bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testicular oocytes in smallmouth bass in northeastern Minnesota in relation to varying levels of human activity
Authors: Kadlec Sarah M. , Johnson Rodney D. , Mount David R. , Olker Jennifer H. , Borkholder Brian D. , Schoff Patrick K. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

Testicular oocytes (TOs) have been found in black bass (Micropterus spp.) from many locations in North America. The presence of TOs is often assumed to imply exposure to estrogenic endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs); however, a definitive causal relationship has yet to be established, and TO prevalence is not consistently low in fish from areas lacking evident EDC sources. This might indicate any of a number of situations: 1) unknown or unidentified EDCs or EDC sources, 2) induction of TOs by other stressors, or 3) testicular oocytes occurring spontaneously during normal development. In the present study, we analyzed TO occurrence in smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) from 8 populations in northeastern Minnesota watersheds with differing degrees of human development and, hence, presumed likelihood of exposure to anthropogenic chemicals. Three watersheds were categorized as moderately developed, based on the presence of municipal wastewater discharges and higher human population density (4–81 per km2), and 5 watersheds were minimally developed, with very low human population density (0–1 per km2) and minimal built environment. Testicular tissues from mature fish were evaluated using a semiquantitative method that estimated TO density, normalized by cross-sectional area. Testicular oocyte prevalence and density among populations from moderately developed watersheds was higher than in populations from minimally developed watersheds. However, TO prevalence was unexpectedly high and variable (7–43%) in some populations from minimally developed watersheds, and only weak evidence was found for a relationship between TO density and watershed development, suggesting alternative or more complex explanations for TO presence in smallmouth bass from this region. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3424–3435. © 2017 SETAC
Simple methods to reduce major allergens Ara h 1 and Ana o 1/2 in peanut and cashew extracts
Authors: Chung Si‐Yin , Mattison Christopher P. , Grimm Casey C. , Reed Shawndrika 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWhole peanut or cashew extracts are usually used in immunotherapy. Reducing major allergen(s) in the extracts may lessen their side effects. Three methods were evaluated to reduce major allergens in peanut extracts: (1) p‐aminobenzamidine; (2) magnetic agarose beads; and (3) extraction of a commercial peanut flour at pH 7, respectively. The first two methods were also used to reduce major allergens in cashew extracts. After treatments, samples were evaluated by SDS‐PAGE. pABA‐treated samples were also analyzed for IgE binding in western blot. We found that the methods resulted in peanut extracts lacking detectable Ara h 1 but containing Ara h 2/6 and cashew extract lacking Ana o 1/2, but containing Ana o 3. Consequently, reduced IgE binding was observed. We conclude that the methods are useful for producing peanut or cashew extract with little Ara h 1 or Ana o 1/2.
Oxidative changes in lipids, proteins, and antioxidants in yogurt during the shelf life
Authors: Citta Anna , Folda Alessandra , Scalcon Valeria , Scutari Guido , Bindoli Alberto , Bellamio Marco , Feller Emiliano , Rigobello Maria Pia 
Published: July 2017

AbstractOxidation processes in milk and yogurt during the shelf life can result in an alteration of protein and lipid constituents. Therefore, the antioxidant properties of yogurt in standard conditions of preservation were evaluated. Total phenols, free radical scavenger activity, degree of lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation were determined in plain and skim yogurts with or without fruit puree. After production, plain, skim, plain berries, and skim berries yogurts were compared during the shelf life up to 9 weeks. All types of yogurts revealed a basal antioxidant activity that was higher when a fruit puree was present but gradually decreased during the shelf life. However, after 5–8 weeks, antioxidant activity increased again. Both in plain and berries yogurts lipid peroxidation increased until the seventh week of shelf life and after decreased, whereas protein oxidation of all yogurts was similar either in the absence or presence of berries and increased during shelf life. During the shelf life, a different behavior between lipid and protein oxidation takes place and the presence of berries determines a protection only against lipid peroxidation.
