bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A retrospective on the accuracy and precision of plotless forest density estimators in ecological studies
Authors: Cogbill Charles V. , Thurman Andrew L. , Williams John W. , Zhu Jun , Mladenoff David J. , Goring Simon J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSampling point‐to‐tree distances is a simple plotless technique for estimating forest density that is readily applied in modern stands and retroactively with historical surveys. Although plotless density estimators (PDEs) have been applied in over 1000 ecological publications, the accuracy and precision of the techniques remain poorly understood and depend on the statistical estimator used, the underlying spatial pattern of the forest sampled, and the tree survey methodology. The four most commonly applied PDEs are related formulations: Cottam, Pollard, Morisita, and Shanks, a family of equations that differ in the order of mathematical operations. Since the 1950s, the Cottam IV PDE has found common use as the “point‐quarter method.” The Pollard PDE prevails in the statistical literature. Both Cottam and Pollard PDEs are theoretically rigorous for trees distributed according to a complete spatial randomness (CSR) spatial point process. The Morisita PDE was developed in a 1957 publication, with four‐tree (Morisita IV) and two‐tree (Morisita II) variants, and is the basis for higher distance rank g‐tree estimators. The Shanks PDE is formally described here for the first time. We review and evaluate the performance of these four PDEs on CSR and a variety of non‐CSR forests using spatial patterns simulated from known spatial point processes, 14 mapped modern stands, and historical public land surveys (PLSs). We found that the Cottam and Pollard PDEs lacked accuracy for non‐CSR patterns. The Morisita PDEs are appropriate for non‐CSR forests, but the Morisita IV has sensitivity to local dispersion. The Morisita II PDE has high accuracy even under non‐CSR distributions yielding density estimates within 10% of the true value for a variety of non‐CSR patterns, but has considerable variability at small sample sizes. In conjunction with the Morisita II, the potentially biased Cottam and Pollard PDEs can be indicators of the type of non‐CSR pattern. No plotless estimator is efficacious for use with small sample sizes such as found in a single stand. Morisita II PDE is recommended as a robust choice for sampling for large and non‐CSR data sets such as the PLS witness tree database.
Adiposity, body composition and ventricular–arterial stiffness in the elderly: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Fernandes‐Silva Miguel M. , Shah Amil M. , Claggett Brian , Cheng Susan , Tanaka Hirofumi , Silvestre Odilson M. , Nadruz Wilson , Borlaug Barry A. , Solomon Scott D. 
Published: April 2018

AimWeight gain appears to accelerate age‐related ventricular–arterial stiffening, which has been implicated in the development of heart failure (HF), but it is unclear whether body fat accumulation underpins this association. We evaluated the relationship of adiposity, using measures of body composition, with ventricular–arterial stiffness among the elderly in the community.Methods and resultsAdiposity was accessed through body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat percentage. We studied the association of these measures with carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), arterial elastance index (EaI), left ventricular (LV) end‐systolic elastance index (EesI) and LV end‐diastolic elastance index (EedI) in 5520 community‐based, elderly Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study participants, who underwent echocardiography between 2011 and 2013. BMI and waist circumference were directly associated with EaI, EedI and EesI even after adjusting for age, sex, race, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart rate, prevalent coronary heart disease and HF. After further adjustment for BMI, body fat percentage demonstrated significant independent linear relationships with EaI [standardized beta coefficient (β)=0.17, P<0.001], EesI (β=0.08, P=0.003) and EedI (β=0.20, P<0.001), and significant non‐linear relationships with cfPWV (P=0.033).ConclusionIn this biracial community‐based cohort, increased adiposity was associated with increased ventricular–arterial stiffness among the elderly and suggests a potential mechanism by which obesity might contribute to the development of HF.
