bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A field ecologist's adventures in the virtual world: using simulations to design data collection for complex models
Authors: Thomas Freya M. , Vesk Peter A. , Hauser Cindy E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractField data collection can be expensive, time consuming, and difficult; insightful research requires statistical analyses supported by sufficient data. Pilot studies and power analysis provide guidance on sampling design but can be challenging to perform, as ecologists increasingly collect multiple types of data over different scales. Despite a growing simulation literature, it remains unclear how to appropriately design data collection for many complex projects. Approaches that seek to achieve realism in decision‐making contexts, such as management strategy evaluation and virtual ecologist simulations, can help. For a relatively complex analysis, we develop and demonstrate a flexible simulation approach that informs what data are needed and how long those data will take to collect, under realistic fieldwork constraints. We simulated data collection and analysis under different constraint scenarios that varied in deterministic (field trip length, travel, and measurement times) and stochastic (species detection and occupancy rates and inclement weather) features. In our case study, we fit plant height data to a multispecies, three‐parameter, nonlinear growth model. We tested how the simulated data sets, based on the varying constraint scenarios, affected the model fit (parameter bias, uncertainty, and capture rate). Species prevalence in the field exerted a stronger influence on the data sets and downstream model performance than deterministic aspects such as travel times. When species detection and occupancy were not considered, the field time needed to collect an adequate data set was underestimated by 40%. Simulations can assist in refining fieldwork design, estimating field costs, and incorporating uncertainties into project planning. We argue that combining data collection, analysis, and decision‐making processes in a flexible virtual setting can help address many of the decisions that field ecologists face when designing field‐based research.
Synthesis and Avidin Binding of Ruthenium Complexes Functionalized with a Light‐Cleavable Free Biotin Moiety
Authors: Siewert Bianka , Langerman Michiel , Pannwitz Andrea , Bonnet Sylvestre 
Published: October 2018

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is the group of Sylvestre Bonnet from Leiden University, The Netherlands. The cover image shows the attachment of a free biotin group to a Ru compound by a light‐sensitive coordination bond.
A macromolecular halogen‐free flame retardant and its effect on the properties of thermoplastic polyesters
Authors: Adner David , Helmy Mina , Otto Tobias , Schellenberg Jürgen , Schadewald Anke 
Published: October 2018

SummaryA halogen‐free flame retardant with a macromolecular structure is presented. Its synthesis proceeds via polymerization of phosphorus‐containing acrylate monomers. The flame retardant was incorporated into poly(ethylene terephthalate) by extrusion. Samples with different concentrations (0.5, 2.5, and 5.0 wt%) as well as a 25 wt% masterbatch were prepared. All samples were transparent and colorless without any visible irregularities. Thermal investigations reveal an unchanged glass transition temperature. Tensile tests show the typical mechanical behavior of poly(ethylene terephthalate), but with an elevated Young's modulus. The burning behavior was investigated by several small‐flame tests in vertical and horizontal orientation, as well as by cone calorimetry. It is shown that samples with 2.5 wt% flame retardant pass the vertical UL94 test (V‐2, 20‐mm flame). The sample cannot be ignited in the horizontal fire test according to FMVSS 302. The oxygen index was measured to 28 vol%. Cone calorimetric measurements show that the effective heat of combustion as well as the total heat evolved is reduced.
A novel group of spindle cell tumors defined by S100 and CD34 co‐expression shows recurrent fusions involving RAF1, BRAF, and NTRK1/2 genes
Authors: Suurmeijer Albert J. H. , Dickson Brendan C. , Swanson David , Zhang Lei , Sung Yun‐Shao , Cotzia Paolo , Fletcher Christopher D. M. , Antonescu Cristina R. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTumors characterized by co‐expression of S100 and CD34, in the absence of SOX10, remain difficult to classify. Triggered by a few index cases with monomorphic cytomorphology and distinctive stromal and perivascular hyalinization, immunopositivity for S100 and CD34, and RAF1 and NTRK1 fusions, the authors undertook a systematic review of tumors with similar features. Most of the cases selected were previously diagnosed as low‐grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, while others were deemed unclassified. The tumors were studied with targeted RNA sequencing and/or FISH. A total of 25 cases (15 adults and 10 children) with kinase fusions were identified, including 8 cases involving RAF1, 2 BRAF, 14 NTRK1, and 1 NTRK2 gene rearrangements. Most tumors showed a monomorphic spindle cell proliferation with stromal and perivascular keloidal collagen, in a patternless architecture, with only occasional scattered pleomorphic or multinucleated cells. Most cases showed low cellularity, a low mitotic count, and absence of necrosis. Although a subset showed overlap with lipofibromatosis‐like neural tumors, the study group showed distinctive hyalinization and overt malignant features, such as highly cellular fascicular growth and primitive appearance. All tumors showed co‐expression of S100 and CD34, ranging from focal to diffuse. SOX10 was negative in all cases. NTRK1 immunohistochemistry showed high levels of expression in all tumors with NTRK1 gene rearrangements. H3K27me3 expression performed in a subset of cases was retained. These findings together with the recurrent gene fusions in RAF1, BRAF, and NTRK1/2 kinases suggest a distinct molecular tumor subtype with consistent S100 and CD34 immunoreactivity.
Examining differences in neuropsychiatric symptom factor trajectories in empirically derived mild cognitive impairment subtypes
Authors: De Vito Alyssa N. , Calamia Matthew , Weitzner Daniel S. , Bernstein John P.K. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine neuropsychiatric symptom (NPS) factor severity progression over time in empirically derived (ED) mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subtypes.MethodsParticipants in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study diagnosed with MCI by Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative protocol using conventional clinical (CC) criteria (n = 788) were reclassified using cluster analysis as amnestic, dysnomic, dysexecutive MCI, or cluster‐derived normal (CC‐Normal) using empirical criteria. Cognitively normal (CN) participants (n = 207) were also identified. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Questionnaire (NPI‐Q) was administered from baseline through 48‐month follow‐up. Exploratory factor analysis was completed to determine the NPI‐Q factor structure at 6‐month follow‐up. Multilevel modeling was used to determine NPI‐Q symptom severity factor and apathy symptom progression over time by cognitive subtype.ResultsThe exploratory factor analysis revealed that the NPI‐Q consisted of 2 factors: hyperactivity/agitation and mood symptoms. Using clinical and empirical criteria, all MCI groups were identified as having more severe hyperactivity/agitation symptoms than CN participants. However, only the amnestic MCI group identified using empirical criteria showed an increase in symptom severity over time relative to CN participants. Mood factor and apathy symptoms were found to be more severe in dysexecutive and amnestic groups in both models. Similarly, both models identified a significant worsening of mood and apathy symptoms over time for dysexecutive and amnestic groups relative to CN participants.ConclusionsThis study provides further support that empirical criteria aid in examining the progression of clinical characteristics associated with MCI. Further, it helps to identify which MCI subtypes may be at higher risk for NPS progression.
Vascular depression and the death of Queen Victoria
Authors: Abrams Robert C. , Alexopoulos George S. 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesThe aim of this article was to examine relationships between the neurological events that were the immediate cause of the death of Queen Victoria and the late‐life depression that preceded it.Methods/DesignThe authors closely reviewed the surviving medical notes of Queen Victoria's personal physician, Sir James Reid,Bt. recorded during the Queen's last 10 days of life. These notes were summarized in a chronological narrative and their implications considered in light of current concepts of vascular depression.ResultsThe depression that Queen Victoria experienced over the 5 months prior to her death and during her final 10 days from 13 January 1901 until 22 January likely had a vascular etiology.ConclusionsAlthough conclusions from this study are necessarily speculative given the lack of neuroimaging and other diagnostic tools available in 1901, it emerged that Queen Victoria had experienced early‐onset depression followed in later life by an acute depressive episode associated with vascular risk factors and personal losses, a sequence also encountered by today's geriatricians. In addition, etiological connections between the Queen's early‐onset and late‐life depressions appeared probable. Underlined for contemporary practitioners are the suffering experienced by patients with vascular depression at the end of their lives, as well as the struggles of physicians like Sir James Reid to provide clinical wisdom and emotional support.
Carer coping and resident agitation as predictors of quality of life in care home residents living with dementia: Managing Agitation and Raising Quality of Life (MARQUE) English national care home prospective cohort study
Authors: Laybourne Anne , Livingston Gill , Cousins Sian , Rapaport Penny , Lambe Kate , La Frenais Francesca , Savage Hannah , Manela Monica , Stringer Aisling , Marston Louise , Barber Julie , Cooper Claudia 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesThe objectives of the study are (1) to test our primary hypothesis that carers using more dysfunctional coping strategies predict lower quality of life in care home residents living with dementia, and this is moderated by levels of resident agitation, and (2) to explore relationships between carer dysfunctional coping strategy use, agitation, quality of life, and resident survival.MethodsIn the largest prospective cohort to date, we interviewed carers from 97 care home units (baseline, 4, 8, 12, 16 months) about quality of life (DEMQOL‐Proxy) and agitation (Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory) of 1483 residents living with dementia. At baseline, we interviewed 1566 carers about coping strategies (Brief COPE), averaging scores across care home units.ResultsCarer dysfunctional coping strategies did not predict resident quality of life over 16 months (0.03, 95% CI −0.40 to 0.46). Lower resident quality of life was longitudinally associated with worse Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory score (−0.25, 95% CI −0.26 to −0.23). Survival was not associated with carer dysfunctional coping, resident quality of life, or agitation scores.ConclusionsCarer dysfunctional coping did not predict resident quality of life. Levels of resident agitation were consistently high and related to lower quality of life, over 16 months. Lack of association between carer dysfunctional coping and resident quality of life may reflect the influence of the care home or an insensitivity of aggregated coping strategy scores. The lack of relationship with survival indicates that agitation is not explained mainly by illness. Scalable interventions to reduce agitation in care home residents living with dementia are urgently needed.
Exosomes from human placenta purified by affinity chromatography on sepharose bearing immobilized antibodies against CD81 tetraspanin contain many peptides and small proteins
Authors: Burkova Evgeniya E. , Dmitrenok Pavel S. , Bulgakov Dmitrii V. , Vlassov Valentin V. , Ryabchikova Elena I. , Nevinsky Georgy A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractExosomes are nanovesicles (40–100 nm) containing various RNAs and different proteins. Exosomes are involved in intracellular communication and immune system function. Exosomes from different sources are usually isolated using standard methods—centrifugation and ultracentrifugations. Exosomes isolated by these procedures were reported to contain from a few dozen to thousands of different proteins. Here crude vesicle preparations from five placentas (normal pregnancy) were first obtained using standard centrifugation procedures. According to electron‐microscopic studies, these preparations contained vesicles of different size (30–225 nm), particles of round shape of average electron density (“nonvesicles” 20–40 nm) (A), structured clusters of associated proteins and shapeless aggregations (B), as well as ring‐shaped 10–14 nm structures formed by ferritin (C). After additional purification of the vesicle preparations by gel filtration on Sepharose 4B, the main part of protein structures was removed; however, the preparations still contained small admixtures of components A–C. Further purification of the preparations by affinity chromatography on Sepharose bearing immobilized antibodies against exosome surface protein CD81 led to isolation of highly purified exosomes (40–100 nm). These exosomes according to electron microscopy data contained tetraspanin embedded in the membrane, which was stained with antibodies against CD81 conjugated with 10–12 nm gold nanoparticles. SDS‐PAGE and MALDI MS and MS/MS mass spectrometry of tryptic hydrolysates of proteins contained in these exosomes revealed eleven major proteins (>10 kDa): hemoglobin subunits, CD81, interleukin‐1 receptor, annexin A5, cytoplasmic actin, alpha‐actin‐4, alkaline phosphatase, human serum albumin, serotransferrin, and lactotrasferrin. Using MALDI mass analysis of the highly purified exosomes, we for the first time found that in addition to the large proteins (>10 kDa), exosomes having affinity to CD81 contain more than 27 different peptides and small proteins of 2–10 kDa. This finding can be useful for revealing biological functions of pure exosomes. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(11):1144–1155, 2018
On the effect of TiO2 nanocrystallites over the plasmonic photodegradation by Au nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Jiale , Barbosa Eduardo C.M. , Fang Zebo , Parussulo André L.A. , dos Reis Flavia V.E. , Ando Rômulo A. , Araki Koiti , Toma Henrique E. , Camargo Pedro H.C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we aimed at investigating the effect of the presence of small TiO2 crystallites over the transfer of hot electrons from Au nanoparticles (NPs) mediated by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) excitation and its subsequent photocatalytic activities. To this end, we employed TiO2 colloidal spheres composed of TiO2 crystallites of 8.5 nm in size decorated with Au NPs (TiO2–Au) of 17 nm in size over the TiO2 surface as model materials. Moreover, the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light excitation was employed as a target plasmonic transformation. We found that the plasmonic photocatalytic activity was significantly higher for the TiO2–Au hybrid relative to its individual Au NPs or TiO2 counterparts under excitation at 633 nm. These results could be explained based on the transfer of hot electrons generated upon the SPR excitation from Au NPs to the TiO2 conduction band in the TiO2–Au material, which will be recombined on the surface of TiO2 crystallites or at the interface between TiO2 crystallites, decreasing electrons density in Au NPs that lead to the formation of hydroxyl radicals that contribute and improve the photocatalytic degradation of MB. This mechanism was supported by the fact that the presence of TiO2 leads to a decrease in the p‐aminothiophenol to p,p′‐dimercaptoazobenzene SPR‐mediated oxidation in the TiO2–Au relative to Au NPs. We believe that the results reported herein suggest that TiO2–Au materials may represent attractive systems for designing plasmonic photocatalysts with improved performances towards a variety of transformations using solar/visible light as the energy input.
Reducing emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation in Angola: Insights from the scarp forest conservation ‘hotspot’
Authors: Leite Ana , Cáceres Aimy , Melo Martim , Mills Michael S.L. , Monteiro Antonio T. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe depletion of forests in conservation hotspots is a poorly known societal concern of the post‐conflict society of Angola. Rapid economic and population growth, fragile environmental regulation, enforcement, and planning threat these invaluable forests and their biodiversity. By mitigating climate change through a sustainable management of forests, Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) could also favour the preservation of biodiversity. This study addresses the depletion of forests in Angolan conservation ‘hotspots’ under a REDD+ perspective. In the escarpment forest, a centre of endemism, activity data, and emission factors were assessed between 2001 and 2014. Next, spatial factors associated with deforestation were identified using generalized linear modelling, and it was provided a view on how REDD+ may support sustainable forest management in conservation hotspots. Activity data based on an error‐corrected estimate indicated a deforested area of 4856.3 ± 653.1 ha between 2001 and 2014. Field mean above‐ground carbon content amounted to 89.4 ± 126.4 tCha‐1. Among the most relevant factors associated with deforestation were elevation, density of bare land, north–south exposure (aspect), and distance to trails. All negatively related to deforestation. Overall, the threatened escarpment forest conservation hotspot seems to have significant potential for reducing carbon emissions and beneficiate from REDD+. Yet the considerable uncertainty in our estimates limited the discussions in the magnitude of forest depletion and carbon emissions. In view of performance‐based payments for development, additional field surveying is necessary to boost the accuracies presented by new forest monitoring tools that can reduce technical difficulties and sustain the eligibility of Angola for international REDD+ funding sources.
Enantioselectivity in degradation and ecological risk of the chiral pesticide ethiprole
Authors: Zhang Qing , Xiong Wu , Gao Beibei , Cryder Zachary , Zhang Zhaoxian , Tian Mingming , Sanganyado Edmond , Shi Haiyan , Wang Minghua 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntensive agricultural activities have caused land degradation due to soil pollution, particularly by pesticides. However, the degradation, metabolism, and toxicity of chiral pesticides by soil microorganisms are often enantioselective. This study aimed to determine the effect of chirality on the degradation of the enantiomers of ethiprole in soil and their impact on soil microbial communities. (R)‐ethiprole underwent directional chiral conversion to the (S)‐enantiomer in a paddy soil microcosm, leading to elevated concentrations of (S)‐ethiprole. Initially, the bacterial operational taxonomic units significantly decreased after 3 days of incubation with rac‐ethiprole, (R)‐ethiprole, and (S)‐ethiprole but gradually increased in the later stage. Principal coordinate analysis revealed that the bacterial community structure was enantioselectively affected by the ethiprole enantiomers. Within 3 days, both rac‐ethiprole and (R)‐ethiprole reshaped the original stochastic microbial community into a deterministic community (variable selection). Thus, we propose that the enantioselective behavior and ecotoxicology of chiral pesticides need to be considered, especially because there are numerous chiral pesticides currently in use within agricultural management. The comprehensive understanding of the ecological risk of chiral pesticide enantiomers is vital to the process of improving sustainable production and environmental health in agricultural ecosystems.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) harvest: Tractor and grain chaser traffic effects on soil compaction and crop yields
Authors: Botta Guido Fernando , Tolón‐Becerra Alfredo , Bienvenido Fernando , Rivero David , Laureda Daniel Andres , Ezquerra‐Canalejo Alejandra , Contessotto Enrique Ernesto 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPrevious studies have defined compaction as an important degradation process of agricultural soils. However, there is very little information (under field conditions) on the effects of tractor and grain chaser traffic during harvest operations on soil cropped for 15 years under no‐till cultivation methods. The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of two different total loads of tractor and grain chaser traffic on soil physical properties and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) yields. The treatments included a control plot with no tractor or grain chaser traffic (T1), a plot with tractor and grain chaser traffic with a total load of 275.8 kN (94.35 kN km−1 ha−1; T2), and a plot with tractor and grain chaser traffic with a load of 332.2 kN (123 kN km−1 ha−1; T3). Soil physical properties and sunflower yields were analysed over three growing seasons in the western part of the Pampa region, Argentina. In the topsoil (0 to 200 mm), the results showed that after one pass of T2 and T3, infiltration decreased significantly compared with that in T1; a similar trend was observed for total topsoil porosity. Cone index values in T3 were >2.5 MPa and between 3.33 and 4.90 MPa in the subsoil (200 to 600 mm). Dry bulk density values in T3 were >1.70 Mg m−3 in the topsoil and in the subsoil. This study also demonstrated that as the wheel load and ground contact pressure increase, sunflower yields decrease and subsoil compaction increases, even in soils with a high bearing capacity.
Labile organic matter plays a more important role than the autotrophic bacterial community in regulating microbial CO2 fixation in an eroded watershed
Authors: Jiang Jieyu , Li Zhongwu , Xiao Haibing , Wang Danyang , Liu Chun , Zhang Xuqin , Peng Hao , Zeng Guangming 
Published: October 2018

AbstractUnderstanding the effect of soil erosion on soil carbon (C) fixation is of great significance for evaluating the complicated connection between land degradation and C cycle. To investigate erosion‐induced changes in autotrophic bacterial community and microbial carbon dioxide (CO2) fixation, three typical eroding sites and three depositional sites were selected in the hilly red soil region of southern China with severe erosion. Positive responses of autotrophic microbial abundance to soil deposition were observed, whereas no obvious changes in microbial diversity were observed between eroding and depositional sites. The relative abundances of obligate autotrophic bacteria, such as Rhodopseudomonas and Pseudonocardia, were enhanced in the eroding sites. Deposition of organic matter‐rich soil was not conducive to the growth of obligate autotrophic bacteria. The average rate and amount of microbial CO2 fixation at the depositional sites (30.86 mg C km−2 year−1 and 0.05 g kg−1) were higher than those at the eroding sites (18.04 mg C km−2 year−1 and 0.025 g kg−1), which indicated that soil deposition significantly enhanced autotrophic microbial CO2 fixation. In addition, multiple stepwise linear regression showed that compared with microbial properties (abundance and diversity), dissolved organic carbon is a more important explanation factor for the change of microbial CO2 fixation rate (68.8%, P = 0.001).