bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of density‐dependent competition on foraging and migratory behavior of a subtropical colonial seabird
Authors: Lamb Juliet S. , Satgé Yvan G. , Jodice Patrick G. R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDensity‐dependent competition for food resources influences both foraging ecology and reproduction in a variety of animals. The relationship between colony size, local prey depletion, and reproductive output in colonial central‐place foragers has been extensively studied in seabirds; however, most studies have focused on effects of intraspecific competition during the breeding season, while little is known about whether density‐dependent resource depletion influences individual migratory behavior outside the breeding season. Using breeding colony size as a surrogate for intraspecific resource competition, we tested for effects of colony size on breeding home range, nestling health, and migratory patterns of a nearshore colonial seabird, the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), originating from seven breeding colonies of varying sizes in the subtropical northern Gulf of Mexico. We found evidence for density‐dependent effects on foraging behavior during the breeding season, as individual foraging areas increased linearly with the number of breeding pairs per colony. Contrary to our predictions, however, nestlings from more numerous colonies with larger foraging ranges did not experience either decreased condition or increased stress. During nonbreeding, individuals from larger colonies were more likely to migrate, and traveled longer distances, than individuals from smaller colonies, indicating that the influence of density‐dependent effects on distribution persists into the nonbreeding period. We also found significant effects of individual physical condition, particularly body size, on migratory behavior, which in combination with colony size suggesting that dominant individuals remain closer to breeding sites during winter. We conclude that density‐dependent competition may be an important driver of both the extent of foraging ranges and the degree of migration exhibited by brown pelicans. However, the effects of density‐dependent competition on breeding success and population regulation remain uncertain in this system.
Lower than expected burden of premature ventricular contractions impairs myocardial function
Authors: Lie Øyvind H. , Saberniak Jørg , Dejgaard Lars A. , Stokke Mathis K. , Hegbom Finn , Anfinsen Ole‐Gunnar , Edvardsen Thor , Haugaa Kristina H. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimsWe aimed to explore the burden of frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) associated with myocardial dysfunction in patients with outflow tract arrhythmia (OTA). We hypothesized that this threshold is lower than the previously suggested threshold of 24 000 PVCs/24 h (24%PVC) when systolic function is assessed by strain echocardiography. Furthermore, we aimed to characterize OTA patients with malignant arrhythmic events.Methods and resultsWe included 52 patients referred for OTA ablation (46 ± 12 years, 58% female). Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) and mechanical dispersion were assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography. A subset underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. PVC burden (%PVC) was assessed by Holter recording. Sinus rhythm QRS duration and PVC QRS duration were recorded from electrocardiogram, and the ratio was calculated (PVC QRS duration / sinus rhythm QRS duration). Median %PVC was 7.2 (0.2–60.0%). %PVC correlated with GLS (R = 0.44, P = 0.002) and with mechanical dispersion (R = 0.48, P < 0.001), but not with ejection fraction (R = 0.22, P = 0.12). %PVC was higher in patients with impaired systolic function by GLS (worse than −18%) compared with patients with normal function (22% vs. 5%, P = 0.001). Greater than 8%PVC optimally identified patients with abnormal GLS (area under the curve 0.79). Serious arrhythmic events occurred in 11/52 (21%) patients characterized by high QRS ratios (1.56 vs. 1.91, P < 0.001).ConclusionsMore than 8%PVC was associated with impaired systolic function by GLS, which is a lower threshold than previously reported. Patients with serious arrhythmic events had higher QRS ratios, which may represent a more malignant phenotype of OTA.
