bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relating the small world coefficient to the entropy of 2D networks and applications in neuromorphic engineering
Authors: Onesto V , Romano M , Gentile F , Amato F 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The study of networks pervades science. The techniques of networks are recently being applied to biomedical disciplines, where the complexity of biomedical systems requires new schemes that can process elevated volumes of data with high efficiency. Artificial neural networks, on which much of artificial intelligence relies, are statistical models partially modeled on biological neural networks. They are capable of modeling and processing nonlinear relationships between inputs and outputs in parallel—in opposition to deterministic models and classical computation schemes, which perform tasks in linear sequences of calculations and may fail to keep up with the challenges of complex biological systems. For these biological or bio-inspired systems, the performance of the networks depends on their topological characteristics. Here, we generated a large number of configurations of points in a plane, in which the entropy s of the configurations was varied over large intervals. Then, we connected points using the Waxman model to obtain the corresponding networks. In correlating the entropy (s) to the small-world coefficient (

SW

) of those networks, we found that SW varies hyperbolically with s as SW = 0.88 + 0.28/s, where s is expressed in millibits per node. Since the entropy of a distribution of points depends in turn on the density of those points in the plane, such a relationship suggests that the distribution of mass (

s

) in a complex system determines the topological characteristics (

SW

) of that system. The small-world-ness of the system, in turn, determines its information efficiency. These findings may have implications in neuromorphic engineering, where chips modeled on biological brains may lead to machines that are able, as for some examples, to diagnose diseases, develop drugs and drug delivery systems faster, design personalized treatments targeted to patient’s needs.
Plasmonic colored nanopaper: a potential preventive healthcare tool against threats emerging from uncontrolled UV exposure
Authors: Francisco-Aldana Leydi , Morales-Narváez Eden 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Preventive healthcare is crucial to hinder or delay the onset of disease, furthermore it contributes to healthy and productive lifestyles and saves resources allocated to public health. Herein, we explore how the plasmonic coupling of silver and gold nanoparticles embedded within nanopaper allows for potential preventive healthcare tools based on a change in plasmonic color. Particularly, we selected UV radiation exposure as a potential threat to health to be monitored via plasmonic colored nanopaper (PCN). Uncontrolled UV radiation exposure is not only known to provoke epidermal damage, but also to trigger leaching of hazardous compounds from polycarbonate containers. In this context, we engineered UV-responsive PCN devices whose sensing mechanism is based on UV photodegradation of silver nanoparticles. Since absorbance and scattering of metal nanoparticles strongly depend on their size and inter-particle distance, the resulting PCN detectors are able to warn of the potential UV radiation-induced threat via a visually observable plasmonic color change with a yellowish/reddish transition. Epidermal experiments with tattoo-like PCN devices prove the resulting detectors can change in color upon safe dose of sun exposure. Moreover, PCN detectors stuck on polycarbonate containers also change in color after moderate sun exposure. This cost-effective and lightweight nanophotonic device leads to a versatile preventive healthcare tool.
Low Frequency of “Double Molt” of Remiges in Ruddy Ducks Revealed by Stable Isotopes: Implications for Tracking Migratory Waterfowl
Authors: Hobson Keith A. , Brua Robert B. , Hohman William L. , Wassenaar Len I. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Ratios of the stable carbon (δ13C) and hydrogen (δD) isotopes in newly grown remiges of Ruddy Ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis) are influenced by the isotopic character of food types and ambient water. Systematic isotopic foodweb and water differences between coastal wintering grounds and prairie breeding grounds of Ruddy Ducks provide the basis for using isotopic analyses of feathers to trace the location and timing of molt. Anecdotal evidence, based largely on captive birds, suggests that Ruddy Ducks replace their remiges twice each year (once each on the breeding and wintering grounds), but a recent literature analysis indicates that this phenomenon is rare. Thus, we investigated the extent to which a biannual molt of the remiges occurs in the wild and at the population level. We analyzed the stable isotopes of carbon (n = 57 birds) and hydrogen (n = 50 birds) in flight feathers to estimate the prevalence of the so-called “double molt” of remiges in free-living Ruddy Ducks. Our data showed that natural populations of Ruddy Ducks express an overwhelming unimodal distribution of isotope ratios in their remiges, suggesting that they undergo a single molt at or near the breeding grounds. Only 3 to 6 of 50 birds from Manitoba showed isotopic evidence consistent with growing remiges on the wintering grounds. Feathers from Ruddy Ducks harvested during the fall in the Mississippi Flyway had isotopic profiles consistent with growth on northern freshwater breeding sites. Thus, our results confirm that the replacement of remiges twice each year by Ruddy Ducks is rare, and they suggest that this dual stable-isotope technique can be used to infer general molting origins of North American waterfowl.
