bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
R-Package BIOdry: DendroClimatic Modeling from Multilevel
Ecological Data Series
Authors: Lara Wilson , Bogino Stella , Bravo Felipe
Published: January 2017

Abstract. R-package BIOdry is developed to consider ecological factors in dendroclimatic modeling of forest ecosystems. The package processes Multilevel ecological data series (MEDS) with two functions: modelFrame and muleMan. These integrate techniques for modeling Tree-rings in wood (TRW) chronologies and climatic series at specific ecological-factor levels (one-level modeling), developing multilevel analysis (mixed-effects detrending), and implementing multivariate comparison of MEDS. Several one-level functions for serial synchronization, drought modeling and allometric scaling are implemented to model tree-diameter growth and drought of Iberian pine forests (Pinus pinaster Ait.). Trends in the dendroclimatic MEDS are subtracted with in-package detrending methods. Extracted fluctuations are normalized with lme methods. Finally, enhancements in dendroclimatic modeling by accounting for ecological factors are tested. We conclude that BIOdry package is an useful tool for studying complex ecological time-space relationships.
Patterns in Woody Vegetation Structure across African Savannas
Authors: Axelsson Christoffer R. , Hanan Niall P.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Vegetation structure in water-limited systems is to a large degree controlled by ecohydrological processes, including mean annual precipitation (MAP) modulated by the characteristics of precipitation and geomorphology that collectively determine how rainfall is distributed vertically into soils or horizontally in the landscape. We anticipate that woody canopy cover, crown density, crown size, and the spatial distribution of woody plants in the landscape, will vary across environmental gradients. Exploring these trends can extend our knowledge of how semi-arid vegetation structure is constrained by rainfall regime, soil type, topography, and disturbance processes such as fire. However, a lack of data on woody vegetation structure across African savannas has so far prevented a thorough analysis of their relationships with abiotic factors. Using high spatial resolution imagery, a flexible classification framework, and a crown delineation method, we extracted woody vegetation properties from 876 sites spread over African savannas. At each site, we estimated woody cover, mean crown size, crown density, and the degree of aggregation among woody plants. This enables us to elucidate the effects of rainfall regimes (MAP and seasonality), soil texture, slope, and fire frequency on woody vegetation properties. We estimate trends in mean crown size across the African savanna rainfall gradient and show that previously documented increases in woody vegetation cover with rainfall is more consistently a result of increasing crown size than increasing density of woody plants. We also find a unimodal relationship between mean crown size and sand content suggesting that maximal savanna tree-sizes do not occur in either coarse sands or heavy clays. When examining the occurrence of periodic vegetation patterns (PVPs), we find that the same factors that contribute to the formation of PVPs also correlate with higher levels of woody plant aggregation elsewhere in savannas and that rainfall seasonality plays a key role for the underlying processes.
Time series analysis of ground-based microwave measurements at K- and V-bands to detect temporal changes in water vapor and temperature profiles
Authors: Panda Sibananda , Sahoo Swaroop , Pandithurai Govindan
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Ground-based microwave measurements performed at water vapor and oxygen absorption line frequencies are widely used for remote sensing of tropospheric water vapor density and temperature profiles, respectively. Recent work has shown that Bayesian optimal estimation can be used for improving accuracy of radiometer retrieved water vapor and temperature profiles. This paper focuses on using Bayesian optimal estimation along with time series of independent frequency measurements at K- and V-bands. The measurements are used along with statistically significant but short background data sets to retrieve and sense temporal variations and gradients in water vapor and temperature profiles. To study this capability, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) deployed a microwave radiometer at Mahabubnagar, Telangana, during August 2011 as part of the Integrated Ground Campaign during the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX-IGOC). In this study, temperature profiles for the first time have been estimated using short but statistically significant background information so as to improve the accuracy of the retrieved profiles as well as to be able to detect gradients. Estimated water vapor and temperature profiles are compared with those taken from the reanalysis data updated by the Earth System Research Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to determine the range of possible errors. Similarly, root mean square errors are evaluated for a month for water vapor and temperature profiles to estimate the accuracy of the retrievals. It is found that water vapor and temperature profiles can be estimated with an acceptable accuracy by using a background information data set compiled over a period of 1 month.
Simulations and observation of nonlinear waves on the continental
shelf: KdV solutions
Authors: O'Driscoll Kieran , Levine Murray
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Numerical solutions of the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) and extended Korteweg-de Vries (eKdV) equations are used to model the transformation of a sinusoidal internal tide as it propagates across the continental shelf. The ocean is idealized as being a two-layer fluid, justified by the fact that most of the oceanic internal wave signal is contained in the gravest mode. The model accounts for nonlinear and dispersive effects but neglects friction, rotation, and mean shear. The KdV model is run for a variety of idealized stratifications and unique realistic topographies to study the role of the nonlinear and dispersive effects. In all model solutions the internal tide steepens forming a sharp front from which a packet of nonlinear solitary-like waves evolves. Comparisons between KdV and eKdV solutions is explored. The model results for realistic topography and stratification are compared with observations made at moorings off Massachusetts in the Mid Atlantic Bight. Some features of the observations compare well with the model. The leading face of the internal tide steepens to form a shock like front, while nonlinear high frequency waves evolve shortly after the appearance of the jump. Although not rank ordered, the wave of maximum amplitude is always close to the jump. Some features of the observations are not found in the model. Nonlinear waves can be very widely spaced and persist over a tidal period.
Waqf Corporate Role to Enhance the Social Entrepreneurship in the Egyptian Community: Problems and Remedies
Authors: El Awagy Omran Aly
Published: January 2017

