bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of wolf pack size and winter conditions on elk mortality
Authors: Horne Jon S. , Hurley Mark A. , White Craig G. , Rachael Jon 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTElk (Cervus canadensis) are high‐profile game animals for many states in the western United States, yet over the past several decades some populations have experienced a persistent and broad‐scale decline in recruitment. Over this same period, gray wolves (Canis lupus) have become an integral component of many western landscapes and agencies are increasingly challenged to maximize hunting opportunities of ungulates via predator management while simultaneously ensuring wolf conservation. To better understand the implications of predator management on elk populations, we monitored survival of 1,244 adult female elk and 806 6‐month‐old calves from 29 populations distributed throughout Idaho, USA, from 2004 to 2016. We developed predictive models of mortality that related mortality risk to wolf pack size, winter conditions, and individual‐level characteristics. Annual mortality rates (excluding harvest) for adult females and calves were 0.09 and 0.40, respectively. Calf mortality was predicted best with a model that included additive effects of chest girth at time of capture, mean size of surrounding wolf packs, and snow depth. Adult female mortality was predicted best with a model that included female age, mean size of surrounding wolf packs, and snow depth. Based on a sensitivity analysis, chest girth had the largest effect on risk of mortality for calves followed by pack size and snow depth. Other than the effect of senescence in the oldest (>15 yr) individuals, pack size and snow depth had the largest effect on risk of mortality for adult females. We estimated cause‐specific mortality and predation was the dominant cause of known‐fate mortalities for adult females (35% mountain lion [Puma concolor] and 32% wolf) and calves (45% mountain lion and 28% wolf), whereas malnutrition accounted for 9% and 10% of adult female and calf mortalities, respectively. Wolves preferentially selected smaller calves and older adult females, whereas mountain lions showed little preference for calf size or age class of adult females. Our study indicates managers can increase elk survival by reducing wolf pack sizes on surrounding winter ranges, especially in areas where, or during years when, snow is deep. Additionally, managers interested in improving over‐winter calf survival can implement actions to increase the size of calves entering winter by increasing the nutritional quality of summer and early fall forage resources. Although our study was prompted by management questions related to wolves, mountain lions killed more elk than wolves and differences in selection of individual elk indicate mountain lions may have comparably more of an effect on elk population dynamics. Although we were unable to relate changes in mountain lion populations to elk survival in our study, future research should seek a better understanding of multi‐predator systems, including how management of one predator affect others and ultimately how these interactions affect elk survival. © 2019 The Wildlife Society
The influence of volume fraction of amorphous phase on corrosion resistance of Mg67Zn29Ca4 alloy
Authors: Chlewicka Monika , Cieślak Grzegorz , Mizera Jarosław 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the structure and corrosion resistance of amorphous, amorphous‐crystalline, and crystalline Mg67Zn29Ca4 alloy for biodegradable applications. This paper presents a preparation method and results of the structural characterization and corrosion resistance analysis of the material. Samples were prepared in the form of 3 mm diameter rods. The structure of the alloy was examined with the use of X‐ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The thermal properties of the samples were examined with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results of DSC analysis were used to determine heat treatment temperatures, allowing to obtain different fractures of crystalline phase in the material. Corrosion resistance of heat‐treated samples was investigated by immersion tests and electrochemical measurements performed in the simulated body fluid. The X‐ray diffraction results confirmed that the prepared Mg67Zn29Ca4 alloy's structure is fully amorphous. After heat treatment, samples with different fractions of amorphous phase in the structure were obtained. Immersion tests of the samples showed that the structure significantly influenced corrosion resistance in examined materials. It should be pointed out, that certain amounts of crystalline phase in amorphous matrix can greatly improve the corrosion resistance of Mg67Zn29Ca4 alloy.
