bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional dominance rather than taxonomic diversity and functional diversity mainly affects community aboveground biomass in the Inner Mongolia grassland
Authors: Zhang Qing , Buyantuev Alexander , Li Frank Yonghong , Jiang Lin , Niu Jianming , Ding Yong , Kang Sarula , Ma Wenjing 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe relationship between biodiversity and productivity has been a hot topic in ecology. However, the relative importance of taxonomic diversity and functional characteristics (including functional dominance and functional diversity) in maintaining community productivity and the underlying mechanisms (including selection and complementarity effects) of the relationship between diversity and community productivity have been widely controversial. In this study, 194 sites were surveyed in five grassland types along a precipitation gradient in the Inner Mongolia grassland of China. The relationships between taxonomic diversity (species richness and the Shannon–Weaver index), functional dominance (the community‐weighted mean of four plant traits), functional diversity (Rao's quadratic entropy), and community aboveground biomass were analyzed. The results showed that (1) taxonomic diversity, functional dominance, functional diversity, and community aboveground biomass all increased from low to high precipitation grassland types; (2) there were significant positive linear relationships between taxonomic diversity, functional dominance, functional diversity, and community aboveground biomass; (3) the effect of functional characteristics on community aboveground biomass is greater than that of taxonomic diversity; and (4) community aboveground biomass depends on the community‐weighted mean plant height, which explained 57.1% of the variation in the community aboveground biomass. Our results suggested that functional dominance rather than taxonomic diversity and functional diversity mainly determines community productivity and that the selection effect plays a dominant role in maintaining the relationship between biodiversity and community productivity in the Inner Mongolia grassland.
Using a multiscale image processing method to characterize the periodic growth patterns on scallop shells
Authors: Xing Qiang , Wei Tengda , Chen Zhihui , Wang Yangfan , Lu Yuan , Wang Shi , Zhang Lingling , Bao Zhenmin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe fine periodic growth patterns on shell surfaces have been widely used for studies in the ecology and evolution of scallops. Modern X‐ray CT scanners and digital cameras can provide high‐resolution image data that contain abundant information such as the shell formation rate, ontogenetic age, and life span of shellfish organisms. We introduced a novel multiscale image processing method based on matched filters with Gaussian kernels and partial differential equation (PDE) multiscale hierarchical decomposition to segment the small tubular and periodic structures in scallop shell images. The periodic patterns of structures (consisting of bifurcation points, crossover points of the rings and ribs, and the connected lines) could be found by our Space‐based Depth‐First Search (SDFS) algorithm. We created a MATLAB package to implement our method of periodic pattern extraction and pattern matching on the CT and digital scallop images available in this study. The results confirmed the hypothesis that the shell cyclic structure patterns encompass genetically specific information that can be used as an effective invariable biomarker for biological individual recognition. The package is available with a quick‐start guide and includes three examples: http://mgb.ouc.edu.cn/novegene/html/code.php.
Quantifying the responses of biological indices to rare macroinvertebrate taxa exclusion: Does excluding more rare taxa cause more error?
Authors: Yu Zhengda , Wang Hui , Meng Jiao , Miao Mingsheng , Kong Qiang , Wang Renqing , Liu Jian 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIncluding or excluding rare taxa in bioassessment is a controversial topic, which essentially affects the reliability and accuracy of the result. In the present paper, we hypothesize that biological indices such as Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson's index, Margalef index, evenness, BMWP (biological monitoring working party), and ASPT (Average Score Per Taxon) respond differently to rare taxa exclusion. To test this hypothesis, a benthic macroinvertebrate data set based on recent fifteen‐year studies in China was built for suppositional plot analyses. A field research was conducted in the Nansi Lake to perform related analyses. The results of suppositional plot simulations showed that Simpson's index placed more weight on common taxa than any other studied indices, followed by Shannon–Wiener index which remained a high value with the exclusion of rare taxa. The results indicated that there was not much of effect on Simpson's index and Shannon–Wiener index when rare taxa were excluded. Rare taxa played an important role in Margalef index and BMWP than in other indices. Evenness showed an increase trend, while ASPT varied inconsistently with the exclusion of rare taxa. Results of the field study also indicated that rare taxa had few impacts on the Shannon–Wiener index. By examining the relationships between the rare taxa and biological indices in our study, it is suggested that including the rare taxa when using BMWP and excluding them in the proposed way (e.g., fixed‐count subsampling) to calculate Shannon–Wiener index and Simpson's index could raise the efficiency and reduce the biases in the bioassessment of freshwater ecosystems.
Diagnostic dilemmas in HLH: Can T‐cell phenotyping help?
Authors: Marsh Rebecca A. 