For decades, Egypt -as many developing counties- suffers from various social issues as poverty, illiteracy and the decline of public service provision as healthcare, education, potable water and sewage. In spite of all the consecutive government efforts to confront such social dilemmas, the constituents of different locality in Egypt still feel the discrepancy and decay of quality for many social services proposed by the government.In fact, many challenges are hindering the government strategic path to overcome such social issues as the scarcity of financial and physical resources, deplorable bureaucracy crippled by red tapes, lack of competent human resources, escalated number of population and embedded corruption. Thereby, the people whined from social injustice due to the government failure in realizing a just national wealth distribution.    Hence, social entrepreneurship emerged -from the twentieth century endings- as an alternate option to resolve inadequate government performance and to improve the quality and the delivery of social services. Whereby, this can be realized by mobilizing personal properties to be allocated to public affairs in the context of people cooperation and voluntary participation values. Such process of social entrepreneurship had to take place within an entity/corporation -as non-governmental organizations NGOs- (social entrepreneur) able to manage its activities effectively realizing an adequate  model of  actions within the organization (intrapreneurship/internal entrepreneurship). This paper, therefore, explores, discusses and analyzes the role of waqf corporate as a good example for social entrepreneurs who have played a significant role of providing opportunities in sharing the government’s fiscal needs and improving the communities and nation welfare throughout history in many countries. Waqf corporate has a potential to become one of the effective tools regarding the socioeconomic realm in the Egyptian community; whereby it can benefit the community in term of education, health care, national security, social justice, transportation facilities, basic infrastructure, foods and job opportunities.   Keywords: Corporate waqf, Social entrepreneurship, Intrapreneurship, Egyptian community.
Do Social Safety Net Policies Reduce Poverty in Bangladesh? Understanding Perception of State Philosophy in Swimming across the Tide
Authors: Deb Apu , Alam Masum , Islam Mohammad Jewel , Rahman Muhammad Muklisur
Published: January 2017

Bangladesh is a populated country and most of the people live below the poverty line. After the independence of Bangladesh in 1980s safety net programmes has been adopted to reduce poverty from Bangladesh. At present 30 social safety net programmes are now operation in Bangladesh. The objective of the study is to find challenges ahead to implement Social Safety Net (SSN) programmes that initiated to reduce poverty at rural areas specially. The article is based on content analysis method and secondary data has been used to conduct the study. The study found that there is various weakness in social safety net policies. There is lack of integration and coordination among different safety net programmes and providers. Political stability is one of the great obstacle to fulfill the ultimate goal of safety net programmes. The extent, nature and mechanism of safety net programs change with the change of government. Besides this, corruption, shortage of budget etc hinder the implementation of safety net programmes. However, high political commitment, increase allocation, better targeting beneficiary, involvement of NGOs, civil society, monitoring and overseeing, reduction of corruption should be ensured.
History and Challenges of U.S. Immigration Policymaking
Authors: Haensel Kira , Garcia-Zamor Jean-Claude
Published: January 2017

This article reviews the history of immigration policy in the U.S. and discusses different domestic measures that benefited the country’s economy.  It examines the current controversy created by the presence of large number of illegal immigrants. It provides a brief overview of the development of U.S. immigration policy, pointing out events that led to a change in the said policies and to the restrictive measures adopted.  It addresses the question of how the borders can be controlled and looks at previously implemented strategies and their outcomes as well as their sometimes unforeseen consequences.   The article furthermore addresses the question of what effects immigration has on the U.S. and who profits from it. Finally, in this article, the battle over immigration policy in congress is discussed. The point made is that the reason for the slow progress in immigration policy is the lack of consensus in congress for a coherent immigration policy.
DEMONSTRATIVO DE VANTAGENS ECONÔMICAS E DE EMISSÕES DE GASES DE EFEITO ESTUFA NA OPÇÃO POR ETANOL NOS ABASTECIMENTOS DE VEÍCULOS FLEX-FUEL
Authors: Graminho Cláudio Silva , Dullius Alexandre
Published: January 2017

