bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic definition of threatened fauna communities is critical to their conservation
Authors: Fraser Hannah , Simmonds Jeremy S. , Kutt Alex S. , Maron Martine 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimMost terrestrial ecological communities are defined primarily on their constituent flora. We aimed to develop a repeatable approach to defining a community, both intact and degraded, based on its fauna. We demonstrate how the approach can be used to guide conservation—for example, determining whether a multispecies community of animals is threatened.LocationTemperate and subtropical woodlands of Australia.MethodsWe used expert opinion to develop a definition of the Australian Temperate and Subtropical Woodland Bird Community and metrics of its condition. Using continental‐scale vegetation change mapping, and national bird atlas data, we assessed this community against criteria for listing as a threatened ecological community under national biodiversity conservation law.ResultsWe defined and described a recognizable and consistent Australian Temperate and Subtropical Woodland Bird Community. Although taxonomically and functionally very similar, we identified six community variants that show species‐ or genus‐level substitutions. The community was evaluated to be Endangered or Critically Endangered across its extent based on criteria from Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. We used a novel metric of condition using historical changes in woodland extent and bird species, to demonstrate the community has declined substantially in geographical extent and integrity and is subject to severe and ongoing threats.ConclusionsThe consequences of global change affect entire communities, not just single species; however, defining ecological communities based predominantly on plant species composition can fail to illuminate the complex associations of animals that are both sustained by, and sustain, the vegetation. In this study, we present a process for defining and evaluating the status of a fauna community against threat criteria. The explicit recognition and protection of fauna communities can be an important complement to the protection of plant‐based ecological communities.
Automated, machine learning‐based, 3D echocardiographic quantification of left ventricular mass
Authors: Volpato Valentina , Mor‐Avi Victor , Narang Akhil , Prater David , Gonçalves Alexandra , Tamborini Gloria , Fusini Laura , Pepi Mauro , Patel Amit R. , Lang Roberto M. 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundAlthough 3D echocardiography (3DE) circumvents many limitations of 2D echocardiography by allowing direct measurements of left ventricular (LV) mass, it is seldom used in clinical practice due to time‐consuming analysis. A recently developed 3DE machine learning (ML) approach allows automated determination of LV mass. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of this new approach by comparing it to cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) reference and to conventional 3DE volumetric analysis.MethodsWe prospectively studied 23 patients who underwent 3DE (Philips EPIQ) and CMR imaging on the same day. Single‐beat wide‐angle 3D datasets of the left ventricle were acquired. LV mass was quantified using the new automated software (Philips HeartModel) with manual corrections when necessary and using conventional volumetric analysis (TomTec). CMR analysis was performed by manual slice‐by‐slice tracing of LV endo‐ and epicardial boundaries. Reproducibility of the ML approach was assessed using repeated measurements and quantified by intra‐class correlation (ICC) and coefficients of variation (CoV).ResultsAutomated LV mass measurements were feasible in 20 patients (87%). The results were similar to CMR‐derived values (Bland‐Altman bias 5 g, limits of agreement ±37 g) and also to the conventional 3DE analysis (bias 7 g, ±27 g). Processing time was considerably shorter: 1.02 ± 0.24 minutes (CMR: 2.20 ± 0.13 minutes; TomTec: 2.36 ± 0.09 minutes), although manual corrections were performed in most patients. Repeated measurements showed high reproducibility: ICC = 0.99; CoV = 4 ± 5%.Conclusions3D Echocardiography analysis of LV mass using novel ML‐based algorithm is feasible, fast, and accurate and may thus facilitate the incorporation of 3DE measurements of LV mass into clinical practice.
Mitral annular peak systolic and diastolic velocities are characteristic of healthy hearts: A Doppler tissue imaging study
Authors: Simpson Timothy F. , Tyler Jeffrey M. , Thomas Randell C. , Fang Qizhi , Bibby Dwight , Schiller Nelson B. 