Correcting Nesting-Success Estimates for Observer Effects: Maximum-Likelihood Estimates of Daily Survival Rates With Reduced Bias
Authors: Rotellam Jay J. , Taper Mark L. , Hansen Andrew J. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe develop a statistical method that simultaneously estimates daily survival rate and observer effect. We used Monte Carlo simulation to (1) evaluate the performance of the model, (2) compare model performance with models that ignore observer effects, and (3) evaluate methods of choosing between competing models of survival. When observer effects were absent, all models produced unbiased estimates of daily survival rate. In the presence of observer effects, however, models that ignore these effects underestimated daily survival rate. In such cases, estimates of nesting success were strongly affected even when observer effects were relatively small. In contrast, estimates of daily survival rate and nesting success produced by the model that considers observer effects consistently had little bias. However, estimates of daily survival rate from this model were less precise than those from the simpler model. Objective criteria for choosing between competing models did not perform well with sample sizes of 150 to 600 because subtle but important observer effects are difficult to detect. Likelihood-ratio tests had low power for rejecting the null hypothesis of no observer effect over a wide range of levels of observer effect and with sample sizes of 150 to 600. Estimates of daily survival rate from models selected based on Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) had higher bias than estimates from the model that estimates observer effect when observer effect was present. Estimates from AIC-selected models had lower mean squared error than estimates from the model that estimates observer effect when observer effects were small, but the pattern reversed as effects increased. We recommend that researchers estimate observer effects using the more complex model when observer effects are possible and decide whether to use estimates of daily survival from the simpler or more complex model based on analysis results and simulation or analytic results for relevant sample sizes, daily survival rates, and observer effects. To illustrate use of the analytical techniques, we analyzed field data from Dusky Flycatcher (Empidonax oberholseri) nests monitored during the nestling stage. The observer effect was estimated to be 1.003 (95% CI 0.866 to 1.162); thus, point estimates of daily survival were very similar from the simpler (0.971; 95% CI 0.957 to 0.985) and more complex model (0.970; 95% CI 0.925 to 1.000). In this case, analysis results and simulation results indicate that the simpler model is adequate and provides an estimate of daily survival rate with small potential bias and increased precision compared with an estimate from the more complex model.
Factors Affecting Reed Warbler Risk of Brood Parasitism by the Common Cuckoo
Authors: Clarke Alice L. , Øien Ingar J. , Honza Marcel , Moksnes Arne , RØskaft Eivin 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
In this study we conducted a multiple logistic regression analysis of factors hypothesized to influence the risk of Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) brood parasitism by the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) on study sites in the south-eastern part of the Czech Republic. We collected data from Common Cuckoo nesting sites surrounding two fishponds. Our logistic regression models were based on the dichotomous dependent variable, parasitism of the Reed Warbler nest, and seven independent variables. Our first model used all data available across sites and years and resulted in a final model in which the only significant contributor was the independent variable “cuckoo view,” the view of host nests from the cuckoo's vantage point in a tree. A second model was developed using data limited to sites and years with the largest sample sizes and expected to yield the most reliable results. That model resulted in three significant contributors: site, cuckoo view, and neighborhood view. In both data sets, the odds of nest parasitism were shown to increase as the view of the host nest became more direct. However, a direct view of the focal nest raised the risk of parasitism to a much greater degree than did a direct view of the neighborhood of nests. Our results provide support for a nest-exposure hypothesis of brood parasitism risk. Although our models have identified nest exposure to be the best predictor of nest parasitism in this system, work remains to unravel the potentially complex relationship among Common Cuckoos, habitat structure, and Reed Warbler hosts.
