bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesozooplankton community structure in a degrading mangrove ecosystem of the Cochin coast, India
Authors: Sreelekshmi Suseela , Preethy Chakkalakkal M. , Joseph Philomina , Varghese Rani , Bijoy Nandan Sivasankaran 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe diversity, abundance and community structure of mesozooplankton from the hydrographically differing mangrove habitats in Cochin, Kerala (India), were investigated. Eleven zooplankton groups were identified, with calanoid copepods (62%) comprising the predominant population, followed by crustacean nauplii (22%) and mysids (12%). Nitrogen limiting (N: P ratio 5.13 ± 7.03) with a mixo‐mesohaline salinity (8.96 ± 3 psu) and relatively low temperatures (30.28 ± 0.9 °C) was a characteristic feature of the study zones. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling based on Bray–Curtis similarity (PRIMER) analysis revealed there was little variation in the mesozooplankton structure among sampling sites (stress 0.05; ANOSIM test Global R:0.325). BEST analysis indicated that temperature and salinity exhibited the best correlation (ρ = 0.701) with fauna. The results of this study indicated a severe reduction in zooplankton abundance, biomass and diversity. It is clear that the zooplankton communities are depleting, along with the mangrove vegetation, because of the shallowness and unsuitable environmental conditions of the water bodies attributable to anthropogenic stresses.
Assessment of sediment quality of a tropical lake using sediment quality standards
Authors: Swarnalatha K. , Nair A.G. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSediments are often reservoirs of contaminants in aquatic waterbodies, and their quality can be an indicator of the health of their ecosystems. Heavy metal pollution in sediments is highly significant because of their persistent and bioaccumulative nature. In this regard, sediment quality guidelines (SQG) are useful for categorizing sediment quality with respect to the contaminant level in them. An attempt was made in this study to assess the sediment quality of the Akkulam‐Veli (AV) Lake system on the basis of guidelines that incorporate assessment scales that differ in their approaches. Some link threshold levels of heavy metal concentrations on the basis of their likelihood to cause adverse effects, while others classify the sediment concentration ranges that correspond to the degrees of toxicity caused by them. The sediment quality of the study area was assessed by combining the available guidelines to formulate two new approaches in this study. Based on this approach, AV Lake is highly polluted with respect to chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb), while arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) are non‐polluting with a negligible potential for adverse effects.
Ontogenic Changes in Prey Ingested by Nile perch (Lates niloticus) Caught in Nyanza Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: Outa Nicholas O. , Yongo Edwine , Keyombe Jameslast A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA total of 289 fish were analysed in this study, with Caradina nilotica (44%) being the dominant food item in their diet, while tilapia (8%) contributed the least. Haplochromines, unidentified fish prey and juvenile Nile perch also were observed. An ontogenic shift was observed, with C. nilotica contributing highest (61.1%) of the diet of fingerlings, but decreasing to 21% in the diet of adults. Nile perch contributed 35.7% of the diet in the adults and 8.1% in the fingerlings. This study indicates Nile perch is a predatory fish, feeding mainly on C. nilotica, haplochromines, tilapia, Nile perch and other fish materials.
Nutrient and heavy metal storage and mobility within sediments in Kouris Reservoir, Cyprus
Authors: Tzoraki O. , Dörflinger G. , Demetriou C. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the risks associated with nutrient and heavy metal pollution in the water and sediments of Kouris Reservoir in Cyprus, and to recommend applicable measures to alleviate them. The reservoir drainage area contains various historic abandoned copper mines existing in an ophiolite geological substrate. Kouris Reservoir water is classified as oligotrophic to mesotrophic, with phosphorus being the limiting factor for algae growth. The thermal stratification of the reservoir enhances anoxic conditions in the reservoir hypolimnion, initiating phosphorus release back into the water column from the lake bottom sediments. The increased phosphorus release, in combination with increased water temperatures during the summer months (i.e. reaching 27 °C in August), may be the key factors enhancing the growth of microbial communities and cyanobacteria blooms. The sediment of Kouris Reservoir is classified as ‘low risk’ on the basis of the Ecological Risk Index scheme, in contrast to the Geoaccumulation Index, which indicates a moderate degree of contamination for chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu), and a high degree for lead (Pb). Heavy metals are strongly bound to the sediment matrix at pH values between 7 and 9, but can be released back into the water column at potential acid pH values. In addition, the sediments exhibit a high copper and chromium absorption affinity under current water quality conditions in the reservoir, as shown by batch absorption experiments. The experimental results suggest dredging of the reservoir sediment, and its subsequent dumping of the sediments near influent streams, would have adverse effects on the environment in the event of acid rain or other environmental changes that might acidify the sediment.
