bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting niche fundamentals with Tukey depth
Authors: Cerdeira Jorge Orestes , Monteiro‐Henriques Tiago , Martins Maria João , Silva Pedro C. , Alagador Diogo , Franco Aldina M. A. , Campagnolo Manuel L. , Arsénio Pedro , Aguiar Francisca C. , Cabeza Mar 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

The first attempts to describe species ecological niches were simple geometric procedures that depict the niche boundaries directly from environmental data. The convex hull was one of such procedures, popular for its simplicity, clear ecological rational and precise definition of the niche. However, it lacked the ability to differentiate areas of the niche with different probabilities of occurrence according to environmental suitability.

We incorporate the Tukey depth, a mathematical tool to measure the centrality of a point within a cloud of points on a multidimensional space, in the convex hull approach to (i) propose a new procedure (CH‐Tukey) to estimate species’ environmental suitability, and (ii) estimate niche overlap coherently. In addition to a clear ecological rational and simplicity the CH‐Tukey procedure has a number of attractive features: use of presence‐only data; independence from background data; invariance to scale; robustness to outliers; and the decomposition of the niche into a finite number of iso‐suitability levels, permitting the computation of consistent overlap indices. We illustrate the use of CH‐Tukey, using occurrence data of the main Quercus species and subspecies from Western Mediterranean Europe, comparing its outputs with BIOCLIM and MaxEnt.

Results showed distinct niche geometries among the different approaches. BIOCLIM produced rectilinear niches reflecting the assumption that ecological variables are independent in their action on the species. CH‐Tukey, relaxing this assumption, adjusts niche outer boundary and the inner suitability levels to the known occurrences. MaxEnt produced unbounded niche geometries, showing abrupt shifts in the species response to the environmental variables.

The niche predictions obtained with geometric approaches, BIOCLIM and CH‐Tukey, are simpler but better aligned with Hutchinson's niche concept than those obtained with MaxEnt, this latter showing ecologically implausible relationships with the environmental variables. CH‐Tukey and the related overlap measures provide an adequate tool to explore niche properties and species–environment relationships.
Association between serum cotinine levels and electrocardiographic left atrial abnormality
Authors: Irfan Affan , Li Yabing , Bhatnagar Aruni , Soliman Elsayed Z. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the harmful effect of tobacco exposure on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors are well established, the constituents of cigarette‐smoke and the pathophysiological mechanism involved are unknown. Recently, deep terminal negativity of P wave in V1 (DTNPV1) has emerged as a marker of left atrial abnormality that predicts atrial fibrillation, stroke, and death due to all‐cause or CVD. Therefore, we examined the association between serum cotinine levels with abnormal DTNPV1 using the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.MethodsThis analysis included 4,507 participants (mean age 58 ± 13 years, 53% women, 49% non‐Hispanic white) of NHANES III, without history of CVD or major electrocardiographic abnormalities and not on heart rate modifying medications. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between serum cotinine and abnormal DTNPV1—defined from automatically processed electrocardiograms as values of the amplitude of the terminal negative phase of P wave in lead V1 exceeding 100 μV.ResultsAbnormal DTNPV1 was detected in 2.3% (n = 105) of the participants. In a model adjusted for demographics and CVD risk factors, each 10 ng/ml serum cotinine was associated with 2% increased odds of abnormal DTNPV1 (odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.03, p‐value < 0.001). This association was consistent in subgroups stratified by age, sex, race, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.ConclusionElevated serum cotinine levels are associated with an abnormal DTNPV1. This suggests that nicotine exposure can lead to left atrial abnormalities, a possible mechanism for increased risk of CVD.