Effect of the Harvesting Time on the Quality of Olive Oils Produced in Calabria
Authors: Piscopo Amalia , Zappia Angela , De Bruno Alessandra , Poiana Marco 
Published: April 2018

The aim of this work is to evidence the quality of four monovarietal olive oils (Carolea, Grossa di Gerace, Ottobratica, and Sinopolese cv) produced at two crop years and at different harvesting times in Calabria region, located in the South of Italy. Qualitative parameters of oils are evaluated by analysis of major and minor components, in particular: free acidity, peroxide value, fatty acid composition, sterol composition, total polar phenolic compounds and tocopherols, and total pigments. The total antioxidant activity of olive oils is evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assays. Two variables are evaluated in the statistical data elaboration: the cultivar and the harvesting time. Their effect is studied on the chemical parameters and antioxidant components. The harvesting at October and November did not reduce the quality of two monovarietal olive oils (Carolea and Sinopolese) produced in Calabria, whereas Ottobratica and Grossa di Gerace olive oils produced at November have a lower quality. However, a reduction of qualitative parameters is observed in extra virgin olive oils produced from lately harvested olives with some differences among cultivars.Practical Applications: Practical application for the study entitled “Effect of the harvesting time on the quality of olive oils produced in Calabria” regards the study of chemical composition on olive oils produced under a controlled experimental procedure. Varietal characteristics and environmental variables affect in general the quality of the olive productions and the obtained olive oils. The results of this work show that the considered harvesting times did not involve a decay of quality on Carolea and Sinopolese olive oils produced in the South of Italy, obtained following right processing procedures.Under controlled processing procedures, the olive oil quality varies among cultivars mainly from the effect of the considered harvesting periods.
Effects of Calcium Content and Homogenization Method on the Microstructure, Rheology, and Stability of Emulsions Prepared with Soybean Flour Dispersions
Authors: Márquez Andrés L. , Wagner Jorge R. , Palazolo Gonzalo G. 
Published: April 2018

The objective is to study the microstructure, rheology, and quiescent stability of oil‐in‐water emulsions prepared with defatted soybean flour dispersions, analyzing the effects of calcium concentration and homogenization method. Dispersions are prepared without or with addition of calcium chloride at different concentrations (30, 60, and 90 mg Ca 100 g−1) and treated by heating (100 °C, 40 min) and high‐pressure homogenization (HPH) at 120 MPa. Emulsions are prepared with homogenized dispersions and sunflower oil by different homogenization methods (high‐speed homogenization, HSH; and HPH at 10 and 20 MPa). The addition of calcium produces a decrease of soluble protein in dispersions, leading to emulsions with higher oil droplet size and aggregation of particles when HSH and HPH are applied, respectively. The highest aggregation degree is observed in the systems with 30 mg Ca 100 g−1, attributed to the formation of a hydrated network of aggregated particles (oil droplets, protein aggregates, and insoluble fibers). Consequently, these emulsions also show the highest viscosity and creaming stability. The findings indicate that calcium can act as a functional ingredient in food emulsions prepared with soybean flour dispersion, because the texture and stability of the system can be controlled by the variation of calcium concentration and homogenization method.Practical Applications: In this study, the impact of calcium addition and homogenization method on the microstructure, rheological behavior, and quiescent stability of o/w emulsions prepared with soybean flour dispersions is assessed. Unlike other works, the strategy used for calcium addition is to promote the interaction of the mineral with proteins and non‐starch polysaccharides present in soybean flour and then reduce the size of aggregates by high‐pressure homogenization. The mentioned strategy can allow the obtaining of vegetable calcium‐rich emulsion‐based products with texture and consistency modulated by the amount of added calcium and the applied homogenization method.Soybean flour dispersions are heated in the presence of different calcium concentrations and then homogenized by high‐pressure homogenization. Emulsions are prepared with homogenized dispersions and sunflower oil by high‐speed or high‐pressure homogenization. The addition of calcium leads to aggregation of particles in emulsions homogenized at high pressure; and good quiescent stability is achieved in emulsions with moderate calcium content.