A diferença entre o preço do combustível no abastecimento de uma frota de veículos flex-fuel com etanol ou com gasolina não deve ser o principal quesito na escolha do combustível empregado. Utilizando os dados de abastecimento de um conjunto de um pool de veículos flex-fuel de uma grande empresa durante todo o ano de 2014, onde se utilizou majoritariamente a opção da gasolina como combustível. Este trabalho propõe uma metodologia para o cálculo da diferença entre os preços no abastecimento e entre a quantidade de emissões de gases de efeito estufa gerados tanto pelo uso misto de combustíveis, quanto pelo uso exclusivo do etanol hidratado estimado para se percorrer a mesma distância. Também se estabeleceu uma relação entre a diferença de preços por litro dos dois combustíveis e a economia gerada. Por fim, conclui-se que há realmente vantagens financeiras e ambientais na adoção da preferência ao biocombustível. Com o estudo, acredita-se na contribuição com as discussões voltadas à temática em foco e na orientação na tomada de decisões políticas e econômicas voltadas à utilização de etanol, bem como para políticas de sustentabilidade.
SOFTWARE EDUCACIONAL PARA O ENSINO DE INVENTÁRIO FLORESTAL
Authors: Wandresen Rafael Romualdo , Koehler Henrique Soares , Péllico Netto Sylvio , Sanquetta Carlos Roberto
Published: January 2017

Os processos de amostragem correspondem a um importante conteúdo na disciplina de Inventário Florestal dos cursos de Engenharia Florestal. Este artigo demonstra o desenvolvimento e o uso de um software de aprendizado que propõe ao estudante o exercício de 16 processos de amostragem diferentes. A aplicação desenvolvida não precisa ser instalada e é acessada pela Internet. Os dados utilizados são gerados individualmente para cada aluno e a correção dos exercícios é realizada de forma automática. O modelo APDIA (Análise, Projeto, Desenvolvimento, Implementação e Avaliação) e a técnica de prototipagem da Engenharia de Software foram utilizados na construção desta aplicação. Utilizou-se a pesquisa avaliativa, por meio de um questionário que foi aplicado aos alunos da disciplina de Inventário Florestal, do curso de graduação em Engenharia Florestal da Universidade Federal do Paraná. Essa avaliação revelou que a percepção dos alunos foi positiva em relação ao software nos seguintes critérios: benefício educacional, facilidade de uso e interesse futuro. O sistema de pontuação do software teve a concordância parcial entre os alunos.
USING DIAMETER VARIATION INDEX OF PIONEER SPECIES FOR CLASSIFICATION AND MODELING TROPICAL FOREST YIELD
Authors: Nascimento Rodrigo Geroni Mendes , Machado Sebastião Do Amaral , Figueiredo Filho Afonso , Higuchi Niro
Published: January 2017

This study sought to classify the productivity of a representative area of tropical forest, as well as to analyze the relationship between the structural variability of pioneer species and the yield of three management regimes. The study area is located at the Tropical Forestry Experimental Station belonging to INPA (National Institute for Amazon Research), approximately 90 km from downtown Manaus, in the State of Amazonas, Brazil. Data were collected from twelve 1 ha sample plots. Diameter was measured annually for all individuals with DBH  10 cm between the years 1990 and 2008. Pioneer species served as the basis for calculating the Diameter Variability Index VI% over time. Three classes of variability were established according to the guide curve technique used for site classification by the dominant height. Biological and probabilistic functions were used to model VI% as a function of time of exploitation, as well as the volumetric yield over time as a function of VI%. There is an inverse relationship between VI% and yield, which allows classification of site yield and conception of global yield models to which present good statistics of precision and adjustment, allowing the prediction of productivity and their dynamics throughout the time.
Body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy, and birth outcomes in women with self-report eating disorder traits
Authors: Broussard Brenda Beverly
Published: January 2017

Objective: To investigate body mass index (BMI), weight gain during pregnancy, and birth outcomes among postpartum women with self-report psychological traits associated with eating disorders.Methods: A retrospective descriptive design was used to collect self-report eating disorder traits among a convenience sample of 54 postpartum women 19 to 43 years of age from a large hospital in the Pacific Northwest. Participants voluntarily completed a demographic form and Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) prior to discharge. EDI-3 risk scale scores (EDRS) were used to identify probable eating disorders. Medical records were reviewed for eating disorder history, BMI, weight gain during pregnancy, and birth outcomes.Results: Fifteen (27.8%) participants EDRS suggested the presence of an eating disorder, while one of the 54 medical records (1.85%) indicated a previous history. Women with self-report psychological traits associated with eating disorders and complete prenatal records inclusive of height and preconception weight (n = 10) had a mean BMI of 29.6 (clinically overweight/pre-obese). Of this subgroup, 60% (n = 6) gained more weight during pregnancy than recommended guidelines. Nearly 67% (n = 10) of the 15 participants had a cesarean section; two infants (13.3%) were born preterm and one (6.7%) was post-term. One infant (6.7%) was born with a neural tube defect.Conclusions: An overweight/pre-obese prenatal BMI and excessive weight gain during pregnancy may be indicative of an eating disorder. Women with self-report traits associated with eating disorders may be at risk for untoward pregnancy outcomes.
Learning Style Differences between Undergraduates, MBAs, Nonmanagement Workers, and Managers in Japan
Authors: Yamazaki Yoshitaka , Umemura Hitoshi
Published: January 2017