Published: December 2018

IntroductionAlthough systolic and diastolic dysfunction must coexist, they are most often considered in isolation. Therefore, a simple and reproducible quantitative measurement that integrates systolic and diastolic function is desirable. We hypothesize that the absolute sum of lateral mitral annular systolic and early diastolic peak velocities is predictive of overall cardiac function.MethodsIn this study, lateral mitral annular systolic (S′) and early diastolic (E′) peak velocities were measured in healthy subjects and compared against subjects with progressive degrees of systolic and diastolic dysfunction.ResultsA total of 149 subjects (56% male, mean age 48 years) were enrolled and stratified according to global left ventricular function: 76 normal, 40 mild‐moderate dysfunction, and 33 moderate‐severe dysfunction. Adjusting for baseline differences including age, univariate analysis showed mean S′ + E′ values were significantly different between subjects with normal, mild‐moderate, and moderate‐severe global left ventricular function (27, 17, 13 cm/s; P < 0.001 for all comparisons). The absolute sum of S′ + E′ ≥ 20 cm/s identified normal global left ventricular function with a sensitivity of 95%, specificity of 85%, and ROC area under the curve of 0.924.ConclusionsIn a cohort of subjects with varying levels of combined systolic and diastolic function, the easily obtainable composite score of S′ + E′ ≥ 20 cm/s is strongly predictive of normal global left ventricular function with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. Additional studies should be considered to expand this concept to additional populations.
Distribution pattern and competition of insects breeding on Camellia japonica flower
Authors: Mitsui Hideyuki , Kimura Masahito T. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe distribution pattern and competition of insects exploiting Camellia japonica flowers were studied in Tokyo, central Japan, to understand how their distributions are determined. Dasiops sp. of Lonchaeidae (Diptera) exploited flower buds and showed random distribution, whereas Drosophila unipectinata, D. oshimai and D. lutescens of Drosophilidae (Diptera) and Epuraea commutata of Nitidulidae (Coleoptera) exploited fully opened, late and fallen flowers and showed aggregated distribution. From the distribution pattern, it is assumed that Dasiops sp. has clutches of single egg whereas drosophilid and nitidulid species have clutches of more than one egg. In resource supplementary experiments, body size of drosophilid flies increased if resources were supplemented, although their survival is assumed to be unaffected. However, their body size did not decrease with increase of larval density in resource patches. It is therefore unclear whether resource competition occurs among drosophilid flies in Camellia flowers in nature. From the present and previous studies, it is assumed that aggregation (or production of clutches of more than one egg) is related to the use of fermenting or decayed resources; aggregation might increase larval survival and/or performance under the presence of molds or microorganisms.
Credit scoring for a microcredit data set using the synthetic minority oversampling technique and ensemble classifiers
Authors: Gicić Adaleta , Subasi Abdulhamit 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAlthough microfinance organizations play an important role in developing economies, decision support models for microfinance credit scoring have not been sufficiently covered in the literature, particularly for microcredit enterprises. The aim of this paper is to create a three‐class model that can improve credit risk assessment in the microfinance context. The real‐world microcredit data set used in this study includes data from retail, micro, and small enterprises. To the best of the authors' knowledge, existing research on microfinance credit scoring has been limited to regression and genetic algorithms, thereby excluding novel machine learning algorithms. The aim of this research is to close this gap. The proposed models predict default events by analysing different ensemble classification methods that empower the effects of the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) used in the preprocessing of the imbalanced microcredit data set. Initial results have shown improvement in the prediction results for certain classes when the oversampling technique with homogeneous and heterogeneous ensemble classifier methods was applied. A prediction improvement for all classes was achieved via application of SMOTE and the Consolidated Trees Construction algorithm together with Rotation Forest. To obtain a complete view of all aspects, an additional set of metrics is used in the evaluation of performance.