De‐extinction and Conservation
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E. , Jennings Bruce 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe are living in what is widely considered the sixth major extinction. Most ecologists believe that biodiversity is disappearing at an alarming rate, with up to 150 species going extinct per day according to scientists working with the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. Part of the reason the loss signified by biological extinction feels painful is that it seems irremediable. These creatures are gone, and there's nothing to be done about it. In recent years, however, the possibility has been broached that, just possibly, something can be done, in at least some cases. Human ingenuity, a contributing factor in the extinction crisis, might achieve their “de‐extinction”—in at least some cases, and with sometimes significant qualifications about whether the original species had been “recreated” and whether it could resume its original place in the environment.De‐extinction is an entry point into a larger set of questions about how biotechnological tools can support, coexist with, or undermine the goals of conservation and about the very meaning of conservation. Are we beings in control of the world or beings who prosper by accommodating ourselves to webs of symbiotic interdependencies? Are we creators or creatures, or both—and if both, then how can we achieve the balance between them that might be called humility? The interplay of perfecting and accommodating is not unique to human beings—perhaps it characterizes all forms of life on Earth—but with humans, these modes of being are distinctive, and our technology greatly expands their scale and effects. It is such questions that the ten essays in this special report explore.
De‐extinction and the Community of Being
Authors: Meine Curt 
Published: July 2017

AbstractExtinction deeply colors the way we think about conservation and the role of humans in nature. It is easy to overlook how recently, in fact, it has entered our consciousness. Only in the last two centuries has science sought to critically study life's origins, development, and diversification. Only in the last several generations have we identified and calibrated life's five major extinction events and speculated on their causes and effects. And only in recent decades have we come to appreciate the still‐unfolding fate of life's diversity under the increasing influence of humanity.The story of extinction has continually changed as this monumental process of interdisciplinary synthesis and imagination has unfolded. Geology, paleontology, taxonomy, biogeography, and evolutionary biology have allowed us to comprehend the deep temporal and broad spatial dynamics of the extinction story. Archaeology, cultural anthropology, and environmental and economic history have illuminated the role of humans in altering the trajectory of species, landscapes, and ecosystems over the millennia. Ecology, genetics, population biology, and conservation biology have revealed the more recent patterns in life's vulnerability and resilience. As a phenomenon, extinction is as old as life itself. As a story shaping our consciousness, values, and intentions, it is still new. And it is uncomfortable.
Reclaiming Hope in Extinction Storytelling
Authors: Kohl Patrice 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCritics often take conservationists to task for delivering a constant barrage of bad news without offering a compelling vision of the future. Could recent advances in synthetic biology—an optimistic, forward‐looking field with a can‐do attitude—let conservationists develop a new vision and generate some better news? Synthetic biology and related gene‐editing applications could be used to address threats to species. Genetic interventions might also be used in plants to better protect biodiversity in U.S. rangelands and forests. One possibility has stood out in its ability to capture media attention and the public imagination—recreating extinct species. And perhaps a de‐extinction story could counter the seemingly relentless negativity in biodiversity talk. De‐extinction proponent Stewart Brand writes that resurrecting species could shift the “conservation story … from negative to positive, from constant whining and guilt‐tripping to high fives and new excitement.” So, why do many people in conservation oppose the de‐extinction narrative? This essay is an inquiry into whether there are intrinsic social reactions to these types of conservation solutions that might offset their potential benefits. If genetic tools are to be applied to address conservation issues in a realistic and responsible way, their broader social‐cultural implications deserve far more attention than they have so far received.
