bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inverted Micelle‐in‐Micelle Configuration in Cationic/Carbohydrate Surfactant Mixtures
Authors: Das Saikat , Xu Wenjin , Lehmler Hans‐Joachim , Miller Anne‐Frances , Knutson Barbara L. , Rankin Stephen E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractNuclear magnetic resonance is applied to investigate the relative positions and interactions between cationic and non‐ionic carbohydrate‐based surfactants in mixed micelles with D2O as the solvent. This is accomplished by using relaxation measurements [spin‐lattice (T1) and spin‐spin (T2) analysis] and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY). This study focuses on the interactions of n‐octyl β‐d‐glucopyranoside (C8G1) and β‐d‐xylopyranoside (C8X1) with the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C16TAB). Whereas the interactions between carbohydrate and cationic surfactants are thermodynamically favorable, the NOESY results suggest that both of the sugar head groups are located preferentially at the interior core of the mixed micelles, so that they are not directly exposed to the bulk solution. The more hydrophilic sugar headgroups of C8G1 have more mobility than sugar heads of C8X1 owing to increased hydration. Herein, an inverted carbohydrate configuration in mixed micelles is proposed for the first time and supported by fluorescence spectroscopy experiments. This inverted carbohydrate headgroup configuration would limit the use of these mixed surfactants when access to the carbohydrate headgroup is important, but may present new opportunities where the carbohydrate‐rich core of the micelles can be exploited.
Creating an Efficient Methanol‐Stable Biocatalyst by Protein and Immobilization Engineering Steps towards Efficient Biosynthesis of Biodiesel
Authors: Gihaz Shalev , Weiser Diána , Dror Adi , Sátorhelyi Péter , Jerabek‐Willemsen Moran , Poppe László , Fishman Ayelet 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTwo ternary sol–gel matrices, an octyltriethoxysilane‐based aliphatic matrix and a phenyltriethoxysilane (PTEOS)‐based aromatic matrix, were used to immobilize a methanol‐stable variant of lipase from Geobacillus stearothermophilus T6 for the synthesis of biodiesel from waste oil. Superior thermal stability of the mutant versus the wildtype in methanol was confirmed by intrinsic protein fluorescence measurements. The influence of skim milk and soluble E. coli lysate proteins as bulking and stabilizing agents in conjunction with sol–gel entrapment were investigated. E. coli lysate proteins were better stabilizing agents of the purified lipase mutant than skim milk, as evidenced by reverse engineering of the aromatic‐based system. This was also shown for commercial Candida antarctica lipase B (CaLB) and Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL). Uniform, dense, and nonaggregated particles imaged by scanning electron microscopy and a small particle size of 13 μm pertaining to the system comprising PTEOS and E. coli lysate proteins correlated well with high esterification activity. Combining protein and immobilization engineering resulted in a durable biocatalyst with efficient recycling ability and high biodiesel conversion rates.
Migratory herds of wildebeests and zebras indirectly affect calf survival of giraffes
Authors: Lee Derek E. , Kissui Bernard M. , Kiwango Yustina A. , Bond Monica L. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

In long‐distance migratory systems, local fluctuations in the predator–prey ratio can exhibit extreme variability within a single year depending upon the seasonal location of migratory species. Such systems offer an opportunity to empirically investigate cyclic population density effects on short‐term food web interactions by taking advantage of the large seasonal shifts in migratory prey biomass.

We utilized a large‐mammal predator–prey savanna food web to evaluate support for hypotheses relating to the indirect effects of “apparent competition” and “apparent mutualism” from migratory ungulate herds on survival of resident megaherbivore calves, mediated by their shared predator. African lions (Panthera leo) are generalist predators whose primary, preferred prey are wildebeests (Connochaetes taurinus) and zebras (Equus quagga), while lion predation on secondary prey such as giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) may change according to the relative abundance of the primary prey species.