Human neonatal thymectomy induces altered B‐cell responses and autoreactivity
Authors: van den Broek Theo , Madi Asaf , Delemarre Eveline M. , Schadenberg Alvin W. L. , Tesselaar Kiki , Borghans José A. M. , Nierkens Stefan , Redegeld Frank A. , Otten Henny G. , Rossetti Maura , Albani Salvatore , Sorek Rachel , Cohen Irun R. , Jansen Nicolaas J. G. , van Wijk Femke 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAn association between T‐cell lymphopenia and autoimmunity has long been proposed, but it remains to be elucidated whether T‐cell lymphopenia affects B‐cell responses to autoantigens. Human neonatal thymectomy (Tx) results in a decrease in T‐cell numbers and we used this model to study the development of autoreactivity. Two cohorts of neonatally thymectomized individuals were examined, a cohort of young (1–5 years post‐Tx, n = 10–27) and older children (>10 years, n = 26), and compared to healthy age‐matched controls. T‐cell and B‐cell subsets were assessed and autoantibody profiling performed. Early post‐Tx, a decrease in T‐cell numbers (2.75 × 109/L vs. 0.71 × 109/L) and an increased proportion of memory T cells (19.72 vs. 57.43%) were observed. The presence of autoantibodies was correlated with an increased proportion of memory T cells in thymectomized children. No differences were seen in percentages of different B‐cell subsets between the groups. The autoantigen microarray showed a skewed autoantibody response after Tx. In the cohort of older individuals, autoantibodies were present in 62% of the thymectomized children, while they were found in only 33% of the healthy controls. Overall, our data suggest that neonatal Tx skews the autoantibody profile. Preferential expansion and preservation of Treg (regulatory T) cell stability and function, may contribute to preventing autoimmune disease development after Tx.
Of self‐lipids, CD1‐restricted T cells, and contact sensitization
Authors: Casorati Giulia , Dellabona Paolo 
Published: July 2017

Contact hypersensitivity (CHS) in rodents and contact dermatitis in humans are long‐known pathological conditions caused by MHC‐restricted T‐cell responses. These responses are triggered upon T‐cell recognition of neo‐antigenic determinants, which are generated by a variety of environmental contact sensitizer (CS) chemicals associating with self‐proteins to comprise these neo‐antigens. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Betts et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2017. 47: 1171–1180] provide intriguing data implying that common small molecule CSs such as dinitrochlorobenzene can also recruit and activate autoreactive CD1‐restricted T cells specific for cell‐endogenous lipids, which are enriched in human skin. The effects of dinitrochlorobenzene on CD1 T‐cell recruitment and function were dependent on newly synthesized CD1 molecules and the presence of endogenous lipids. These findings shed new light on unanticipated mechanisms that have potential clinical relevance on a common and highly distressing disease state.
Effects of exposure to alcohol‐related cues on racial discrimination
Authors: Stepanova Elena V. , Bartholow Bruce D. , Saults J. Scott , Friedman Ronald S. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPrior research has shown that exposure to alcohol‐related images exacerbates expression of implicit racial biases, and that brief exposure to alcohol‐related words increases aggressive responses. However, the potential for alcohol cue exposure to elicit differential aggression against a Black (outgroup) relative to a White (ingroup) target—that is, racial discrimination—has never been investigated. Here, we found that White participants (N = 92) exposed to alcohol‐related words made harsher judgments of a Black experimenter who had frustrated them than participants who were exposed to nonalcohol words. These findings suggest that exposure to alcohol cues increases discriminatory behaviors toward Blacks.
Real‐time Selective Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide Based on a Tantalum Deposited Pencil Lead Electrode for Evaluation of Enzyme Activities
Authors: Jo Ara , Lee Youngmi , Lee Chongmok 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn this study, we have carried out electrodeposition of tantalum (Ta) nanostructures on pencil lead electrode in non‐aqueous media at room temperature by applying a constant potential. The deposited Ta on pencil lead was examined for the catalytic effect regarding hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) reduction with voltammetry and amperometry. Ta/pencil lead electrode exhibited amperometric sensitivity of 0.317 μA mM−1 cm−2 and fast response time of 0.75 s, where selective detection of H2O2 was fulfilled without interruption from common electroactive biomaterials such as O2, uric acid, ascorbic acid, dopamine, acetamidophenol, and glucose. For practical applications, the dynamic concentration changes of H2O2 during catalase and glucose oxidase‐involved reactions, either eliminating or producing H2O2, were successfully traced in real time with as‐prepared electrode. From the kinetics study for catalase and glucose oxidase, we evaluated Michaelis constants (Kmapp) as 7.8 mM for catalase and 37 mM for glucose oxidase, respectively.
