bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developmental trajectories of adaptive functioning following early mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Dégeilh Fanny , Bernier Annie , Gravel Jocelyn , Beauchamp Miriam H. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAdaptive behavior impairments have been reported in children with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) but are not typically found following mild TBI. It is possible that mild TBI induces subtle changes in adaptive functioning that are not captured in conventional group comparisons. This study aimed to explore time course changes in adaptive functioning following early mild TBI. Parents of 63 children with mild TBI and 53 children with orthopedic injuries aged between 1.5 and 5 years at the time of injury completed the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System‐II at three time points: retrospectively to assess pre‐injury functioning, then at 6 and 18 months post‐injury. Developmental trajectories of adaptive functioning domains (practical, conceptual, and social) reported by parents were modeled using linear mixed‐model analyses. Findings suggest that mild TBI may disrupt the expected developmental progression of children's social adaptive behavior, but does not appear to alter practical and conceptual domains.
Creatinine excretion in consecutive urine samples after controlled ingestion of water
Authors: Franz Simon , Skopp Gisela , Boettcher Michael , Musshoff Frank 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHighly diluted urine is among the most commonly observed factors affecting the validity of urine testing for drug abuse. A minimum creatinine concentration of 20 mg/dL urine has been proposed as a marker for dilution of a urine sample. This study investigates the effect of water consumption on creatinine concentration, as well as its effect on specific gravity and osmolality. In this study, 22 subjects (17 women and 5 men) were included to determine the influence of sex and weight on the impact of excessive water consumption on these markers of urine dilution. The subjects consumed 0.5 L, 1.0 L, and 1.5 L of water, respectively, within 15 minutes. The mean minimum creatinine concentrations (Jaffé reaction) for the void 2 hours after fluid intake were 60.4 mg/dL, 15.8 mg/dL, and 10.9 mg/dL for the respective ingested volumes of water. Mean creatinine concentrations excreted by men were significantly higher than those excreted by women. Participants with a weight below 60 kg tended to excrete lower urine creatinine concentrations. 50% of the volunteers with a BMI < 20 kg/m2 and 20% of the volunteers with a BMI > 20 kg/m2 exhibited creatinine concentrations below the threshold value of 20 mg/dL. A similar pattern was established for gravity and osmolality. Due to its simple determination, creatinine may be preferred over specific gravity or osmolality. In order to evaluate the internal dilution of a urine sample for legally defensible drug testing, it may be necessary to account for sex and body weight.
Spatial configuration processing in visual word form perception and reading abilities in Chinese
Authors: Kao Chien‐Hui , Wang Hsiao‐Lan Sharon , Chen Chien‐Chung 
Published: October 2018

The analysis of spatial relations among components of a character is important in identifying visual word forms. We investigated such spatial configuration processing for Chinese characters in dyslexic children (aged 9–12 years) and two groups of typically developing children, matched according to chronological age or reading level. In this study, we used real characters and noncharacters to manipulate the spatial configuration between character components while preserving their local features. Both characters were displayed either in an upright or inverted position. Participants were asked to quickly determine whether the two presented stimuli were identical. A significant interaction between character type and character orientation showed children's matching performance was better in upright real characters than in the inverted version, but such effect was absent in noncharacters. This indicated that regardless of reading skills, children developed the ability to use local configuration information to visually identify words. Dyslexic children performed poorly in both real‐character and noncharacter conditions. Furthermore, compared with control groups, dyslexic children performed worse in real‐character conditions, which were close to the noncharacter performance of other groups. This reflected an impairment of global visual word‐form processing (i.e., spatial configuration between components) in dyslexia.
Nematode community responses to range‐expanding and native plant communities in original and new range soils
Authors: Wilschut Rutger A. , Kostenko Olga , Koorem Kadri , van der Putten Wim H. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMany plant species expand their range to higher latitudes in response to climate change. However, it is poorly understood how biotic interactions in the new range differ from interactions in the original range. Here, in a mesocosm experiment, we analyze nematode community responses in original and new range soils to plant communities with either (a) species native in both the original and new range, (b) range‐expanding species related to these natives (related range expanders), or (c) range expanders without native congeneric species in the new range (unrelated range expanders). We hypothesized that nematode community shifts between ranges are strongest for unrelated range expanders and minimal for plant species that are native in both ranges. As a part of these community shifts, we hypothesized that range expanders, but not natives, would accumulate fewer root‐feeding nematodes in their new range compared to their original range. Analyses of responses of nematodes from both original and new ranges and comparison between range expanders with and without close relatives have not been made before. Our study reveals that none of the plant communities experienced evident nematode community shifts between the original and new range. However, in soils from the new range, root‐feeding nematode communities of natives and related range expanders were more similar than in soils from the original range, whereas the nematode community of unrelated range expanders was distinct from the communities of natives and related range expanders in soils from both ranges. The abundances of root‐feeding nematodes were comparable between the original and new range for all plant communities. Unexpectedly, unrelated range expanders overall accumulated most root‐feeding nematodes, whereas related range expanders accumulated fewest. We conclude that nematode communities associated with native and range‐expanding plant species differ between the original and the new range, but that range‐expanding plant species do not accumulate fewer root‐feeding nematodes in their new than in their original range.