Photoinitiation Mechanism and Ability of Monoamino‐Substituted Anthraquinone Derivatives as Cationic Photoinitiators of Polymerization under LEDs
Authors: Zhang Jing , Lalevée Jacques , Hill Nicholas S. , Peng Xiaotong , Zhu Di , Kiehl Jonathan , Morlet‐Savary Fabrice , Stenzel Martina H. , Coote Michelle L. , Xiao Pu 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe design and development of photoinitiating systems applicable to UV or even visible light delivered from light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) has been attracting increasing attention due to their great potential applications in various fields. Compared to the strategy of synthesizing novel compounds, the exploration of existing chemicals with interesting photochemical/photophysical properties for their usage as photoinitiators is more appealing and easily commercialized. Nevertheless, a number of compounds such as monoamino‐substituted anthraquinone derivatives, which are intensively investigated for their photophysical and photochemical properties, have seldom been studied for their roles as photoinitiators under LED irradiation. Herein, three monoamino‐substituted anthraquinone derivatives, that is, 1‐aminoanthraquinone, 1‐(methylamino)anthraquinone and 1‐(benzamido)anthraquinone, are studied for their potential as photoinitiators. The photoinitiation mechanism of these monoamino‐substituted anthraquinone derivatives, when combined with iodonium salt, is first clarified using computational quantum chemistry, fluorescence, steady‐state photolysis, and electron spin resonance spin‐trapping techniques. Then, their photoinitiation ability for the cationic photopolymerization of epoxide and divinyl ether monomers is also investigated.
Sensitivity of Volumetric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to Progression of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1
Authors: Deelchand Dinesh K. , Joers James M. , Ravishankar Adarsh , Lyu Tianmeng , Emir Uzay E. , Hutter Diane , Gomez Christopher M. , Bushara Khalaf O. , Lenglet Christophe , Eberly Lynn E. , Öz Gülin 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTBackgroundSpinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) causes progressive degeneration of the cerebellum and brainstem. Volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was shown to be more sensitive to disease progression than the most sensitive clinical measure, the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), in longitudinal studies, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was shown to detect neurochemical abnormalities with high sensitivity cross‐sectionally in SCA1.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to compare the sensitivities to change of volumetric MRI, MRS, and SARA in a 3‐year longitudinal study in SCA1.MethodsA total of 16 early‐to‐moderate stage patients with SCA1 (SARA 0‐14) and 21 matched healthy participants were scanned up to 3 times with 1.5‐year intervals. Ataxia severity was assessed with SARA. T1‐weighted images and magnetic resonance spectra from the cerebellar vermis, cerebellar white matter, and pons were acquired at 3T.ResultsThe pontine total N‐acetylaspartate‐to‐myo‐inositol ratio was the most sensitive MRS measure to change (−3.9 ± 4.6%/yr in SCA1 vs. −0.3 ± 3.5%/yr in controls; P < 0.02), and the pontine volume was the most sensitive MRI measure to change (−2.6 ± 1.2%/yr in SCA1 vs. −0.1 ± 1.2 in controls; P < 0.02). Effect size (mean percent change/standard deviation of percent change) of pontine volume was highest (−2.13) followed by pontine N‐acetylaspartate‐to‐myo‐inositol ratio (−0.84) and SARA (+0.60). The pontine N‐acetylaspartate‐to‐myo‐inositol ratio was abnormal for 1 premanifest patient at all visits and predicted study withdrawal as a result of disease progression in 3 patients.ConclusionBoth MRI and MRS were more sensitive to disease progression than SARA in SCA1. Pontine volume was most sensitive to change, whereas MRS may have more sensitivity at the premanifest stage and predictive value for disease progression.