Using Kolb’s experiential learning theory, this study aimed to explore how learning style differed among four cohorts: undergraduate management majors, master’s of business administration (MBA) students, nonmanagement workers, and managers. The research context was Japan, with 1080 participants from two universities, one business school, and two different firms focused on sales and production. To compare the four cohors, this study applied a cross-sectional study. Results indicated that managers showed the strongest preference for active over reflective learning, followed by MBA students, nonmanagement workers, and undergraduates. Managers’ active learning orientation did not statistically differ from that of MBA students, but did statistically differ from the groups of nonmanagement employees and undergraduates. With regard to the learning dimension of thinking versus feeling, MBA students were the most abstract learners, while the other three groups exhibited concrete learning orientations. The present research was the first to empirically compare groups according to career transitions from undergraduates towards management positions. This study provides insight on how individuals differ in learning styles as their careers develop.
Quality of Dementia Care in the Community: Identifying Key Quality Assurance Components
Authors: Heckman George A. , Boscart Veronique M. , Franco Bryan B. , Hillier Loretta , Crutchlow Lauren , Lee Linda , Molnar Frank , Seitz Dallas , Stolee Paul
Published: January 2017

BackgroundPrimary care-based memory clinics (PCMCs) have been established in several jurisdictions to improve the care for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. We sought to identify key quality indicators (QIs), quality improvement mechanisms, and potential barriers and facilitators to the establishment of a quality assurance framework for PCMCs.MethodsWe employed a Delphi approach to obtain consensus from PCMC clinicians and specialist physicians on QIs and quality improvement mechanisms. Thirty-eight candidate QIs and 19 potential quality improvement mechanisms were presented to participants in two rounds of electronic Delphi surveys. Written comments were collected and descriptively analyzed.ResultsThe response rate for the first and second rounds were 21.3% (n = 179) and 12.8% (n = 88), respectively. The majority of respondents were physicians. Fourteen QIs remained after the consensus process. Ten quality improvement mechanisms were selected with those characterized by specialist integration, such as case discussions and mentorships, being ranked highly. Written comments revealed three major themes related to potential barriers and facilitators to quality assurance: 1) perceived importance, 2) collaboration and role clarity, and  3) implementation process.ConclusionWe successfully utilized a consultative process among primary and specialty providers to identify core QIs and quality improvement mechanisms for PCMCs. Identified quality improvement mechanisms highlight desire for multi-modal education. System integration and closer integration between PCMCs and specialists were emphasized as essential for the provision of high-quality dementia care in community settings.
Le rôle médiateur de l’engagement au travail dans la relation entre la justice organisationnelle et les comportements de citoyenneté : le cas de la police française
Authors: Molines Mathieu , Fall Amar
Published: January 2017

Les questions de justice et d’équité demeurent une préoccupation majeure pour les salariés. Or, les formes de justice organisationnelle ont des effets différenciés sur les comportements de citoyenneté organisationnelle. Dans cet article, nous nous sommes intéressés au rôle médiateur de l’engagement au travail. En nous appuyant sur le modèle des exigences et des ressources de l’emploi (Demerouti et al., 2001), nous proposons un modèle intégrateur qui soutient que la justice organisationnelle perçue joue le rôle de ressource de l’emploi et favorisera l’engagement au travail qui, à son tour, va encourager les comportements de citoyenneté. Nous supposons ainsi que les différentes formes de justice ont des propriétés motivantes qui conduisent à un haut niveau d’engagement au travail et, en conséquence, un niveau de performance extra rôle élevé. Notre étude permet de mettre en lumière le processus motivationnel, au travers de l’engagement au travail, entre les différentes formes de justice perçues et les comportements de citoyenneté organisationnelle.

Cette recherche porte sur le contexte spécifique de la police française qui, avec la mise en place de nouveaux outils de management, se heurte à une problématique inédite d’équité, et non plus d’égalité. C’est à notre connaissance, la première étude, en France, à examiner les problématiques de justice dans le contexte de la police française. Les résultats, provenant d’un échantillon de 718 fonctionnaires de police, indiquent que le dévouement des policiers est la dimension de l’engagement au travail qui explique le mieux les effets des dimensions de la justice organisationnelle, telle que perçue par eux, sur leurs comportements de citoyenneté organisationnelle. Les implications en termes de pratiques RH dans la police sont ensuite discutées.
Article Errors in the English Writing of Saudi EFL Preparatory Year Students
Authors: Alhaisoni Eid , Ram Gaudel Daya , M. Al-Zuoud Khalid
Published: January 2017

This study aims at providing a comprehensive account of the types of errors produced by Saudi EFL students enrolled in the preparatory year programe in their use of articles, based on the Surface Structure Taxonomies (SST) of errors. The study describes the types, frequency and sources of the definite and indefinite article errors in writing compositions. Data were collected from written samples of 150 students. They were given one-and-a-half hours to write on one of four different descriptive topics. Analysis of  inter-lingual and intra-lingual sources of article errors revealed that the frequency of eliminating both the indefinite articles and the definite article was higher than the frequency of inserting and substituting one article with the other. The study also shows that errors of using ‘a’ were more common than errors of using ‘an’ and ‘the’ in the writing texts.  This result also indicates that L1 interference strongly influences the process of second language acquisition of the articles, having a negative effect on the learning process Pedagogical practices including comparison of article use in learners’ both language systems may improve learners’ ability to use the articles correctly in writing and the other language skills.
Nurettin Şazi Kösemihal'in Sosyoloji Anlayışı / The sociological viewpoint of Nurettin Shazi Kosemihal
Authors: Zavalsız Yusuf Sinan
Published: January 2017

