bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Specialization and niche overlap across spatial scales: Revealing ecological factors shaping species richness and coexistence in Australian songbirds
Authors: Harmáčková Lenka , Remešová Eva , Remeš Vladimír 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Ecological specialization enables the partitioning of resources and thus can facilitate the coexistence of species and promote higher species richness. Specialization and niche partitioning are expected to exert a decisive influence on local spatial scales, while species richness at regional scales should be shaped mostly by historical factors and abiotic conditions. Moreover, specialization is expected to be particularly important in communities that are exceptionally species rich for their environmental conditions. Concurrently, niche overlap in these communities should be minimized to enable species coexistence.

We tested these hypotheses by studying specialization–richness relationship and niche overlap in assemblages of 298 species of songbirds (Passeriformes) across Australia. We used local (2–6 ha) to regional (bioregions) spatial scales and detailed data on habitat, diet and foraging behaviour (method, substrate and stratum).

We expected the richness–specialization relationship to be particularly strong (a) on local spatial scales and (b) in communities exceptionally species rich for given environmental conditions (approximated by moisture and vegetation complexity). We also expected (c) low niche overlap in assemblages with specialized species.

Only the third prediction was partly supported. First, while the specialization and species richness were often positively related, the strength and the direction of the relationship changed between traits and across spatial scales. The strength of the specialization–richness relationship was consistently positive only in foraging stratum, and it increased towards smaller spatial scales only in case of habitat and diet. Simultaneously, species in local communities demonstrated high overlap in habitat and diet. Second, we did not find particularly strong specialization–richness relationships in exceptionally species‐rich communities. Third, we found the expected negative relationship between specialization and overlap in foraging stratum and substrate (in local communities), suggesting that species partition ecological space locally in terms of where they find food.

Our expectations were only weakly supported. Specialization on foraging stratum was probably important in facilitating species coexistence. Conversely, although species were often specialized on habitat and diet, high overlap in these traits did not preclude their local coexistence. Overall, specialization and overlap in foraging traits were more important for species coexistence than habitat or diet.
How to make more from exposure data? An integrated machine learning pipeline to predict pathogen exposure
Authors: Fountain‐Jones Nicholas M. , Machado Gustavo , Carver Scott , Packer Craig , Recamonde‐Mendoza Mariana , Craft Meggan E. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Predicting infectious disease dynamics is a central challenge in disease ecology. Models that can assess which individuals are most at risk of being exposed to a pathogen not only provide valuable insights into disease transmission and dynamics but can also guide management interventions. Constructing such models for wild animal populations, however, is particularly challenging; often only serological data are available on a subset of individuals and nonlinear relationships between variables are common.

Here we provide a guide to the latest advances in statistical machine learning to construct pathogen‐risk models that automatically incorporate complex nonlinear relationships with minimal statistical assumptions from ecological data with missing data. Our approach compares multiple machine learning algorithms in a unified environment to find the model with the best predictive performance and uses game theory to better interpret results. We apply this framework on two major pathogens that infect African lions: canine distemper virus (CDV) and feline parvovirus.

Our modelling approach provided enhanced predictive performance compared to more traditional approaches, as well as new insights into disease risks in a wild population. We were able to efficiently capture and visualize strong nonlinear patterns, as well as model complex interactions between variables in shaping exposure risk from CDV and feline parvovirus. For example, we found that lions were more likely to be exposed to CDV at a young age but only in low rainfall years.

