bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate change leads to increasing population density and impacts of a key island invader
Authors: McClelland Gregory T. W. , Altwegg Res , van Aarde Rudi J. , Ferreira Sam , Burger Alan E. , Chown Steven L. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe considerable threats of invasive rodents to island biodiversity are likely to be compounded by climate change. Forecasts for such interactions have been most pronounced for the Southern Ocean islands where ameliorating conditions are expected to decrease thermal and resource restrictions on rodents. Firm evidence for changing rodent populations in response to climate change, and demonstrations of associated impacts on the terrestrial environment, are nonetheless entirely absent for the region. Using data collected over three decades on sub‐Antarctic Marion Island, we tested empirically whether mouse populations have changed through time and whether these changes can be associated significantly with changing abiotic conditions. Changes in invertebrate populations, which have previously been attributed to mouse predation, but with little explicit demographic analysis, were also examined to determine whether they can be associated with changing mouse populations. The total number of mice on the island at annual peak density increased by 430.0% between 1979–1980 and 2008–2011. This increase was due to an advanced breeding season, which was robustly related to the number of precipitation‐free days during the non‐breeding season. Mice directly reduced invertebrate densities, with biomass losses of up to two orders of magnitude in some habitats. Such invertebrate declines are expected to have significant consequences for ecosystem processes over the long term. Our results demonstrate that as climate change continues to create ameliorating conditions for invasive rodents on sub‐Antarctic islands, the severity of their impacts will increase. They also emphasize the importance of rodent eradication for the restoration of invaded islands.
Population genomics of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus: insights into the recent worldwide invasion
Authors: Kotsakiozi Panayiota , Richardson Joshua B. , Pichler Verena , Favia Guido , Martins Ademir J. , Urbanelli Sandra , Armbruster Peter A. , Caccone Adalgisa 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAedes albopictus, the “Asian tiger mosquito,” is an aggressive biting mosquito native to Asia that has colonized all continents except Antarctica during the last ~30–40 years. The species is of great public health concern as it can transmit at least 26 arboviruses, including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. In this study, using double‐digest Restriction site‐Associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing, we developed a panel of ~58,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based on 20 worldwide Ae. albopictus populations representing both the invasive and the native range. We used this genomic‐based approach to study the genetic structure and the differentiation of Ae. albopictus populations and to understand origin(s) and dynamics of the recent invasions. Our analyses indicated the existence of two major genetically differentiated population clusters, each one including both native and invasive populations. The detection of additional genetic structure within each major cluster supports that these SNPs can detect differentiation at a global and local scale, while the similar levels of genomic diversity between native and invasive range populations support the scenario of multiple invasions or colonization by a large number of propagules. Finally, our results revealed the possible source(s) of the recent invasion in Americas, Europe, and Africa, a finding with important implications for vector‐control strategies.
Quantitative response of leaf‐litter decomposition rate to water abstraction in a gradient: Implications for environmental flow management
Authors: Huang Wei , Liu Xiaobo , Peng Wenqi , Ma Wei , Zhang Jianmin 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWater abstraction significantly impacts streams and rivers, in turn affecting ecosystem structure and function. Previous studies have mostly focused on the response of structural indicators (e.g., invertebrate community composition) to water abstraction but have often neglected the indicators of ecosystem processes (e.g., decomposition rates). In this study, we investigated the relationship of leaf‐litter decomposition rate (k) with flow reduction in a manipulated ecosystem experiment. The flow reduction rate across our experimental reaches was about 25%. The results showed that water diversion significantly reduced the discharge, width and depth of the stream, but did not affect water quality. The leaf‐litter decomposition rate varied from 0.001day‐1 to 0.026 day‐1 and decreased along with flow reduction. The results elucidate the impact of water abstraction on the decomposition of leaf‐litter in streams. A quantitative relationship between the flow rate (Q) and the decomposition rate (k), mathematically expressed as k = 0.0231 exp(ΔQ1.232), was derived. Furthermore, a framework was developed for setting the minimum environmental flow based on the assessment of river health by using leaf‐litter processing rates.
The role of threat, emotions, and prejudice in promoting collective action against immigrant groups
Authors: Shepherd Lee , Fasoli Fabio , Pereira Andrea , Branscombe Nyla R. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn two studies we assessed the role of distinctiveness threat, group‐based emotions (angst, fear, and anger), and prejudice on people's willingness to engage in collective action against immigrant groups. In Study 1 (N = 222) White British participants were either informed that in the next 40 years the proportion of immigrants in the UK is unlikely to change (control condition) or that there will be more immigrants than White British people living in Britain (threat condition). We obtained support for a sequential multiple mediator model in which threat predicted British people's willingness to engage in collective action via the emotions first and then prejudice. This finding was replicated in Study 2 with an Italian sample (N = 283). These results enhance understanding of when and why advantaged groups undertake collective action against disadvantaged groups by demonstrating that distinctiveness threats and emotions promote such actions.