Abstract

In this article, we studied the sociological viewpoint of Nurettin Shazi Kosemihal who is one of the prominent scholars in the last term of Ottoman Empire and the early period of the Republic of Turkey and he bore witness to that time. At the very beginning, Kosemihal criticized Durkheim, then he mentioned the differences between the European and the American schools of sociologies. We tried to determine that which approach he supported from them. After we compared different methods, we found that he was in favour of the pluralist method. In this context, we also dealt with Gurvitch’s method that Kösemihal’s sociological viewpoint relies on and the sociometry of Moreno that Kosemihal had a pioneering role to introduce it to Turkey.

Öz

Bu makalede, imparatorluğun son dönemi ile cumhuriyetin ilk dönemine yakından tanıklık eden, Türk Sosyoloji Tarihi’nin önemli simalarından birisi olan Nurettin Şazi Kösemihal’in sosyoloji anlayışı üzerinde durulmuştur. İşe Durkheim’i eleştirmekle başlayan, daha sonra Avrupa ve Amerikan sosyoloji ekolleri arasındaki farklardan bahseden Kösemihal’in ağırlıklı olarak hangi tarafı tercih ettiği belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Simplist yöntem ile plüralist yöntemin mukayesesinden sonra Kösemihal’in tamamen plüralist yöntem tarafında durduğu ortaya konulmuştur. Bu bağlamda Kösemihal’in, plüralist yönteme dayanan, sosyoloji anlayışını oturttuğu Gurvitch metodu ile Türkiye’ye girmesine önayak olduğu Moreno’nun sosyometrisinden bahsedilmiştir.  

 

 
Symbiodiniumspp. associated with scleractinian corals from Dongsha Atoll (Pratas), Taiwan, in the South China Sea
Authors: Keshavmurthy Shashank , Tang Kuo-Hsun , Hsu Chia-Min , Gan Chai-Hsia , Kuo Chao-Yang , Soong Keryea , Chou Hong-Nong , Chen Chaolun Allen
Published: January 2017

Dongsha Atoll (also known as Pratas) in Taiwan is the northernmost atoll in the South China Sea and a designated marine national park since 2007. The marine park’s scope of protection covers the bio-resources of its waters in addition to uplands, so it is important to have data logging information and analyses of marine flora and fauna, including their physiology, ecology, and genetics. As part of this effort, we investigatedSymbiodiniumassociations in scleractinian corals from Dongsha Atoll through surveys carried out at two depth ranges (shallow, 1–5 m; and deep, 10–15 m) in 2009 and during a bleaching event in 2010.Symbiodiniumcomposition was assessed using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of 28S nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA (nlsrDNA). Our results showed that the 796 coral samples from seven families and 20 genera collected in 2009 and 132 coral samples from seven families and 12 genera collected in 2010 were associated withSymbiodiniumC, D and C+D. Occurrence of clade D in shallow water (24.5%) was higher compared to deep (14.9%). Due to a bleaching event in 2010, up to 80% of coral species associated withSymbiodiniumC underwent moderate to severe bleaching. Using the fine resolution technique of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) in 175 randomly selected coral samples, from 2009 and 2010, eightSymbiodiniumC types and twoSymbiodiniumD types were detected. This study is the first baseline survey onSymbiodiniumassociations in the corals of Dongsha Atoll in the South China Sea, and it shows the dominance ofSymbiodiniumclade C in the population.
A large-scale perspective for managing prairie avifauna assemblages across the western US: influences of habitat, land ownership and latitude
Authors: Dreitz Victoria J. , Stinson Lani T. , Hahn Beth A. , Tack Jason D. , Lukacs Paul M.
Published: January 2017

Future demands for increased food production are expected to have severe impacts on prairie biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. Prairie avifauna of North America have experienced drastic population declines, prompting numerous conservation efforts, which have been informed primarily by small-scale studies. We applied a large-scale perspective that integrates scale dependency in avian responses by analyzing observations of 20 prairie bird species (17 grassland obligates and three sagebrush obligate species) from 2009–2012 in the western prairie region of the United States. We employed a multi-species model approach to examine the relationship of land ownership, habitat, and latitude to landscape-scale species richness. Our findings suggest that patterns and processes influencing avian assemblages at the focal-scale (e.g., inference at the sampling unit) may not function at the landscape-scale (e.g., inference amongst sampling units). Individual species responses to land ownership, habitat and latitude were highly variable. The broad spatial extent of our study demonstrates the need to include lands in private ownership to assess biodiversity and the importance of maintaining habitat diversity to support avian assemblages. Lastly, focal-scale information can document species presence within a study area, but landscape-scale information provides an essential complement to inform conservation actions and policies by placing local biodiversity in the context of an entire region, landscape or ecosystem.
Jaguar interactions with pumas and prey at the northern edge of jaguars’ range
Authors: Gutiérrez-González Carmina E. , López-González Carlos A.
Published: January 2017