Electro‐oxidized Monolayer CVD Graphene Film Transducer for Ultrasensitive Impedimetric DNA Biosensor
Authors: Benvidi Ali , Saucedo Nuvia M. , Ramnani Pankaj , Villarreal Claudia , Mulchandani Ashok , Tezerjani Marzieh Dehghan , Jahanbani Shahriar 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe report the effect of electrochemical anodization on the properties of monolayer graphene as the main aim of this research and consequently using the resulting label‐free impedimetric biosensor for DNA sequences detection. Monolayer graphene was grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with methane as precursor on copper foil, transferred onto a glassy carbon electrode and electrochemically anodized. Raman spectroscopy and X‐Ray photo electron spectroscopy revealed enhancement of defect density, roughness and formation of C−O−C, C−O−H and C=O functional groups after anodization. Amine‐terminated poly T probe was linked covalently to the carboxylic groups of anodized graphene by the zero‐length linker to fabricate the impedance‐based DNA biosensor. The anodized graphene electrode demonstrated a superior performance for electrochemical impedance detection of DNA. The DNA biosensor showed a large linear dynamic range from 2.0×10−18 to 1.0×10−12 M with a limit of detection of 1.0×10−18 M using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method. Equivalent circuit modeling shows that DNA hybridization is detected through a change in charge transfer resistance.
Mice lacking L‐12/15‐lipoxygenase show increased mortality during kindling despite demonstrating resistance to epileptogenesis
Authors: Kanzler Matthew A. , Van Dyke Adam M. , He Yan , Hewett James A. , Hewett Sandra J. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryObjectiveStudies have addressed the potential involvement of L‐12/15‐lipoxygenases (LOs), a polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolizing enzyme, in experimental models of acute stroke and chronic neurodegeneration; however, none to our knowledge has explored its role in epilepsy development. Thus, this study characterizes the cell‐specific expression of L‐12/15 ‐LO in the brain and examines its contribution to epileptogenesis.MethodsL‐12/15‐LO messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression and activity were characterized via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunocytochemistry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. To assess its role in epileptogenesis, L‐12/15 ‐LO‐deficient mice and their wild‐type littermates were treated with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ, ip) every other day for up to 43 days (kindling paradigm). The innate seizure threshold was assessed by the acute PTZ‐induced seizure response of naive mice.ResultsL‐12/15 ‐LO mRNA is expressed in hippocampal and cortical tissue from wild‐type C57BL/6 mice. In addition, it is physically and functionally expressed by microglia, neurons, and brain microvessel endothelial cells, but not by astrocytes. Mice deficient in L‐12/15 ‐LO were resistant to PTZ‐induced kindling and demonstrated an elevated innate seizure threshold. Despite this, a significant increase in seizure‐related mortality was observed during the kindling paradigm in L‐12/15 ‐LO nulls relative to their wild‐type littermates.SignificanceThe present study is the first to detail the role of L‐12/15‐LO in the epileptogenic process. The results suggest that constitutive L‐12/15‐LO expression contributes to a lower innate set point for PTZ acute seizure generation, translating to higher rates of kindling acquisition. Nevertheless, increased seizure‐related deaths in mice lacking activity of L‐12/15‐LO suggests that its products may influence endogenous mechanisms involved in termination of seizure activity.
Widespread abnormalities in white matter integrity and their relationship with duration of illness in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Tsuda Kumi , Tsuji Tomikimi , Ishida Takuya , Takahashi Shun , Yamada Shinichi , Ohoshi Yuji , Terada Masaki , Shinosaki Kazuhiro , Ukai Satoshi 
Published: April 2018

SummaryObjectiveElucidation of abnormal connections throughout the whole brain is necessary to understand temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). We examined abnormalities in whole‐brain white matter integrity and their relationship with duration of illness in patients with TLE.MethodsThe subjects were 15 patients with TLE and 17 healthy controls. Mean duration of illness in the TLE group was 21.6 years. Tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS) were used for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analysis. Four diffusion tensor metrics, that is, fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were calculated and then examined for differences between the TLE and healthy control groups. We also examined for correlations between DTI parameters and duration of illness in the TLE group.ResultsIn the TLE group, compared with the healthy control group, FA was reduced, and MD and RD were increased, not only in the limbic and temporal lobe regions and their directly connecting regions in both hemispheres, but also in remote white matter regions. Duration of illness showed a significant negative correlation with mean whole‐brain FA and a significant positive correlation with both mean whole‐brain MD and RD. Brain regions showing correlation between disease duration and DTI metrics also extended to the limbic area and its connecting regions, and to remote white matter regions.SignificanceThe results of this study suggest that widespread abnormalities in white matter integrity in patients with TLE are associated with long‐term disease.