Possible potentially threatening co‐orbiting material of asteroid 2000EE104 identified through interplanetary magnetic field disturbances
Authors: Lai H. R. , Russell C. T. , Wei H. Y. , Connors M. , Delzanno G. L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractNear‐Earth objects (NEOs) with diameters of <300 m are difficult to detect from the Earth with radar or optical telescopes unless and until they approach closely. If they are on collisional courses with the Earth, there is little that can be done to mitigate the considerable damage. Although destructive collisions in space are rare for 1 km diameter bodies and above, once hit by a sizeable impactor, such a NEO can develop a relatively dense cloud of co‐orbiting material in which destructive collisions are relatively frequent. The gas and nanoscale dust released in the destructive collisions can be detected remotely by downstream spacecraft equipped with magnetometers. In this paper, we use such magnetic disturbances to identify regions of near‐Earth space in which high densities of small objects are present. We find that asteroid (138175) 2000EE104 currently may have a cloud of potentially threatening co‐orbiting material. Due to the scattered co‐orbitals, there can be a finite impact probability whenever the Earth approaches the orbit of asteroid 2000EE104, regardless of the position of the asteroid itself.
Mesenchymal stem cells attenuate adriamycin‐induced nephropathy by diminishing oxidative stress and inflammation via downregulation of the NF‐kB
Authors: Song In‐Hwan , Jung Kyong‐Jin , Lee Tae‐Jin , Kim Joo‐Young , Sung Eon‐Gi , Bae Young Chul , Park Yong Hoon 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimThis study aimed to evaluate the molecular mechanism mitigating progress of chronic nephropathy by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).MethodsRats were divided into normal control (Normal), adriamycin (ADR)+vehicle (CON), and ADR+MSC (MSC) groups. Nephropathy was induced by ADR (4 mg/kg) and MSCs (2 × 106) were injected. Rats were euthanized 1 or 6 weeks after ADR injection. NF‐kB, MAPKs, inflammation, oxidative stress, profibrotic molecules, and nephrin expression were evaluated. Electron and light microscopy were used for structural analysis. MSCs were co‐cultured with renal tubular epithelial cells or splenocytes to evaluate relation with oxidative stress and inflammatory moleculesResultsAdriamycin treatment upregulated inflammation, oxidative stress, and profibrotic molecules; this was mitigated by MSCs. Glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis were observed in ADR‐treated groups, and were more prominent in the CON group than in the MSC group. Fusion of foot processes and loss of slit diaphragms were also more prominent in the CON group than in the MSC group. In vitro, MSCs reduced oxidative stress related molecules, inflammatory cytokines, and NF‐kB transcription. MSC‐ or ADR‐induced regulation of NF‐kB transcriptional activity was confirmed by a luciferase reporter assay.ConclusionsMesenchymal stem cells attenuate ADR‐induced nephropathy by diminishing oxidative stress and inflammation via downregulation of NF‐kB.