Children of Mumbai's Brothels: Investigating Developmental Prospects, Primary Relationships, and Service Provision
Authors: Dalla Rochelle L. , Erwin Sarah , Kreimer Lee M. 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveTo understand the context of the lives of children reared in India's red‐light brothel districts.BackgroundSubstantial empirical insight has emerged on the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). Yet the extant literature on brothel‐based children (BBC), a uniquely vulnerable subset of at‐risk children, is paradoxically deficient. Understanding the developmental needs of BBC is critical to mitigating risk.MethodIn‐depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with 9 service providers and 30 women residing in 2 red‐light brothel districts of Mumbai. Phenomenological inquiry informed the research methodology and data analysis.ResultsMothers' goals for children included survival, academic success, and future employment. Formal services were critical in meeting the basic needs of BBC, ensuring access to developmentally appropriate education, and maintaining safety overnight.ConclusionBBC are at considerable risk for an array of developmental challenges. Multisector service providers must work together and with the mothers of BBC to mitigate intergenerational sexual exploitation in the formal sex economy.ImplicationsResults provide key areas for further research including longitudinal assessment of BBCs' educational and occupational outcomes, as well as incidence of complex trauma among BBC and treatment options. Service gaps include outreach to older male BBC as well as shame reduction intervention.
Multi‐faceted impacts of native and invasive alien decapod species on freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
Authors: Doherty‐Bone Thomas M. , Dunn Alison M. , Jackson Faye L. , Brown Lee E. 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Changes to species composition, such as biological invasions and extinctions, have the potential to alter ecosystems. Invaders often replace taxonomically similar species, resulting in potentially redundant impacts. For example, freshwater decapod crustaceans are pervasive invasive alien species but they often extirpate native decapods. This study addresses whether or not these compositional shifts lead to impacts on the structure of the macroinvertebrate community, key ecosystem functions such as decomposition rates and primary productivity, and freshwater properties such as turbidity.

In a controlled outdoor mesocosm experiment that ran for 33 days, impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and properties were compared between a native, endangered crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) and two invasive alien decapods: the crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus and crab Eriocheir sinensis. Equal densities of these decapod species were compared between mesocosms, with a replicated array of decapod free controls. Measurements included macroinvertebrate densities, decomposition of leaf litter, production of biofilms, plankton, macrophytes, gross primary productivity, turbidity, and dissolved nutrients.

While taxonomic richness of non‐decapod macroinvertebrates was marginally higher in the invasive alien treatments, differences in Shannon diversity were negligible, and β‐diversity was higher for the invasive alien crab. Gastropod density was reduced in the benthos of invasive alien treatments. This was associated with increased primary productivity of periphyton, particularly in the presence of P. leniusculus. Increased turbidity was, however, inversely correlated with periphyton primary productivity in the E. sinensis treatment. Nitrate concentration was significantly lower in invasive compared to native crayfish mesocosms, but similar to decapod free controls. This reflects the potential for the invasive crayfish to act as a nitrogen sink, mediated through both enhanced periphyton and reduced nitrogen recycling. Other processes, such as decomposition rates, sediment respiration, community respiration, and gross primary productivity, did not differ between treatments.

This study demonstrates impacts of both native and invasive alien decapod species on certain aspects of benthic biodiversity and ecosystem processes, but with many of these parameters unaffected. This assumes equal densities of each species in its environment. The enhanced gastropod predation and associated trophic cascade by invasive decapods are likely explained through higher consumption rates, metabolism and activity. These per‐capita impacts are likely to be exacerbated further in‐situ due to typically higher densities of invasive compared to native crayfish.
Improved quantum efficiency of Sr(Al,Si)5(O,N)7:Ce3+ by selection of Ce raw material
Authors: Fukuda Yumi , Albessard Ariane Keiko , Mitsuishi Iwao 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe luminescence properties of yellow‐emitting Ce3+‐doped Sr‐containing sialon phosphor Sr(Al,Si)5(O,N)7:Ce3+ were notably improved by the Ce raw material selection. By changing the Ce raw material from oxides to nitrides or chlorides, the emission wavelength shifted to above 560 nm, which is beneficial for higher color rendering index white light‐emitting diodes. This result from an increase in the covalency of the host crystal being associated with a decrease in the oxygen content. When Ce chloride was used, both the absorption and internal quantum efficiency increased, resulting in an increase in the external quantum efficiency up to 65%–72%. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X‐ray diffraction, and electron spin resonance measurements showed that the reason for the absorption increase is an increase in Ce3+ content and suppression of the generation of the second phase, and the reason for the increase in the internal quantum efficiency is a decrease in the host crystal absorption via suppression of anion vacancy generation. It was found that Ce chloride not only suppresses oxygen impurities but also acts as a flux that results in improved crystallinity.