Pediatric noncompaction patients with high spatial QRS‐T angles are at increased risk for ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Cortez Daniel , Sharma Nandita , Imundo Jason R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionNoncompaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) patients may develop sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VA). Currently no known electrocardiogram (ECG) parameter has demonstrated predictive value for VA development. The spatial QRS‐T angle has demonstrated ability to identify VA in other cardiomyopathy populations.MethodsA total of 39 patients with NCCM, defined by compact to non‐compact ratio of >2.3 by magnetic resonance imaging, were assessed. The first ECG taken at time of MRI was assessed utilizing the heart rate, the QRS duration (QRSd), the corrected QT interval (QTc), and the spatial QRS‐T angle (SPQRS‐T angle, three‐dimensional angle between the QRS and T‐wave vectors) were assessed.ResultsEight patients developed VA (20.5%). Median time to event was 3 months (95% CI 1.0 to 24.0 months). There were no significant differences between baseline ejection fraction or fractional shortening. Baseline median heart rate, spatial QRS‐T angles, and indexed left ventricular end‐diastolic volumes were all significantly higher in patients with VA development (p‐value <0.05). Only heart rate and the SPQRS‐T angle had significant univariate hazard ratios (HR) for VA at 1.031/beat per minute (1.001–1.071) and at a cut‐off of 147 degrees the SPQRS‐T angle gave a hazard ratio of HR of 5.773 (95% CI 1.161 to 28.702). The multivariate hazard ratio was only significant for the SPQRS‐T angle, 1.031/degree (1.001–1.066). Survival analysis by Kaplan‐Meier yielded a significant difference at a cutoff of 147 degrees.ConclusionThe SPQRS‐T angle identified those at risk for VA development. Future studies are warranted with larger populations of noncompaction patients.
BANK PERFORMANCE, FINANCIAL STABILITY AND MARKET CONCENTRATION: EVIDENCE FROM COOPERATIVE AND NON‐COOPERATIVE BANKS
Authors: BARRA Cristian , ZOTTI Roberto 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTRelying upon highly territorially disaggregated data taken at labour market areas, the paper explores the relationship between bank performances and financial stability of the banking system taking into account the role of market concentration. The z‐score is used as financial stability indicator, while the performance of financial intermediaries is measured using a parametric method recently developed (Kumbhakar et al. 2014). The empirical evidence shows a positive relationship between bank performance and financial stability and supports the ‘concentration–stability’ view for non‐cooperative banks only when concentration is measured on the whole sample of banks. Differences in the performance–stability nexus seem to depend more on the type of banks rather than different levels of market concentration. Higher market concentration of cooperative banks affects systemic stability by reducing the z‐scores of non‐cooperative banks, supporting the hypothesis that the presence of non‐profit‐maximizing entities can pull down stability of other financial institutions.
Selection and characterization of broad‐spectrum antibacterial substance‐producing Lactobacillus curvatus PA40 as a potential probiotic for feed additives
Authors: Hong Sung Wook , Kim Jong‐Hui , Bae Hyo Ju , Ham Jun‐Sang , Yoo Jae Gyu , Chung Kun Sub , Oh Mi‐Hwa 
Published: August 2018

AbstractLactic acid bacteria were screened for potential probiotics for use as feed additives. We obtained 3,000 isolates from feces of: cattle, dogs, goats, and infants; milk; yogurt; cheese; fermented sausages; Kimchi; and Cheonggukjang and tested their antibacterial activity toward indicator pathogens, including Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella enterica Enteritidis. We further tested their tolerance to artificial gastric juice (1% [w/v] pepsin, pH 2.5) and bile acid (0.1% [w/v] oxgall, pH 6.8). Six isolates exhibited strong antibacterial activity against indicator pathogens. The PA40 isolate from Kimchi exhibited marked resistance to artificial gastric juice and bile acid. The antibacterial substances produced by PA40 were stable to heat, pH, and enzymes. Strain PA40 was identified as a Lactobacillus curvatus strain using chemical tests and 16S rDNA sequencing and produced 248.4 mmol/L lactic acid after 48 hr of fermentative growth. The L. curvatus PA40 strain was also highly tolerant of the artificial gastrointestinal model system. Our results indicate that L. curvatus PA40 could be used as a potential probiotic feed additive.