Function and Temporal Variation in Use of Ossuaries by Bearded Vultures (Gypaetus barbatus) During the Nestling Period
Authors: Margalida Antoni , Bertran Joan 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
We analyze the use and functionality of ossuaries by the Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) in the Pyrenees during the nestling period. In 71% of cases, the ossuary was used to prepare food for chicks, in 11% for storing food, and only in 18% for preparing the adults' own food. Pairs used an average of two ossuaries at a mean distance from the nest of 789 m (SE ± 377). The average time dedicate to breaking bone was 5.3 min (SE ± 4.2) and 4.5 throws (SE ± 5.8) for each session in the ossuarie (n = 86). The temporal variation found in the use of the ossuaries, with maximum frequencies between 31–90 days of age of chicks, may be due to a possible qualitative variation in chicks' diets. Ossuaries are also used to store food, this being a differentiating and advantageous trait with respect to feeding behavior developed by other meat scavengers.
Growth of Nestling Thick-billed Murres (Uria lomvia) in Relation toParental Experience and Hatching Date
Authors: Hipfner J. Mark , Gaston Anthony J. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
In many avian species, reproductive success increases with parental age and experience, and declines seasonally. However, it is difficult to evaluate how parental attributes affect reproduction independently of date effects, because young, inexperienced pairs generally lay later than older, experienced pairs. We examined how parental experience and timing affected nestling growth in the Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia), an Arctic seabird that lays a single-egg clutch, by taking advantage of a natural contrast made possible by marked within-group synchrony. That is a common feature at murre colonies, and enabled us to monitor the breeding performance of experienced pairs over an extended period that overlapped with breeding by inexperienced pairs late in the season. Whereas growth of offspring raised by experienced parents was unaffected by their hatching date, offspring raised by inexperienced parents grew more slowly than those raised concurrently by experienced parents. Therefore, parental experience influenced nestling growth rates whereas timing did not, a result that accords with previous studies on this species. Absence of direct effects of timing of egg-laying on breeding success of Thick-billed Murres stands in sharp contrast to many other avian species, and seems surprising for an Arctic-nesting species often assumed to be strictly time-constrained in its breeding.
Are Traditional Methods of Determining Nest Predators and Nest Fates Reliable? An Experiment with Wood Thrushes (Hylocichla mustelina) Using Miniature Video Cameras
Authors: Williams Gary E. , Wood Petra Bohall 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe used miniature infrared video cameras to monitor Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) nests during 1998–2000. We documented nest predators and examined whether evidence at nests can be used to predict predator identities and nest fates. Fifty-six nests were monitored; 26 failed, with 3 abandoned and 23 depredated. We predicted predator class (avian, mammalian, snake) prior to review of video footage and were incorrect 57% of the time. Birds and mammals were underrepresented whereas snakes were over-represented in our predictions. We documented ≥9 nest-predator species, with the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) taking the most nests (n = 8). During 2000, we predicted fate (fledge or fail) of 27 nests; 23 were classified correctly. Traditional methods of monitoring nests appear to be effective for classifying success or failure of nests, but ineffective at classifying nest predators.
Immunogenicity of 2 and 3 Doses of the Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine up to 120 Months Postvaccination: Follow-up of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Donken Robine , Dobson Simon R M , Marty Kim D , Cook Darrel , Sauvageau Chantal , Gilca Vladimir , Dionne Marc , McNeil Shelly , Krajden Mel , Money Deborah , Kellner James , Scheifele David W , Kollmann Tobias , Bettinger Julie A , Liu Shuzhen , Singer Joel , Naus Monika , Sadarangani Manish , Ogilvie Gina S 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Several countries have implemented a 2-dose (2D) human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination schedule for adolescents based on immunobridging studies. We compared immunogenicity of 2D vs 3-dose (3D) schedules of the quadrivalent vaccine (4vHPV) up to 10 years after the first dose.