Comparison of fully wettable RPLC stationary phases for LC‐MS‐based cellular metabolomics
Authors: Si‐Hung Le , Causon Tim J. , Hann Stephan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractReversed‐phase LC combined with high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) is one of the most popular methods for cellular metabolomics studies. Due to the difficulties in analyzing a wide range of polarities encountered in the metabolome, 100%‐wettable reversed‐phase materials are frequently used to maximize metabolome coverage within a single analysis. Packed with silica‐based sub‐3 μm diameter particles, these columns allow high separation efficiency and offer a reasonable compromise for metabolome coverage within a single analysis. While direct performance comparison can be made using classical chromatographic characterization approaches, a comprehensive assessment of the column's performance for cellular metabolomics requires use of a full LC‐HRMS workflow in order to reflect realistic study conditions used for cellular metabolomics. In this study, a comparison of several reversed‐phase LC columns for metabolome analysis using such a dedicated workflow is presented. All columns were tested under the same analytical conditions on an LC‐TOF‐MS platform using a variety of authentic metabolite standards and biotechnologically relevant yeast cell extracts. Data on total workflow performance including retention behavior, peak capacity, coverage, and molecular feature extraction repeatability from these columns are presented with consideration for both nontargeted screening and differential metabolomics workflows using authentic standards and Pichia pastoris cell extract samples.
Serie: Migration und Flucht ‐ Perspektiven der Forschung / Teil 2
Authors: Unterstell Rembert 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDer Mensch ist einer, der wandert – und die Geschichte der Menschheit ist (auch) eine Geschichte der Migration. Der zweite Teil unserer Serie mit Perspektiven der Forschung auf Migration und Flucht rückt die historische Dimension in den Blick – und das Unterwegs–Sein als Teil der conditio humana. Wir besuchen eine neu eröffnete Ausstellung, die mit Ergebnissen eines Kölner Sonderforschungsbereichs der Frage nachgeht, wie der Mensch von Afrika nach Europa kam. Und wir werfen einen kurzen Blick auf weitere ausgewählte DFG‐Projekte zum Themenfeld.
Development of a soil moisture‐based distributed hydrologic model for determining hydrologically based critical source areas
Authors: Li Sisi , Gitau Margaret , Bosch David , Engel Bernard A. , Zhang Liang , Du Yun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA simple grid cell‐based distributed hydrologic model was developed to provide spatial information on hydrologic components for determining hydrologically based critical source areas. The model represents the critical process (soil moisture variation) to run‐off generation accounting for both local and global water balance. In this way, it simulates both infiltration excess run‐off and saturation excess run‐off. The model was tested by multisite and multivariable evaluation on the 50‐km2 Little River Experimental Watershed I in Georgia, U.S. and 2 smaller nested subwatersheds. Water balance, hydrograph, and soil moisture were simulated and compared to observed data. For streamflow calibration, the daily Nash‐Sutcliffe coefficient was 0.78 at the watershed outlet and 0.56 and 0.75 at the 2 nested subwatersheds. For the validation period, the Nash‐Sutcliffe coefficients were 0.79 at the watershed outlet and 0.85 and 0.83 at the 2 subwatersheds. The per cent bias was less than 15% for all sites. For soil moisture, the model also predicted the rising and declining trends at 4 of the 5 measurement sites. The spatial distribution of surface run‐off simulated by the model was mainly controlled by local characteristics (precipitation, soil properties, and land cover) on dry days and by global watershed characteristics (relative position within the watershed and hydrologic connectivity) on wet days when saturation excess run‐off was simulated. The spatial details of run‐off generation and travel time along flow paths provided by the model are helpful for watershed managers to further identify critical source areas of non‐point source pollution and develop best management practices.