We present the first study that evaluates jaguar-puma interactions in the arid lands of northern Mexico, where jaguars have their northernmost breeding population and both predators are persecuted for livestock depredation. We tested whether jaguars are the dominant species in this unique ecosystem, where: (1) pumas outnumber jaguars, (2) pumas are better adapted to arid environments, and (3) jaguars and pumas are of similar size. We analyzed four years of data with two approaches; a two species conditional occupancy model and an activity patterns analysis. We used camera location and prey presence as covariates for jaguar and puma detection and presence probabilities. We also explored overlap in activities of predators and prey. Where both species were detected, peccary presence was positively correlated with both jaguar and puma presence, whereas in areas where jaguars were detected but pumas were not, deer presence explained the probability of jaguar presence. We found that both predators were more likely to co-occur together than to be found independently, and so we rejected the hypothesis that jaguars were the dominant species in our study area. Predators were mainly nocturnal and their activity patterns overlapped by 60%. Jaguar, as compared with puma, overlapped more with deer and calves; puma overlapped with calves more than with other prey, suggesting a preference. We believe exploring predator relationships at different scales may help elucidate mechanisms that regulate their coexistence.
Role of Contrast‐Enhanced Sonography in the Evaluation of Axillary Lymph Nodes in Breast Carcinoma: A Monocentric Study
Authors: Agliata Giacomo , Valeri Gianluca , Argalia Giulio , Tarabelli Elisa , Giuseppetti Gian Marco
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast‐enhanced sonography for characterization of the lymph node status (metastatic or not) in patients with breast carcinomas by comparison with sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Methods

From January to August 2015, 50 female patients with a histologic diagnosis of invasive breast carcinoma were prospectively examined by ipsilateral axillary contrast‐enhanced sonography. The test was performed by a single radiologist using an ultrasound system with a broadband 8–12‐MHz, 38‐mm high‐resolution linear transducer. For the target lymph node, we chose a node with a sonographic pattern that was suspicious for malignancy: ie, a longitudinal‐to‐transverse diameter ratio of less than 2, absence of a central hyperechogenic hilum, or both. In cases with a lack of sonographic signs of malignancy, we evaluated the node with the maximal transverse diameter. Nodes were considered malignant in cases with total absence of contrast enhancement and in those with enhancement alterations. Within 1 week, all patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy, followed by a histologic test.

Results

The histologic test showed benignity in 22 of 50 sentinel lymph nodes, whereas 28 were metastatic. Among the 22 patients with negative biopsy results, contrast‐enhanced sonography showed 18 concordances and 4 false‐positives results; among the 28 with positive biopsy results, contrast‐enhanced sonography obtained 100% correct characterizations of the axillary status. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 100%, 82%, and 92%, respectively.

Conclusions

Contrast‐enhanced sonography appears to be a method with high accuracy for characterization of axillary lymph nodes, very close to the reference‐standard sentinel lymph node biopsy. This technique seems to have overall high sensitivity.
Shifting From Opioids to Simple Analgesics for Emergency Care of Patients With Low Back Pain
Authors: Côté-Picard Claudia , Coombs Danielle M. , Li Qiang , Maher Chris G. , Machado Gustavo C.
Published: September 2024

This secondary analysis of a cluster randomized clinical trial examined a guideline-based care model for patients with low back pain, specifically whether physicians switched from opioids to low-risk or high-risk nonopioid pain medicines.
Social Risks and Health Care Use in Medically Complex Patients
Authors: Tucher Emma L. , Steele Allison L. , Uratsu Connie S. , McCloskey Jodi K. , Grant Richard W.
Published: September 2024

Importance

Integrated health care systems have initiated major investments to identify and address social risks, particularly for patients with multiple medical conditions.

Objective

To evaluate the association of social risks with health care use among patients with complex multimorbidity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This longitudinal cohort study assessed Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) patients with (1) moderate medical complexity (defined by high comorbidity score, high risk of hospitalization, and/or prior emergency department [ED] admissions) and (2) high medical complexity (eg, meeting additional criteria, such as ≥7 medications and laboratory evidence of poor disease control).

Exposure

Social risks (eg, requiring medical financial assistance and self-reported social barriers to care).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Inpatient and outpatient health care use during 12 months of follow-up (January 15, 2023, to January 14, 2024).

Results

The sample included 97 252 KPNC patients (mean [SD] age, 69.5 [16] years; 52.1% female; 10.6% Asian, 11.1% Black, 18.3% Hispanic, 54.6% White, and 5.5% other race or ethnicity [eg, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, multiracial, or unknown race]; and 8.8% insured by Medicaid), including 27 827 with moderate medical complexity (5074 [18.2%] with social risks) and 69 425 with high medical complexity (17 343 [25.0%] with social risks). In fully adjusted models, for moderate medical complexity, social risks were associated with higher odds of inpatient admissions (odds ratio [OR], 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4), ED visits (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3), and mental health visits (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3) vs individuals without social risks. Among individuals with high medical complexity, social risks were associated with higher odds of inpatient admissions (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.2), ED visits (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.2), and 30-day readmissions (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3) and higher odds of mental health visits (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2-1.3) vs individuals without social risks.