Genomic regions and enrichment analyses associated with carcass composition indicator traits in Nellore cattle
Authors: Silva Rosiane P. , Berton Mariana P. , Grigoletto Laís , Carvalho Felipe E. , Silva Rafael M. O. , Peripolli Elisa , Castro Letícia M. , Ferraz José Bento S. , Eler Joanir P. , Lôbo Raysildo B. , Baldi Fernando 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and identify genomic regions associated with carcass traits obtained by ultrasound and visual scores in Nellore cattle. Data from ~66,000 animals from the National Association of Breeders and Researchers (ANCP) were used. The variance components for backfat thickness, rump fat thickness and Longissimus muscle area (LMA) were estimated considering a linear model whereas a threshold model for body structure (BS), finishing precocity (FP) and musculature (MS) traits. The SNP solutions were estimated using the ssGBLUP approach by considering windows of 10 consecutive SNPs. Regions that accounted for more than 1.0% of the additive genetic variance were used. Genes identified within the significant windows, such as FOXA3, AP2S1, FKRP, NPASI and ATP6V1G1, were found to be related with MS, while OMA1 and FFGY with BS and FP traits. The PLTP, TNNC2 and GPAT2 genes were found in the regions associated with LMA, as well as TKT, FNDC5 and CHRND can strongly be related with fat deposition. Gene enrichment analysis revealed processes that might be directly influenced the organism growth and development. These results should help to better understand the genetic and physiological mechanisms regulating growth and body composition, muscle tissue development and subcutaneous fat expression, and this information might be useful for future genomic studies in Nellore cattle.
Inhibition of stearoyl CoA desaturase‐1 activity suppresses tumour progression and improves prognosis in human bladder cancer
Authors: Piao Chiyuan , Cui Xiaolu , Zhan Bo , Li Jun , Li Zeliang , Li Zhenhua , Liu Xiankui , Bi Jianbin , Zhang Zhe , Kong Chuize 
Published: December 2018

AbstractUrinary bladder neoplasm is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proven to be an important cause of cancer progression and poor prognosis. In the present study, we established bladder CSCs and identified the crucial differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these cells and parental bladder cancer cells. Analyses of bioinformatics data and clinical samples from local hospitals showed that stearoyl CoA desaturase‐1 (SCD) was the key factor among the DEGs. A significant correlation between SCD gene expression and poor prognosis among patients with bladder cancer was observed in our data. Loss‐of‐function experiments further revealed that the SCD inhibitor A939572 and SCD gene interference reduced cell proliferation and invasion. The above data suggest that SCD may serve as a novel marker for the prediction of tumour progression and poor prognosis in patients with bladder cancer.