Lateral water flux in the unsaturated zone: A mechanism for the formation of spatial soil heterogeneity in a headwater catchment
Authors: Gannon John P. , McGuire Kevin J. , Bailey Scott W. , Bourgault Rebecca R. , Ross Donald S. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMeasurements of soil water potential and water table fluctuations suggest that morphologically distinct soils in a headwater catchment at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire formed as a result of variations in saturated and unsaturated hydrologic fluxes in the mineral soil. Previous work showed that each group of these soils had distinct water table fluctuations in response to precipitation; however, observed variations in soil morphology also occurred above the maximum height of observed saturation. Variations in unsaturated fluxes have been hypothesized to explain differences in soil horizon thickness and presence/absence of specific horizons but have not been explicitly investigated. We examined tensiometer and shallow groundwater well records to identify differences in unsaturated water fluxes among podzols that show distinct morphological and chemical differences. The lack of vertical hydraulic gradients at the study sites suggests that lateral unsaturated flow occurs in several of the soil units. We propose that the variations in soil horizon thickness and presence/absence observed at the site are due in part to slope‐parallel water flux in the unsaturated portion of the solum. In addition, unsaturated flow may be involved in the translocation of spodic material that primes those areas to contribute water with distinct chemistry to the stream network and represents a potential source/sink of organometallic compounds in the landscape.
Alphas in disguise: A new approach to uncovering them
Authors: Chinthalapati Venkata , Mateus Cesario , Todorovic Natasa 
Published: July 2017

AbstractFour‐factor Carhart alphas of passive indices should be zero, but recent empirical evidence shows otherwise. We propose an optimization algorithm that makes small (fixed) adjustments to the time series of the market, size, value, and momentum factors, which ensures a zero alpha for any (single) self‐designated benchmark index of a mutual fund. Our “adjusted factors” can then be used to estimate a mutual fund's “adjusted alpha.” We test this methodology on a sample of 1,281 active and 102 tracker U.S. equity mutual funds (reporting S&P 500 index as their prospectus benchmark). Our time series adjustment of the Carhart 4 factors leads to an increase (decrease) in a fund's “adjusted alpha” in periods of fund‐benchmark underperformance (outperformance). On the whole, our “adjusted alphas” of both active and tracker funds are statistically significantly negative. This is particularly pronounced for tracker funds.
Bilirubin coating attenuates the inflammatory response to everolimus‐coated stents
Authors: Bae In‐Ho , Park Dae Sung , Lee So‐Youn , Jang Eun‐Jae , Shim Jae‐Won , Lim Kyung‐Seob , Park Jun‐Kyu , Kim Ju Han , Sim Doo Sun , Jeong Myung Ho 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of bilirubin‐ and/or everolimus (EVL)‐coated stents to prevent arterial neointimal hyperplasia and inflammation in vitro and in vivo. The stents were prepared by spray coating bare metal stents (BMS) with bilirubin and/or EVL. Study groups were divided into (1) BMS, (2) bilirubin‐coated stents (BES), (3) commercialized stents (Synergy™; EES), and (4) bilirubin/EVL‐coated stents (B‐EES). The coating thickness and drug release rates were comparable to previous reports (i.e., <4 µm thickness and 50% drug release in 7 days). Smooth muscle cell migration was inhibited in both EVL‐containing groups (20.5 ± 3.80% in EES and 18.4 ± 2.55% in B‐EES) compared to the non‐EVL‐containing groups (78.0 ± 6.41% in BMS and 76.1 ± 4.88% in BES) (n = 10, p < 0.05). Stents were randomly implanted to 40 coronary arteries in 20 pigs and subjected to various analyses after 4 weeks of implantation. As results, the inflammation score was dramatically increased in the EES group (2.1 ± 0.42) compared to that of the other groups (1.5 ± 0.55, 1.3 ± 0.23, and 1.5 ± 0.27 for BMS, BES, and B‐EES, respectively, n = 10, p < 0.05). Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that inflammation was prevented in the bilirubin‐containing groups (BES and B‐EES). However, the percent area of restenosis was decreased in the EVL‐containing groups (20.5 ± 4.11% for EES and 18.4 ± 3.61% for B‐EES) compared to the non‐EVL‐containing groups (32.3 ± 6.41% for BMS and 29.6 ± 5.95% for BES, n = 10, p < 0.05). The percent areas of restenosis determined by histopathology, optical coherence tomography, and micro‐computed tomography were consistent. In addition, the stent was barely covered in the EES and B‐EES groups at 4 weeks postimplantation. These dual drug‐coated stents may be especially beneficial to patients who have an increased risk of inflammation. These stents have great potential for use in cardiovascular applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1486–1495, 2018.