Shedding light on gray(ing) areas: Connectivity and task switching dynamics in aging
Authors: Baniqued Pauline L. , Low Kathy A. , Fletcher Mark A. , Gratton Gabriele , Fabiani Monica 
Published: March 2017

AbstractControl‐demanding tasks rely on communication among regions of the frontoparietal network, areas that undergo significant age‐related decline. Here, we integrate data from brain anatomy, electrophysiology (ERPs), and optical imaging (event‐related optical signals, EROS) to characterize the spatial and temporal dynamics of preparatory control processes in middle to old age. Older adults participated in an experiment that required switching between a position and a meaning task (spatial Stroop), a paradigm that has been shown to primarily recruit prefrontal cortex in opposite hemispheres and is thought to involve the corpus callosum (CC). In middle‐aged participants, switch trials resulted in greater negativity over F3 early in the preparatory period. Across the whole older adult sample, this switch‐related frontal negativity was correlated with reaction time (RT) switch costs and EROS switch‐related upregulation in the left middle frontal gyrus (MFG). Anterior CC volume was not directly correlated with switch costs, although CC volume predicted task‐dependent coupling of left MFG and right MFG. Crucially, left MFG‐seeded lagged cross‐correlations revealed task‐dependent connectivity; in the right‐hemisphere‐dependent position task, the timing and strength of switch‐related coupling between left MFG and right MFG significantly predicted RT switch costs, even after controlling for age, CC volume, and the F3 switch effect. Together, these results suggest that a strong functional connectivity, likely hinged on the integrity of the underlying structural connections, is critical to being able to meet the demands of shifting processing across hemispheres, and that difficulty engaging such control dynamics leads to suboptimal performance.
Effects of single layer centrifugation (SLC) on bull spermatozoa prior to freezing on post‐thaw semen characteristics
Authors: Nongbua T , Johannisson A , Edman A , Morrell JM 
Published: March 2017

ContentsSingle layer centrifugation (SLC) has been shown to select the most robust spermatozoa from the ejaculate in several species. Here the effects of SLC prior to freezing on various parameters of frozen‐thawed bovine sperm quality are reported. Semen from 8 bulls was layered on top of a species‐specific colloid, Bovicoll. After centrifugation for 20 min at 300 g, the resulting sperm pellet was resuspended in OPTIXcell® (IMV Technologies, l′Aigle, France); the SLC‐selected sperm samples and uncentrifuged controls were frozen. On thawing, all sperm samples were analysed for membrane integrity, production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and chromatin integrity. The SLC‐treated samples had a higher percentage of live, superoxide‐positive spermatozoa than uncentrifuged samples (27.9 ± 5.1% versus 21.7 ± 6.7%; p = .03). They had a higher proportion of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial membrane potential than uncentrifuged samples (55.9 ± 8.2% versus 40.5 ± 15.1%; p = .03) and also a lower proportion of spermatozoa with low mitochondrial membrane potential than non‐treated samples (42.0 ± 8.5% versus 55.9 ± 14.4%; p = .04). No significant effects of treatment were found for membrane integrity or chromatin integrity. The effect of bull was significant on the proportions of dead, superoxide‐positive spermatozoa and live, hydrogen peroxide‐negative spermatozoa, as well as on membrane integrity, but it was not significant for mitochondrial membrane potential or chromatin integrity. These results suggest that SLC selects the most metabolically active bull spermatozoa from the rest of the population in normal ejaculates; the pattern of reactive oxygen species production may be different in SLC‐selected spermatozoa compared to unselected samples.
The Impact of Foreign Real Estate Investment on Land Prices: Evidence from Mauritius
Authors: Brooks Chris , Lamport Matthew , Padachi Kesseven , Sannassee Vinesh , Seetah Keshav , Seetanah Boopen 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of foreign real estate on land prices in Mauritius. Using a panel dataset comprising price, quantity and other information for a variety of luxury villas and apartments, we show that the price of land paid by locals has been pushed up by a modest 4–22% in total as a result of these developments. We also examine the determinants of the prices of the dwellings in these schemes, finding that they are strongly related to the sizes of the plots, whether they have ocean views, and the desirability of the region in which they are sited, although there remains considerable unexplained heterogeneity.
Employment Protection and Unemployment Benefits: On Technology Adoption and Job Creation in a Matching Model
Authors: Lommerud Kjell Erik , Straume Odd Rune , Vagstad Steinar 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe analyse the effects of different labour‐market policies (employment protection, unemployment benefits, and payroll taxes) on job creation and technology choices in a model where firms are matched with workers of different productivity and wages are determined by ex post bargaining. The model is characterized by two intertwined sources of inefficiency, namely a matching externality and a hold‐up externality associated with the bargaining strength of workers. The results depend on the relative importance of the two externalities and on worker risk aversion. “Flexicurity”, meaning low employment protection and generous unemployment insurance, can be optimal if workers are sufficiently risk‐averse and the hold‐up problem is relatively important.