Published: February 2017

The diagnosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) can be a difficult one, and the distinction between primary versus secondary HLH can be particularly challenging during the early stages of diagnosis. This distinction is important to make as primary HLH requires allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for a definitive cure. Flow cytometric screening tests for many of the genetic forms of HLH are available. However, not all patients with primary HLH are captured by these screening tests, due to the fact that no screening test is 100% sensitive, and additionally, some patients with “primary” forms of HLH may have mutations in genes which are yet to be discovered. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Ammann et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2017. 47: 364–373] compare T‐cell phenotype patterns among patients with primary and secondary HLH, and find that assessment of T‐cell activation and differentiation may assist with the diagnosis of HLH. Furthermore, this phenotypic analysis has the potential to help make the important distinction between primary and secondary HLH.
Comparison of isothermal and cycling temperature storage of filled dark chocolate products for accelerated shelf life prediction
Authors: Rothkopf Isabell , Schütz Barbara , Danzl Wolfgang , Ziegleder Gottfried 
Published: February 2017

Beside a loss in texture, the main quality aspect of filled chocolate products during storage is the development of fat bloom. For these products isothermal or cycling temperature storage tests are used for accelerated shelf life prediction. However, the applicability of these tests compared to real storage conditions is complicated and shelf life estimation is vague. Com;1;paring storage tests of different authors is difficult because products and analysis methods vary. Additionally most of the storage tests are performed to identify the reasons for fat bloom and therefore the storage conditions are not separately investigated. However, all studies agree that temperature has a major impact due to its influence on migration and crystallization. While migration is accelerated at higher temperatures, crystallization shows an optimum at lower temperatures. Therefore, migration and crystal state have to be evaluated during storage, as well as fat bloom formation. In this study, cold stamped dark chocolate shells with nougat filling were chosen to compare isothermal and cycling temperature storage conditions. Cycling temperature storage at adequate levels includes optimum for fat bloom formation, but takes crystallization and migration influence in unequal account. In contrast, isothermal storage at optimum temperature leads to faster fat bloom formation.Practical applications: A precise shelf life prediction helps to reduce food waste. Shelf life estimation is relevant to almost all chocolate manufacturers. Increasing quality standards accompanied by shortened development time demand accelerated tests for shelf life prediction. Conventional storage tests are too expensive and time‐consuming, especially for small and medium‐sized enterprises, which often sell premium filled chocolate products. Additionally a short time to market is needed to be capable of competing. In the present study different accelerated storage tests were compared. The results can be used to choose the relevant test for new developed products and optimization of existing products and processes.In filled pralines storage is a complex interaction of migration and crystallization, which is highly depending on temperature and temperature fluctuation
Electrochemical Sensors Continuously Monitor Magnesium Biodegradation under Cell Culture Conditions
Authors: Kuhlmann Julia , Guo Xuefei , Zhang Zhanping , Hopkins Tracy , Wang Tingting , Ojo Kolade , Pixley Sarah K. , Heineman William R. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMagnesium (Mg) and its alloys have increasingly been considered as implant materials for orthopedic, craniofacial, and cardiovascular applications. These materials generally have mechanical properties close to those of human bone and they biodegrade in aqueous environments. The biodegradation properties can be tailored to fit the desired application by changing the alloying elements and/or by addition of surface coatings. To test and compare the biodegradation properties of different materials, immersion tests in solutions ranging from simple salt solutions to complex biological media are commonly done that yield some information about the biodegradation rate and the biodegradation products on the surface after completion of the test. Here we report on a method that allows the continuous real‐time monitoring of the biodegradation process using electrochemical sensors for pH and H2 during immersion of Mg samples in the cell culture medium DMEM/F12 with different concentrations of fetal bovine serum and in the presence of living cells. The sensors effectively indicated the biodegradation behavior of Mg samples in real‐time. This system could be very useful for immersion tests and even supporting biocompatibility testing of implant materials.