Sex‐specific effects of outbreeding on offspring quality in pike (Esox lucius)
Authors: Sunde Johanna , Tibblin Petter , Larsson Per , Forsman Anders 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntraspecific genetic admixture occurs when previously separated populations within a species start interbreeding, and it can have either positive, negative, or neutral effects on reproductive performance. As there currently is no reliable predictor for the outcome of admixture, an increased knowledge about admixture effects in different species and populations is important to increase the understanding about what determines the response to admixture. We tested for effects of admixture on F1 offspring quality in three subpopulations of pike (Esox lucius). Gametes were collected in the field, and eggs from each female were experimentally fertilized with milt from a male from each population (one “pure” and two “admixed” treatments). Three offspring quality measures (hatching success, fry survival, and fry length) were determined and compared between (a) pure and admixed population combinations and (b) the sex‐specific treatments within each admixed population combination (based on the origin of the male and female, respectively). The results suggested that although there were no overall effects of admixture on offspring quality, the consequences for a given population combination could be sex‐specific and thus differ depending on which of the parents originated from one or the other population. All offspring quality traits were influenced by both maternal ID and paternal ID. Sex‐ and individual‐specific effects can have implications for dispersal behavior and gene flow between natural populations, and are important to consider in conservation efforts.
Species distribution models and empirical test: Comparing predictions with well‐understood geographical distribution of Bothrops alternatus in Argentina
Authors: Sarquis Juan A. , Cristaldi Maximiliano A. , Arzamendia Vanesa , Bellini Gisela , Giraudo Alejandro R. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSpecies distribution models (SDMs) estimate the geographical distribution of species although with several limitations due to sources of inaccuracy and biases. Empirical tests arose as the most important steps in scientific knowledge to assess the efficiency of model predictions, which are poorly rigorous in SDMs. A good approach to the empirical distribution (ED) of a species can be obtained from comprehensive empirical knowledge, that is, well‐understood distributions gathered from large amount of data generated with appropriate spatial and temporal samples coverage. The aims of this study were to (a) compare different SDMs predictions with an ED; and (b) evaluate if fuzzy global matching (FGM) could be used as an index to compare SDMs predictions and ED. Six algorithms with 5 and 20 variables were used to assess their accuracy in predicting the ED of the venomous snake Bothrops alternatus (Viperidae). Its entire distribution is known, thanks to thorough field surveys across Argentina, with 1,767 records. ED was compared with SDMs predictions using Map Comparison Kit. SDMs predictions showed important biases in all methods used, from 70% sub‐estimation to 40% over‐estimation of ED. BIOCLIM predicted ≈31% of B. alternatus ED. DOMAIN predicted 99% of ED, but over‐estimated 40% of the area. GLM with five variables calculated 75% of ED, while Genetic Algorithm for Rule‐set Prediction showed ≈60% of ED; the last two presenting overpredictions in areas with favorable climatic conditions but not inhabited by the species. MaxEnt and RF were the only methods to detect isolated populations in the southern distribution of B. alternatus. Although SDMs proved useful in making predictions about species distribution, predictions need validation with expert maps knowledge and ED. Moreover, FGM showed a good performance as an index with values similar to True Skill Statistic, so that it could be used to relate ED and SDMs predictions.
Transforming mentorship in STEM by training scientists to be better leaders
Authors: Hund Amanda K. , Churchill Amber C. , Faist Akasha M. , Havrilla Caroline A. , Love Stowell Sierra M. , McCreery Helen F. , Ng Julienne , Pinzone Cheryl A. , Scordato Elizabeth S. C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractEffective mentoring is a key component of academic and career success that contributes to overall measures of productivity. Mentoring relationships also play an important role in mental health and in recruiting and retaining students from groups underrepresented in STEM fields. Despite these clear and measurable benefits, faculty generally do not receive mentorship training, and feedback mechanisms and assessment to improve mentoring in academia are limited. Ineffective mentoring can negatively impact students, faculty, departments, and institutions via decreased productivity, increased stress, and the loss of valuable research products and talented personnel. Thus, there are clear incentives to invest in and implement formal training to improve mentorship in STEM fields. Here, we outline the unique challenges of mentoring in academia and present results from a survey of STEM scientists that support both the need and desire for more formal mentorship training. Using survey results and the primary literature, we identify common behaviors of effective mentors and outline a set of mentorship best practices. We argue that these best practices, as well as the key qualities of flexibility, communication, and trust, are skills that can be taught to prospective and current faculty. We present a model and resources for mentorship training based on our research, which we successfully implemented at the University of Colorado, Boulder, with graduate students and postdocs. We conclude that such training is an important and cost‐effective step toward improving mentorship in STEM fields.