Methods
Girls aged 9–13 years were randomized to receive 2D or 3D and were compared with women aged 16–26 receiving 3D at day 1 and months 7, 24, and 120 after the first dose. Antibody levels for HPV6/11/16/18 were evaluated using the competitive Luminex immunoassay (cLIA) and total immunoglobulin G assay. Geometric mean titers (GMTs) and seropositivity rates were compared between the different groups at different time points. Noninferiority of GMT ratios was defined as the lower bound of the 2-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) being greater than 0.5. Kinetics of antibody titers over time among study groups were examined.

Results
At 120 months, data from 35 2D girls, 38 3D girls, and 30 3D women were used for analyses. cLIA seropositivity rates were above 95% for all HPV vaccine types and all schedules, except HPV18, with the lowest seropositivity observed among 3D women (60.0%; 95% CI, 40.6%–77.3%). GMT ratios (cLIA) for both 2D and 3D girls were noninferior to 3 doses in women for HPV6/11/16/18. Trends were comparable between assays.

Conclusions
GMTs for HPV6/11/16/18 after 2D or 3D of 4vHPV in girls were noninferior to 3D in adult women up to 120 months postvaccination. This study demonstrates long-term immunogenicity of the 2D HPV vaccine schedule.
Extracapillary proliferation scoring correlates with renal outcome and contributes to stratification in adult patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: Moreno Jhonny L , Rodas Lida M , Draibe Juliana , Fulladosa Xavier , Gomá Montserrat , Garcia-Herrera Adriana , Cruzado Josep M , Torras Joan , Quintana Luis F 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The revised Oxford classification of diagnostic renal biopsies has been proposed to aid in the prediction of renal outcome. We aimed to validate the histological crescents and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) subgrouping, and to investigate the additional value of the proportion of crescents (CatPE) in the prediction of renal outcome.

Methods
Data were retrospectively collected over 10 years, from the time of diagnosis, by systematic review of medical records from 90 patients with renal biopsies recruited to cohorts from two hospitals in Spain. Patients were classified into three groups for the analysis: CatPE &gt;25% (C2), CatPE &lt;25% (C1) and without this type of lesion (C0). The end point was renal survival defined by either &gt;50% reduction in glomerular filtrate rate or end-stage renal disease.

Results
Renal survival at 5 years was 90% in group C0, 81% in group C1 and 31% in group C2 (P = 0.013). The presence of &gt;25% crescents in the sample was associated with more severe disease when compared with &lt;25%, as demonstrated by more interstitial fibrotic change and by lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at diagnosis, as well as worse renal function at 2 and 5 years. At the time of diagnosis and at 24 months, the group with IFTA &gt;50% had poorer renal function compared with the other groups.