De‐scenting Extinction: The Promise of De‐extinction May Hasten Continuing Extinctions
Authors: Campagna Claudio , Guevara Daniel , Le Boeuf Bernard 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAmong the most egregious and discouraging problems of conservation is the rapidly escalating human‐caused species extinction rate. “De‐extinction” refers to the application of certain cutting‐edge techniques for the supposed recovery of lost species and gives the impression that scientists, enlightened and empowered by the miracles of technology, are coming to the rescue. “De‐extinction” is the latest example of a long play of language that has given conservation efforts a tragically false sense of accomplishment and has worsened the conservation crisis. De‐extinction is the tip of an intellectual iceberg that sits atop of a host of profoundly questionable value systems, expectations, attitudes, and priorities that elude and bewitch critical reflection. It gives the impression that extinction is reversible and, thus, diminishes the gravity of the human annihilation of species. Here, we examine how the language of de‐extinction influences attitudes, shapes thoughts and imagination, and creates ethical blindness. The language developing around “de‐extinction” reveals what is in fact a profound intellectual crisis at the foundation of conservation. The underlying challenge is to find the language that will articulate and inspire the radical and indispensable change needed to come to grips with the value of nature.
Abnormal functional activation and maturation of ventromedial prefrontal cortex and cerebellum during temporal discounting in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Murphy Clodagh M. , Christakou Anastasia , Giampietro Vincent , Brammer Michael , Daly Eileen M. , Ecker Christine , Johnston Patrick , Spain Debbie , Robertson Dene M. ,   MRC AIMS Consortium, Murphy Declan G. , Rubia Katya 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPeople with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have poor decision‐making and temporal foresight. This may adversely impact on their everyday life, mental health, and productivity. However, the neural substrates underlying poor choice behavior in people with ASD, or its’ neurofunctional development from childhood to adulthood, are unknown. Despite evidence of atypical structural brain development in ASD, investigation of functional brain maturation in people with ASD is lacking. This cross‐sectional developmental fMRI study investigated the neural substrates underlying performance on a temporal discounting (TD) task in 38 healthy (11–35 years old) male adolescents and adults with ASD and 40 age, sex, and IQ‐matched typically developing healthy controls. Most importantly, we assessed group differences in the neurofunctional maturation of TD across childhood and adulthood. Males with ASD had significantly poorer task performance and significantly lower brain activation in typical regions that mediate TD for delayed choices, in predominantly right hemispheric regions of ventrolateral/dorsolateral prefrontal cortices, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, striatolimbic regions, and cerebellum. Importantly, differential activation in ventromedial frontal cortex and cerebellum was associated with abnormal functional brain maturation; controls, in contrast to people with ASD, showed progressively increasing activation with increasing age in these regions; which furthermore was associated with performance measures and clinical ASD measures (stereotyped/restricted interests). Findings provide first cross‐sectional evidence that reduced activation of TD mediating brain regions in people with ASD during TD is associated with abnormal functional brain development in these regions between childhood and adulthood, and this is related to poor task performance and clinical measures of ASD. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5343–5355, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonlinear robust adaptive control strategies for a lactic fermentation process
Authors: Petre Emil , Selişteanu Dan , Roman Monica 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis work addresses the design of robust adaptive control strategies for a lactic fermentation process carried out inside a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). This bioprocess is widely used in bioindustry for lactic acid production, and it is characterized by strong nonlinearities and uncertainties. Under the realistic assumption that the reaction kinetics and the influent flow rates are unknown and time‐varying, but lower and upper bounds of the uncertainties are known, two innovative robust adaptive control structures are proposed.RESULTSThe control strategies are designed by combining a linearizing control law with two novel parameter estimators able to estimate the unknown reaction rates. The first strategy uses a modified observer based estimator and the second one utilizes an interval parameter estimator. The control objective is to adjust the plant load so as to convert the glucose into lactic acid via fermentation, which is directly correlated with the economic aspects of lactic acid production. Numerical simulations are performed in order to validate the proposed solution.CONCLUSIONBy using the proposed control strategies the process is maintained at certain operating points that correspond to a maximum lactic production rate and a minimal residual glucose concentration. The simulations performed by considering various uncertainties and noisy measurement data show that the proposed novel robust adaptive controllers are suitable to control this kind of fermentation processes. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Pleurotus sajor‐caju can be used to synthesize silver nanoparticles with antifungal activity against Candida albicans