Active learners’ characterization in MOOC forums and their generated knowledge
Authors: Cohen Anat , Shimony Udi , Nachmias Rafi , Soffer Tal 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study explores and characterizes learners' participation patterns in MOOC forums, as well as the factors that correlate with learners' participation. Educational data mining and learning analytics methods were used to retrieve and analyze the learners' interpersonal interaction data, which had accumulated in the Coursera log files. The content in the forums was categorized based on Henri's criteria and converted into quantitative values that could be compared and visualized. It was found that only 20% of the learners were collaborating in the forums throughout the entire course and were responsible for 50% of the total posts. A portion of them earned the name “Super Active.” The analyses not only demonstrated the volume of activity and its pattern but also revealed the content of the discussions, which helped to highlight the needs and reasons for students' usage of the forums. The content analysis showed intensity in the “Cognitive” and “Discipline” categories. Thus, forum participants benefit from discussions not only socially but disciplinarily and cognitively as well. Furthermore, even though a strong significant correlation was found between the learners’ completion status and their activity in the forums, a group of learners, who did not complete the course, was highly active.
Gender differences in the association between melatonin secretion and diabetes in elderly: The HEIJO‐KYO cohort
Authors: Obayashi Kenji , Yamagami Yuki , Iwamoto Junko , Kurumatani Norio , Saeki Keigo 
Published: August 2018

SummaryObjectiveReportedly, melatonin protects the pancreatic islets and decreases insulin resistance; thus, it may contribute to preventing diabetes. Epidemiological data suggested that lower melatonin secretion is associated with higher incidence of diabetes in female nurses. Such associations are unknown in the general population. We evaluated the association between melatonin secretion and diabetes in a general population, including both genders.DesignCross‐sectional study.ParticipantsA total of 1096 community‐based elderly males (n = 519) and females (n = 577) (mean age, 71.8 years) were enrolled.MeasurementsOvernight urinary 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin excretion (UME) and diabetes prevalence were measured.ResultsThe median UME was 6.7 μg (interquartile range, 4.0‐10.5); the prevalence of diabetes was 17.5% in males and 10.7% in females. The prevalence of diabetes decreased with increasing UME quartiles among males (P for trend = 0.009) but not among females (P for trend = 0.96). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for potential confounding factors, such as age, smoking and drinking habits, economic status, caloric intake, and physical activity, the odds ratio (OR) for diabetes was significantly lower in the highest UME quartile group compared with the lowest quartile group among males (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.17‐0.70; P = 0.003) but not females (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.45‐1.95; P = 0.87). Consistent results were observed in the analysis after adjusting for clinical parameters or using continuous UME data.ConclusionsMelatonin secretion was significantly and inversely associated with diabetes in males but not in females. This association was independent of several important confounding factors.
Denoising Deep Monte Carlo Renderings
Authors: Vicini D. , Adler D. , Novák J. , Rousselle F. , Burley B. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe present a novel algorithm to denoise deep Monte Carlo renderings, in which pixels contain multiple colour values, each for a different range of depths. Deep images are a more expressive representation of the scene than conventional flat images. However, since each depth bin receives only a fraction of the flat pixel's samples, denoising the bins is harder due to the less accurate mean and variance estimates. Furthermore, deep images lack a regular structure in depth—the number of depth bins and their depth ranges vary across pixels. This prevents a straightforward application of patch‐based distance metrics frequently used to improve the robustness of existing denoising filters. We address these constraints by combining a flat image‐space non‐local means filter operating on pixel colours with a deep cross‐bilateral filter operating on auxiliary features (albedo, normal, etc.). Our approach significantly reduces noise in deep images while preserving their structure. To our best knowledge, our algorithm is the first to enable efficient deep‐compositing workflows with denoised Monte Carlo renderings. We demonstrate the performance of our filter on a range of scenes highlighting the challenges and advantages of denoising deep images.