We used demographic data from five subpopulations of giraffes in the Tarangire Ecosystem of Tanzania, East Africa, to test hypotheses relating to direct predation and indirect effects of large migratory herds on calf survival of a resident megaherbivore. We examined neonatal survival via apparent reproduction of 860 adult females, and calf survival of 449 giraffe calves, during three precipitation seasons over 3 years, seeking evidence of some effect on neonate and calf survival as a consequence of the movements of large herds of migratory ungulates.

We found that local lion predation pressure (lion density divided by primary prey density) was significantly negatively correlated with giraffe neonatal and calf survival probabilities. This supports the apparent mutualism hypothesis that the presence of migratory ungulates reduces lion predation on giraffe calves.

Natural predation had a significant effect on giraffe calf and neonate survival, and could significantly affect giraffe population dynamics. If wildebeest and zebra populations in this ecosystem continue to decline as a result of increasingly disrupted migrations and poaching, then giraffe calves will face increased predation pressure as the predator–prey ratio increases. Our results suggest that the widespread population declines observed in many migratory systems are likely to trigger demographic impacts in other species due to indirect effects like those shown here.
Aboveground and belowground mammalian herbivores regulate the demography of deciduous woody species in conifer forests
Authors: Endress Bryan A. , Naylor Bridgett J. , Pekin Burak K. , Wisdom Michael J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMammalian herbivory can have profound impacts on plant population and community dynamics. However, our understanding of specific herbivore effects remains limited, even in regions with high densities of domestic and wild herbivores, such as the semiarid conifer forests of western North America. We conducted a seven‐year manipulative experiment to evaluate the effects of herbivory by two common ungulates, Cervus elaphus (Rocky Mountain elk) and cattle Bos taurus (domestic cattle) on growth and survival of two woody deciduous species, Populus trichocarpa (cottonwood) and Salix scouleriana (Scouler's willow) in postfire early‐successional forest stands. Additionally, we monitored belowground herbivory by Thomomys talpoides (pocket gopher) and explored effects of both aboveground and belowground herbivory on plant vital rates. Three, approximately 7 ha exclosures were constructed, and each was divided into 1‐ha plots. Seven herbivory treatments were then randomly assigned to the plots: three levels of herbivory (low, moderate, and high) for both cattle and elk, and one complete ungulate exclusion treatment. Treatments were implemented for seven years. Results showed that cattle and elk substantially reduced height and growth of both cottonwood and willow. Elk had a larger effect on growth and subsequent plant height than cattle, especially for cottonwood, and elk effects occurred even at low herbivore densities. Pocket gophers had a strong effect on survival of both plant species while herbivory by ungulates did not. However, we documented significant interaction effects of aboveground and belowground herbivory on survival. Our study is one of the first to evaluate top‐down regulation by multiple herbivore species at varying densities. Results suggest that traditional exclosure studies that treat herbivory as a binary factor (either present or absent) may not be sufficient to characterize top‐down regulation on plant demography. Rather, the strength of top‐down regulation varies depending on a number of factors including herbivore species, herbivore density, interactions among multiple herbivore species, and varying tolerance levels of different plant species to herbivory.
Negative impacts of invasive plants on conservation of sensitive desert wildlife
Authors: Drake K. Kristina , Bowen Lizabeth , Nussear Kenneth E. , Esque Todd C. , Berger Andrew J. , Custer Nathan A. , Waters Shannon C. , Johnson Jay D. , Miles A. Keith , Lewison Rebecca L. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractHabitat disturbance from development, resource extraction, off‐road vehicle use, and energy development ranks highly among threats to desert systems worldwide. In the Mojave Desert, United States, these disturbances have promoted the establishment of nonnative plants, so that native grasses and forbs are now intermixed with, or have been replaced by invasive, nonnative Mediterranean grasses. This shift in plant composition has altered food availability for Mojave Desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii), a federally listed species. We hypothesized that this change in forage would negatively influence the physiological ecology, immune competence, and health of neonatal and yearling tortoises. To test this, we monitored the effects of diet on growth, body condition, immunological responses (measured by gene transcription), and survival for 100 captive Mojave tortoises. Tortoises were assigned to one of five diets: native forbs, native grass, invasive grass, and native forbs combined with either the native or invasive grass. Tortoises eating native forbs had better body condition and immune functions, grew more, and had higher survival rates (>95%) than tortoises consuming any other diet. At the end of the experiment, 32% of individuals fed only native grass and 37% fed only invasive grass were found dead or removed from the experiment due to poor body conditions. In contrast, all tortoises fed either the native forb or combined native forb and native grass diets survived and were in good condition. Health and body condition quickly declined for tortoises fed only the native grass (Festuca octoflora) or invasive grass (Bromus rubens) with notable loss of fat and muscle mass and increased muscular atrophy. Bromus rubens seeds were found embedded in the oral mucosa and tongue in most individuals eating that diet, which led to mucosal inflammation. Genes indicative of physiological, immune, and metabolic functions were transcribed at lower levels for individuals fed B. rubens, indicating potential greater susceptibility to disease or other health‐related problems. This study highlights the negative indirect effects of invasive grasses, such as red brome, in desert ecosystems, and provides definitive evidence of a larger negative consequence to health, survival, and ultimately population recruitment for Mojave Desert tortoises than previously understood.
Elastic Capacitor Electrode Based on Carbon‐embedded Polymer Matrix
Authors: Thibodeau Jake , Ignaszak Anna 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAC impedance and voltammetry investigations revealed strong effect of the electrode composition on its machanical and electrical properties and led to its optimization in a CNT‐PVA‐PEG‐SiO2‐KClaqsystem with good elasticity and excellent electrochemical stability. The uniform distribution of SiO2and carbon in the polymer fraction was confirmed by SEM imaging. This morphology facilitates retaining water and flexibility of films. An improvement of mass transport in the capacitor electrode as compared to a pure electrolyte was justified based on analysis of the diffusion resistance. The specific capacitance of the electrode and symmetrical capacitor cell is in the mF range and is suitable power system for microelectronic components.
Self‐Compassion Online: A Pilot Study of an Internet‐Based Self‐Compassion Cultivation Program for Psychology Trainees
Authors: Finlay‐Jones Amy , Kane Robert , Rees Clare 
Published: October 2016