Chronic toxicity of azoxystrobin to freshwater amphipods, midges, cladocerans, and mussels in water-only exposures
Authors: Kunz James L. , Ingersoll Chris G. , Smalling Kelly L. , Elskus Adria A. , Kuivila Kathryn M. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Understanding the effects of fungicides on nontarget organisms at realistic concentrations and exposure durations is vital for determining potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Environmental concentrations of the fungicide azoxystrobin have been reported up to 4.6 μg/L in the United States and 30 μg/L in Europe. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the chronic toxicity of azoxystrobin in water-only exposures with an amphipod (Hyalella azteca; 42-d exposure), a midge (Chironomus dilutus; 50-d exposure), a cladoceran (Ceriodaphnia dubia; 7-d exposure), and a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea; 28-d exposure) at environmentally relevant concentrations. The potential photo-enhanced toxicity of azoxystrobin accumulated by C. dubia and L. siliquoidea following chronic exposures to azoxystrobin was also evaluated. The 20% effect concentrations (EC20s) based on the most sensitive endpoint were 4.2 μg/L for H. azteca reproduction, 12 μg/L for C. dubia reproduction and C. dilutus emergence, and &gt;28 μg/L for L. siliquoidea. Hyalella azteca was more sensitive to azoxystrobin compared with the other 3 species in the chronic exposures. No photo-enhanced toxicity was observed for either C. dubia or L. siliquoidea exposed to ultraviolet light in control water following azoxystrobin tests. The results of the present study indicate chronic effects of azoxystrobin on 3 of 4 invertebrates tested at environmentally relevant concentrations. The changes noted in biomass and reproduction have the potential to alter the rate of ecological processes driven by aquatic invertebrates. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2308–2315. Published 2017 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Engineering geological and geotechnical analysis of a rock slide in the quarry Frauenmühle near Metten (Lower Bavaria)
Authors: Nickmann Marion , Schweigl Theresa , Thuro Kurosch 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn spring 2008 a rock slide detached from one of the walls in the quarry ”Frauenmühle“ locally used as climbing park, mobilizing a volume of 50 m3. The binary granite is relative fresh on the bottom of the walls, but the weathering increases significantly to the natural surface. The bedrock shows an orthogonal joint system enabling the so‐called ”Wollsackverwitterung“. Mapping of the joints followed by a kinematic analysis of the quarry wall by DIPS (Rocscience) indicates the slope failure to be of a planar sliding type on a medium‐steep dipping plane. As the contributing factor for the slide, weathering along the plane has to be considered. Thereby the destruction of rock bridges downgrades the overall shear strength. A stability analysis based on the reconstructed block geometry and the determined shear parameters verifies the instability of the block. For today's situation, the kinematic analysis detects some critical intersections of joints being able to generate slide wedges.
Prospective relationship between objectively measured light physical activity and depressive symptoms in later life
Authors: Ku Po‐Wen , Steptoe Andrew , Liao Yung , Sun Wen‐Jung , Chen Li‐Jung 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundThe use of self‐report measures of physical activity is a serious methodological weakness in many studies of physical activity and depressive symptoms. It is still equivocal whether light physical activity protects older adults from depressive symptoms.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore whether objectively measured light physical activity, independent of sedentary and moderate‐to‐vigorous activity, is associated with a reduced risk of subsequent depressive symptoms in older adults.MethodsThis was a 2‐year prospective cohort study. A total of 285 community‐dwelling older adults aged 65 years or older were interviewed in 2012. A second wave of assessment was carried out in 2014 involving 274 (96.1%) participants. Time spent in physical activity at different intensities was assessed using triaxial accelerometers. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale. Negative binomial regression models with adjustment for baseline depressive symptoms, accelerometer wear time, socio‐demographic variables, lifestyle behaviors, and chronic disease conditions were conducted.ResultsTime spent in moderate‐to‐vigorous and light physical activities were both inversely related to depressive symptoms at follow‐up. Sedentary time was associated with an increased risk of subsequent depressive symptoms. When sedentary or moderate‐to‐vigorous activity were included in the multivariable‐adjusted regression models with light physical activity simultaneously, only light physical activity remained significant. Sensitivity analyses for assessing confounding and reverse causation provided further support for the stability of these findings.ConclusionLight physical activity, independent of sedentary and moderate‐to‐vigorous activity, is associated with a reduced risk of subsequent depressive symptoms in later life. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systematic review of intervention approaches for driving cessation in older adults
Authors: Rapoport Mark J. , Cameron Duncan H. , Sanford Sarah , Naglie Gary ,   on behalf of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging Driving and Dementia Team