Conclusions
We have confirmed the predictive value for renal survival of the revised Oxford classification in a two-centre study. We found worse renal outcome in patients with severe tubulointerstitial fibrosis and atrophy. Patients with extracapillary lesions &gt;25% and IFTA &gt;50% had a worse renal prognosis due to more severe kidney injury. These results contribute to patient stratification in immunoglobulin A nephropathy for therapeutic, epidemiological and basic research.
Biotin supplement interference with immunoassays for parathyroid hormone and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in a patient with metabolic bone disease on maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Plasse Richard A , Olson Stephen W , Yuan Christina M , Nee Robert 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Biotin (vitamin B7) is a dietary supplement that can lead to falsely abnormal endocrine function tests. The impact of biotin on both 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) have not been previously described in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). A woman with ESRD on hemodialysis taking biotin 10 mg daily had a 25(OH)D spike from 25 to &gt;100 ng/mL and an iPTH decrease from 966 to 63 pg/mL. After discontinuation of biotin, her 25(OH)D and iPTH returned to baseline. Biotin can cause erroneous 25(OH)D and iPTH results in ESRD that could adversely affect patient care.
Prey Switching and Variable Foraging Strategies of Black-Legged Kittiwakes and the Effect on Reproductive Success
Authors: Suryan Robert M. , Irons David B. , Benson Jeb 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
We studied the diets, foraging strategies, and reproduction of Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) during five years at two colonies within Prince William Sound, Alaska. Years with reduced occurrence of 1-year-old Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) in kittiwake diets were associated with increased foraging trip duration, distance, and travel time at both colonies. Foraging range was consistently greater at the large, fjord colony with an annual mean trip duration of 4 hr and mean distance to the farthest feeding location of 40 km in years when 1-year-old herring dominated diets; these numbers increased to a maximum mean of 6 hr and 60 km during a year when kittiwakes consumed primarily young-of-year (YOY) herring and Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus). Foraging trips of kittiwakes at the small, island colony averaged 2 hr and 5 km during years when 1-year-old herring dominated diets and increased when capelin (Mallotus villosus) and YOY herring and sand lance were consumed. Consequences of reduced herring availability were greatest at the large colony where alternative prey was limited, resulting in reduced reproductive success. In contrast, kittiwakes from the small colony were able to compensate for reduced herring availability by obtaining sand lance and capelin in relatively close proximity, and maintained above average reproductive success. Time spent traveling and trip distance increased with greater trip duration. However, search and prey capture times were only weakly related to trip duration and may reflect foraging strategies that vary with different species, age classes, or availability of prey consumed.
Semi-parametric analysis of efficiency and productivity using Gaussian processes
Authors: Emvalomatis Grigorios 
Published: September 2019

SummaryThis paper proposes a fully Bayesian semi-parametric method for efficiency and productivity analysis based on Gaussian processes. The proposed technique frees the researcher from having to specify a functional form for the production frontier, and it is shown in simulated data to perform as well as flexible parametric models when correct distributional assumptions are imposed on the inefficiency component of the error term, and slightly better when incorrect assumptions are made. The technique is applied to a panel dataset of US electric utilities, where total-factor productivity growth is estimated and decomposed with both parametric and semi-parametric techniques.
Metatranscriptomics reveals unsuspected protistan diversity in leaf litter across temperate beech forests, with Amoebozoa the dominating lineage
Authors: Voss Christian , Fiore-Donno Anna Maria , Guerreiro Marco Alexandre , Peršoh Derek , Bonkowski Michael 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTForest litter harbors complex networks of microorganisms whose major components are bacteria, fungi and protists. Protists, being highly selective consumers of bacteria and fungi could influence decomposition processes by shifting competitive microbial interactions. We investigated the eukaryotic diversity from 18 samples of one-year beech (Fagus sylvatica) leaf litter by RNA-based high-throughput sequencing of the small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene. By applying a metatranscriptomics approach, we avoided biases inherent to PCR-based methods, and could therefore focus on elusive protistan groups. We obtained 14 589 eukaryotic assembled sequences (contigs) representing 2223 unique taxa. Fungi dominated the eukaryotic assemblage, followed by an equal proportion of protists and plants. Among protists, the phylum Amoebozoa clearly dominated, representing more than twice the proportion of Alveolata (mostly ciliates) and Rhizaria (mostly Cercozoa), which are often retrieved as the dominant protistan groups in soils, revealing potential primer biases. By assigning functional traits to protists, we could assess that the proportion of free-living and heterotrophs was much higher than that of parasites and autotrophs, opening the way to a better understanding of the role played by the protistan communities and how biodiversity interacts with decomposition processes.