ObjectiveThe current study sought to conduct a preliminary investigation of the effectiveness and feasibility of a novel, self‐guided online self‐compassion training for reducing psychological distress and increasing self‐compassion and happiness among psychology trainees.MethodA 6‐week online self‐compassion cultivation program was developed and delivered to Australian psychology trainees (n = 37), and a pre‐experimental repeated‐measures design was used to collect change data on self‐compassion, happiness, perceived stress, emotion regulation difficulties as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.ResultsParticipants reported significant increases in self‐compassion and happiness and significant decreases in depression, stress, and emotion regulation difficulties between pretest and posttest, with the majority of changes maintained at 3‐month follow up.Conclusion This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness and acceptability of online self‐compassion training as a positive, integrated, and meaningful way of reducing distress and promoting self‐compassion and happiness among trainee psychologists.
Quantification of breast stiffness using MR elastography at 3 Tesla with a soft sternal driver: A reproducibility study
Authors: Hawley Jeffrey R. , Kalra Prateek , Mo Xiaokui , Raterman Brian , Yee Lisa D. , Kolipaka Arunark 
Published: October 2016

PurposePrevious studies of breast MR elastography (MRE) evaluated the technique at magnetic field strengths of 1.5 Tesla (T) with the breast in contact with the driver. The aim of this study is to evaluate breast stiffness measurements and their reproducibility using a soft sternal driver at 3T and compare the results with qualitative measures of breast density.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐two healthy volunteers each underwent two separate breast MRE scans in a 3T MRI. MRE vibrations were introduced into the breasts at 60 Hz using a soft sternal driver and axial slices were collected using a gradient echo MRE sequence. Mean stiffness measurements were calculated for each volunteer as well as a measure of reproducibility using concordance correlation between scans. Mean stiffness values for each volunteer were assessed and related to amounts of fibroglandular tissue (i.e., breast lobules, ducts, and fibrous connective tissue).ResultsThe stiffness values were reproducible with a significant P‐value < 0.0001 between two scans with concordance correlation of 0.87 and 0.91 for center slice and grouping all slices, respectively. Volunteers with dense breasts (i.e., higher grades of fibroglandular tissue) had mean stiffness values of 0.96 kPa (center slice) and 0.92 kPa (all slices) while those without dense breasts had mean stiffness values of 0.85 kPa (center slice) and 0.83 kPa (all slices) (P ≤ 0.05).ConclusionBreast MRE is a reproducible technique at 3T using a soft sternal driver. Dense breasts had significantly higher stiffness measurements compared with nondense breasts.Level of Evidence: 2J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1379–1384
Chronology and processes of late Quaternary hillslope sedimentation in the eastern South Island, New Zealand
Authors: Borella Josh , Quigley Mark , Sohbati Reza , Almond Peter , Gravley Darren M. , Murray Andrew 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTOptical and radiocarbon dating of loessic hillslope sediments in New Zealand's South Island is used to constrain the timing of prehistoric rockfalls and associated seismic events, and quantify spatial and temporal patterns of hillslope sedimentation including responses to seismic and anthropogenic forcing. Trenches adjacent to prehistoric boulders enable stratigraphic analysis of loess and loess‐colluvium pre‐ and post‐dating boulder emplacement, respectively. Luminescence ages from loessic sediments constrain the timing of boulder emplacement to between ∼3.0 and ∼12.5 ka, well before the arrival of Polynesians (ca. AD 1280) and Europeans (ca. AD 1800) in New Zealand, and suggest loess accumulation was continuing at the study site until 12–13 ka. Large (>5 m3) prehistoric rockfall boulders preserve an important record of Holocene hillslope sedimentation by creating local traps (i.e. accommodation space) for sediment aggradation (i.e. colluvial wedges) and upbuilding soil formation. Sediment accumulation rates increased considerably (>∼10 factor increase) following human arrival and associated anthropogenic burning of hillslope vegetation. Our study presents new numerical ages to place the evolution of loess‐mantled hillslopes in New Zealand's South Island into a longer temporal framework and highlights the roles of earthquakes and humans on hillslope surface process.