Identification and functional analysis of GCK gene mutations in 12 Chinese families with hyperglycemia
Authors: Wang Zhixin , Diao Chengming , Liu Yijing , Li Mingmin , Zheng Jia , Zhang Qian , Yu Miao , Zhang Huabing , Ping Fan , Li Ming , Xiao Xinhua 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of Chinese patients with a phenotype consistent with maturity‐onset diabetes of the young type 2 and explore the pathogenic mechanism of their hyperglycemia.Materials and MethodsWe studied 12 probands and their extended families referred to our center for screening mutations in the glucokinase gene (GCK). Clinical data were collected and genetic analysis was carried out. The recombinant wild‐type and mutant glucokinase were generated in Escherichia coli. The kinetic parameters and thermal stability of the enzymes were determined in vitro.ResultsIn the 12 families, 11 GCK mutations (R43C, T168A, K169N, R191W, Y215X, E221K, M235T, R250H, W257X, G261R and A379E) and one variant of uncertain significance (R275H) were identified. R191W was detected in two unrelated families. Of the 11 GCK mutations, three mutations (c.507G>C, K169N; c.645C>A, Y215X; c.771G>A, W257X; NM_000162.3, NP_000153.1) are novel. Basic kinetics analysis explained the pathogenicity of the five mutants (R43C, K169N, R191W, E221K and A379E), which showed reduced enzyme activity with relative activity indexes between ~0.001 and 0.5 compared with the wild‐type (1.0). In addition, the thermal stabilities of these five mutants were also decreased to varying degrees. However, for R250H and R275H, there was no significant difference in the enzyme activity and thermal stability between the mutants and the wild type.ConclusionsWe have identified 11 GCK mutations and one variant of uncertain significance in 12 Chinese families with hyperglycemia. For five GCK mutations (R43C, K169N, R191W, E221K and A379E), the changes in enzyme kinetics and thermostability might be the pathogenic mechanisms by which mutations cause hyperglycemia.
Support for the Spanish version of the CPAQ‐8 as a measure of chronic pain acceptance
Authors: Sánchez‐Rodríguez Elisabet , de la Vega Rocío , Racine Mélanie , Roy Rubén , Jensen Mark P. , Miró Jordi 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAim and objectiveTo provide evidence regarding the psychometric properties of the Spanish eight‐item version of the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ‐8).MethodThree hundred adults with chronic pain completed measures of pain acceptance, committed action, fear of movement, anxiety, depression, and health‐related quality of life. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the CPAQ‐8 was performed. Reliability and validity were also evaluated.ResultsThe CFA confirmed a two‐factor structure. The CPAQ‐8 Total and subscale scores showed acceptable‐to‐good internal consistency. Furthermore, the Total and the Activity Engagement scale scores showed moderate associations with Committed Action scores, supporting construct validity. Both the Total and the two subscale scores showed good criterion validity.ConclusionThe findings provide further support for the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the CPAQ‐8 Total and subscale scores.
Nontyphoid Salmonella carriage, serovar profile and antimicrobial resistance phenotypes in slaughter cattle
Authors: Cetin Ece , Serbetcioglu Talha , Temelli Seran , Eyigor Aysegul 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCurrent nontyphoid Salmonella (NTS) carriage in 200 apparently healthy slaughter cattle by ISO 6579 standard bacteriology (ISO) was 1% (2/200) in carcass and fecal content, and 2% (4/200) in mesenterial lymph nodes. There was no isolation from liver, kidney, spleen, and gallbladder, with an overall prevalence of 4% (8/200). Real‐time PCR was in substantial agreement to ISO in confirming Salmonella‐suspect isolates (Relative Trueness: 93.33%). Predominant serovar was S. Enteritidis (50%) followed by S. Typhimurium (37.5%), and S. Albany (12.5%). Five and three of eight NTS isolates were susceptible (62.5%) and resistant (37.5%) to 18 antimicrobials, respectively. Only three S. Enteritidis isolates (37.5%) showed multidrug resistance to 2–3 of 7 antimicrobials (amikacin, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, gentamicin, norfloxacin, pefloxacin, and tobramycin). S. Enteritidis predominance over S. Typhimurium, first detection of S. Albany in cattle in Turkey, and sole resistance in mesenterial lymph node S. Enteritidis isolates highlights study findings.Practical applicationsContaminated carcass and related material, for example, fecal content and mesenterial lymph nodes of apparently healthy slaughter cattle carrying nontyphoid Salmonella serovars still pose significant health risk to public in Turkey, where bovine meat covers the highest annual red meat consumption quota with high demand to edible offal. In this study, current predominance of S. Enteritidis, particularly in mesenterial lymph nodes, and the MDR pattern identified; the presence of S. Typhimurium as the second dominant and pansusceptible serovar; detection of S. Albany for the first time in cattle fecal content are new epidemiological findings. This data could be used in revising both bovine meat and offal's actual NTS status, and the control and prevention programs in our country and in the neighboring countries of interest.