bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utility and limitations of climate‐matching approaches in detecting different types of spatial errors in biodiversity data
Authors: Simões Marianna V. P. , Peterson A. Townsend 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

The increase of digitally available primary biodiversity data has been a positive result of sharing initiatives in the natural history museum community and among citizen scientists. Owing to the heterogeneity of sources, however, limitations related to data quality control emerge, as incomplete and/or erroneous information at different stages of input must be overcome. To facilitate detection of spatial errors, species distribution modelling (SDM) has been suggested, but its efficiency in detection of different types of spatial errors has not been assessed.

We investigate the utility of SDM‐based assessments in detection of two types of spatial errors found in large biodiversity databases, random errors versus errors of misidentification as congeneric taxa. We used available distributional data for five closely related species of the tortoise beetle genus Mesomphalia (Coleoptera, Chyrsomelidae, Cassidinae) to test the suitability values associated with simulated erroneous points mimicking the two error types.

Overall, we observed that habitat suitability values associated with random outliers were lower than those for congeneric outliers, fitting expectations based on the idea of niche conservatism. Also, detecting outliers in small datasets is more challenging, whereas in larger datasets, the detection of random outliers should be more efficient.

Our results indicate that SDM tools can be useful in detection of outliers more efficiently when erroneous points fall outside the ecological niche profile of the species, as in the case of random typographical errors, but not as effective with errors of misidentification. This paper explores a potential tool to promote better assessment of the quality of biodiversity data.
ECONOMICS: BETWEEN PREDICTION AND CRITICISM
Authors: Gilboa Itzhak , Postlewaite Andrew , Samuelson Larry , Schmeidler David 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe suggest that one way in which economic analysis is useful is by offering a critique of reasoning. According to this view, economic theory may be useful not only by providing predictions, but also by pointing out weaknesses of arguments. It is argued that when a theory requires a nontrivial act of interpretation, its roles in producing predictions and offering critiques vary in a substantial way. We offer a formal model in which these different roles can be captured.
DOES TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS MAGNIFY REGIONAL DISPARITIES?
Authors: Tabuchi Takatoshi , Thisse Jacques‐François , Zhu Xiwei 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe study how technological progress in manufacturing and migration costs interact to shape the space economy. Rising labor productivity in the manufacturing sector fosters the agglomeration of activities, whereas falling transport costs associated with technological and organizational innovations foster their dispersion. Since these two forces have been at work for a long time, the final outcome must depend on how drops in the costs of producing and trading goods interact with the various costs borne by migrants. Various extensions show the robustness of these conclusions.
In vitro digestion and characterisation of 2S albumin and digestion‐resistant peptides in pecan
Authors: Spiric Jelena , Koppelman Stef J. , Knulst Andre , Nordlee Julie A. , Taylor Steve L. , Baumert Joseph L. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThe 2S albumins are one of the major protein families involved in severe food allergic reactions to nuts, seeds and legumes, thus potentially making these proteins clinically relevant for allergic sensitisation and potential diagnostic markers. In this study, we sought to purify native 2S albumin protein from pecan to further characterise this putative allergen. The purified 2S albumin, Car i 1, from pecan was found to be resistant to digestion by pepsin in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and comparatively stable to proteolysis by trypsin and pancreatin in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). Digestion of purified Car i 1 in SGF and SIF resulted in formation of different digestion‐resistant peptides that were capable of binding IgE antibodies from allergic individuals. Digestion stability of Car i 1 and formation of digestion‐resistant antigenic peptides may explain why it is a potent sensitising protein in pecan for susceptible individuals. The observation that digestion‐resistant peptides are able to bind IgE implies that pecan can trigger systemic allergic reactions even after digestion in the stomach and small intestine.
The role of gut microbiome and associated metabolome in the regulation of neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis and its implications in attenuating chronic inflammation in other inflammatory and autoimmune disorders