Intra‐ and Intersexual swim bladder dimorphisms in the plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus): Implications of swim bladder proximity to the inner ear for sound pressure detection
Authors: Mohr Robert A. , Whitchurch Elizabeth A. , Anderson Ryan D. , Forlano Paul M. , Fay Richard R. , Ketten Darlene R. , Cox Timothy C. , Sisneros Joseph A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe plainfin midshipman fish, Porichthys notatus, is a nocturnal marine teleost that uses social acoustic signals for communication during the breeding season. Nesting type I males produce multiharmonic advertisement calls by contracting their swim bladder sonic muscles to attract females for courtship and spawning while subsequently attracting cuckholding type II males. Here, we report intra‐ and intersexual dimorphisms of the swim bladder in a vocal teleost fish and detail the swim bladder dimorphisms in the three sexual phenotypes (females, type I and II males) of plainfin midshipman fish. Micro‐computerized tomography revealed that females and type II males have prominent, horn‐like rostral swim bladder extensions that project toward the inner ear end organs (saccule, lagena, and utricle). The rostral swim bladder extensions were longer, and the distance between these swim bladder extensions and each inner‐ear end organ type was significantly shorter in both females and type II males compared to that in type I males. Our results revealed that the normalized swim bladder length of females and type II males was longer than that in type I males while there was no difference in normalized swim bladder width among the three sexual phenotypes. We predict that these intrasexual and intersexual differences in swim bladder morphology among midshipman sexual phenotypes will afford greater sound pressure sensitivity and higher frequency detection in females and type II males and facilitate the detection and localization of conspecifics in shallow water environments, like those in which midshipman breed and nest.
The morphology of the male reproductive system, spermatogenesis and the spermatozoon of Daphnia magna (Crustacea: Branchiopoda)
Authors: Wuerz Maggie , Huebner Erwin , Huebner Judith 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis study analyses the histological and cellular morphology of the testis and sperm development in the male Daphnia magna Straus 1820. Due to the rarity of males and predominately parthenogenetic lifecycle of Daphnia, there has been limited detailed information on males in contrast to the well‐studied female. Using light and electron microscopy approaches, we describe the morphology of the testis during the progression from an immature to mature testis. The testis has an encasing muscular mesh sheath outside the basal lamina, beneath which is a thin somatic epithelial cell layer. Internal to the epithelium are the spermatogonial stem cells and subsequent syncytial clusters of the germ cells as they progress through spermatogenesis; spermatozoa occupy the entire testis in sexually mature D. magna. We describe the structure of developing and mature spermatozoa; mature spermatozoa are non‐flagellated, ovoid in shape with plasmalemma filapodia and are encased in an extracellular capsule.
Application of vector immune system to distribution network reconfiguration
Authors: Ferrero Simone , Freschi Fabio , Pons Enrico , Repetto Maurizio 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDistributed energy generation facilities, often based on renewable energy sources, have changed the classical management of Distribution Networks. Optimisation tools are useful to change the grid configuration improving its capability and exploiting an optimal flow of power within the network. There are different criteria for the evaluation of the network performance like losses, voltage profile, and reliability indicators that are often in contrast, requiring thus a multiobjective optimisation. Network reconfiguration by changing its topology is a technique that leads to a combinatorial formulation. The Vector Immune System algorithm can be adapted to deal with this issue and has been applied to the definition of the network reconfiguration with original implementations for the generation of the first population and for the mutation operator. Results on an industrial example are presented.