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveThe aim of this project was to review the literature on interventions aimed at facilitating driving cessation in older adults, with and without dementia.MethodsA literature search was performed using the databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Embase, and PsycINFO, from 1994 to September 2014. Two independent raters screened articles for inclusion and extracted study data. We only included articles if they directly addressed the topic of intervention approaches to facilitate the process of driving cessation in older adults or to support the adaptation of older adults who have had to stop driving and included a control group.ResultsOf an initial 477 unique records identified, 111 pertained to driving cessation in older adults, and only three articles were controlled trials of intervention approaches related to driving cessation. One article described an intervention for retired drivers with dementia, while another was aimed at caregivers of drivers with dementia, and the third included retired and retiring drivers without dementia. Outcomes such as reduced depressive symptoms, increased trips out of home, and efficacy in dealing with the driving cessation process were positive, but the specific outcome measures and magnitude of effects varied across studies.ConclusionsAlthough the results summarized in this review point toward potentially promising effects of interventions for facilitating driving cessation in older adults, these findings must be interpreted with caution given the significant methodological limitations of the studies, including small samples, participant attrition, lack of blinding, and non‐validated outcome measures. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TRAF3 delays cyst formation induced by NF‐κB signaling
Authors: Sun Liping , Hu Chaofeng , Zhang Xinzhou 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the effects of TNF receptors associated factor 3 (TRAF3) on the signaling pathway and expression of downstream products of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) in the epithelial cells of renal ducts in individuals with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). We observe the TRAF3 genic overexpression of the epithelial cells, which form a tubular branch structure, in polycystic kidneys and to explore the protective effect of TRAF3 on the cystogenesis and progression of PKD. Western blotting analysis was conducted to examine the signaling changes of NF‐κB in PKD the epithelial cells and TRAF3 transgenic PKD epithelial cells. Changes in the downstream apoptosis factor and cell proliferation in PKD epithelial cells and TRAF3 transgenic PKD epithelial cells were detected. A three‐dimensional matrigel culture experiment was performed to examine abnormal tubulomorphogenesis in vitro. The overexpression of TRAF3 significantly inhibited the signaling pathway of NF‐κB in the PKD epithelial cells, downregulated the expression of downstream factors Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xl, and significantly decreased cystic epithelial cell proliferation. Additional branch structures were observed in the PKD epithelial cells with a three‐dimensional culture compared to wildtype cells. TRAF3 may likely induce apoptosis and resistance to proliferation and may be a new target to inhibit the cyst formation in PKD by regulating the NF‐κB signaling pathway Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xl activity. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(3):170–178, 2017
Study of the dual effect of gamma irradiation and strontium substitution on bioactivity, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial properties of 45S5 bioglass
Authors: Farag M. M. , Abd‐Allah W. M. , Ahmed Hanaa Y. A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn this work, we studied simultaneous effect of gamma irradiation and SrO substitution for Na2O on bioactivity, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial properties of 45S5 glass. Gamma irradiation was mainly introduced in this work as an effective sterilizing technique, improvement of bulk properties and surface modification of glass. Where, gamma irradiation is considered a modifier for glass network due to generation of defects resulted from this irradiation. Furthermore, SrO was introduced into the glass structure in place of Na2O in order to reduce a probable toxic effect of Na2O for surrounding tissue by decreasing its percentage. Where, Sr2+ is characterized by its antibacterial properties, as well as, it induces formation of bone tissue and inhibits its resorption. The cell viability was studied for selected samples using Vero cells. As well as, antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus pneumonia, and Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The results showed that substitution of Na2O by SrO in glass composition decreased the glass dissolution in SBF. However, the glass dissolution increased after irradiation of such glass due to generation of nonbridgingoxygens (NBOs) throughout glass network by gamma irradiation, and this effect was more obvious for Sr‐contained glass. On the other hand, two selected Sr‐containing glasses (gamma irradiated at 0 and 25 kGy) showed a good ability to stimulate cell proliferation of normal fibroblast cells, as well as, they represented a potential ability to inhibit the growth of or kill bacteria, which is considered an important issue commonly found in a clinical situation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1646–1655, 2017.
In vitro evaluation of the biological compatibility and antibacterial activity of a bone substitute material consisting of silver‐doped hydroxyapatite and Bio‐Oss®
Authors: Gong Jingjue , Yang Lei , He Qi , Jiao Ting 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study evaluated biological compatibility and antibacterial activity of a bone substitute material consisting of silver‐doped hydroxyapatite (AgHA) and Bio‐Oss® with different mixture ratios in vitro and investigated its antibacterial mechanism. AgHA was synthesized by a chemical precipitation method. After characterization, AgHA was mixed with Bio‐Oss® at three ratios: 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 by weight. Then, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) were used to test the antibacterial activity of the mixture. Human periodontal ligament fibroblasts and rat bone marrow stromal cells were selected for cytocompatibility experiments. According to results, the peak value of the size of the AgHA was concentrated in the 100–200 nm range, and AgHA particles consisted of short rods. It was confirmed that the structure of AgHA was similar to that of standard hydroxyapatite. All three mixture ratios exhibited obvious antimicrobial properties, which increased with increasing AgHA. According to the effects on the expression of bacterial virulence genes, groups 1:1 and 1:2 both negatively affected Pg and Fn more significantly than group 1:4. Cytotoxicity experiments showed that 1:1 caused little cytotoxicity, while groups 1:2 and 1:4 exerted no significant cytotoxicity. Considering its biological compatibility and antibacterial activity, group 1:2 is the most recommended. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 410–420, 2018.