bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The feared five fungal infections in kidney transplant recipients: A single‐center 20‐year experience
Authors: Parajuli Sandesh , Wick Alexandra , Pandeya Sameer , Astor Brad C. , Smith Jeannina , Djamali Arjang , Mandelbrot Didier A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractInvasive fungal infections are a feared complication in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Here we present the University of Wisconsin experience with 5 invasive fungal infections—aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, and coccidioidomycosis—in KTRs transplanted between 01/01/1994 and 06/30/2014. During this period, there were 128 cases of fungal infections; aspergillosis was the most common (72), followed by cryptococcosis (29), histoplasmosis (14), blastomycosis (10), and coccidioidomycosis (3). The mean interval from transplant to fungal infection was 3.19 ± 3.58 years (range 5 days‐15.8 years). By 6 months postinfection, there were 53 (41%) graft failures and 24 (19%) deaths. Graft failure occurred in 46%, 38%, 21%, 40%, and 67% of patients with aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, and coccidioidomycosis, respectively. Anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) induction (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.03‐2.16; P = .04), diabetes (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.05‐2.21; P = .03), and age (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.27‐1.70; P ≤ .001) were associated with an increased risk for infection in univariate analysis. Multivariate adjustment retained ATG induction and older age. A large proportion of kidney transplant recipients with invasive fungal infections suffer graft failure within 3 years. Preventive, therapeutic, and monitoring strategies are needed to improve graft and patient outcomes.
Hierarchical Bayesian model reveals the distributional shifts of Arctic marine mammals
Authors: Mäkinen Jussi , Vanhatalo Jarno 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimOur aim involved developing a method to analyse spatiotemporal distributions of Arctic marine mammals (AMMs) using heterogeneous open source data, such as scientific papers and open repositories. Another aim was to quantitatively estimate the effects of environmental covariates on AMMs’ distributions and to analyse whether their distributions have shifted along with environmental changes.LocationArctic shelf area. The Kara Sea.MethodsOur literature search focused on survey data regarding polar bears (Ursus maritimus), Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) and ringed seals (Phoca hispida). We mapped the data on a grid and built a hierarchical Poisson point process model to analyse species’ densities. The heterogeneous data lacked information on survey intensity and we could model only the relative density of each species. We explained relative densities with environmental covariates and random effects reflecting excess spatiotemporal variation and the unknown, varying sampling effort. The relative density of polar bears was explained also by the relative density of seals.ResultsThe most important covariates explaining AMMs’ relative densities were ice concentration and distance to the coast, and regarding polar bears, also the relative density of seals. The results suggest that due to the decrease in the average ice concentration, the relative densities of polar bears and walruses slightly decreased or stayed constant during the 17‐year‐long study period, whereas seals shifted their distribution from the Eastern to the Western Kara Sea.Main conclusionsPoint process modelling is a robust methodology to estimate distributions from heterogeneous observations, providing spatially explicit information about ecosystems and thus serves advances for conservation efforts in the Arctic. In a simple trophic system, a distribution model of a top predator benefits from utilizing prey species’ distributions compared to a solely environmental model. The decreasing ice cover seems to have led to changes in AMMs’ distributions in the marginal Arctic region.
Using language input and lexical processing to predict vocabulary size
Authors: Mahr Tristan , Edwards Jan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractChildren learn words by listening to caregivers, and the quantity and quality of early language input predict later language development. Recent research suggests that word recognition efficiency may influence the relationship between input and vocabulary growth. We asked whether language input and lexical processing at 28–39 months predicted vocabulary size one year later in 109 preschoolers. Input was measured using adult word counts from LENA recordings. We used the visual world paradigm and measured lexical processing as the rate of change in proportion of looks to target. Regression analysis showed that lexical processing did not constrain the effect of input on vocabulary size. We also found that input and processing were more reliable predictors of receptive than expressive vocabulary growth.
Political connections and higher education
Authors: Zhuang Maiting 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDo political connections affect investment in human capital? This paper studies the higher education decisions of politically connected and unconnected students during China's economic transition. Using the sequential introduction of reforms, I show that economic liberalization increased tertiary educational attainment, as well as sorting of students into different degree types depending on family background. Students whose parents were members of the Chinese Communist Party selected into relatively less prestigious vocational colleges with lower admissions standards. In contrast, politically unconnected individuals responded to the higher skill premium following the reforms by studying harder to obtain more demanding and sought‐after university degrees.