Privacy Preserving Visualization: A Study on Event Sequence Data
Authors: Chou Jia‐Kai , Wang Yang , Ma Kwan‐Liu 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe inconceivable ability and common practice to collect personal data as well as the power of data‐driven approaches to businesses, services and security nowadays also introduce significant privacy issues. There have been extensive studies on addressing privacy preserving problems in the data mining community but relatively few have provided supervised control over the anonymization process. Preserving both the value and privacy of the data is largely a non‐trivial task. We present the design and evaluation of a visual interface that assists users in employing commonly used data anonymization techniques for making privacy preserving visualizations. Specifically, we focus on event sequence data due to its vulnerability to privacy concerns. Our interface is designed for data owners to examine potential privacy issues, obfuscate information as suggested by the algorithm and fine‐tune the results per their discretion. Multiple use case scenarios demonstrate the utility of our design. A user study similarly investigates the effectiveness of the privacy preserving strategies. Our results show that using a visual‐based interface is effective for identifying potential privacy issues, for revealing underlying anonymization processes, and for allowing users to balance between data utility and privacy.
Transplantation experience as a predictor for quality of life during the first 6 months after lung transplantation
Authors: Goetzmann Lutz , Seiler Annina , Benden Christian , Boehler Annette , Büchi Stefan , Jenewein Josef , Ruettner Barbara , Mueller‐Alcazar Anett , Weierstall Roland 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveQuality of life (QoL) is a crucial goal of post‐transplant care. This study investigated predictors of QoL within the first 6 months after transplantation.MethodsForty patients were assessed 2 weeks (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months post‐transplant (T3). In the quantitative part, the EuroQol questionnaire (EQ‐5D) and visualization methods (Prism) were applied. In the qualitative part, interviews were analyzed. Regression analyses were used to investigate the impact of the pictorial ratings at T1 on QoL at T2 and T3. The pictorial variables were related to the interviews for an in‐depth analysis.ResultsThere was an increase in QoL between T1 and T2 that remained stable from T2 to T3. Smaller distances in the variable Prism_Lung (acceptance of the lung) and larger distances in the variable Prism_Transplantation (distance to the transplantation experience) were related to the increase in QoL between T1 and T2 and to an higher QoL at T2. High‐QoL patients were able to create an equilibrium of defense and acceptance.ConclusionPsychological processes early after transplant are of significance for the development of QoL within the 6 months following the surgery. These insights demonstrate that a mixed methodological approach provides a helpful understanding of post‐transplant processing.
Ecosystem context illuminates conflicting roles of plant diversity in carbon storage
Authors: Carol Adair E. , Hooper David U. , Paquette Alain , Hungate Bruce A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPlant diversity can increase biomass production in plot‐scale studies, but applying these results to ecosystem carbon (C) storage at larger spatial and temporal scales remains problematic. Other ecosystem controls interact with diversity and plant production, and may influence soil pools differently from plant pools. We integrated diversity with the state‐factor framework, which identifies key controls, or ‘state factors’, over ecosystem properties and services such as C storage. We used this framework to assess the effects of diversity, plant traits and state factors (climate, topography, time) on live tree, standing dead, organic horizon and total C in Québec forests. Four patterns emerged: (1) while state factors were usually the most important model predictors, models with both state and biotic factors (mean plant traits and diversity) better predicted C pools; (2) mean plant traits were better predictors than diversity; (3) diversity increased live tree C but reduced organic horizon C; (4) different C pools responded to different traits and diversity metrics. These results suggest that, where ecosystem properties result from multiple processes, no simple relationship may exist with any one organismal factor. Integrating biodiversity into ecosystem ecology and assessing both traits and diversity improves our mechanistic understanding of biotic effects on ecosystems.