Sediment micromorphology and site formation processes during the Middle to Later Stone Ages at the Haua Fteah Cave, Cyrenaica, Libya
Authors: Inglis Robyn H. , French Charles , Farr Lucy , Hunt Chris O. , Jones Sacha C. , Reynolds Tim , Barker Graeme 
Published: October 2017

AbstractUnderstanding the timing, conditions, and characteristics of the Middle to Later Stone Age (MSA/LSA) transition in North Africa is critical for debates regarding the evolution and past population dynamics of Homo sapiens, especially their dispersals within, out of, and back into, Africa. As with many cultural transitions during the Palaeolithic, our understanding is based predominantly on archaeological and paleoenvironmental records preserved within a small number of deep cave sediment sequences. To use such sequences as chronological cornerstones we must develop a robust understanding of the formation processes that created them. This paper utilizes geoarchaeological analyses (field observations, sediment micromorphology, bulk sedimentology) to examine site formation processes and stratigraphic integrity during the MSA/LSA at the Haua Fteah cave, Libya, one of North Africa's longest cultural sequences. The depositional processes identified vary in mode and energy, from eolian deposition/reworking to mass colluvial mudflows. These changing processes impact greatly on the interpretation of the paleoenvironmental and archaeological records, not least in identifying potential colluvial sediment deposition and reworking in layers identified as containing the MSA/LSA transition. This study highlights the importance of developing geoarchaeological analyses of cultural sequences to fully unravel the limitations and potential of their contained archaeological and paleoenvironmental records.
Relationship between international experience and innovation performance: The importance of organizational learning for EMNEs
Authors: Thakur‐Wernz Pooja , Samant Shantala 
Published: October 2017

Research SummaryThis study examines the impact of international experience (IE) on innovation performance (IP) in the context of emerging economy multinational enterprises (EMNEs). EMNE internationalization is often driven by strategic asset‐seeking behavior to improve their knowledge base. But, does internationalization lead to more innovation for these EMNEs? Drawing on organizational learning theory, we find a positive relationship; however, the IE–IP curve is not linear, instead it follows an S–shaped curve. We also introduce the moderating role of the difference in the direct and indirect learning rate, as well as the knowledge distance between an EMNE’s home and host countries, to the IE–IP relationship. Data on 161 Indian biopharmaceutical firms, of which 64 are EMNEs, from 1997 to 2013 were used to empirically test our hypotheses.Managerial SummaryEmerging economy multinational enterprises (EMNEs) are expanding to foreign countries to seek new knowledge and improve their ability to compete with more advanced developed country firms. In this article, we examine whether international expansion by EMNEs actually improves their innovation performance. We find that international experience does improve innovation because of organizational learning. Further, we look at whether firms are able to learn faster—both from their own innovation efforts as well as the innovation efforts of their partners. We also look at the difference in the level of knowledge at home versus at the location of the foreign subsidiaries and the impact of this distance on the international experience—innovation performance relationship. We examine EMNEs from the Indian biopharmaceutical industry. Our study provides managerial insights on the international expansion and innovation‐related activities of EMNEs.
Social comparison in the brain: A coordinate‐based meta‐analysis of functional brain imaging studies on the downward and upward comparisons
Authors: Luo Yi , Eickhoff Simon B. , Hétu Sébastien , Feng Chunliang 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSocial comparison is ubiquitous across human societies with dramatic influence on people's well‐being and decision making. Downward comparison (comparing to worse‐off others) and upward comparison (comparing to better‐off others) constitute two types of social comparisons that produce different neuropsychological consequences. Based on studies exploring neural signatures associated with downward and upward comparisons, the current study utilized a coordinate‐based meta‐analysis to provide a refinement of understanding about the underlying neural architecture of social comparison. We identified consistent involvement of the ventral striatum and ventromedial prefrontal cortex in downward comparison and consistent involvement of the anterior insula and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex in upward comparison. These findings fit well with the “common‐currency” hypothesis that neural representations of social gain or loss resemble those for non‐social reward or loss processing. Accordingly, we discussed our findings in the framework of general reinforcement learning (RL) hypothesis, arguing how social gain/loss induced by social comparisons could be encoded by the brain as a domain‐general signal (i.e., prediction errors) serving to adjust people's decisions in social settings. Although the RL account may serve as a heuristic framework for the future research, other plausible accounts on the neuropsychological mechanism of social comparison were also acknowledged. Hum Brain Mapp 39:440–458, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating preprocessing methods of digital elevation models for hydrological modelling