Higher‐order surface FEM for incompressible Navier‐Stokes flows on manifolds
Authors: Fries Thomas‐Peter 
Published: April 2018

SummaryStationary and instationary Stokes and Navier‐Stokes flows are considered on two‐dimensional manifolds, ie, on curved surfaces in three dimensions. The higher‐order surface FEM is used for the approximation of the geometry, velocities, pressure, and Lagrange multiplier to enforce tangential velocities. Individual element orders are employed for these various fields. Streamline‐upwind stabilization is employed for flows at high Reynolds numbers. Applications are presented, which extend classical benchmark test cases from flat domains to general manifolds. Highly accurate solutions are obtained, and higher‐order convergence rates are confirmed.
The influence of fat substitution with κ‐carrageenan, konjac, and tragacanth on the textural properties of low‐fat sausage
Authors: Atashkar Mehdi , Hojjatoleslamy Mohammad , Sedaghat Boroujeni Leila 
Published: April 2018

AbstractReducing the fat content of meat products and producing healthier products is considered as an important matter in politics in prevention of many hazardous diseases and providing consumers' health. The aim of this study was reducing the fat in fatty sausages based on oil reduction and using fat substitutes, including κ‐carrageenan, konjac, and tragacanth, and comparing them according to their texture characteristics. κ‐carrageenan, konjac, and tragacanth gums were used at four different levels (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5) as the fat substitutes in producing low‐fat sausage with 70% reduction based on formulated oil. Texture profile analysis (Hardness, Gumminess, Springiness, and Chewiness) was performed in this study for analyzing the texture characteristics, in 1‐, 10‐, 20‐, and 30‐day time intervals after production. The results showed that producing low‐fat sausage was possible using all the three gums, among the low‐fat samples of which, the texture samples containing konjac were more favorable. Textural properties indicated that fat reduction increased in firmness and gum addition can partially compensate deficits in rheological properties, although during the storage, low‐fat sausages without any gum have highest decline in Hardness. Konjac gum illustrated the best theological properties between treatments.
Physicochemical composition of Tamarindus indica L. (Tamarind) in the agro‐ecological zones of Uganda
Authors: Okello Jaspher , Okullo John B. L. , Eilu Gerald , Nyeko Philip , Obua Joseph 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe relationships between the physicochemical composition of Tamarindus indica pulp and seeds, and agro‐ecological zones and land use types were assessed in Uganda. The objective was to determine the relationship between the physicochemical composition, agro‐ecological zones, and land use types. The samples were processed by manually depulping the T. indica pods, sun‐drying the pulp and seeds, and grinding into powder. The powdered samples were analyzed for β‐carotenoids, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), calorific value, crude oil, acid, and peroxide values. Data were analyzed using ANOVA in the general linear model (GLM). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to relate the physicochemical properties to the agro‐ecological zones and land use types. There were significant differences (p ≤ .05) in the physicochemical composition variables between agro‐ecological zones and land use types. Land use types showed strong correlations with physicochemical properties while agro‐ecological zones did not show correlations. The results show that in terms of general properties, T. indica pods provide a valuable, rich, and exceptional source of vitamin C, compared to many widely consumed indigenous and conventional fruits and vegetables. The pods from land use types characterized by natural habitats had relatively more nutrient levels than the land use types influenced by anthropogenic activities.