Empirical analysis of biodiesel effect on the automobile properties of diesel engine: A case study of olive and soya biomass
Authors: Emetere Moses Eterigho , Jack‐Quincy Solomon , Adejumo Akolade , Dauda Oluwatobi , Osunlola Israel , Adelekan Damola , Adeyemi Oladipupo 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLaboratory evidence of cyclic breaking in biodiesel products was recently reported. This study seeks to investigative biodiesel production from olive and soya biomass along recent scientific discovery. Research focus was on the analysis of mixed fossil‐biodiesel samples on diesel engine. The mixed blend of soya (B10 and B20) and olive (B10 and B20) were used in this study. The TD 200 diesel engine was used to examine the automobile implications of adopting olive and soya biodiesels for automobile applications. More so, the research seeks to know the effect of cyclic breaking on engine performance. Aside the normal parameters like torque, rotational speed, differential pressure, operational temperature, and power generated in the engine, five additional factors were considered that is sound of engine, power generated by engine in horse power, thermal efficiency, normal engine efficiency, and brake mean effect pressure. Most parameters show the effect of cyclic breaking in the mixed olive and soya biodiesel when the engine operates beyond 20 minutes. The temperature of the engine is increased by 41% and 29% for olive B10 and soya B10, respectively. The maximum engine efficiencies when pure diesel, Soya B10, and Olive B10 (at specific heat ratio of 8.5) were optimized was 0.44, 0.709, and 0.616, respectively. The shortcoming of the tested biodiesel products was highlighted in the research. The rate of cyclic breaking in biodiesel is recommended for further study.
Protective effects of a triple‐fermented barley extract (FBe) against HCl/EtOH‐induced gastric mucosa damage in mice
Authors: Lim Jong‐Min , Song Chang‐Hyun , Park Su‐Jin , Park Dong‐Chan , Cho Hyung‐Rae , Jung Go‐Woon , Bashir Khawaja Muhammad Imran , Ku Sae Kwang , Choi Jae‐Suk 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study was designed to observe the possible protective effects of a triple‐fermented barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) extract (FBe) obtained by saccharification and using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Weissella cibaria in alleviating gastric damage induced by a hydrochloric acid (HCl) and ethanol (EtOH) mixture in mice. After oral administration of FBe (300, 200, and 100 mg/kg) followed by 1 hr before and after the single treatment of HCl/EtOH (H/E) mixture, the hemorrhagic lesion scores, histopathology of the stomach, gastric nitrate/nitrite content, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant defense systems including catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were observed. Following a single oral treatment of H/E‐induced gastric damages as measured by hemorrhagic gross lesions and histopathological gastric, ulcerative lesions were significantly and dose‐dependently (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) inhibited in mice, when all three different doses of FBe were administered as compared to those in H/E control mice. In particular, FBe also increased gastric nitrate/nitrite content and strengthened the antioxidant defense, with a decrease in the level of gastric lipid peroxidation, but increased the activities of CAT and SOD. Moreover, the effects of FBe are comparable to that of ranitidine, a reference drug. The obtained results suggest that this fermented barley extract prevented mice from H/E‐induced gastric mucosal damages through the suppression of inflammatory responses and oxidative stress‐responsive free radicals. Thus, FBe can be useful to treat patients suffering from gastric mucosal disorders as a potent food supplement, and thereby, it would increase the necessity of application in the food industry.
