bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of classical conditioning over immature and mature B lymphocytes regulation
Authors: Rodríguez Bustos Héctor , Espinoza‐Navarro Omar , Castro María Eugenia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractClassical conditioning (CC) with a sweet flavored is useful for experimental models of immune response. The objective this work was analyze spleen cell response on the differentiation of B‐lymphocytes associated with the CC with sweet flavored in adult rats. Twelve adult male rats were divided (n = 3) in Group 1 (control); Group 2 without conditioned stimulus (WCS) received only water; Group 3 receiving only water with salt; Group 4 (experimental) with CS of sweet flavored and salty flavored afterwards. In every work group, all animals were subjected to the unconditioned stimulus (US) treated by 10 mg/kg body weight of cyclophosphamide injected intraperitoneally (i.p.). Subsequently an immunological challenge with sheep red blood cells i.p. was applied. Spleen samples were obtained 15 days after using euthanasia with 1% sodium thiopental i.p. The evaluation B lymphocyte (immature and mature) was performed by immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies against CD20 and against CD37, and revealed with HRP/DAB. The results show in every work group significant increases of CD20+ and CD37+ cell densities in the red pulp of the spleen of male adult rats from different groups of the experimental design. We concluded that the immunomodulatory response under CC might facilitate a less aggressive and more physiological immunological response against immunosuppression.Research highlights

The immune response can be reinforced by classical conditioning.
The sweet taste allows to positively condition the immune response.
B lymphocytes actively participate in the immune response and classical conditioning.
Determining E1 and E2 values for yttrium aluminum garnet ceramics using the Duane‐Hunt limit
Authors: Wang Yongzhe , Kong Mingguang , Khan Matiullah , Zhang Jimei , Lin Chucheng , Zeng Yi 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA major challenge when performing scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray analysis on many ceramic materials is their electrical insulation properties, which leads to buildup of the surface charge and reduced contrast in the secondary electron image. A new procedure was established to quantitatively determine the neutral state values, E1 and E2, of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) ceramics using the Duane‐Hunt limit (EDHL) of Bremsstrahlung, in order to eliminate this charge effect. Thirty‐eight EDHL values were linearly fitted with the last portion of X‐ray spectra acquired under the incident energy, E0, from 0.35 to 5.0 kV. According to the distribution of EDHL, two piecewise linear fitting was first employed with a breakpoint of 1.0 kV. Consequently, two intersection points of 0.54 and 2.48 kV, which correspond to E1 and E2 for YAG ceramics, were directly determined using a theoretical curve (EDHL = E0). As a result, the high‐resolution images of the YAG ceramic grain structure were successfully obtained using the calculated E1 and E2 values.
Hemorheological mechanisms for increased thrombosis in subjects using gestodene
Authors: Swanepoel Albe Carina , Roberts Hildegarde Cecilia , Soma Prashilla , Lindeque Barend Gerhardus , Bester Janette 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThere are several possible mechanisms by which combined oral contraceptives (COC) use increase venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk. Melodene® is a monophasic COC containing the third‐generation progestin Gestodene (GSD), which is associated with increased risk of VTE. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible alterations in viscoelastic parameters of whole blood and plasma clots along with the biophysical characteristics of erythrocytes and specifically fibrin fibers in females using a COC containing GSD. GSD appeared to have a significant impact on the biophysical characteristics of fibrin fiber networks. When GSD is combined with ethinylestradiol the viscoelastic properties of whole blood clots tend to become more prothrombotic. The alterations to and aggregation of erythrocytes accompanied with spontaneous formation of a fibrin “blanket” provides a possible mechanism for the increased occurrence of “red” clots, which can lead to occlusions in the vascular system. Thus, the increased risk of VTE associated with these COCs can be attributed to these erythrocyte‐and‐fibrin‐rich‐clots occluding venous vessels. However, our findings also propose that these changes to the biophysical properties of both erythrocytes and fibrin, specifically spontaneous expansion of deformed fibrin networks, can also occlude vessels in the microcirculation, which could have lasting, subclinical complications for female users. We recommend that a thorough risk assessment, with specific focus on coagulation and other factors affecting fibrin formation, be done for each female before prescribing a GSD‐containing COC. Females that “qualify” then need to be monitored on a regular basis to lower the risk of thrombotic events.Research Highlights

Gestodene in combination with ethinyl estradiol significantly impacts the biophysical characteristics of erythrocytes and fibrin fiber networks.