Optimization of native biocontrol agents, with parasitoids of the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii as an example
Authors: Kruitwagen Astrid , Beukeboom Leo W. , Wertheim Bregje 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe development of biological control methods for exotic invasive pest species has become more challenging during the last decade. Compared to indigenous natural enemies, species from the pest area of origin are often more efficient due to their long coevolutionary history with the pest. The import of these well‐adapted exotic species, however, has become restricted under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing, reducing the number of available biocontrol candidates. Finding new agents and ways to improve important traits for control agents (“biocontrol traits”) is therefore of crucial importance. Here, we demonstrate the potential of a surprisingly under‐rated method for improvement of biocontrol: the exploitation of intraspecific variation in biocontrol traits, for example, by selective breeding. We propose a four‐step approach to investigate the potential of this method: investigation of the amount of (a) inter‐ and (b) intraspecific variation for biocontrol traits, (c) determination of the environmental and genetic factors shaping this variation, and (d) exploitation of this variation in breeding programs. We illustrate this approach with a case study on parasitoids of Drosophila suzukii, a highly invasive pest species in Europe and North America. We review all known parasitoids of D. suzukii and find large variation among and within species in their ability to kill this fly. We then consider which genetic and environmental factors shape the interaction between D. suzukii and its parasitoids to explain this variation. Insight into the causes of variation informs us on how and to what extent candidate agents can be improved. Moreover, it aids in predicting the effectiveness of the agent upon release and provides insight into the selective forces that are limiting the adaptation of indigenous species to the new pest. We use this knowledge to give future research directions for the development of selective breeding methods for biocontrol agents.
Disentangling the effects of acidic air pollution, atmospheric CO2, and climate change on recent growth of red spruce trees in the Central Appalachian Mountains
Authors: Mathias Justin M. , Thomas Richard B. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn the 45 years after legislation of the Clean Air Act, there has been tremendous progress in reducing acidic air pollutants in the eastern United States, yet limited evidence exists that cleaner air has improved forest health. Here, we investigate the influence of recent environmental changes on the growth and physiology of red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) trees, a key indicator species of forest health, spanning three locations along a 100 km transect in the Central Appalachian Mountains. We incorporated a multiproxy approach using 75‐year tree ring chronologies of basal tree growth, carbon isotope discrimination (∆13C, a proxy for leaf gas exchange), and δ15N (a proxy for ecosystem N status) to examine tree and ecosystem level responses to environmental change. Results reveal the two most important factors driving increased tree growth since ca. 1989 are reductions in acidic sulfur pollution and increases in atmospheric CO2, while reductions in pollutant emissions of NOx and warmer springs played smaller, but significant roles. Tree ring ∆13C signatures increased significantly since 1989, concurrently with significant declines in tree ring δ15N signatures. These isotope chronologies provide strong evidence that simultaneous changes in C and N cycling, including greater photosynthesis and stomatal conductance of trees and increases in ecosystem N retention, were related to recent increases in red spruce tree growth and are consequential to ecosystem recovery from acidic pollution. Intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) of the red spruce trees increased by ~51% across the 75‐year chronology, and was driven by changes in atmospheric CO2 and acid pollution, but iWUE was not linked to recent increases in tree growth. This study documents the complex environmental interactions that have contributed to the recovery of red spruce forest ecosystems from pervasive acidic air pollution beginning in 1989, about 15 years after acidic pollutants started to decline in the United States.
Religious symbolism in the digital realm: A social advertising approach to motivate bystanders to aid victims of cyberbullying
Authors: Muralidharan Sidharth , La Ferle Carrie 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCyberbullying in the digital sphere has impacted individuals of all age groups. Recent findings indicate an increase in suicidal tendencies among victims. An opportunity to prevent cyberbullying exists in the actions of bystanders. The current study proposes the possible impact of religion (Christianity) in motivating bystanders to aid victims of abuse. Using an experimental design, the research explored the interplay of individual religiosity and religious symbolism on American bystanders’ ad attitudes and intentions to call a helpline. Findings indicate a congruency effect for low religiosity individuals between the control and religious ads. High religiosity individuals liked both ads equally well, but within the religious ad, again a congruency effect appeared where highly religious individuals found the religious ad significantly more appealing than low religious individuals. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Affect as a driver to religious‐based consumer boycotts: Evidence from qualitative and quantitative research in the United States
Authors: Kalliny Morris , Minton Elizabeth A. , Benmamoun Mamoun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWhile a fair amount of research has examined consumer boycotts, prior research has yet to adequately examine the interaction of religious boycotts and backing by religious leaders influence consumption behavior, particularly in locations where there is a separation of church and state (a novel contribution that our paper addresses). Through a focus group and an experimental study, this research examines how boycotts that are encouraged by religious leaders versus those that are not influence consumption. Specifically, the focus groups show that refutational defenses and supportive defenses induce participation. The experimental study finds that participation in religiously motivated boycotts is greater for consumers that are more religious and when backed by religious leader support. Additionally, negative attitudes toward a business mediate this relationship. Discussion builds on the literature on consumer boycotts, inoculation theory, and value attribution theory as well as provides implications for marketing practitioners.