When combined with our data calibration approach, our framework helped us to answer questions about risk of pathogen exposure that are difficult to address with previous methods. Our framework not only has the potential to aid in predicting disease risk in animal populations, but also can be used to build robust predictive models suitable for other ecological applications such as modelling species distribution or diversity patterns.
Current status and future directions in the treatment of bone metastases from breast cancer
Authors: Leto Gaetano 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe clinical treatment of bone metastasis from breast cancer is currently based on the systemic administration of antiresorptive agents, radiopharmaceuticals, and/or local treatments such as radiation therapy, radiofrequency ablation and surgery. However, these therapeutic options are merely palliative and do not show to have a significant positive impact on patients’ survival. In addition, the systemic administration of antiresorptive drugs and/or antitumour agents and/or radiopharmaceuticals may negatively affect normal bone metabolism with detrimental consequences for cancer patients. Hence, the need to identify alternative therapeutic strategies that, based on the hallmarks of bone metastasis, can effectively thwart tumour cell growth while, at the same time, overcoming antitumour drug‐induced bone loss and preserving bone health. To this aim, current studies are directed toward the development of new molecules with low toxicity and/or novel drug delivery systems, which may efficiently hinder the growth of metastatic cells, while other studies are focussed on the design of new clinical treatments that, by acting on early stages of breast cancer, may prevent the homing and the subsequent growth of cancer cells in the bone. These treatments might also target occult micro‐metastases before their development into clinically evident bone lesions, ultimately hindering bone relapse and disease progression. However, this therapeutic approach implies the identification of early stage breast cancer patients being at high risk of developing bone metastases. The discovery of novel specific biomarkers as predictor of metastatic bone disease may help clinicians in selecting these patients.
MiR‐21‐3p modulates lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation and apoptosis via targeting TGS4 in retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Liu Jiong , Ma Zhizhong , Ran Zhenlong 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAge‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major reason of blindness in the elderly. MicroRNAs are implicated in various pathological processes, including inflammation and apoptosis. In this study, we aim to investigate the biological functions of miR‐21‐3p in inflammation and apoptosis caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE‐19) cells. The miR‐21‐3p inhibitor and mimic were transfected into ARPE‐19 cells for 48 hours, followed by exposed to LPS (10 μg/mL) for 24 hours. The mRNA and protein expression of IL‐6 and MCP‐1 were measured using real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Cell viability, apoptosis, caspase 3 activity, cleaved caspase‐3 and cleaved‐PARP protein levels were detected to evaluate the effects of miR‐21‐3p on apoptosis. Additionally, the target relationship between miR‐21‐3p and regulator of G‐protein signalling 4 (RGS4) was verified by dual luciferase reporter assay. RT‐PCR analysis demonstrated that LPS induced miR‐21‐3p expression. Inhibition of miR‐21‐3p reduced the mRNA and protein levels of IL‐6 and MCP‐1. Apoptosis, caspase‐3 activity, and cleaved‐caspase 3 and cleaved PARP protein levels were repressed by the miR‐21‐3p inhibitor. However, overexpression of miR‐21‐3p showed the opposite results. Furthermore, we identified that miR‐21‐3p directly targeted the 3′ untranslated region of RGS4. MiR‐21‐3p negatively regulated the expression of RGS4 both in mRNA and protein levels. Silencing RGS4 reduced the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic effects of miR‐21‐3p inhibitor. Our results revealed that miR‐21‐3p inhibition targeted RGS4 to attenuate inflammatory responses and apoptosis caused by LPS in ARPE‐19 cells.
The geographical region of origin determines the phagocytic vulnerability of Lichtheimia strains
Authors: Hassan Mohamed I. Abdelwahab , Cseresnyes Zoltan , Al‐Zaben Naim , Dahse Hans‐Martin , Vilela de Oliveira Rafael J. , Walther Grit , Voigt Kerstin , Figge Marc Thilo 
Published: July 2019

SummaryMucormycoses are life‐threatening infections that affect patients suffering from immune deficiencies. We performed phagocytosis assays confronting various strains of Lichtheimia species with alveolar macrophages, which form the first line of defence of the innate immune system. To investigate 17 strains from four different continents in a comparative fashion, transmitted light and confocal fluorescence microscopy was applied in combination with automated image analysis. This interdisciplinary approach enabled the objective and quantitative processing of the big volume of image data. Applying machine‐learning supported methods, a spontaneous clustering of the strains was revealed in the space of phagocytic measures. This clustering was not driven by measures of fungal morphology but rather by the geographical origin of the fungal strains. Our study illustrates the crucial contribution of machine‐learning supported automated image analysis to the qualitative discovery and quantitative comparison of major factors affecting host–pathogen interactions. We found that the phagocytic vulnerability of Lichtheimia species depends on their geographical origin, where strains within each geographic region behaved similarly, but strongly differed amongst the regions. Based on this clustering, we were able to also classify clinical isolates with regard to their potential geographical origin.
The Economic Demography Transition: Is China's ‘Not Rich, First Old’ Circumstance a Barrier to Growth?
Authors: Johnston Lauren A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAround 1980 China adopted a reformist economic agenda and a restrictive population policy. China's consequential ‘getting old before rich’ discourse is herein advanced into the ‘economic demography transition’ and economic demography matrix (EDM). EDM transition analysis of 182 economies from 1996 to 2016 identifies: i) China to be one of many ‘poor‐old’ economies; and ii) a majority of countries recently entering the high‐income group were first old. These results question China's 1980 s‐based fears that early demographic transition would stall development and also call for enhanced nuance in understanding economic and demographic change links.
Less Is More: Norwegian Drug Regulation, Antibiotic Policy, and the “Need Clause”
Authors: HOBÆK BÅRD , LIE ANNE KVEIM 
Published: July 2019