Association study of genetic variations of inflammatory biomarkers with susceptibility and severity of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Zhang Zeming , Wang Qiubo , Chen Baoyuan , Wang Yancun , Miao Yafang , Han Li 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases health risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Both genetic factors and environmental exposures contribute to the occurrence of OSA. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of four functional inflammatory single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (VWF rs1063856, IL‐6 rs1800796, TNF rs1800629, and CRP rs2794521) in the susceptibility and severity of OSA.MethodsA case–control study of OSA among Chinese population was conducted. Genotyping was performed using ABI TaqMan SNP genotyping technique.ResultsWe found VWF rs1063856 (OR = 1.50, 95% CIs = 1.10–2.04; p = 0.010), IL‐6 rs1800796 (OR = 1.32, 95% CIs = 1.11–1.56; p = 0.002), TNF rs1800629 (OR = 1.44, 95% CIs = 1.13–1.83; p = 0.003), and CRP rs2794521 (OR = 1.27, 95% CIs = 1.04–1.55; p = 0.021) were all significantly associated with increased susceptibility of OSA, while VWF rs1063856 (OR = 1.75, 95% CIs = 1.18–2.62; p = 0.006), IL‐6 rs1800796 (OR = 1.39, 95% CIs = 1.10–1.76; p = 0.006) were associated with the severity of OSA.ConclusionsOur study indicated that functional variants of inflammatory biomarkers could cause the occurrence of OSA and influence the severity of OSA. These findings further support that inflammatory cytokines were closely related to the occurrence and development of OSA.
Clinical application of chromosomal microarray analysis in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency and normal karyotype
Authors: Su Linjuan , Huang Hailong , An Gang , Cai Meiying , Wu Xiaoqing , Li Ying , Xie Xiaorui , Lin Yuan , Wang Meiying , Xu Liangpu 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundSubmicroscopic chromosomal imbalance is associated with an increased nuchal translucency (NT). Most previous research has recommended the use of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) for prenatal diagnosis if the NT ≥ 3.5 mm. However, there is no current global consensus on the cutoff value for CMA. In this study, we aimed to discuss the fetuses with smaller increased NT which was between cutoff value of NT for karyotype analysis (NT of 2.5 mm in China) and the recommended cutoff value for CMA (NT of 3.5 mm) whether should be excluded from CMA test.MethodsSingleton pregnant women (N = 192) who had undergone invasive procedures owing to an increased NT (NT ≥ 2.5 mm) were enrolled. Fetal cells were collected and subjected to single nucleotide polymorphism array and karyotype analyses simultaneously. Cases were excluded if the karyotype analysis indicated aneuploidy and apparent structural aberrations.ResultsFourteen cases of aneuploidy and four cases of structural abnormalities were excluded. Of the remaining 174 cases, 119 fetuses had NTs of 2.5–3.4 mm, and 55 fetuses with NT ≥ 3.5 mm. Eleven copy number variants (CNVs) were identified. In fetuses with smaller NTs, six (6/119, 5.9%) variations were detected, including two (2/119, 1.6%) clinically significant CNVs (pathogenic or likely pathogenic CNV), one likely benign CNV, two variants unknown significance, and one incidental CNV. Five (5/55, 9.1%) variations were found in fetuses with NT ≥ 3.5 mm. Among these CNVs, three (3/55, 5.5%) cases had clinically significant CNVs, and two had likely benign CNV. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of all CNVs and clinically significant CNVs in the two groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionCMA improved the diagnostic yield of chromosomal aberrations for fetuses with NTs of 2.5–3.4 mm and apparently normal karyotype, regardless of whether other ultrasonic abnormalities were observed.
Interdiction models for delaying adversarial attacks against critical information technology infrastructure
Authors: Zheng Kaiyue , Albert Laura A. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractInformation technology (IT) infrastructure relies on a globalized supply chain that is vulnerable to numerous risks from adversarial attacks. It is important to protect IT infrastructure from these dynamic, persistent risks by delaying adversarial exploits. In this paper, we propose max‐min interdiction models for critical infrastructure protection that prioritizes cost‐effective security mitigations to maximally delay adversarial attacks. We consider attacks originating from multiple adversaries, each of which aims to find a “critical path” through the attack surface to complete the corresponding attack as soon as possible. Decision‐makers can deploy mitigations to delay attack exploits, however, mitigation effectiveness is sometimes uncertain. We propose a stochastic model variant to address this uncertainty by incorporating random delay times. The proposed models can be reformulated as a nested max‐max problem using dualization. We propose a Lagrangian heuristic approach that decomposes the max‐max problem into a number of smaller subproblems, and updates upper and lower bounds to the original problem via subgradient optimization. We evaluate the perfect information solution value as an alternative method for updating the upper bound. Computational results demonstrate that the Lagrangian heuristic identifies near‐optimal solutions efficiently, which outperforms a general purpose mixed‐integer programming solver on medium and large instances.