Authors: Musa Siti Fadhilah , Yeat Ting Seng , Kamal Laina Zarisa Mohd , Tabana Yasser M , Ahmed Mowaffaq Adam , El Ouweini Ahmad , Lim Vuanghao , Keong Lee Chee , Sandai Doblin 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDGreen synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has become widely practiced worldwide. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized using a hot‐water extract of the edible mushroom Pleurotus sajor‐caju. The product, PSC‐AgNPs, was characterized by using UV–visible spectra, dynamic light scattering analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry. To assess its antifungal activity against Candida albicans, gene transcription and protein expression analyses were conducted for CaICL1 and its product, ICL, using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively.RESULTSPSC‐AgNPs with an average particle size of 11.68 nm inhibited the growth of the pathogenic yeast C. albicans. Values for minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration were 250 and 500 mg L−1, respectively. TEM images revealed that the average particle size of PSC‐AgNPs was 16.8 nm, with the values for zeta potential and the polydispersity index being −8.54 mV and 0.137, respectively. XRD and FTIR spectra showed PSC‐AgNPs to have a face‐centered cubic crystalline structure. The polysaccharides and amino acid residues present in P. sajor‐caju extract were found to be involved in reducing Ag+ to AgNP. Both CaICL1 transcription and ICL protein expression were found to be suppressed in the cells treated with PSC‐AgNPs as compared with the control.CONCLUSIONOur PSC‐AgNP preparation makes for a promising antifungal agent that can downregulate isocitrate lyase. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Variation in passerine use of burned and hayed planted grasslands
Authors: Davis Stephen K. , Devries James H. , Armstrong Llwellyn M. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTCreation of grassland communities is a popular approach to conserve grassland‐nesting waterfowl and songbirds. Much uncertainty remains regarding the most appropriate seed mixtures and the type and frequency of management. We conducted line‐transect songbird surveys in grasslands converted from cropland to native and tame grass‐forb mixtures and managed by burning (native only) or haying (native and tame) in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Canada. Fields were 1–9 years post‐management (YPM). Our objective was to improve our understanding of the effects of management regime (native hayed, native burned and tame hayed fields) and frequency (YPM) on passerine density and occurrence in planted grassland. We found limited support for an effect of management regime on passerine density and occurrence in both provinces. Vesper sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) occurrence in Saskatchewan was greatest in tame hayed fields, and clay‐colored sparrow (Spizella pallida) density in Manitoba was greater in tame hayed fields than in native burned fields up to 5 YPM. Years post‐management most strongly influenced the occurrence of vesper sparrows in Saskatchewan and sedge wrens (Cistothorus platensis); common yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas); clay‐colored, Savannah (Passerculus sandwichensis), Le Conte's (Ammodramus leconteii), and Nelson's (A. nelsoni) sparrows; and bobolinks (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) in Manitoba. Five of the 8 species influenced by YPM exhibited a year‐dependent non‐linear response such that they reached their greatest density 4–5 YPM. Our results indicate that the type of stand (native or tame) or management (burning or haying) matters little to the grassland songbird community occupying planted cover fields and that the frequency of management will likely depend upon local environmental conditions in a given region or year. Some form of management of planted grasslands, however, should occur every 4–6 years to maintain habitat for a number of generalist grassland species. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Functional donor site morbidity longer than one year after fibula free flap: A prospective biomechanical analysis
Authors: Rendenbach Carsten , Rashad Ashkan , Hansen Lara , Kohlmeier Carsten , Dyck Moritz L. , Suling Anna , Assaf Alexandre T. , Amling Michael , Heiland Max , Wikner Johannes , Riecke Bjoern , Kreutzer Kilian 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe fibula free flap is the workhorse procedure for osseous reconstruction. The objective of this study was to investigate long‐term functional outcomes of the harvesting site.Patients and MethodsAbout 19 patients (10 male, 9 female, mean age 58.1 years) were available for the long‐term analysis 13–51 months after surgery. Jumping mechanography and balance testing on a ground force reaction plate (Leonardo Mechanograph GFRP) were performed before and surgery. The Esslinger Fitness Index (EFI, maximum peak power in W/kg normalized for age and gender) was considered as primary endpoint. Secondary outcomes were maximum force, range of motion in the ankle joint, sensory limitations, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS‐Score), and subjective perceptions.ResultsWe found no significant difference between pre‐ and postoperative EFI (70.4% versus 66.0%, P = 0.07) and body sway (1.72 cm2 versus 2.60 cm2, P = 0.093). The AOFAS‐Score was reduced by 8.8 points (99.1 points versus 90.3 points, P < 0.001). Dorsal extenstion (31.6° versus 24.1°, P < 0.001) and flexion (32.3 versus 25.6° flexion, P = 0.011) were significantly reduced and 6 patients had chronic pain.ConclusionsReduced peak power and balance ability seem to be reversible short‐term effects after fibula harvesting. We recommend preoperative patient education and standardized protocols for physiotherapy.