These changes, specifically spontaneous expansion of deformed fibrin networks, can occlude vessels in the microcirculation, which could have lasting, subclinical complications for the female user.
The changes observed for specifically erythrocytes and fibrin show that the hormone formulation investigated contribute to a thrombogenic profile for female users
TLR activation inhibits the osteogenic potential of human periodontal ligament stem cells through Akt signaling in a Myd88‐ or TRIF‐dependent manner
Authors: Zhu Yunyan , Li Qian , Zhou Yanheng , Li Weiran 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated the effects of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) on human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) osteogenic differentiation and the associated mechanisms.MethodsTLR1, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR6 expression in hPDLSCs was evaluated by real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and flow cytometry, whereas their functional roles were assessed based on nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activation and proinflammatory cytokine expression. The osteogenic effects of these TLRs were analyzed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity, and alizarin red staining. The roles of Myd88, TRIF, and downstream molecules mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and protein kinase B (Akt) in TLR‐mediated impaired osteogenic differentiation were examined by real‐time RT‐PCR and western blotting using specific small interfering RNA siRNA and pharmacologic inhibitors. The involvement of Akt activation in restoring TLR1‐, 4‐, and 6‐mediated osteogenic suppression was verified using the Akt activator SC‐79.ResultsTLR1, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR6 were highly expressed functionally in hPDLSCs and high doses of TLR ligands inhibited osteogenic potential. Furthermore, blocking Myd88 partly rescued the decrease in osteogenesis mediated by TLR1, TLR4, and TLR6 activation by enhancing Akt phosphorylation; likewise, TRIF suppression partially rescued lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐mediated osteogenic inhibition through ERK and Akt activation. Moreover, Akt activation restored the TLR‐mediated inhibition of hPDLSC osteogenic differentiation.ConclusionsHigh doses of TLR1, TLR4, and TLR6 ligands suppress hPDLSC osteogenic differentiation by inhibiting Akt activation through Myd88‐ or TRIF‐dependent signaling pathways. Blocking these adaptors or reactivating Akt could restore the TLR‐mediated decrease in hPDLSC osteogenesis, and might be an ideal strategy for periodontitis treatment.
Optimization of phosphate recovery from monkfish,Lophius vomerinus, processing by‐products and characterization of the phosphate phases
Authors: Swart Jasmin , Bordoloi Achinta , Goosen Neill J 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDFish‐processing by‐products represent an increasing proportion of wastes globally. Valorizing offers a sustainable alternative by harnessing high‐value products through process development. This study aimed to develop and optimize a demineralization process to recover minerals from fish bones with subsequent recovery of phosphates from the resulting solution.RESULTSThe demineralization process was optimized under the following conditions: 5% H3PO4concentration (v/v), four extractions and solvent to feed ratio (v/w) of 5:1 at ambient temperature of 17 °C. This resulted in an ossein containing 2.0 ± 1.2 g kg−1DMash and 71.5 ± 3 g kg−1DMhydroxyproline and mineral liquor. The phosphate precipitation from the mineral liquor was further optimized resulting in > 99% total P recovery at 75 °C reaction temperature and 1 mol L−1Ca(OH)2to mineral liquor ratio(v/v) of 0.95:1 for a reaction time of 17 min, per 150 mL starting mineral liquor. The precipitate contained 215.2 ± 3.0 g kg−1DMdicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) with a net contribution of 17.2% P from the fishbones, and 25 ± 0.2 gDMof octacalcium phosphate (OCP) was precipitated from 150 mL starting mineral liquor at 25 °C reaction temperature, (1.2:1) 1 mol L−1Ca(OH)2to mineral liquor ratio (v/v) and reaction time of 17 min. The X‐ray spectra confirmed the DCPD structure and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra indicated OCP precipitation.CONCLUSIONThis work successfully illustrated the recovery of minerals from fish bones and the subsequent production of different high‐quality phosphates from fish‐processing by‐products, thus indicating a potential source for high‐value products. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Purification and characterization of the thermostable protease produced by Serratia grimesii isolated from channel catfish