Krylov subspace methods to solve a class of tensor equations via the Einstein product
Authors: Huang Baohua , Xie Yajun , Ma Changfeng 
Published: June 2019

SummaryThis paper is concerned with some of the well‐known iterative methods in their tensor forms to solve a class of tensor equations via the Einstein product. More precisely, the tensor forms of the Arnoldi and Lanczos processes are derived and the tensor form of the global GMRES method is presented. Meanwhile, the tensor forms of the MINIRES and SYMMLQ methods are also established. The proposed methods use tensor computations with no matricizations involved. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed methods and testify the conclusions suggested in this paper.
Effect of cold atmospheric plasmas on bacteria in liquid: The role of gas composition
Authors: Kaupe Julian , Tschang Chen‐Yon T , Birk Florian , Coenen Daniela , Thoma Markus H , Mitic Slobodan 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn order to study the impact of different gas compositions on the bactericidal efficiency of cold atmospheric plasma jets, a device with a controlled atmosphere is built. Various mixtures of argon and helium with air are studied regarding their sterilizing effect onEscherichia coliin solution. Bacteria reduction rates react fundamentally different on addition of air in both gases. In case of helium, a distinct maximum for small admixtures is observed.Several diagnostic techniques were applied to the plasma. Stronger formation of peroxynitrous acid due to higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and nitrite is found to be responsible for the observed trends and differences. The presented findings are important for the development of efficient treatment devices.
TreeSnap: A citizen science app connecting tree enthusiasts and forest scientists
Authors: Crocker Ellen , Condon Bradford , Almsaeed Abdullah , Jarret Benjamin , Nelson C. Dana , Abbott Albert G. , Main Doreen , Staton Margaret 
Published: June 2019

Societal Impact StatementThe scientists that study and work to improve forest health need information on where pests and diseases are spreading, as well as where healthy, resilient trees remain. TreeSnap is a citizen science project and mobile app created to meet this need by enabling citizens to easily submit global positioning system (GPS) locations, photos, and observational information about trees of interest to scientists. The app was designed and built to ensure that the data being collected directly helps scientists engaged in a number of forest health research activities, including studying the genetic diversity of tree species, breeding trees, and monitoring tree health.
Diagnostic value of spirometry vs impulse oscillometry: A comparative study in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Mondal Pritish , Yirinec Alison , Midya Vishal , Sankoorikal Binu‐John , Smink Gayle , Khokhar Arshjot , Abu‐Hasan Mutasim , Bascom Rebecca 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundSpirometry is conventionally used to diagnose airway diseases in children with sickle cell disease (C‐SCD). However, spirometry is difficult for younger children to perform, is effort dependent, and it provides limited information on respiratory mechanics. Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is an effort‐independent pulmonary function test (PFT), which measures total airway resistance (R5Hz) and reactance (AX). IOS could be advantageous without certain limitations of spirometry.AimTo compare the accuracy of IOS vs spirometry in making the diagnosis of asthma and assessing age‐related pulmonary changes in C‐SCD.Study designRetrospective chart review.Subject selectionFifty‐six C‐SCD and thirty‐six controls (asthmatics without SCD) followed at Penn State with PFTs obtained during the initial pulmonary evaluation.MethodologyWe grouped C‐SCD into asthmatics and non‐asthmatics based on pre‐referral diagnosis and compared PFTs between two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses and machine learning tools (XGBoost and artificial neural network) were used to rank the spirometry and IOS measures based on their ability to predict a diagnosis of asthma. Robust linear regression was used to analyze association among height/age with various PFT measures.ResultsBoth ROC and XGBoost indicated that FEF25‐75%, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity, and R5Hz(%) were the top three predictors for asthma diagnosis. R5Hz(%) and AX had superior bronchodilator response (BDR) than FEV1. IOS parameters had significant association with height/age in C‐SCD (possibly due to the stiff lungs) but not in controls.ConclusionIOS had advantages over spirometry in C‐SCD because it is feasible in early childhood, provides insights into the pulmonary mechanics, and is more sensitive to detect BDR.