Authors: Lidberg William , Nilsson Mats , Lundmark Tomas , Ågren Anneli M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWith the introduction of high‐resolution digital elevation models, it is possible to use digital terrain analysis to extract small streams. In order to map streams correctly, it is necessary to remove errors and artificial sinks in the digital elevation models. This step is known as preprocessing and will allow water to move across a digital landscape. However, new challenges are introduced with increasing resolution because the effect of anthropogenic artefacts such as road embankments and bridges increases with increased resolution. These are problematic during the preprocessing step because they are elevated above the surrounding landscape and act as artificial dams. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of different preprocessing methods such as breaching and filling on digital elevation models with different resolutions (2, 4, 8, and 16 m) and to evaluate which preprocessing methods most accurately route water across road impoundments at actual culvert locations. A unique dataset with over 30,000 field‐mapped road culverts was used to assess the accuracy of stream networks derived from digital elevation models using different preprocessing methods. Our results showed that the accuracy of stream networks increases with increasing resolution. Breaching created the most accurate stream networks on all resolutions, whereas filling was the least accurate. Burning streams from the topographic map across roads from the topographic map increased the accuracy for all methods and resolutions. In addition, the impact in terms of change in area and absolute volume between original and preprocessed digital elevation models was smaller for breaching than for filling. With the appropriate methods, it is possible to extract accurate stream networks from high‐resolution digital elevation models with extensive road networks, thus providing forest managers with stream networks that can be used when planning operations in wet areas or areas near streams to prevent rutting, sediment transport, and mercury export.
An assessment of depression, psychosocial factors, and resilience among women seeking prenatal care at an urban community health center
Authors: Johnson Katherine M. , Paley Frances M. , Modest Anna M. , Hacker Michele R. , Shaughnessy Sabine , Ricciotti Hope A. , Scott Jennifer 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the relationship between resilience and mental health and psychosocial characteristics in the prenatal period.MethodsA prospective cohort pilot study was conducted among English‐speaking women aged 18 years or older with singleton pregnancies of at least 20 weeks’ duration who received prenatal care at an urban community health center in the USA between March and October 2014. Surveys were administered and a retrospective chart review was conducted. Resilience and depression were measured using validated scales and anxiety was self‐reported. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed.ResultsThirty women participated. The median resilience score was 82.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 74.0–92.0). Median resilience scores were significantly lower among women with a history of depression (73.0 [IQR 66.0–81.0]) than among those without a history (85.0 [IQR 79.0–92.0]; P=0.007). A history of using medication for anxiety, depression, or insomnia before pregnancy was also associated with lower resilience (median 74.0 [IQR 64.5–80.0] vs 83.5 [IQR 79.0–92.0]; P=0.029). Neither anxiety nor substance use was associated with resilience. Higher resilience was associated with religious affiliation and having adequate financial resources (both P<0.05).ConclusionDepression history, prior medication use, religious affiliation, and financial security affect resilience in pregnancy. These data inform a strengths‐based approach to prenatal care and future research endeavors.
Randomized trial of combined cabergoline and coasting in preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome during in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles
Authors: Bassiouny Yasmin A. , Dakhly Dina M.R. , Bayoumi Yomna A. , Salaheldin Noha M. , Gouda Hisham M. , Hassan Ayman A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of coasting alone, cabergoline alone, or combining both interventions for preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) among high‐risk patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatment cycles.MethodsThe present randomized controlled trial was conducted at the IVF unit of a university hospital in Cairo between October 28, 2013, and July 31, 2015. Patients undergoing IVF/ICSI considered at risk of OHSS were randomly allocated to coasting, cabergoline, or combined coasting and cabergoline. The primary outcome was the rate and degree of symptomatically assessed OHSS. Data were analyzed on a per‐protocol basis.ResultsThere were 100 patients recruited to each group. The occurrence of early OHSS was lowest in the combination group compared with the other groups (P=0.002).ConclusionCombining coasting and cabergoline was associated with a lower OHSS rate compared with either therapy alone.ClinicalTrials.govNCT01984320
Streptavidin‐coated surfaces suppress bacterial colonization by inhibiting non‐specific protein adsorption
Authors: Ettelt Volker , Ekat Katharina , Kämmerer Peer W. , Kreikemeyer Bernd , Epple Matthias , Veith Michael 
Published: October 2017

AbstractStreptavidin is a 58 kDa tetrameric protein with the highest known affinity to biotin with a wide range of applications in bionanotechnology and molecular biology. Dissolved streptavidin is stable at a broad range of temperature, pH, proteolytic enzymes and exhibits low non‐specific binding. In this study, a streptavidin monolayer was assembled directly on a biotinylated TiO2‐surface to investigate its stability against proteolytic digestion and its suppression of initial bacterial adsorption of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Streptococcus intermedius. In contrast to nonmodified TiO2 surfaces, streptavidin‐coated substrates showed only a negligible non‐specific protein adsorption at physiological protein concentrations as well as a significantly reduced bacterial adhesion. The antiadhesive properties were demonstrated to be the main reason for the suppression of bacterial adhesion, which makes this approach a promising option for future surface biofunctionalization applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 758–768, 2018.