Authors: Accumanno Gina M , Richards Vanessa A , Gunther Nereus W , Hickey Michael E , Lee Jung‐Lim 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDMicrobial spoilage of fishery products accounts for significant financial losses, yearly on a global scale. Psychrotrophic spoilage bacteria often secrete extracellular enzymes to break down surrounding fish tissue, rendering the product unsuitable for human consumption. For a better understanding of bacterial spoilage due to enzymatic digestion of fish products, proteases in Serratia grimesii isolated from North American catfish fillets (Ictalurus punctatus) were investigated.RESULTSMass spectrometric evidence demonstrated that S. grimesii secretes two distinct extracellular proteases and one lipase. Protease secretion displayed broad thermostability in the 30–90 °C range. The major protease‐secretion (O‐1) was most active under alkaline conditions and utilized manganese as a co‐factor. Organic solvents significantly disrupted the efficacy of S. grimesii extracellular enzymes and, in a series of bactericidal detergents, protease activity was highest when treated with Triton X‐100. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) significantly inhibited the enzyme activity, while protease was moderately stable under freeze–thaw and refrigerated storage.CONCLUSIONThe influence of fish spoilage‐related enzymes, depending on various factors, is discussed in this paper. This study will provide new insight into enzymatic spoilage and its control, which can be exploited to enhance food safety and the shelf‐life of fishery products worldwide. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of 1‐methylcyclopropene on surface wax and related gene expression in cold‐stored ‘Hongxiangsu’ pears
Authors: Li Dan , Cheng Yudou , Guan Junfeng 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDSurface wax protects fruit from dehydration and pathogen erosion during storage. The surface wax of pears changes greatly during storage. In this work, the effect of ethylene action inhibitor 1‐methylcyclopropene on wax accumulation and related gene expression in ‘Hongxiangsu’ pears during cold storage was investigated.RESULTSThe alkanes, alkenes, fatty acids, esters, aldehydes and triterpenoids on the fruit surface accumulated and peaked at day 180, but fatty alcohols decreased before day 90 and then increased in the control. Treatment with 1‐MCP (1.0 µL L−1) reduced surface wax at day 180 of storage. Compared with the control, the wax crystals became smaller in 1‐MCP‐treated fruit on days 90 and 270. The 1‐MCP decreased the expression levels of ethylene synthesis, perception and signal genes ACS1, ACO1, ERS1, ETR2, ERF1 and wax‐related genes (LACS1, LACS2, KCS2, KCS9, KCS20, FDH, CER6, CER10, LTPG1, LTP3, LTP4, ABCG11 and ABCG12).CONCLUSIONThese results suggested that 1‐MCP suppressed ethylene synthesis and signal‐pathway and wax‐related gene expression; it also reduced the wax and the size of crystals on the fruit surface in cold‐stored ‘Hongxiangsu’ pears. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Detection and quantification of salep with real time PCR utilizing the nr‐ITS2 region
Authors: Kabacaoğlu Eda , Budak Barçın Karakaş 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDSalep is a highly valued food product, susceptible to adulteration with less costly additives such as starch. The aim of this study is to develop a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the detection and quantification of authentic salep using primers designed from the nr‐ITS2 region.RESULTSThe designed primers were shown to amplify selectively with salep DNA and cloning/sequencing of end‐point PCR products obtained with authentic salep (Orchideceae) confirmed amplimers to be copies of the intended target region. Detection of salep DNA using the designed primer set was possible at levels as low as 20 pg. After initial evaluation of the real‐time PCR method with binary DNA mixtures of salep and cornflour, quantification of salep was conducted in binary mixtures of potato starch (a more likely adulterant) and salep, showing that quantification within the range 25%–100% could be achieved. The real‐time assay was performed using the 18S rDNA region co‐amplified as an internal standard and evaluated using the ΔΔCt method. The calibration curves obtained as a result of real‐time PCR runs showed linearity, with R2 values above 99%.CONCLUSIONA real‐time PCR method using SybreGreen intercalating dye was established for salep detection and quantification based on the specific amplification of salep DNA. Method validation was performed utilizing blind and commercial samples. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Population estimate and management options for introduced rhesus macaques
Authors: Anderson C. Jane , Van De Kerk Madelon , Pine William E. , Hostetler Mark E. , Heard Darryl J. , Johnson Steve A. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTApproximately 12 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) were introduced to the forests along the Silver River, central Florida, USA, between 2 introductions in the 1930s and 1940s to increase tourism; this land is now Silver Springs State Park (SSSP). By the mid‐1980s the population along the Silver River reached nearly 400 individuals. Approximately 1,000 animals were trapped and removed from 1984 to 2012 to reduce population growth and mitigate negative macaque‐human interactions. This practice was halted due to extensive public controversy, and consequently no population management has been implemented since 2012. To aid in informing management decisions related to rhesus macaques, we estimated the fall 2015 population size within SSSP, developed an age‐structured matrix model to estimate the population growth rate, and examined the efficacy of 4 management strategies to regulate this population, including culling (50% or 80% of subadults and adults) and sterilizing adult females (50% or 80% ≥3 years old). Our assessment suggested there were 176 macaques among 5 social groups within SSSP in fall 2015. We estimated this population was growing and will likely double in size by 2022 without management intervention. Management actions designed to eradicate the macaque population would be most effective by removing ≥50% of subadults and adults at least biennially. The population could be reduced to about a third of the fall 2015 size by sterilizing ≥50% of adult females annually or ≥80% biennially. The rhesus macaque population extends outside of our study site, and thus our results are a proxy for management implications in the region. Managers tasked with rhesus macaque management must carefully weigh the trade‐offs of these options in future management of this charismatic, invasive species. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Land ownership and use influence grassland bird abundance
Authors: Ahlering Marissa A. , Johnson Douglas H. , Elliott Lisa H. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTPopulations of grassland songbirds continue to decline, and grasslands devoted to conservation are rare across the Great Plains. To gain the most value from grasslands for grassland birds, we must understand what types of management benefit these species. We evaluated the relative abundance of grassland birds on ownership types and the association of different land use activities with their abundance. We surveyed a wide range of grasslands (e.g., from idle to heavily managed, from remnant prairie to reconstructed) across western Minnesota and northwestern Iowa, USA, in 2013 and 2014. Sites surveyed covered a gradient of landscape context, management history (fire, grazing, reconstruction), and public and private ownership. We evaluated the influence of ownership and management history on the abundance of 12 species of grassland birds by comparing Akaike's Information Criterion values of linear models that included the variables of interest to models that included only local and landscape habitat factors. Ownership explained additional variation in bird abundance beyond local and landscape variables for 7 of the 12 species, and 5 species were more common on private lands. Fire or grazing history explained variation in bird abundance for 11 species, and 7 species had greater abundance on remnant prairie than on reconstructed grassland. For all but 1 species, ownership and management factors significantly improved models above a base model of local and landscape variables typically used to predict abundance. Our results suggest remnant prairie plays an important role for grassland birds, and that grazing could be a tool to increase abundance of some grassland bird species in the region. Furthermore, tracking management history of public lands in a consistent and accessible way could help improve landscape‐based models for these species. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Changes in soil nitrogen stocks following vegetation restoration in a typical karst catchment
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Wei , Wu Min , Ye Yingying , Wang Kelin , Li Dejun 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSoil nitrogen (N) accumulation enhances carbon (C) sequestration and subsequently the restoration of degraded ecosystems, but the changes in soil N properties after vegetation restoration in such ecosystems are poorly understood. We collected data from 358 fixed points in the karst catchment in China to determine the trends, magnitude, and mechanisms of soil N sequestration after 10 years of revegetation. The revegetation types were tillage fields that were abandoned or were converted to pasture, planted forest, or converted to mixed pasture and forest and pasture lands that were abandoned (P_Aban) or converted to mixed pasture and forest (P_Mix). The changes in soil N density (g m−2) over time were insignificant, and only P_Aban, P_ Mix, and the overall catchment experienced significant increases in soil N concentration (g kg−1). Structural equation modeling indicated that bedrock exposure affected the change in soil N concentration (∆NC) and the soil N sequestration value (∆ND) via affecting the change in soil C concentration, by directly affecting bulk density, soil depth, and Ca2+. The soil C:N ratio increased significantly, and the increase in soil N was slower than that of C, suggesting a decoupling of soil C and N accumulation in the initial stage of revegetation. ∆ND was significantly related to the change in soil C:N ratio, indicating that the coupling between soil C and N may be constrained by insufficient soil N sequestration during revegetation. These findings suggest that the restoration of degraded karst ecosystems requires an increase in soil N input early during vegetation restoration.
