specificity of these cut‐points relative to standard methods (total L3 cross‐sectional area assessed with Slice‐O‐Matic research software). We further evaluated the association of low linear area with death from any cause after colorectal cancer diagnosis in Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for demographics, smoking, body mass index category, and tumour characteristics.ResultsThe linear area was highly correlated with total cross‐sectional area assessed using standard methods [r = 0.92; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.91, 0.93] overall and within subgroups defined by age, sex, and body mass index group. Intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability were equally high (both intra‐class correlations = 0.98). Cut‐points for low linear area were sensitive (0.75; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.80) and specific (0.77; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.80) for identifying low skeletal muscle relative to the standard of total L3 cross‐sectional area. The hazard ratio and 95% CI for death associated with a low linear area were hazard ratio = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.25.ConclusionsClinic‐friendly methods that assess linear area from CT scans are an accurate screening tool to identify low skeletal muscle among non‐metastatic colorectal cancer patients. These linear measures are associated with mortality after colorectal cancer, suggesting they could be clinically useful both to improve prognostication and to provide a practical screening tool to identify cancer patients who require nutrition or exercise intervention.
An Analytically Defined Fire‐Suppressing Foam Formulation for Evaluation of Fluorosurfactant Replacement
Authors: Hinnant Katherine M. , Giles Spencer L. , Snow Arthur W. , Farley John P. , Fleming James W. , Ananth Ramagopal 
Published: August 2018

AbstractA 4‐component, analytically defined, reference fluorosurfactant formulation (Ref‐aqueous film forming foam [AFFF]) composed of 0.3% fluorocarbon‐surfactant concentrate (Capstone 1157), 0.2% hydrocarbon‐surfactant concentrate (Glucopon 215 UP), and 0.5% diethylene glycol mono butyl ether by volume in distilled water was found to have rapid fire extinction comparable to a commercial AFFF in tests conducted on a bench scale and a large scale (28 ft2, part of US Military Specification, MIL‐F‐24385F). The Ref‐AFFF was analytically characterized to provide the identity and quantity of the chemical structures of the surfactant molecules that were lacking for commercial AFFF formulations. To arrive at an acceptable Ref‐AFFF formulation, 3 candidate formulations containing different hydrocarbon surfactants in varying amounts were evaluated and ranked relative to a commercial AFFF using a bench‐scale fire‐extinction apparatus; varying the hydrocarbon surfactant was found to affect the fire‐extinction time. The ranking was confirmed by the large‐scale tests suggesting that the bench‐scale apparatus is a reasonable research tool for identifying surfactants likely to succeed in the large‐scale test. In the future, replacing the fluorocarbon surfactant with an alternative surfactant in the Ref‐AFFF enables a direct comparison of fire extinction and environmental impact to identify an acceptable fluorine‐free formulation.
Virtual viewpoints reconstruction via Fourier slice transformation
Authors: Zhao Jian , Xia Jun 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe propose a new method of calculating the arbitrary viewpoints for auto‐stereoscopic display. The three‐dimensional (3D) object is first virtually reconstructed in 3D spaces by mapping each pixel with a depth according to the depth mapping. We then calculate the Fourier spectrum of the 3D object by the fast Fourier transformation. The arbitrary viewpoints are reconstructed by “slicing” the 3D Fourier spectrum. To repair “black hole” artifacts, the regions in the background are calculated by advanced boundary in‐painting. Experimental results show the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed algorithm to calculate viewpoints with arbitrary viewing angles. A comparison is also presented, which indicates that the proposed algorithm is more accurate than conventional method, and the advanced boundary in‐painting can save three quarters of time than the conventional in‐painting method.
How do data collection and processing methods impact the accuracy of long‐term trend estimation in lake surface‐water temperatures?
Authors: Gray Derek K. , Hampton Stephanie E. , O'Reilly Catherine M. , Sharma Sapna , Cohen Rachel S. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIdentifying significant changes across lake ecosystems is important for understanding impacts of global environmental change. Synthesizing data on lake warming trends is challenging because individual lake datasets differ in the: (1) length of the time series available for analysis and (2) frequency of data collection (e.g., daily vs. monthly observations). This study aimed to address how dataset length, frequency of data collection, and strength of temperature trends could impact both the accuracy of summer surface‐water temperature trends and their statistical significance. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we found that accuracy in trend estimates and the ability to recover statistically significant trends were both directly related to trend strength, dataset length, and sampling frequency. To consistently retrieve statistically significant trend estimates that deviated < 25% from the true values, 30‐yr datasets with high warming rates (≥ 0.75°C decade−1) were required. These findings have important implications for efforts to analyze lake temperature trends, as the characteristics of many existing datasets fall within a range where our simulations predict low accuracy in trend estimates as well as a low probability of achieving statistical significance. Longer datasets are needed to accurately estimate warming trends and evaluate drivers of lake surface‐temperature changes, highlighting the need to support existing long‐term monitoring projects occurring across the globe, and to encourage updates to remotely sensed lake temperature datasets.