Clinical assessment of reactive balance control in acquired brain injury: A comparison of manual and cable release‐from‐lean assessment methods
Authors: Borrelli James R. , Junod Christiane A. , Inness Elizabeth L. , Jones Simon , Mansfield Avril , Maki Brian E. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectivePerturbation‐evoked stepping reactions are infrequently assessed directly in clinical settings even though stepping reactions in response to a sudden loss‐of‐balance perturbation ultimately determine whether a fall occurs. Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) due to stroke who are ambulatory and awaiting hospital discharge have been found to exhibit delayed stepping reactions but are typically discharged without assessment of perturbation‐evoked stepping. Tests that specifically target the capacity to perform perturbation‐evoked stepping reactions are important to identify those at risk for falls and to direct intervention strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate agreement and reliability of two assessment methods used to assess rapid stepping reactions, specifically in individuals with ABI due to stroke or other causes. A secondary aim was to compare perturbation‐triggered biomechanics of the two assessment methods.MethodsThirty‐five participants who were less than 4 months post‐ABI were evaluated in an inpatient unit at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Stepping reactions were assessed using manual release‐from‐lean and cable release‐from‐lean perturbation‐based assessment methods.ResultsThere was moderate agreement between the assessment scores resulting from the two assessment methods (κ = 0.55) and substantial test–retest reliability (κ's > 0.61) for both assessment methods. There was no evidence that the assessment score was affected by assessment method, test–retest, or assessment order. However, the cable release from lean resulted in a more rapid release of the lean support force (2 ms vs. 125 ms) and earlier foot‐off times (340 ms vs. 401 ms) compared with the manual release from lean.ConclusionDelays in foot‐off time associated with the manual release‐from‐lean perturbation raise concerns that the manual assessment method may not provide a perturbation that is sufficiently challenging to reveal a patient's balance‐recovery capacity and associated fall risk. However, the manual assessment requires no equipment and the assessment score may provide a useful indication of gross reactive balance control.
Distinct expression patterns of SULT2B1b in human prostate epithelium
Authors: Yang Jiang , Broman Meaghan M. , Cooper Paula O. , Lanman Nadia A. , Strand Douglas W. , Morrissey Colm , Ratliff Timothy L. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundSULT2B1b (sulfotransferase family cytosolic 2B member 1b) catalyzes the sulfate conjugation of substrates such as cholesterol and oxysterols. Our laboratory has previously shown that SULT2B1b inhibition modulates androgen receptor signaling and induces apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. However, the functions of SULT2B1b in the prostate remain poorly understood.MethodsWe characterized the expression pattern of SULT2B1b in human benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) as well as prostate cancer to determine the relationship between SULT2B1b and prostate diseases, using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, immunoblot, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsSULT2B1b was strongly detected in the prostate epithelium but was absent in the stroma. Significantly lower SULT2B1b was found in primary cancer cells compared with adjacent normal epithelial cells. SULT2B1b further decreased in metastatic cancer cells. Most interestingly, we found, for the first time, that SULT2B1b was much more concentrated in the luminal layer than in the basal layer in both normal prostate and BPH samples. The stronger presence of SULT2B1b in luminal epithelial cells was confirmed by costaining with luminal and basal markers and in sorted paired luminal and basal cells. SULT2B1b expression was induced with prostate organoid differentiation.ConclusionsSULT2B1b inversely correlates with prostate cancer status, with the highest level in the normal epithelium and lowest in the advanced metastatic prostate cancer. Furthermore, SULT2B1b is mostly located within the luminal layer of the prostate epithelium, suggesting that it may be implicated in luminal differentiation.