Bridging the Gap: Connecting Resident Assistants and Suicidal Residents Through Gatekeeper Training
Authors: McLean Kate , Swanbrow Becker Martin A. 
Published: March 2017

One hundred sixty‐two resident assistants (RAs) at a large southeastern university were randomly assigned to attend either a specialized 1‐hr training program in suicide prevention (intervention group) or a stress and time management skills training program (control group). The results failed to show the suicide prevention training program had any impact on RA intervention behaviors, resident help‐seeking behaviors, or RA perceptions of resident distress and suicidality 4 months following training. Results are interpreted and discussed in relation to strengthening suicide prevention training programs on college campuses.
Mechanical characterization of curly hair: Influence of the use of nonconventional hair straightening treatments
Authors: Leite M. G. A. , Maia Campos P. M. B. G. 
Published: March 2017

Background/purposeHair straighteners are very popular around the world, although they can cause great damage to the hair. Thus, the characterization of the mechanical properties of curly hair using advanced techniques is very important to clarify how hair straighteners act on hair fibers and to contribute to the development of effective products. On this basis, we chose two nonconventional hair straighteners (formaldehyde and glyoxylic acid) to investigate how hair straightening treatments affect the mechanical properties of curly hair.MethodsThe mechanical properties of curly hair were evaluated using a tensile test, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), a torsion modulus, dynamic vapor sorption (DVS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis.ResultsThe techniques used effectively helped the understanding of the influence of nonconventional hair straighteners on hair properties. For the break stress and the break extension tests, formaldehyde showed a marked decrease in these parameters, with great hair damage. Glyoxylic acid had a slight effect compared to formaldehyde treatment. Both treatments showed an increase in shear modulus, a decrease in water sorption and damage to the hair surface.ConclusionsA combination of the techniques used in this study permitted a better understanding of nonconventional hair straightener treatments and also supported the choice of the better treatment, considering a good relationship between efficacy and safety. Thus, it is very important to determine the properties of hair for the development of cosmetics used to improve the beauty of curly hair.
ACOUSTICAL STANDARDS NEWS
Authors: Stremmel Neil B. , Struck Christopher J. 
Published: March 2017

American National Standards (ANSI Standards) developed by Accredited Standards Committees S1, S2, S3, S3/SC 1, and S12 in the areas of acoustics, mechanical vibration and shock, bioacoustics, animal bioacoustics, and noise, respectively, are published by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). In addition to these standards, ASA publishes a catalog of Acoustical American National Standards. To receive a copy of the latest Standards catalog, please contact Neil B. Stremmel.
Comments are welcomed on all material in Acoustical Standards News.
This Acoustical Standards News section in JASA, as well as the National Catalog of Acoustical Standards and other information on the Standards Program of the Acoustical Society of America, are available via the ASA home page: http://acousticalsociety.org.
A Genetic Screen Reveals that Synthesis of 1,4-Dihydroxy-2-Naphthoate (DHNA), but Not Full-Length Menaquinone, Is Required for
Listeria monocytogenes
Cytosolic Survival
Authors: Chen Grischa Y. , McDougal Courtney E. , D’Antonio Marc A. , Portman Jonathan L. , Sauer John-Demian 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Through unknown mechanisms, the host cytosol restricts bacterial colonization; therefore, only professional cytosolic pathogens are adapted to colonize this host environment.