Classification of changes occurring in lung patient during radiotherapy using relative γ analysis and hidden Markov models
Authors: Varfalvy Nicolas , Piron Ophelie , Cyr Marc François , Dagnault Anne , Archambault Louis 
Published: July 2017

PurposeTo present a new automated patient classification method based on relative gamma analysis and hidden Markov models (HMM) to identify patients undergoing important anatomical changes during radiation therapy.MethodsDaily EPID images of every treatment field were acquired for 52 patients treated for lung cancer. In addition, CBCT were acquired on a regular basis. Gamma analysis was performed relative to the first fraction given that no significant anatomical change was observed on the CBCT of the first fraction compared to the planning CT. Several parameters were extracted from the gamma analysis (e.g., average gamma value, standard deviation, percent above 1). These parameters formed patient‐specific time series. Data from the first 24 patients were used as a training set for the HMM. The trained HMM was then applied to the remaining 28 patients and compared to manual clinical evaluation and fixed thresholds.ResultsA three‐category system was used for patient classification ranging from minor deviations (category 1) to severe deviations (category 3) from the treatment plan. Patient classified using the HMM lead to the same result as the classification made by a human expert 83% of the time. The HMM overestimate the category 10% of the time and underestimate 7% of the time. Both methods never disagree by more than one category. In addition, the information provided by the HMM is richer than the simple threshold‐based approach. HMM provides information on the likelihood that a patient will improve or deteriorate as well as the expected time the patient will remain in that state.ConclusionWe showed a method to classify patients during the course of radiotherapy based on relative changes in EPID images and a hidden Markov model. Information obtained through this automated classification can complement the clinical information collected during treatment and help identify patients in need of a plan adaptation.
High‐performance starch/clay bionanocomposite for textile warp sizing
Authors: Zhou Mi , Gao Ming , Kong Qin‐ming , Zhu Pu‐xin 
Published: July 2017

In this study, an oxidized starch (OS)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposite was prepared via a solution intercalation method. Before incorporating MMT into OS, MMT was organically modified with 20 wt% of octadecyl dimethyl tertiary amine followed by a hydrophilic ball‐milling treatment in the presence of urea, ethanol, and formaldehyde (two‐step processing technique). X‐ray diffraction revealed that the interlayer spacing of the MMT expanded from 1.29 to 2.00 nm after the organic modification and MMT turned into an exfoliated state after the hydrophilic treatment and the solution intercalation, which was also confirmed by transmission electron microscope result. Owing to the interaction between OS and the silicate layers, the hygroscopicity of the obtained nanocomposite decreased and the mechanical properties were improved. Our work demonstrates that the two‐step processing technique is a promising method for modifying MMT nanofillers and preparing starch/MMT nanocomposites, which paves a way for preparing other polar polymer‐based nanocomposites and developing environment‐friendly textile sizing materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E441–E447, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers