bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated acoustic monitoring of endangered common spadefoot toad populations reveals patterns of vocal activity
Authors: Dutilleux Guillaume , Curé Charlotte 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

In the context of global amphibian decline, monitoring and restoration programmes are important. Acoustic monitoring is a possible approach for underwater vocalising species like the rapidly declining European common spadefoot toad (Pelobates fuscus). In this study, our aim was to design a dedicated software detector to be used in combination with programmable audio recorders to process the large amount of data generated by long‐term acoustic monitoring and to use it for investigating the seasonal and circadian patterns of P. fuscus vocal activity.

The software detector targets advertisement calls of the species. Based on acoustic analysis of that call, we developed a detector that utilises both frequency and time features of the calls. Data collected during three breeding seasons in four known or potential P. fuscus breeding sites of north‐eastern France were used to build a ground truth in order to test the performance of the detector. Then, we used the detector for analysing four acoustic monitoring campaigns conducted in two different sites over two breeding seasons to gain insight into the seasonal and circadian patterns of vocal activity of this species.

Evaluation of the P. fuscus call detector against a ground truth returned false‐positive rates below 1.5% and true‐positive rates ranging from 53% to 73%. These figures are compatible with long‐term monitoring of the presence of the species. Running the software detector on standard hardware, the computation time for post‐processing the 360 hr of a typical 3‐month monitoring campaign was less than 1 day.

The seasonal pattern of P. fuscus underwater vocal activity is more complex than previously recognised. Over the whole ostensible 3‐month breeding season, the actual time window for vocalising and breeding can last from a few days up to several weeks and may be split into clearly distinct episodes. When vocalisations occurred at both night‐ and daytime, the circadian vocal activity of P. fuscus occasionally proceeded uninterrupted for 24 hr but usually a several hour lull occurred immediately prior to sunset. When vocalisations occurred at both night‐ and daytime, the vocal activity pattern followed a bimodal distribution with a nocturnal highest peak of activity and a second peak occurring in the morning.

Our results demonstrate that it is feasible to monitor presence of P. fuscus in north‐eastern France using a dedicated software detector combined with programmable audio recorders. Based on the outcomes of the detector applied to long‐term audio data sets, we reveal temporal patterns of the vocal activity of the species and subsequently provide recommendations for attended and unattended acoustic monitoring.
Mechanisms preventing a decrease in phytoplankton biomass after phosphorus reductions in a German drinking water reservoir—results from more than 50 years of observation
Authors: Wentzky Valerie Carolin , Tittel Jörg , Jäger Christoph Gerald , Rinke Karsten 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

To counteract the severe consequences of eutrophication on water quality and ecosystem health, nutrient inputs have been reduced in many lakes and reservoirs during the last decades. Contrary to expectations, in some lakes phytoplankton biomass did not decrease in response to oligotrophication (nutrient reduction). The underlying mechanisms preventing a decrease in biomass in these lakes are the subject of ongoing discussion.

We used a hitherto unpublished long‐term data set ranging from 1961 until 2016 from a German drinking water reservoir (Rappbode Reservoir) to investigate the underlying mechanisms preventing a decrease in biomass. Total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in the Rappbode Reservoir dropped abruptly in 1990 from 0.163 to 0.027 mg/L within three consecutive years, as a result of banning phosphate‐containing detergents. Despite substantial reductions in TP, total annual phytoplankton biomass did not decline in the long‐run, and therefore, the yield of total phytoplankton biomass per unit phosphorus largely increased.

Regression analysis revealed a positive association between the yield and potentially phagotrophic mixotrophs (R2 = .465, p < .001). We infer that by ingesting bacteria, mixotrophic species were capable of exploiting additional P sources that are not accessible to obligate autotrophic phytoplankton, eventually preventing a decrease in algal biomass after TP reductions.

Long‐term epilimnetic phosphorus concentrations during the winter mixing period decreased to a greater degree than summer phosphorus concentrations. Apparently, TP losses over the season were less intense. Spring diatom biomass also markedly decreased after oligotrophication. In fact, spring diatom biomass was positively related to the TP loss over the season suggesting diatoms play an important role in P reduction. However, this intraannual P processing was not the primary factor when focusing on the average yearly yield, which remained to be fully explained by mixotrophs.

Our study demonstrates this ecosystem's ability to compensate for changes in resource availability through changes in phytoplankton community composition and functional strategies. We conclude that an increase in mixotrophy and the ability to make bacterial phosphorus available for phytoplankters were the main factors that allowed the phytoplankton community of the Rappbode Reservoir to adapt to lower nutrient levels without a loss in total biomass.
Spatial patterns in the global distributions of savanna and forest
Authors: Aleman Julie C. , Staver A. Carla 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimThe global distribution of biomes is not solely determined by climate. Top‐down processes, most notably fire, may substantially expand savannas into potentially forested areas. Here, we address an overlooked aspect of the existing literature: spatial patterns in savanna and forest distributions and the transitions between them, and whether current transitions could plausibly reproduce current distributions.LocationTropical Africa and South America.Time period2000–2012.Major taxa studiedBiomes.MethodsUsing remotely sensed tree cover and rainfall, we examined the distributions of savanna and forest and of transitions between the two. We examined forest gain directly, but because forest loss mostly reflects direct anthropogenic deforestation, we instead examined the proportion of forests experiencing one or more fires as an indirect proxy for potential conversion of forest into savanna. The effects of biome transitions on biome movements and distributions at continental scale were evaluated using a cellular automata model via simulation using observed decadal rates of transitions.ResultsAlthough open‐ and closed‐canopy systems were both common at intermediate rainfall, they were strongly spatially segregated. So too were forest fires, which occurred mostly near their boundary with savannas, while forest encroachment of savanna was widespread. Simulations showed that observed transitions could not have produced current biome distributions.Main conclusionsBiome distributions in the tropics are not exclusively determined by climate (especially at intermediate rainfall), but are nonetheless strongly spatially structured. Current transitions between savanna and forest could not have reproduced their current distributions, suggesting that, historically, the spatial structure of transitions was probably different than it is today. While forest sub‐canopy fires are still spatially structured, forest encroachment of savannas may be much more widespread than it was in the past.
Medical comorbidities in patients with lichen planopilaris, a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Fertig Raymond M. , Hu Shasa , Maddy Austin J. , Balaban Alexandra , Aleid Nouf , Aldahan Adam , Tosti Antonella 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundLichen planopilaris (LPP) is a rare inflammatory lymphocyte‐mediated disease of the scalp considered to have an autoimmune pathogenesis.ObjectivesTo identify the prevalence of medical comorbidities in patients with classic LPP (CLPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA).MethodsThe medical records of 206 LPP patients and 323 control patients were retrospectively reviewed for existing comorbidities. The control group consisted of 257 patients with androgenetic alopecia (ICD 9 = 704.0 or ICD 10 = L64.9) and 66 patients with actinic keratosis (ICD 9 = 702.0 or ICD 10 = L57.0).ResultsSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was found in 4.37% of all patients with LPP (including CLPP and the FFA subtype) and in 0.31% of controls. Female patients with the FFA subtype were more likely to have SLE than controls (OR 31.034, 95% CI 2.405–400.382, P = 0.0085).LimitationsThis study is limited in that it is a retrospective chart review.ConclusionFemale patients with FFA are significantly more likely to have SLE. Patients with LPP (including CLPP and the FFA subtype) are less likely to have diabetes. Patients with CLPP excluding FFA are less likely to have hypertension, heart disease, and hypothyroidism.
Bullous pemphigoid induced by dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors. Eight cases with clinical and immunological characterization
Authors: García‐Díez Irene , Ivars‐Lleó Marta , López‐Aventín Daniel , Ishii Norito , Hashimoto Takashi , Iranzo Pilar , Pujol Ramon M. , España Agustín , Herrero‐Gonzalez Josep E. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundDipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors have increasingly been identified as causative agents of bullous pemphigoid. The clinical and immunological characteristics of this pemphigoid variant are still unclear. The objective of our study was to analyze the clinical and immunological features of patients with pemphigoid induced by DPP‐4 inhibitors.MethodsAll patients diagnosed with DPP‐4 inhibitor‐associated bullous pemphigoid at dermatology departments in three Spanish centers during the period 2013 to 2015 were included. ELISA assays for the NC16A domain of BP180 and BP230 were performed. Immunoblot studies using epidermal/dermal extracts and the C‐terminal, NC16A and LAD‐1 regions of BP180 were also carried out.ResultsA total of eight patients were identified (5 treated with vildagliptin, 2 with linagliptin, and one with sitagliptin). Of these, four presented the classical inflammatory phenotype of bullous pemphigoid and four a noninflammatory phenotype. The ELISA for BP180 (NC16A domain) was positive in six patients at diagnosis. Most patients reacted to more than one BP180 antigenic site (LAD‐1 and/or C‐terminal domain) on the immunoblot. Two patients showed no reaction against the NC16A domain of BP180 on either the ELISA or immunoblot but recognized either LAD‐1 or both LAD‐1 and the C‐terminal domain. Only one of the NC16A‐negative patients had a noninflammatory subtype of bullous pemphigoid.ConclusionsPatients with DPP‐4 inhibitor‐induced BP may present either an inflammatory or a noninflammatory phenotype of BP. IgG response against other BP180 regions different from the NC16A domain, such as LAD‐1 and the C‐terminal domain, could be pathogenically relevant to the onset of DPP‐4 inhibitor‐induced BP.
Atopic labial pigmentation: a new diagnostic feature in Asian patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kang In‐Hye , Jeong Ki‐Heon , Lee Mu‐Hyoung , Shin Min‐Kyung 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundPigmented lesions on the lips can be caused by physiological or pathological factors, along with exogenous or endogenous factors. Many patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and labial pigmentation are seen in clinical practice. The aim of our study was to further explore the association of labial pigmentation and AD.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of patients who visited the Department of Dermatology at Kyung Hee Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, from January 1 to December 31, 2016. The study consisted of 178 patients with AD and a control group of 178 age‐ and sex‐matched patients without AD.ResultsThe patients with AD had both a significantly higher prevalence of labial pigmented lesions and a significantly higher number of labial pigmented lesions than was observed in the control group. Moreover, the pigmented lesions were found mainly in the middle section of the upper lip and showed multifocal distribution. The patients with AD and labial pigmentation were significantly younger at the onset of AD, showed a greater association with allergic disorder, and had a higher immunoglobulin E (IgE) level than patients without labial pigmentation.ConclusionOur findings strongly suggest that labial pigmentation occurs in patients with AD. Although labial pigmentation was not present in all patients with AD, this might be a particularly helpful diagnostic feature of AD in Asian patients.
Parametric investigations on the saturation intensity of Coumarin 102 for stimulated emission depletion application
Authors: QIN H.‐Y. , ZHAO W.‐X. , ZHAO W. , ZHANG C. , FENG X.‐Q. , LIU S.‐P. , WANG K.‐G. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryStimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy performed using continuous‐wave (CW) lasers has been investigated and developed by Willig et al. (Nature Methods, 2007, 4(11):915) for nearly a decade. Kuang et al. (Review of Scientific Instruments, 2010, 81:053709) developed the CW STED microscopy technique with 405 nm excitation and 532 nm depletion beams. In their research, Coumarin 102 dye was adopted and was found to be depletable. In this study, a parametric investigation of the depletion of Coumarin 102 dye is carried out experimentally. The influence of the excitation and depletion beam intensities and dye concentrations on the depletion efficiency are studied in detail. The results indicate the following: (1) The highest depletion occurs for the 100 μM Coumarin 102 solution, with a 1.4 μW excitation beam and a 115.3 mW depletion beam. (2) The minimum saturation intensity () of STED, that is 13 MW cm–2, is observed when the Coumarin 102 solution concentration is 10 μM. (3) values calculated directly from the depletion power derived with the cross‐sectional area due to the full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum (FWHM) of the depletion beam show poor accuracy, where may be overestimated. Thus, a correction factor for the cross‐sectional area is proposed. We also find that is not exactly constant for a fixed excitation beam power and dye concentration. This trend indicates that the conventional suppression function derived from picosecond STED may cause errors in evaluating the depletion process in CW STED microscopy.
Early intervention in scar management and cutaneous burns with autologous platelet‐rich plasma
Authors: Ruiz Aura , Cuestas Daniel , Garcıa Paula , Quintero Jose , Forero Yency , Galvis Ingrid , Velasquez Oscar 
Published: April 2018

SummaryBurn management options are controversial and a multiple‐handled issue. However, platelet‐rich plasma is gaining interest in several medical fields. Dermatologist worldwide are already publishing some reports about its benefits and personal experiences in their practices. A 40‐year‐old female with a second‐degree burn by VASER‐type liposculpture was treated with platelet‐rich plasma and followed up for 10 months. After treatment, she showed rapid improvement with an adequate cicatrization results. Some studies suggest that the use of platelet‐rich plasma which contains cytokines and growth factors that participate in cellular repair and cellular differentiation, thus improving healing time and re‐epithelization. We present the case of a patient with a second‐degree burn that rapidly improved with autologous platelet‐rich plasma.
A study of clinicopathologic factors as indicators for early prediction of suboptimal debulking surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced ovarian cancer
Authors: Son Joo‐Hyuk , Chang Kyoungjin , Kong Tae‐Wook , Paek Jiheum , Chang Suk‐Joon , Ryu Hee‐Sug 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimThis study aimed to evaluate early clinicopathologic factors predicting gross residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.MethodsWe analyzed clinicopathologic data of 68 patients with ovarian cancer who were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery (NAC‐IDS) between March 2006 and December 2016. All the patients received three cycles of NAC followed IDS. We evaluated all possible clinicopathologic characteristics, including reduction rates of serum CA‐125 after each NAC and seven initial abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) findings related to disease severity.ResultsAfter IDS, no gross residual disease was found in 46 (67.6%) patients and 22 (33.4%) patients had gross residual disease. Multivariate analysis identified that reduction rate of CA‐125 after 2nd NAC, body mass index (BMI) and small bowel lesion in the initial CT findings were significantly associated with gross residual disease after IDS (P = 0.005, 0.030, 0.001, respectively). The optimal cutoff value predicting gross residual disease were less than 50% of CA‐125 reduction rate after 2nd NAC and low BMI (<23 kg/m2). The combined receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of these factors showed good performance for predicting gross residual disease after IDS (area under the curve = 0.845).ConclusionA model using small bowel mesentery involvement on CT, BMI (<23 kg/m2) and less than 50% reduction of the initial CA‐125 level after the 2nd NAC is highly predictive of gross residual disease after IDS in advanced ovarian cancer patients. These results may be helpful in further treatment planning and patients counseling.
The STOP‐BANG questionnaire shows an insufficient specificity for detecting obstructive sleep apnea in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Abumuamar Asmaa M. , Dorian Paul , Newman David , Shapiro Colin M. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder associated with significant cardiovascular comorbidities, including cardiac arrhythmia. The STOP‐BANG questionnaire is an eight‐item self‐report questionnaire designed to screen patients for OSA and was validated in preoperative surgical patients. The STOP items are snoring, daytime tiredness, observed apneas and high blood pressure. The BANG items are body mass index >35 kg/m2, age >50 years, neck circumference >40 cm and male gender. We aimed to determine the screening properties of the STOP‐BANG questionnaire in patients with arrhythmia. Non‐selected consecutive patients were recruited from arrhythmia clinics. Patients with previously diagnosed and/or treated OSA were excluded. The STOP‐BANG questionnaire was self‐administered. Patients underwent two consecutive nights of home sleep recording. OSA was defined as an apnea‐hypopnea index score of ≥5/hr of sleep. The screening properties of the STOP‐BANG questionnaire were analysed compared with the objective diagnosis of OSA by ambulatory testing. Ninety‐five patients were included in the final analysis. Eighty‐five percent were found to have OSA. The STOP‐BANG score of ≥3 was 89% sensitive and 36% specific for diagnosis of OSA. The STOP‐BANG questionnaire had fair performance, as indicated by an area under the curve of 0.74 (p = .004). In conclusion, the STOP‐BANG questionnaire is sensitive; however, it has a low specificity with a high false positive rate. Given that a large number of atrial fibrillation patients need testing for OSA, we recommend the use of a level II sleep study regardless of the results of the screening questionnaire. This approach accurately identifies OSA and may limit the cost of unnecessary level‐I sleep studies.
Virtue Epistemology, Enhancement, and Control
Authors: Carter J. Adam 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAn interesting aspect of Ernest Sosa's () recent thinking is that enhanced performances (for example, the performance of an athlete under the influence of a performance‐enhancing drug) fall short of aptness, and this is because such enhanced performances do not issue from genuine competences on the part of the agent. This paper explores in some detail the implications of such thinking in Sosa's wider virtue epistemology, with a focus on cases of cognitive enhancement. A certain puzzle is then highlighted, and the solution proposed draws both from the recent moral responsibility literature on guidance control (e.g., Fischer and Ravizza 1998; Fischer ) and from work on cognitive integration in the philosophy of mind and cognitive science (e.g., Clark and Chalmers ; Clark 2008; Pritchard ; Palermos ; and Carter ).
Biodiversity conservation and armed conflict: a warfare ecology perspective
Authors: Hanson Thor 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe activities involved in preparing for, executing, and recovering from armed conflict are globally pervasive and consequential, with significant impacts on natural systems. Effects on biodiversity are predominantly negative, produced by direct and indirect battlefield impacts, as well as the general breakdown of social, economic, and governance systems during wartime. Certain conservation opportunities do occur, however, particularly on lands set aside for training exercises, buffer zones, and peace parks. Here, the relationship between armed conflict and biodiversity is reviewed using the temporal framework of warfare ecology, which defines warfare as an ongoing process of three overlapping stages: preparations, war (armed conflict), and postwar activities. Several themes emerge from recent studies, including a heightened awareness of biodiversity conservation on military lands, the potential for scientific and conservation engagement to mitigate negative biodiversity impacts in war zones, and the importance of the postwar period for incorporating biodiversity priorities into reconstruction and recovery efforts. Research limitations and knowledge gaps are also discussed.
Mycophenolate mofetil to treat mid‐dermal elastolysis
Authors: Smithson Sarah L. , Orchard David , Scardamaglia Laura 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMid‐dermal elastolysis is an acquired skin condition affecting the elastin fibers of the dermis, resulting in laxity of the skin. We report a case of mid‐dermal elastolysis for which novel treatment with mycophenolate mofetil was successful.
Facial exposure to ultraviolet radiation: Predicted sun protection effectiveness of various hat styles
Authors: Backes Claudine , Religi Arianna , Moccozet Laurent , Vuilleumier Laurent , Vernez David , Bulliard Jean‐Luc 
Published: April 2018

SummaryBackground/PurposeSolar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) doses received by individuals are highly influenced by behavioural and environmental factors. This study aimed at quantifying hats’ sun protection effectiveness in various exposure conditions, by predicting UVR exposure doses and their anatomical distributions.MethodsA well‐defined 3‐dimensional head morphology and 4 hat styles (a cap, a helmet, a middle‐ and a wide‐brimmed hat) were added to a previously published model. Midday (12:00‐14:00) and daily (08:00‐17:00) seasonal UVR doses were estimated at various facial skin zones, with and without hat wear, accounting for each UVR component. Protection effectiveness was calculated by the relative reduction in predicted UVR dose, expressed as a predictive protection factor (PPF).ResultsThe unprotected entire face received 2.5 times higher UVR doses during a summer midday compared to a winter midday (3.3 vs 1.3 standard erythema dose [SED]) with highest doses received at the nose (6.1 SED). During a cloudless summer day, the lowest mean UVR dose is received by the entire face protected by a wide‐brimmed hat (1.7 SED). No hat reached 100% protection at any facial skin zone (PPFmax: 76%). Hats’ sun protection effectiveness varied highly with environmental conditions and was mainly limited by the high contribution of diffuse UVR, irrespective of hat style. Larger brim sizes afforded greater facial protection than smaller brim sizes except around midday when the sun position is high.ConclusionConsideration of diffuse and reflected UVR in sun educational messages could improve sun protection effectiveness.