Brief sea‐level fall event and centennial to millennial sea‐level variations during Marine Isotope Stage 19 in Osaka Bay, Japan
Authors: Maegakiuchi Kenta , Hyodo Masayuki , Kitaba Ikuko , Hirose Kotaro , Katoh Shigehiro , Sato Hiroshi 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTDetailed sea‐level variation was investigated for Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 19, based on diatom and grain size analyses of a marine sequence in a core of the Osaka Group. Diatom sea‐level proxies represent precession‐related signals correlated with highstands MIS 19.3 and 19.1, and lowstand MIS 19.2. Astronomical tuning shows the marine sequence has a uniform accumulation rate of about 60 cm ka−1. A rapid sea‐level fall event was found in the earliest MIS 19, demonstrated by several independent sea‐level proxies of diatom and grain size. This event began with a rapid sea‐level drop, followed by a gradual recovery, at about 783–782 ka. A maximum abundance of pelagic diatom taxa at a core depth of 402.20 m evidently shows the highest sea‐level peak in MIS 19, supported by many other proxies. Based on the diatom data, sea‐level change across MIS 19.1 is characterized by centennial to millennial fluctuations. The sea‐level fall event began just after the onset of a cooling event previously reported from the same core. Observations of a comparable sea‐level fall signal in many deep‐sea core records suggest the event is global.
Marker‐assisted introgression of broad‐spectrum blast resistance genes into the cultivated MR219 rice variety
Authors: Miah Gous , Rafii Mohd Y , Ismail Mohd R , Puteh Adam B , Rahim Harun A , Latif Mohammad A 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe rice cultivar MR219 is famous for its better yield and long and fine grain quality; however, it is susceptible to blast disease. The main objective of this study was to introgress blast resistance genes into MR219 through marker‐assisted selection (MAS). The rice cultivar MR219 was used as the recurrent parent, and Pongsu Seribu 1 was used as the donor.RESULTSMarker‐assisted foreground selection was performed using RM6836 and RM8225 to identify plants possessing blast resistance genes. Seventy microsatellite markers were used to estimate recurrent parent genome (RPG) recovery. Our analysis led to the development of 13 improved blast resistant lines with Piz, Pi2 and Pi9 broad‐spectrum blast resistance genes and an MR219 genetic background. The RPG recovery of the selected improved lines was up to 97.70% with an average value of 95.98%. Selected improved lines showed a resistance response against the most virulent blast pathogen pathotype, P7.2. The selected improved lines did not express any negative effect on agronomic traits in comparison with MR219.CONCLUSIONThe research findings of this study will be a conducive approach for the application of different molecular techniques that may result in accelerating the development of new disease‐resistant rice varieties, which in turn will match rising demand and food security worldwide. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Public (Q)SAR Services, Integrated Modeling Environments, and Model Repositories on the Web: State of the Art and Perspectives for Future Development
Authors: Tetko Igor V. , Maran Uko , Tropsha Alexander 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThousands of (Quantitative) Structure‐Activity Relationships (Q)SAR models have been described in peer‐reviewed publications; however, this way of sharing seldom makes models available for the use by the research community outside of the developer's laboratory. Conversely, on‐line models allow broad dissemination and application representing the most effective way of sharing the scientific knowledge. Approaches for sharing and providing on‐line access to models range from web services created by individual users and laboratories to integrated modeling environments and model repositories. This emerging transition from the descriptive and informative, but “static”, and for the most part, non‐executable print format to interactive, transparent and functional delivery of “living” models is expected to have a transformative effect on modern experimental research in areas of scientific and regulatory use of (Q)SAR models.
The Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire is a valid measure of pelvic floor symptoms in patients following surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Lin Kuan‐Yin , Frawley Helena C. , Granger Catherine L. , Denehy Linda 
Published: October 2016