Process optimization of extrusion variables and its effect on properties of extruded cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) noodles
Authors: Sobowale Sunday Samuel , Animashaun Oluwatoyin Habibat , Mulaba‐Bafubiandi Antoine Floribert , Abidoye Temitope Saratallahi , Kewuyemi Yusuf Olamide , Adebo Oluwafemi Ayodeji 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe current industrial demand for starchy foods has been dominated by other roots and tubers, while cocoyam, despite being rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins has remained under exploited. In this study, the effect of feed moisture content (FMC), screw speed (SS) and barrel temperature (BT) on the quality characteristics of cocoyam noodles (proximate, thermo‐physical, physicochemical, texture, color, extrudate properties, and sensory characteristics) were investigated using central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). Flour was produced from fresh tubers of cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) and subsequently processed into noodles using a twin screw extruder. Results showed that the proximate compositions, thermo‐physical, physicochemical properties, and color of the cocoyam noodles were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the extrusion process variables. The texture and extrudate properties of cocoyam noodles were equally significantly (p < 0.05) different. The experimental data obtained and predicted values of the response models were comparable, with statistical indices [absolute average deviation (AAD, 0–0.23), bias factor (Bf, 1–1.08), and accuracy factor (Af, 1–1.23)] indicating the validity of the derived models. The optimal extrusion processing conditions for quality cocoyam noodles were FMC, SS, and BT of 47.5%, 700 rpm and 50°C, respectively, as cocoyam noodles obtained at these conditions had comparable properties and were most preferred and accepted by the sensory panelists.
The relationship between socioeconomic status and white matter microstructure in pre‐reading children: A longitudinal investigation
Authors: Ozernov‐Palchik Ola , Norton Elizabeth S. , Wang Yingying , Beach Sara D. , Zuk Jennifer , Wolf Maryanne , Gabrieli John D. E. , Gaab Nadine 
Published: October 2018

AbstractReading is a learned skill crucial for educational attainment. Children from families of lower socioeconomic status (SES) tend to have poorer reading performance and this gap widens across years of schooling. Reading relies on the orchestration of multiple neural systems integrated via specific white‐matter pathways, but there is limited understanding about whether these pathways relate differentially to reading performance depending on SES background. Kindergarten white‐matter FA and second‐grade reading outcomes were investigated in an SES‐diverse sample of 125 children. The three left‐hemisphere white‐matter tracts most associated with reading, and their right‐hemisphere homologs, were examined: arcuate fasciculus (AF), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), and inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF). There was a significant and positive association between SES and fractional anisotropy (FA) in the bilateral ILF in kindergarten. SES moderated the association between kindergarten ILF and second grade reading performance, such that it was positive in lower‐SES children, but not significant in higher‐SES children. These results have implications for understanding the role of the environment in the development of the neural pathways that support reading.
SunSmart news? Traditional media coverage of sun protection issues during springtime in New Zealand
Authors: Peterson Elizabeth , Richards Rosalina , McNoe Bronwen , Reeder Anthony I. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIssues addressedCutaneous melanomas and keratinocyte carcinomas (nonmelanoma skin cancer) are highly prevalent in New Zealand (NZ), making skin cancer a priority area for cancer control. Spring is an important time for encouraging sun‐safety, due to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels becoming hazardous. The news media have a potential to play an important role in reminding people and emphasising the importance of sun‐safety. This study aimed to describe how the traditional NZ media portrayed sun‐safety and skin cancer in spring news stories.MethodsA media monitoring company collated stories related to cancer during spring 2016. These were reviewed for inclusion and content was coded according to the cancer type described. Stories focused on skin cancer and sun protection issues were coded according to the position on the cancer control continuum.ResultsSkin cancer and sun‐safety represented 3.6% (n = 110) of all cancer stories published. Stories mainly related to primary prevention (72%), early detection (37%) and survivorship (27%). The main risk factors identified included sun exposure (49%) and tanning (25%).ConclusionsTraditional media coverage of skin cancer remains relatively low during springtime. It is heartening to see that most stories included prevention information.So what?Given the impact of skin cancer in NZ, and the importance of springtime as a period for behaviour change to reduce risk, there is considerable scope for increased media coverage and advocacy. Further research could usefully analyse media trends throughout the year and within specific media platforms, both traditional and new, in order to further disseminate information to the NZ public.
Temporal availability of public health care in developing countries of the Caribbean: An improved two‐step floating catchment area method for estimating spatial accessibility to health care
Authors: Paul Juel , Edwards Earl 
Published: October 2018

SummaryDue to restrictions on personnel availability, the service capacity at a health facility may vary day to day based on an established schedule. This temporal variability influences a user's choice set, modifying their possible choices. As a result, the spatial accessibility of public health care may be constantly reshaped rather than being a relatively static experience as commonly represented in place‐based spatial accessibility literature. Building on the latest advances in the two‐step floating catchment method, this study presents further advancements through the inclusion of health facility schedules to better represent health care availability in the assessment of accessibility. The results show that the proposed method reveals communities with relatively poor accessibility that are hidden with many existing methods. By exposing the available care within time windows, a more accurate picture of the services available to be accessed is revealed. The findings suggest that improvement in the number of doctor hours at health facilities may reduce the disparities found in accessibility scores for communities. Further, in public health care systems similarly structured, the spatial configuration of facilities with doctors can be considered at the administrative level to ensure adequate levels of access across the jurisdiction.