Soil erosion from urbanization processes in the Sonoran Desert, Arizona, USA
Authors: Jeong Ara , Dorn Ronald I. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCattle stock ponds on the fringe of metropolitan Phoenix, USA, experienced a wide range of land‐use changes over the period from 1989 to 2009. This research measures soil erosion from watersheds of different rock types, variable relief, and land uses. Monitoring sediment accumulation behind 18 earthen berms at each major land‐use transition enabled calculations of soil erosion rates. Compared with the first decade of study with more precipitation and cattle grazing, accelerated urbanization in the drier second decade increased soil erosion from wildfires by up to 4.2×, from exposure of bare ground due to building construction by up to 3.4×, and from bare ground exposure due to road and pipeline construction by up to 3.1× overgrazing alone. Stock pond watersheds underlain by granite experienced statistically significant higher erosion rates compared with watersheds underlain by metamorphic, basalt, and other rock types. Global sediment yield data for warm desert (BWh Köppen‐Geiger) sites reveal that our data plot consistently with other grazed study areas with a tendency for higher area‐specific sediment yields in smaller drainage areas. These sediment yield data, however, do not support previously published generalizations of anomalously high or low sediment yields from warm desert settings. Desert urbanization processes accelerate soil erosion, resulting in the need for regulatory agencies to impose new erosion mitigation strategies.
Nutrient fluxes into an isolated coral reef atoll by tidally driven internal bores
Authors: Green Rebecca H. , Jones Nicole L. , Rayson Matthew D. , Lowe Ryan J. , Bluteau Cynthia E. , Ivey Gregory N. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractScott Reef is a remote yet biodiverse coral reef atoll, rising from depths > 1000 m on the edge of the continental shelf of northwestern Australia. An intensive 2‐week field study was conducted to assess how physical oceanographic processes influence reef communities in South Scott's deep (~ 50 m) and expansive (~ 300 km2) semi‐enclosed lagoon. The study covered a spring–neap tidal cycle, during which moored instruments measured temperature and velocities at a lagoon entrance and ship‐based vertical profilers measured water quality parameters. Tidally driven internal bores advected cooler and deeper offshore waters (up to 4.5°C, mean 2.4°C) into the lagoon, which were also richer in nutrients and chlorophyll a than lagoon waters. This offshore water originated from approximately 75 m depth. We used the strong observed relationship between in situ measurements of nitrate and temperature to estimate nitrate concentrations from high temporally and spatially resolved temperature measurements at the lagoon entrance, and then estimated the horizontal nitrate fluxes into the lagoon using the velocity measurements. The depth‐integrated, time‐averaged nitrate flux during spring tides (1.46 kg m−1 d−1) was over three times larger than during neap tides (0.46 kg m−1 d−1), despite a passing tropical storm that temporarily deepened the offshore thermocline and reduced the magnitude of the fluxes. Our observations indicate that colder, deeper, and nutrient‐rich water associated with internal tidal bores during spring tide is likely to be the primary mechanism through which allochtonous nutrients are delivered to benthic and pelagic communities within the lagoon of this isolated atoll.