Effect of oxidation induced by hydroxyl radical‐mediated model on molecular structural and physical character of egg white powder
Authors: Wang Jianming , Zhao Yarou , Niu Sisi , Wang Xiaojing , Chen Fengqing 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThe objective of this study was to determine structure and functional properties changes of oxidised egg white protein derived from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)/ferric chloride (FeCl3) /ascorbic acid hydroxyl radical‐generating systems at room temperature, including carbonyls, sulfhydryl and total sulfhydryl groups, dityrosine, free amino, surface hydrophobicity, particle size distribution, intermolecular forces, and foamability and emulsibility. Protein carbonyl and dityrosine content of egg white protein were increased (P < 0.05) with increasing the concentrations of H2O2. Oxidation decreased free sulfhydryl, total sulfhydryl groups and surface of hydrophobicity comparing with nonoxidised egg white protein. Oxidation also reduced its free amino content (P < 0.05). The low concentration of H2O2 contributing the average particle size of egg white protein was smaller than the control group. However, the high concentrations of H2O2 caused that egg white protein aggregated and the average particle size became larger. To sum up, oxidation made EWP denaturation and aggregation.
Phase control during synthesis of nanocrystalline ultrahigh temperature tantalum‐hafnium diboride powders
Authors: Foroughi Paniz , Rabiei Baboukani Amin , Franco Hernandez Alexander , Wang Chunlei , Cheng Zhe 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTa1−xHfxB2 material is attractive for various aerospace applications. In this study, 2 low‐cost approaches were adopted to synthesize nanocrystalline Ta0.5Hf0.5B2 solid solution and related composite powders. The first was based on carbothermal reduction reaction (CTR) of intimately mixed tantalum‐hafnium‐boron oxide(s) and carbon obtained from aqueous solution processing of TaCl5, HfCl4, B2O3, and sucrose as precursors. It was found that when using this method, due to the low solubility of each other for Ta2O5 and HfO2 and the difference in reactivity of those 2 oxides with carbon (as well as B2O3), individual TaB2 (‐rich) and HfB2 phases always form separately. Those borides tend to remain phase separated due to the slow inter‐diffusion between them. However, it was observed that addition of copper “catalyst” noticeably accelerates the inter‐diffusion and the solid solution formation. The second approach was based on alkali metal reduction reaction, in which TaCl5 and HfCl4 are directly reacted with sodium borohydride (NaBH4). This method yields a single phase Ta0.5Hf0.5B2 solid solution nanopowders in one step at much lower temperatures (e.g., 700°C) by avoiding the oxides formation and the associated phase separation of individual borides as observed in the CTR‐based process.
Embodiment analytics of practicing teachers in a virtual immersive environment
Authors: Barmaki Roghayeh , Hughes Charles E. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractInteractive training environments typically include feedback mechanisms designed to help trainees improve their performance through either guided or self‐reflection. In this context, trainees are candidate teachers who need to hone their social skills for their future classroom. We chose an interactive virtual training system as the basic research environment to investigate the embodiment of the trainees. Using tracking sensors and improvements for existing gesture recognition utilities, we created a gesture database and used it for the implementation of our real‐time feedback application. We also investigated multiple modalities of feedback including visual and haptics. This paper describes the context in which the utilities have been developed, the importance of recognizing nonverbal communication in the teaching context, the means of providing automated feedback associated with nonverbal messaging, and a series of preliminary studies developed to inform the research. Results from the conducted studies indicate the positive impact of the proposed feedback application.