Thin‐layer drying behavior of West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogan citratus) leaves
Authors: Mujaffar Saheeda , John Sherida 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of temperature (40, 50, 60, and 70°C), and air velocity (0.5, 1, and 2 m/s) on the drying behavior of West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogan citratus) leaves. Drying was carried out in a computer‐controlled tray dryer. Overall, the effect of temperature was seen to be more important than that of air velocity, but the air velocity did have an effect on drying rates at the start of the drying process at 50–70°C. Drying rate constants, diffusivity values, and activation energy were determined. Twenty‐two empirical and semiempirical thin‐layer models were tested, and although model fit varied, the Midilli model could be applied to all data with reasonable prediction of MR values.
Effect of Oryctolagus cuniculus (rabbit) rennet on the texture, rheology, and sensory properties of white cheese
Authors: Alihanoğlu Selin , Ektiren Demet , Akbulut Çakır Çağım , Vardin Hasan , Karaaslan Asliye , Karaaslan Mehmet 
Published: April 2018

AbstractCalf rennet has long been used in cheese‐making. Because of calf rennet shortage and high cost, novel proteases were needed to meet industry's increasing enzyme demand. Recombinant chymosins and camel chymosin were started to be used in the industry. There is no study in the literature subjecting use of rabbit rennet in cheese production. Chemical, rheological, and sensorial characteristics of white cheese made with rabbit rennet were investigated in this study. Quality characteristics of rabbit rennet cheese (RC) were compared to cheeses produced with commercial calf (CC) and camel chymosins (CLC). RC and CLC exhibited higher hardness and dynamic moduli values throughout the storage as compared to CC. Although moisture levels of cheese samples were similar at day 60, CC had much lower hardness and dynamic moduli values than CLC and RC. While the appearance and structure were better for CLC, the highest odor and taste scores were obtained by RC during 60 days of storage. The results of this investigation proposed that rabbit rennet could be a suitable milk coagulant for white cheese production. Our results showed that rabbit rennet has comparable cheese‐making performance with camel chymosin and could be a good alternative for calf chymosin.
Determination of soybean routine quality parameters using near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Zhu Zhenying , Chen Shangbing , Wu Xueyou , Xing Changrui , Yuan Jian 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLarge differences in quality existed between soybean samples. In order to rapidly detect soybean quality between samples from different areas, we have developed near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) models for the moisture, crude fat, and protein content of soybeans, based on 360 soybean samples collected from different areas. Compared with whole kernels, soybean powder with particle sizes of 60 mesh was more suitable for modeling of moisture, crude fat, and protein content. To increase the reproducibility of the prediction model, uniform particle sizes of soybeans were prepared by grinding and sieving soybeans with different sizes and colors. Modeling analysis showed that the internal cross‐validation correlation coefficients (Rcv) for the moisture, crude fat, and protein content of soybeans were .965, .941, and .949, respectively, and the determination coefficients (R2) were .966, .958, and .958. NIRS performed well as a rapid method for the determination of routine quality parameters and provided reference data for the analysis of soybean quality using FT‐NIRS.
Enhanced yield of oleuropein from olive leaves using ultrasound‐assisted extraction
Authors: Cifá Domenico , Skrt Mihaela , Pittia Paola , Di Mattia Carla , Poklar Ulrih Nataša 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to optimize the extraction of oleuropein from olive leaves through a systematic study of the effects of different parameters of ultrasound‐assisted extraction (USAE) on the oleuropein yield, in comparison with conventional maceration extraction. A range of operational parameters were investigated for both conventional maceration extraction and USAE: solvent type, olive leaf mass‐to‐solvent volume ratio, and extraction time and temperature. Oleuropein yield was determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography, with total phenolics content also determined. The optimized conditions (water–ethanol, 30:70 [v/v]; leaf‐to‐solvent ratio, 1:5 [w/v]; 2 hr; 25°C) provided ~30% greater oleuropein extraction yield compared to conventional maceration extraction. The total phenolics content obtained using the optimized USAE conditions was greater than reported in other studies. USAE is shown to be an efficient alternative to conventional maceration extraction techniques, as not only can it offer increased oleuropein extraction yield, but it also shows a number of particular advantages, such as the possibility of lower volumes of solvent and lower extraction times, with the extraction carried out at lower temperatures.