AimsThis study evaluated the construct validity of the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire against two alternative measures of the severity of bladder and bowel symptoms.MethodsThis was an exploratory analysis of data from two prospective studies. Patients who had undergone surgery for colorectal cancer were analysed. Bladder and bowel symptoms were measured using three validated questionnaires: the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form Questionnaire for urinary incontinence and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Bowel Module post‐cancer treatment.ResultsThe study sample consisted of 44 participants, including 25 men and 19 women. The Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire bladder and bowel domain scores demonstrated moderate positive correlations with the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form Questionnaire for urinary incontinence (r = 0.74, P < 0.01) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Bowel Module (r = 0.69–0.78, P < 0.01). Similar results were obtained in each gender subgroup.ConclusionsThis study suggested that the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire may be a valid measurement tool for use in colorectal cancer populations in clinical trials and practice. Future research using larger cohorts is warranted.
Are voiding parameters a marker for the severity of quality of life impairment in women with overactive bladder symptoms?
Authors: Basu Maya , Doumouchtsis Stergios K. 
Published: October 2016

AimsThere is evidence of an association between voiding parameters and the presence of overactive bladder symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is any association between pressure flow study parameters and the degree of health related quality of life impairment in women with OAB symptoms. The null hypothesis is that there is no significant correlation between quality of life domain scores and pressure flow study parameters.MethodsOne hundred and sixty‐seven consecutive women with overactive bladder symptoms underwent evaluation with a quality of life assessment plus filling and voiding cystometry. These data were used to evaluate for any correlation between pressure flow study parameters and quality of life domain scores.ResultsFifty‐six out of 167 women had proven detrusor overactivity (DO). There were no differences in voiding parameters or quality of life scores between women with DO and women without DO. There was no consistent correlation identified between quality of life domain scores and pressure flow variables.ConclusionsThere is no evidence of an association between increasing quality of life impairment and voiding parameters in this cohort.