Conclusions and relevance

In this cohort study of individuals with medical complexity, coexisting social risks were associated with substantial downstream health care use. Efforts to reduce use in individuals with complex medical comorbidity could include concurrent efforts to identify and reduce social risks.
WHO 2024 Hepatitis B Guidelines and Treatment-Eligible Rate Among Treatment-Naive Patients
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhang Shaoqiu , Zhu Chuanwu , Wu Chao , Huang Rui
Published: September 2024

This cross-sectional study compares rates of hepatitis B treatment eligibility among treatment-naive patients according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2024 guidelines with eligibility rates across other international guidelines.
Intergenerational Chain of Violence, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Elder Abuse Perpetration
Authors: Koga Chie , Tsuji Taishi , Hanazato Masamichi , Nakagomi Atsushi , Tabuchi Takahiro
Published: September 2024

Importance

It is widely known that individuals with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have an increased risk of abusing their own children, thereby perpetuating the cycle of violence. However, the association between ACEs and elder abuse perpetration has not been fully examined.

Objective

To examine the association between ACEs and elder abuse and the mediating factors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used data collected via the self-administered Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey from September 12 to October 19, 2022. Men and women aged 20 to 64 years who responded to related questions were included. Data were analyzed from July 2023 to April 2024.

Exposures

ACEs, defined as the experience of any of 7 items—interpersonal loss (parental loss and parental divorce), family psychopathology (parental mental disease and violence in family), abuse (physical and psychological abuse), and neglect—before the age of 18 years.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the perpetration of physical and/or psychological abuse against an older person (aged ≥65 years) self-reported via questionnaire. The direct and indirect effect estimates were determined using logistic regression analyses.

Results

Of a total of 13 318 participants (mean [SD] age, 41.1 [12.1] years; 6634 female [49.8%]), 1133 (8.5%) reported perpetrating violence against older adults. Compared with individuals without ACEs, the odds ratios (ORs) for perpetrating violence were 3.22 (95% CI, 2.74-3.79) for those with 1 ACE and 7.65 (95% CI, 6.41-9.13) for those with 2 or more ACEs. In the mediation analysis, factors with large indirect effect estimates included depression (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.11-1.14; proportion mediated [PM], 18.6%), mental illness other than depression (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.10-1.14; PM, 17.3%), and self-rated health (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03-1.05; PM, 6.0%).

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that intergenerational cycles of violence may extend to any vulnerable group, not only children but also older adults. Further research into the prevention of ACEs and breaking these cycles of violence is warranted.
Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among US Children
Authors: Ding Guodong , Wen Chaochao , Chen Yan , Vinturache Angela , Zhang Yongjun
Published: September 2024

This cross-sectional study analyzes temporal changes in the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at 4 and 6 months among US children from 2016 to 2022.
ENL mutation and AML: a new model that reveals oncogenic condensate's function in leukemogenesis
Authors: Fan Zhong , Jiang Yanan , Zhang Xiaotian
Published: September 2024

Precise regulation of gene expression is essential for proper development and the maintenance of homeostasis in organisms. Studies have shown that some transcriptional regulatory proteins influence gene expression through the formation of dynamic, locally concentrated assemblies known as condensates, while dysregulation of transcriptional condensates was associated with several cancers, such as Ewing sarcoma and AML [Wang Y et al. (2023) Nat Chem Biol 19, 1223–1234; Chandra B et al. (2022) Cancer Discov 12, 1152–1169]. Mutations in the histone acetylation “reader” eleven‐nineteen‐leukemia (ENL) have been shown to form discrete condensates at endogenous genomic targets, but it remains unclear how ENL mutations drive tumorigenesis and whether it is correlated with their condensate formation property. Liu et al. now show, using a conditional knock‐in mouse model, that ENL YEATS domain mutation is a bona fide oncogenic driver for AML. This mutant ENL forms condensates in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells at the genomic loci of key leukemogenic genes, including Meis1 and Hoxa cluster genes, and disrupting condensate formation via mutagenesis impairs its chromatin and oncogenic function. Furthermore, they show that small‐molecule inhibition of the acetyl‐binding activity displaces ENL mutant condensates from oncogenic target loci, and this inhibitor significantly impairs the onset and progression of AML driven by mutant ENL in vivo.
MoxRe(1−x)S2‐Based Optoelectronic Synapse for Artificial Neural Visual System Application
Authors: Sun Xiaona , Wang Zhengjie , Si Chen , Jiang Chengbao , Yang Shengxue
Published: September 2024