Dodging sexual conflict?—Sub‐adult females of a web‐building spider stay cryptic to mate‐seeking adult males
Authors: Fischer Andreas , Lee Yerin , Stewart Jordan , Gries Gerhard 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAdult males of web‐building spiders often cohabit the webs of sessile sub‐adult (i.e. penultimate instar) females and mate with them as they moult to adults. Often, males accrue benefits from this cohabitation (kleptoparasitism, avoidance of cannibalism, potential polygamy), whereas sub‐adult females may either accrue benefits or incur costs such as curtailed opportunity for mate choice or mate cannibalism. Working with the false black widow spider, Steatoda grossa, we tested the hypothesis that webs of sub‐adult females, unlike those of virgin adult females, lack sex attractant pheromone that mate‐seeking males could detect and exploit for mate location. We tested our hypothesis in laboratory experiments by presenting adult males with binary choices between different types of webs (e.g., webs of adult virgin females, sub‐adult females or sub‐adult males), and methanol extracts of these webs. Males spent more time on webs, or web extracts, of adult virgin females than on webs or web extracts of any other type. Most males (95%) also displayed courtship only on webs, or web extracts, of adult virgin females. Our data demonstrate apparent semiochemical crypsis of sub‐adult females or their webs to mate‐seeking adult males that seem to find sub‐adult females by chance encounter. This crypsis is likely adaptive to sub‐adult females that are in sexual conflict with adult males cohabiting their webs.
Economic losses to sustainable timber production by fire in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: de Oliveira Aline S. , Rajão Raoni G. , Soares Filho Britaldo S. , Oliveira Ubirajara , Santos Lucas R. S. , Assunção Alexandre C. , van der Hoff Richard , Rodrigues Hermann O. , Ribeiro Sónia M. C. , Merry Frank , de Lima Letícia S. 
Published: August 2018

Although still the largest expanse of tropical rainforests in the world, the Amazon is suffering a declining capacity to deliver ecosystem services, to which the widespread use of fire is one of the main contributing factors. Even if fires directly affect the timber sector, most current logging practices often tend to increase rather than mitigate the problem. We argue that in order to involve the timber sector in fire mitigation policies in the Amazon it is crucial to assess the economic impact of fire on the sector. This paper describes EcoFire (Economic Cost of Fire), a spatially explicit model for valuing the economic losses to sustainable timber harvest operations in the Brazilian Amazon as a result of fire. To conduct this analysis, we have integrated a set of models that simulate the synergy between logging and fire spread and intensity. Our results show that fire affects roughly 2% of the timber production areas that would be harvested between 2012 and 2041. In burnt areas, fire causes losses on average of US$39 ± 2 ha/year (equivalent annual annuity), which represents a loss of 0.8% of expected rents. Yet losses can reach up to US$183 ± 30 ha/year in areas hit by recurrent fires that are near milling centres. The results indicate that some of the municipalities that are likely to accumulate most economic losses due to fire do not yet have local‐level fire mitigation programmes. We therefore conclude that spatially explicit valuations of the economic impact of fire can pinpoint priorities to better target fire action plans as well as to engage local actors in integrated fire management practices.
A Narrative Review of Persistent Post‐Stroke Headache – A New Entry in the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition
Authors: Lai Joshua , Harrison Rebecca A. , Plecash Alyson , Field Thalia S. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundPersistent post‐stroke headache is a clinical entity that has recently entered the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. In contrast to acute headache attributed to stroke, the epidemiology, clinical features, potential pathophysiology, and management of persistent post‐stroke headache have not been reviewed.MethodsWe summarize the literature describing persistent headache attributed to stroke.ResultsPersistent headache after ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke affects up to 23% of patients. These persistent headaches tend to have tension‐type features and are more frequent and severe than acute stroke‐related headaches. Risk factors include younger age, female sex, pre‐existing headache disorder, and comorbid post‐stroke fatigue or depression. Other factors including obstructive sleep apnea or musculoskeletal imbalances may contribute to headache persistence. Although more evidence is needed, it may be reasonable to treat persistent post‐stroke headache according to headache semiology.ConclusionRecognition of persistent post‐stroke headache as a separate clinical entity from acute stroke‐attributed headache is the first step toward better defining its natural history and most effective treatment strategies.