Effects of probiotic supplements on insulin resistance in gestational diabetes mellitus: A double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kijmanawat Athasit , Panburana Panyu , Reutrakul Sirimon , Tangshewinsirikul Chayada 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo evaluate the effect of probiotic supplements on insulin resistance in pregnant women with diet‐controlled gestational diabetes mellitus.Materials and MethodsA randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was carried out between June 2016 and February 2017. Pregnant women with diet‐controlled gestational diabetes mellitus were enrolled in the study at 24–28 weeks‐of‐gestation and randomized to receive either probiotic supplements containing Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus or a placebo daily for four consecutive weeks. Primary outcomes were mean differences in insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance), fasting insulin and fasting plasma glucose between the two groups. Secondary outcomes were changes in maternal weight after the intervention.ResultsData from 28 patients in the probiotic group and 29 in the placebo group were analyzed. The changes in metabolic parameters after randomization showed significant improvement in glucose metabolism in the probiotic group compared with the placebo group, including fasting plasma glucose (0.68 ± 5.88 vs 4.620 ± 7.78 mg/dL, mean difference −3.94 mg/dL, 95% confidence interval −7.62, −0.27, P = 0.034), fasting plasma insulin (1.11 ± 1.71 vs 3.77 ± 1.70 mIU/L, mean difference −2.67 mIU/L, 95% confidence interval −3.57, −1.76, P = 0.001) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (0.25 ± 0.37 vs 0.89 ± 0.46, mean difference −0.63, 95% confidence interval −0.86, −0.41, P = 0.001). Weight gain during randomization was similar between the two groups.ConclusionsFour weeks of probiotic supplements in women with diet‐controlled gestational diabetes in the late second and early third trimester lowered fasting glucose and increased insulin sensitivity. Probiotic supplements may be considered as an adjunct treatment for glycemic control in these patients.
Early gesture use in fragile X syndrome
Authors: Rague L. , Caravella K. , Tonnsen B. , Klusek J. , Roberts J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundEmerging evidence suggests that children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) exhibit abnormal gesture use early in development, although few studies have investigated the emergence of gesture use in this population or the impact of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) features on these behaviours. The present study examined the longitudinal development of gesture use in infants with FXS relative to low‐risk controls and infant siblings of children with ASD (high‐risk siblings), with the goal of establishing potentially unique patterns of gesture development in infants with FXS and understanding the relative impact of ASD symptom severity on these patterns.MethodParticipants included 86 male infants (39 FXS, 27 high‐risk siblings and 20 low‐risk infants) assessed at 9, 12 and 24 months of age. Multilevel modelling was used to assess differences in number of gestures used and rates of gesture use across groups, as well as the relative impact of ASD symptom severity and nonverbal skills on these patterns.ResultsInfants with FXS used fewer gestures than high‐risk siblings and low‐risk infants, with this difference being primarily accounted for by the effect of low nonverbal abilities in the FXS group. Furthermore, although higher ASD symptom severity was associated with the use of fewer gestures in both the FXS and high‐risk sibling groups, a significant amount of variance was shared between ASD symptom severity and nonverbal skills in FXS, but not in high‐risk siblings.ConclusionsThis study presents the first longitudinal analysis of early gesture development in FXS by using a multigroup design, clarifying the relative roles of cognitive deficits and ASD symptom severity in the development of gesture use in FXS. These findings offer novel evidence that early gesture use in FXS may reflect broader features of the FXS phenotype rather than predicting later social‐communicative deficits characteristic of comorbid ASD.
Creditor Control Rights and Board Independence
Authors: FERREIRA DANIEL , FERREIRA MIGUEL A. , MARIANO BEATRIZ 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTWe find that the number of independent directors on corporate boards increases by approximately 24% following financial covenant violations in credit agreements. Most of these new directors have links to creditors. Firms that appoint new directors after violations are more likely to issue new equity, and to decrease payout, operational risk, and CEO cash compensation, than firms without such appointments. We conclude that a firm's board composition, governance, and policies are shaped by current and past credit agreements.
Lessons in Democracy: America's Tenuous History with Immigrants
Authors: Obinna Denise N. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTaking an uncompromising stance on immigration enforcement, the Trump administration has been sharply criticized for its policies and racially coded rhetoric of immigrants as criminals or undesirables. Despite this criticism, the administration's policies fall in line with historically widespread, exclusionary, nativist and xenophobic attitudes towards immigrants. Much of the American immigrant story has been a tortuous struggle for equality, integration and civil rights. This essay takes a critical look at the complicated history of immigration policy during the last century, focusing on the social, economic and political forces that helped shape legislation.