Optoelectronic synapses, constructed from 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with atomic‐scale thickness, offer substantial benefits for the development of high‐density integrated artificial neural visual systems (ANVSs). Effective charge capture and retention are essential for realizing synaptic memory function. Although charge trapping is realized by gate‐voltage‐regulated three‐terminal devices or interface‐modulated heterostructures, they involve high energy consumption and complex device structures. Another approach is to introduce material defects by post‐processing methods to trap carriers, but this method inevitably damages the pristine materials and requires intricate fabrication processes. In this study, the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method is employed to directly introduce Re atoms as point defects into MoS2, which act as trap centers for capturing carriers, eliminating the need for complex device structures or post‐processing procedures. The resultant MoxRe(1−x)S2 nanofilms and nanoribbons exhibit excellent optoelectronic synaptic properties and broadband photoresponse characteristics respectively, due to varying doping concentrations. The optoelectronic synapses based on MoxRe(1−x)S2 nanofilms can simulate human color recognition, attributed to their differential response to varying light wavelengths, and possess image preprocessing capabilities for noise reduction and contrast enhancement. The study provides a simple approach for fabricating optoelectronic synapses, thereby facilitating the integration of 2D TMDs into ANVSs.
Stochastic Nature of Large‐Scale Contact Printed ZnO Nanowires Based Transistors
Authors: Liu Fengyuan , Christou Adamos , Chirila Radu , De Pamphilis Luca , Dahiya Ravinder
Published: September 2024

Printing technology holds great potential for resource‐efficient development of electronic devices and circuits. However, even after decades of research, achieving uniformly responding nanowires (NWs) based printed devices is still a challenge. To date, there is no design rule that clearly guides the fabrication of NW ensemble‐based field‐effect transistors (FETs) and the variables that influence device‐level uniformity remain unclear. The lack of fundamental understanding severely limits the large‐scale and very large‐scale integration (LSI and VLSI). Herein this longstanding issue is addressed with a holistic approach that starts with optimization of the synthesis of ZnO NWs, their printing, and further processing to fabricate transistors with uniform responses (e.g., on‐state current, threshold voltage). Monte Carlo simulation based on statistical analysis of printed ZnO NWs is carried out to develop a probabilistic framework that can predict the large‐scale performance of FETs. As a proof of concept, inverter circuits have been developed using printed ZnO NWs based FETs. This work provides a valuable toolkit to handle the stochastic nature of FETs based on printed ZnO NW ensemble, which can be used for neuromorphic integrated circuit in the future.
Interface Switchable Bonding Tailored Ruthenium Sites Unveil Ultralow Overpotentials for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Hou Yuxi , Hong Zhensheng , Lin Yingbin , Huang Yiyin , Wang Yaobing
Published: September 2024

Controlling the electronic structure based on the valence state is key for effective electrocatalysis, and the challenge lies in attaining the optimal metal valence states. Here, a new approach called valence‐elastic control is introduced to create intermediate‐valence Ru species within a‐RuOx/C catalyst matrices. By utilizing hetero‐interfaces between RuOx and C, pathways for efficient electron transfer and precise valence adjustment are activated through switchable bonding at the interfaces. The catalyst demonstrates exceptional performance in hydrogen evolution reaction with an unprecedentedly low overpotential of 4.1 mV in KOH + seawater electrolytes at 10 mA cm−2. Furthermore, the two‐electrode electrolyzer demonstrates improved stability and voltage efficiency compared to the commercial Pt/C‐based system. The in situ tests combined with theoretical analysis reveal the water dissociation and *H adsorption are optimized by the switchable interface bonding of the tailored Ru species. This study showcases a transformative design framework for next‐generation high‐efficiency metal catalysts with variable valence.
Fucoidan‐Modified Au Nanocups With Tumor Targeting Inhibits CD24‐Mediated Immune Escape and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Through Precise Controlled Release of Anti‐CD24 Antibodies
Authors: Xie Yulin , Jiang Tengfei , Li Lei , Wang Man , Chen Shuyu , Zhao Guanghui , Zhang Han , Gao Haidong , Li Chunxia
Published: September 2024

The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and inadequate immune response limit the therapy effectiveness of tumor metastasis. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), serving as the pivotal initial step in the formation of CTCs, plays a critical role in facilitating tumor metastasis. High expression of CD24 in tumor cells is strongly associated with EMT and immune evasion, but little work has been reported on the inhibitory effect of CD24 blockade on EMT. Here, a nanotherapeutic agent (Au/anti‐CD24@Fu) is fabricated through loading anti‐CD24 antibodies (anti‐CD24) onto Au nanocups, accompanied by surface modification with Fucoidan (Fu). Fu serves as a guide, while Au functions as a controller, jointly facilitating the precise delivery of anti‐CD24 to the tumor site and enabling controlled release. The synergistic collaboration between Fu and anti‐CD24 effectively eliminates the “don't eat me” signal mediated by CD24, thereby augmenting macrophage recognition and phagocytosis. Additionally, it simultaneously obstructs the EMT process facilitated by CD24‐P‐selectin from both ends, consequently impeding the formation of CTCs. Au/anti‐CD24@Fu displays favorable antitumor and anti‐metastasis effect in both 4T1‐bearing mice model and patient‐derived xenografts (PDX) model. This study validates the significance of CD24 blockade in augmenting the antitumor immune response and suppressing the EMT process.