Broadband Coherent Raman Scattering Microscopy
Authors: Polli Dario , Kumar Vikas , Valensise Carlo M. , Marangoni Marco , Cerullo Giulio 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSpontaneous Raman (SR) microscopy allows label‐free chemically specific imaging based on the vibrational response of molecules; however, due to the low Raman scattering cross section, it is intrinsically slow. Coherent Raman scattering (CRS) techniques, by coherently exciting vibrational oscillators in the focal volume, increase signal levels by several orders of magnitude under appropriate conditions. In its single‐frequency version, CRS microscopy has reached very high imaging speeds, up to the video rate; however, it provides information which is not sufficient to distinguish spectrally overlapped chemical species within complex heterogeneous systems, such as cells and tissues. Broadband CRS combines the acquisition speed of CRS with the information content of SR, but it is technically very demanding. In this Review, the current state of the art in broadband CRS microscopy, both in the coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) versions are reviewed. Different technical solutions for broadband CARS and SRS, working both in the frequency and in the time domains, are compared and their merits and drawbacks assessed.
Relative catalytic efficiencies and transcript levels of three d‐ and two l‐lactate dehydrogenases for optically pure d‐lactate production in Sporolactobacillus inulinus
Authors: Wu Bin , Yu Qi , Zheng Shan , Pedroso Marcelo Monteiro , Guddat Luke W. , He Bingfang , Schenk Gerhard 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAs the optical purity of the lactate monomer is pivotal for polymerization, the production of optically pure d‐lactate is of significant importance. Sporolactobacillus inulinus YBS1‐5 is a superior optically pure d‐lactate‐producing bacterium. However, little is known about the relationship between lactate dehydrogenases in S. inulinus YBS1‐5 and the optical purity of d‐lactate. Three potential d‐lactate dehydrogenase (D‐LDH1‐3)‐ and two putative l‐lactate dehydrogenase (L‐LDH1‐2)‐encoding genes were cloned from the YBS1‐5 strain and expressed in Escherichia coli D‐LDH1 exhibited the highest catalytic efficiency toward pyruvate, whereas two L‐LDHs showed low catalytic efficiency. Different neutralizers significantly affected the optical purity of d‐lactate produced by strain YBS1‐5 as well as the transcription levels of ldhDs and ldhLs. The high catalytic efficiency of D‐LDH1 and elevated ldhD1 mRNA levels suggest that this enzyme is essential for d‐lactate synthesis in S. inulinus YBS1‐5. The correlation between the optical purity of d‐lactate and transcription levels of ldhL1 in the case of different neutralizers indicate that ldhL1 is a key factor affecting the optical purity of d‐lactate in S. inulinus YBS1‐5.
Muscle imaging in laminopathies: Synthesis study identifies meaningful muscles for follow‐up
Authors: GóMez‐Andrés David , Díaz‐Manera Jordi , Alejaldre Aida , Pulido‐Valdeolivas Irene , GonzáLez‐mera Laura , Olivé Montse , Vilchez Juan José , De Munain Adolfo LóPez , Paradas Carmen , Muelas Nuria , SáNchez‐MontáÑez Ángel , Alonso‐Jimenez Alicia , De la banda Marta Gómez García , Dabaj Ivana , Bonne Gisèle , Munell Francina , Carlier Robert Y. , Quijano‐Roy Susana 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Particular fibroadipose infiltration patterns have been recently described by muscle imaging in congenital and later onset forms of LMNA‐related muscular dystrophies (LMNA‐RD). Methods: Scores for fibroadipose infiltration of 23 lower limb muscles in 34 patients with LMNA‐RD were collected from heat maps of 2 previous studies. Scoring systems were homogenized. Relationships between muscle infiltration and disease duration and age of onset were modeled with random forests. Results: The pattern of infiltration differs according to disease duration but not to age of disease onset. The muscles whose progression best predicts disease duration were semitendinosus, biceps femoris long head, gluteus medius, and semimembranosus. Discussion: In LMNA‐RD, our synthetic analysis of lower limb muscle infiltration did not find major differences between forms with different ages of onset but allowed the identification of muscles with characteristic infiltration during disease progression. Monitoring of these specific muscles by quantitative MRI may provide useful imaging biomarkers in LMNA‐RD. Muscle Nerve 58:812–817, 2018