Policy PointsThe current crisis of antibiotic resistance calls for policy reforms locally and globally. Historical insight in different regulatory systems can inform current decision making.A strong regulatory control implementing antimicrobial resistance concerns can ensure the combined objective of promoting access and limiting excess use by letting only certain drugs onto the market in compliance with public health needs.Regulation at this level also has powerful effects on consumption and needs to be considered as a tool for curbing antibiotic resistance.The Norwegian drug regulatory procedures was an example of how national drug regulatory authorities can promote innovation of new drugs that meet public health needs indirectly by accepting only drugs of added therapeutic value.ContextAntibiotic resistance is an increasingly serious threat to global health that requires coordinated action. Most current policy efforts address the lack of medicines. There is also a need for new thinking on promoting access to all who are in need of antibiotics, while simultaneously curbing inappropriate use. As the situation calls for new approaches, we examined one drug regulatory system in which antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been on the agenda for a long time. The Norwegian drug regulatory system, and particularly its “need clause,” has been invoked in international debates but not previously studied in detail.MethodsWe conducted a historical review of the Norwegian drug regulatory system by examining the archives of the Norwegian health authorities, the Norwegian Medicines Agency, and policy debates in the period.FindingsThe Norwegian drug regulatory system focused on the rational use of drugs, tied closely to public health needs. It was originally written to address unnecessary consumption of drugs, not consumer protection and safety. The most flexible element within this system stated that a drug must be “needed” in order to be registered. When antibiotic resistance became a concern, it limited the market entry of drugs considered to promote resistance, such as combination and broad‐spectrum products. This was a powerful and flexible regulatory device that also influenced drug consumption.ConclusionsThe need clause has lately been promoted as an alternative to address the current situation. The solutions to the problem of antibiotic resistance cannot be the same everywhere, and we do not argue that this drug regulatory system should be adopted globally. However, the current situation calls for consideration of many different aspects. This historical case demonstrates how regulatory procedures can be used to limit market entrance and promote appropriate use simultaneously.
Two sides of the same coin: Business resilience and community resilience
Authors: Adekola Josephine , Clelland David 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe resilience of small businesses and how that relates to community resilience, especially in rural communities has remained an under‐researched aspect of community resilience. This exploratory study aims to understand the relationship between business resilience and community resilience in rural communities. Firstly, the research seeks to understand the role that small businesses play in contributing to community resilience activities. The paper then sheds light on enabling and challenging factors that shape how small businesses prepare for and respond to weather‐related emergencies through the lens of flooding. Data were collected through in‐depth semi‐structured interviews and surveys with rural small businesses in Scotland. The analysis of the data suggests that businesses play an advisory and advocacy roles, make financial and material contributions to local community resilience activities and contribute to quick community recovery through various dimensions of corporate social responsibility activities. However, small businesses face formidable barriers and challenges in preparing for and responding to weather‐related emergencies that undermine their resilience to natural hazards. The paper suggests ways in which small businesses can enhance their resilience to natural hazards, while at the same time contributing to community resilience.
Medical foster home is less costly than traditional nursing home care
Authors: Levy Cari , Whitfield Emily A. , Gutman Roee 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the costs of Community Nursing Homes (CNHs) to Medical Foster Homes (MFHs) at Veteran Health Administration (VHA) Medical Centers that established MFH programs.Data SourcesEpisode and costs data were derived from VA and Medicare files (inpatient, outpatient, emergency room, skilled nursing facility, dialysis, and hospice).Study DesignPropensity scores matched 354 MFH to 1693 CNH Veterans on demographics, clinical characteristics, health care utilization, and costs.Data Extraction MethodsData were retrieved for years 2010‐2011 from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse, VA Health Data Repository, and the VA MFH Program through the VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI).Principal FindingsAfter matching on unique characteristics of MFH Veterans, costs were $71.28 less per day alive compared to CNH care. Home‐based and mental health care costs increased with savings largely attributable to avoiding CNH residential care. When average out‐of‐pocket payments by Veterans of $74/day are considered, MFH is at least cost neutral. Mortality was 12 percent higher among matched Veterans in CNHs.ConclusionsMFHs may serve as alternatives to traditional CNH care that do not increase total costs with mortality benefits. Future work should examine the differences for functional disability subgroups.