Can neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio predict late‐onset sepsis in preterm infants?
Authors: Alkan Ozdemir Senem , Arun Ozer Esra , Ilhan Ozkan , Sutcuoglu Sumer 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundThe neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an easily accessible biomarker that has been reported to represent disease severity in adult trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between culture positiveness and NLR in cases where the reason of sepsis was considered, and to foresight an idea about the active agents.MethodsPreterm infants with birth weights ≤1500 g and/or ≤32 gestational weeks were eligible for this study. The postnatal age of all included infants was more than 3 days with clinical and laboratory signs of sepsis. According to the results of blood cultures, all enrolled infants were classified into 2 groups: the culture‐proven septic infants and suspected septic infants. The NLR was calculated as the ratio of neutrophil count to lymphocyte count. Initial laboratory investigations included WBC count, platelet count (PLT), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and blood cultures.ResultsA total of 127 infants were involved: 57 culture‐proven sepsis and 75 suspected sepsis. There were no significant differences between groups regarding gestational age, gender, birth weight, delivery mode, and postnatal age. Receiver operating curve analysis for NLR and CRP was calculated. The area under the curve corresponded to 0.78 ± 0.04 (NLR) vs 0.55 ± 0.05 (CRP). Using a cutoff point of 1.77 for NLR, the sensitivity was 0.73, the specificity was 0.78, and accuracy rate was 0.76.DiscussionThe prediction of NLR, an easy, inexpensive, and rapid method, along with CRP in the neonatal period for diagnosis of sepsis, will be more effective in detecting culture‐proven sepsis and in decreasing unnecessary antibiotherapy.
Clinical relevance of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ gene polymorphisms with sepsis
Authors: Liu Yu , Wan Wenhui , Fang Fang , Guo Lei , Zhao Yusheng , Zhang Xinghu , Huang Fang 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundPeroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ) is a regulator of inflammation. This study aimed to explore associations between PPARγ gene single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to and clinical outcome of sepsis in the North China Han population.MethodsThis study included 303 patients with sepsis and 303 controls. We conducted genetic typing for 13 common PPARγ gene SNPs (improved multiplex ligation detection reaction), linkage disequilibrium mapping, and haplotype inference. Associations between SNP genotypes/haplotypes and sepsis susceptibility and outcome (septic shock, organ dysfunction, or death) were assessed using unconditional logistic regression analysis.ResultsFor rs2972164, patients with genotypes CT/CT+TT had higher risk of sepsis than genotype CC (odds ratio [95% CI]: 1.74 [1.05‐2.86], P = .03 and 1.72 [1.06‐2.80], P = .026, respectively); the T allele was associated with increased sepsis risk compared with the C allele (1.64 [1.04‐2.58], P = .033). For rs1801282, genotypes CG/CG+GG had lower risk of sepsis than genotype CC (0.55 [0.33‐0.92], P = .024 and 0.57 [0.35‐0.95], P = .03, respectively); the G allele was associated with decreased sepsis risk compared with the C allele (0.62 [0.39‐1.01], P = .055). For rs4135275, genotypes AG/AG+GG had higher risk of severe organ dysfunction (multiple organ dysfunction syndrome score >8) than genotype AA (2.66 [1.16‐6.09], P = .038 and 2.21 [1.00‐4.85], P = .042, respectively). Haplotype TAT (rs2972164, rs4684846, and rs17036188) was associated with increased sepsis risk (1.66 [1.03‐2.67], P = .038).ConclusionsNo mutation was correlated with septic shock or death. PPARγ gene polymorphisms may play a role in the occurrence and progression of sepsis in the North China Han population.
The rhinoceros among Serpents: Comparative anatomy and experimental biophysics of Calabar burrowing python (Calabaria reinhardtii) skin
Authors: Han Dawei , Young Bruce A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe Calabar burrowing python (Calabaria reinhardtii) has a unique combination of marked thickness of the integumentary layers, a highly organized lamellate arrangement of the dermal collagen bundles, and a reduction in the size of the interscale hinge region of the integument. Biomechanical testing demonstrates that the skin of C. reinhardtii is more resistant to penetration than the skin of other snakes. The laminar arrangement of the collagen bundles provides for penetrative resistance, even while maintaining the flexibility characteristic of snake skin. Considering the life history of this species, it is hypothesized that the specialized integument of C. reinhardtii is a passive defensive mechanism against penetrative bites from maternal rodents and predators.