Listeria monocytogenes
is a Gram-positive intracellular pathogen that is highly adapted to colonize the cytosol of both phagocytic and nonphagocytic cells. To identify
L. monocytogenes
determinants of cytosolic survival, we designed and executed a novel screen to isolate
L. monocytogenes
mutants with cytosolic survival defects. Multiple mutants identified in the screen were defective for synthesis of menaquinone (MK), an essential molecule in the electron transport chain. Analysis of an extensive set of MK biosynthesis and respiratory chain mutants revealed that cellular respiration was not required for cytosolic survival of
L. monocytogenes
but that, instead, synthesis of 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate (DHNA), an MK biosynthesis intermediate, was essential. Recent discoveries showed that modulation of the central metabolism of both host and pathogen can influence the outcome of host-pathogen interactions. Our results identify a potentially novel function of the MK biosynthetic intermediate DHNA and specifically highlight how
L. monocytogenes
metabolic adaptations promote cytosolic survival and evasion of host immunity.

IMPORTANCE
Cytosolic bacterial pathogens, such as
Listeria monocytogenes
and
Francisella tularensis
, are exquisitely evolved to colonize the host cytosol in a variety of cell types. Establishing an intracellular niche shields these pathogens from effectors of humoral immunity, grants access to host nutrients, and is essential for pathogenesis. Through yet-to-be-defined mechanisms, the host cytosol restricts replication of non-cytosol-adapted bacteria, likely through a combination of cell autonomous defenses (CADs) and nutritional immunity. Utilizing a novel genetic screen, we identified determinants of
L. monocytogenes
cytosolic survival and virulence and identified a role for the synthesis of the menaquinone precursor 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate (DHNA) in cytosolic survival. Together, these data begin to elucidate adaptations that allow cytosolic pathogens to survive in their intracellular niches.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Alginate Overproduction Promotes Coexistence with
Staphylococcus aureus
in a Model of Cystic Fibrosis Respiratory Infection
Authors: Limoli Dominique H. , Whitfield Gregory B. , Kitao Tomoe , Ivey Melissa L. , Davis Michael R. , Grahl Nora , Hogan Deborah A. , Rahme Laurence G. , Howell P. Lynne , O’Toole George A. , Goldberg Joanna B. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

While complex intra- and interspecies microbial community dynamics are apparent during chronic infections and likely alter patient health outcomes, our understanding of these interactions is currently limited. For example,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Staphylococcus aureus
are often found to coinfect the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), yet these organisms compete under laboratory conditions. Recent observations that coinfection correlates with decreased health outcomes necessitate we develop a greater understanding of these interbacterial interactions. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that
P. aeruginosa
and/or
S. aureus
adopts phenotypes that allow coexistence during infection. We compared competitive interactions of
P. aeruginosa
and
S. aureus
isolates from mono- or coinfected CF patients employing
in vitro
coculture models.
P. aeruginosa
isolates from monoinfected patients were more competitive toward
S. aureus
than
P. aeruginosa
isolates from coinfected patients. We also observed that the least competitive
P. aeruginosa
isolates possessed a mucoid phenotype. Mucoidy occurs upon constitutive activation of the sigma factor AlgT/U, which regulates synthesis of the polysaccharide alginate and dozens of other secreted factors, including some previously described to kill
S. aureus
. Here, we show that production of alginate in mucoid strains is sufficient to inhibit anti-
S. aureus
activity independent of activation of the AlgT regulon. Alginate reduces production of siderophores, 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinolone-
N
-oxide (HQNO), and rhamnolipids—each required for efficient killing of
S. aureus
. These studies demonstrate alginate overproduction may be an important factor driving
P. aeruginosa
coinfection with
S. aureus
.

IMPORTANCE
Numerous deep-sequencing studies have revealed the microbial communities present during respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are diverse, complex, and dynamic. We now face the challenge of determining the influence of these community dynamics on patient health outcomes and identifying candidate targets to modulate these interactions. We make progress toward this goal by determining that the polysaccharide alginate produced by mucoid strains of
P. aeruginosa
is sufficient to inhibit multiple secreted antimicrobial agents produced by this organism. Importantly, these secreted factors are required to outcompete
S. aureus
, when the microbes are grown in coculture; thus we propose a mechanism whereby mucoid
P. aeruginosa
can coexist with
S. aureus
. Finally, the approach used here can serve as a platform to investigate the interactions among other CF pathogens.