Effects of Lower Past‐Year Serum Sodium and Hyponatremia on Depression Symptoms and Cognitive Impairments in Patients With Hemodialysis
Authors: Fan Szu‐Shan , Lin Lian‐Feng , Chen Vincent Chin‐Hung , Hsieh Chin‐Wen , Hsiao Han‐Pin , McIntyre Roger S , Iacobucci Michelle , Coles Alexandria S , Tsai Duu‐Jian , Weng Jun‐Cheng , Chen Yi‐Lung 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe relationship between hyponatremia, depression symptoms, and cognitive impairments in patients receiving hemodialysis treatment remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the impact of past‐year average serum sodium levels on current depression symptoms and cognitive impairments in patients receiving hemodialysis, with adjustment for possible confounders. A total of 200 participants were recruited for this study. Depression symptoms and cognitive impairments were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire and Perceived Deficits Questionnaire‐5, respectively. Additionally, sociodemographic features, physical health, metabolic factors, and substance use information were collected. Significant associations between serum sodium levels, depression symptoms, and cognitive impairments were found after multivariate regression analysis. Furthermore, such differences were observed profoundly in moderate to profound hyponatremia. Our study revealed exclusive relationships between hyponatremia, depression symptoms, and cognitive impairments. As such, programs of cognitive rehabilitation and emotional regulation should be included in the prevention of chronic kidney disease for moderate to profound hyponatremia.
Inhibitory Effect of Epigallocatechin Gallate, Epigallocatechin, and Gallic Acid on the Formation of N‐Nitrosodiethylamine In Vitro
Authors: Deng Sha , Jin Jing , He Qiang 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis study investigated the inhibitory effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), and gallic acid (GA) on the formation of N‐nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) in vitro. Results show that the three polyphenols are capable to block NDEA formation when the molar ratio of phenols to nitrite is higher than 0.8, and a more acidic environment is prone to promote the inhibitory potential of phenols. It is also found that the inhibitory effect tends to decrease in the order: EGCG, EGC, GA, which is in accordance with the order of their DPPH scavenging activity, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of polyphenols on NDEA formation may work through a free radical way. Kinetic study further revealed the three polyphenols react with nitrite at a much faster rate than diethylamine does (P < 0.05). By scavenging nitrite at a faster rate than the nitrosation of diethylamine, polyphenols at high concentration can significantly block NDEA formation. These observations may promote a possible application of polyphenol compounds to inhibit the formation of nitrosamines in food processing.Practical ApplicationThe presence of N‐nitrosamines in human diet should be an etiological risk factor for human cancers. This work may provide a useful guideline for phenolic compounds to inhibit the formation of nitrosamines in food processing, such as in the process of curing meats. Polyphenols have been proved to block NDEA formation under normal gastric juice condition, suggesting the intake of polyphenols is a potential way to prevent diseases caused by nitrite.
Factors Controlling Hydrocarbon Accumulation in Jurassic Reservoirs in the Southwest Ordos Basin, NW China
Authors: LIU Xin , WANG Feng , LIU Baojun , TIAN Jingchun , SHANG Ting , MA Jiong , ZHANG Zhongyi , ZHANG Xiaolei 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe sedimentary, paleogeomorphological and reservoir characteristics of the Jurassic Yan'an Formation in the southwestern Ordos Basin, northwestern China, were studied by means of casting thin sections, scanning electron microscopy, inclusion analysis and identification of low‐amplitude structures. A model for reservoir formation is established, and the controlling effects of sedimentary facies, paleotopography, low‐amplitude structures and formation water on oil reservoirs are revealed. There are significant differences in the sedimentary characteristics, structural morphology and paleowater characteristics between the reservoirs above the Yan 10 Member and those in the Yan 9 to Yan 7 Members. The Yan 10 Member contains fluvial sediments, whereas the Yan 9 to Yan 7 members contain delta‐plain anastomosing‐river deposits. The distribution of high‐permeability reservoir is controlled by pre‐Jurassic paleogeomorphology and sedimentary facies. Some of these facies exhibit high porosity and high permeability in a low‐permeability background. The main hydrocarbon accumulation period was the late Early Cretaceous, filling was continuous, and the charging strength altered from weak to strong and then from strong to weak. The Yan 10 reservoir is mainly controlled by the paleogeomorphology: hydrocarbons migrated upward at a high speed through the unconformity surface, and accumulated in the favorable traps formed by paleogeomorphic structural units, such as gentle slopes or channel island. Furthermore, groundwater alternation in these areas was relatively stagnant, providing good reservoir preservation conditions. The reservoirs in the Yan 9 and higher members are controlled by the sedimentary facies, low‐amplitude structure and paleowater characteristics. Hydrocarbons migrated through the three‐dimensional delivery system, influenced by favorable sedimentary facies and high‐salinity groundwater, then accumulated in the favorable low‐amplitude structural traps that formed during the hydrocarbon production period.