Authors: Dopkins Nicholas , Nagarkatti Prakash S. , Nagarkatti Mitzi 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThe importance of the gut microbiome in the regulation of non‐infectious diseases has earned unprecedented interest from biomedical researchers. Widespread use of next‐generation sequencing techniques has prepared a foundation for further research by correlating the presence of specific bacterial species with the onset or severity of a disease state, heralding paradigm‐shifting results. This review covers the mechanisms through which a dysbiotic gut microbiota contributes to the pathological symptoms in an autoimmune neurodegenerative disorder, multiple sclerosis (MS). Although the central nervous system (CNS) is protected by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), it is unclear how gut dysbiosis can trigger potential immunological changes in the CNS in the presence of the BBB. This review focuses on the immunoregulatory functionality of microbial metabolites, which can cross the BBB and mediate their effects directly on immune cells within the CNS and/or indirectly through modulating the response of peripheral T cells to stimulate or inhibit pro‐inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, which in turn regulate the autoimmune response in the CNS. Although more research is clearly needed to directly link the changes in gut microbiome with neuroinflammation, focusing research on microbiota that produce beneficial metabolites with the ability to attenuate chronic inflammation systemically as well as in the CNS, can offer novel preventive and therapeutic modalities against a wide array of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
The origin of the heterogeneous distribution of bismuth in aluminosilicate laser glasses
Authors: Li Xiaoman , Cao Jiangkun , Peng Mingying 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAs one kind of novel and burgeoning laser materials, bismuth‐doped silicate glasses have aroused increasing attention for the super broadband near‐infrared (NIR) emission. However, the large optical scattering loss, resulting from optical heterogeneity in glass color and refractive index, limits their further applications in telecommunication system. Thus, it is urgent to uncover the essence of heterogeneity in Bi‐doped silicate glasses and subsequently improve glass optical performance. It will give us some hint to homogenize the glass component and Bi active centers so as to boost the development of Bi‐based glass materials. Here, taking 1 typical Bi‐doped calcium aluminosilicate glass as an example, we revealed the origin of the optical heterogeneities in glass color and refractive index through the NIR emission spectra, electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) of elements and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of Bi 4f5/2, Bi 4f7/2, and Al 2p. The inhomogeneous distribution of Bi and aluminum components is responsible for the heterogeneity in this glass system. In addition, we found that tetrahedral coordinated aluminum favors the existence of Bi NIR centers, consequently resulting in enhanced Bi NIR emissions. Furthermore, based on our results and the role of Al3+ in glass network, we demonstrate the homogenizing of glass component by finely tuning glass composition. This work will enrich the understanding of Bi‐doped laser glass and provide a guideline for the design of component‐derived Bi‐doped silicate glasses and fibers with efficient NIR emission and high optical quality.
Computational study of impact of composition, density, and temperature on thermal conductivity of amorphous silicon boron nitride
Authors: Dasmahapatra Atreyi , Kroll Peter 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe study thermal conductivity (κ) of amorphous silicon boron nitride (a‐SiBN) for different compositions and densities as a function of temperature using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and equilibrium molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. Our library of amorphous structures consists of network models comprising 100‐200 atoms and large‐scale models with up to 57 000 atoms generated using the empirical Marian‐Gastreich two‐body potential. Crystalline structures within the Si3N4‐BN system are considered as well. We use 2 distinct approaches to compute thermal conductivity of a‐SiBN. To estimate κ in the high‐temperature limit we feed Clarke's phenomenological model with elasticity data obtained by DFT calculations. We further perform equilibrium MD simulations and apply the Green‐Kubo method. This approach shows decrease of κ with increasing temperature and provides results at high temperatures that agree with results derived within Clarke's model. We find that κ of a‐SiBN depends on composition and increases as the BN content in the structure increases. The effect is pronounced at low temperature but almost vanishes at high temperature. Furthermore, thermal conductivity depends on density and porosity, with a linear relation between κ and density.
Molecular simulations of the structure and thermal transport of high alumina aluminosilicate molten core glass fiber
Authors: Greenberg Bennett , Garofalini Stephen H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe atomistic structure and phonon transport in aluminosilicate glasses made via an interfacial mixing model of the Molten Core process were studied using molecular dynamics simulations. In the simulations, silica glass was brought in contact with different size alumina crystals (to afford core glasses with 4, 18, 24, 29, and 41 mole% alumina concentrations), followed by a melt‐quench process to enable mixing of the phases. The atomistic structure of the resulting glasses and radius of gyration calculations of resultant Al‐O‐Al connected clusters were evaluated. Variation in the 1‐dimensional thermal transport in each glass was also determined and showed that increased alumina concentration in the glasses resulted in increased transport of thermal energy. Results of the structural analyses showed a double peak in the Al‐Al pair distribution function, with the short‐distance peak indicative of edge‐sharing Al‐O‐Al‐O bonding and a longer distance peak of Al‐O‐Al bonding that is not indicative of edge‐sharing structures. The ratio of the first Al‐Al peak to the second Al‐Al peak varied inversely with the thermal transport behavior. An increased radius of gyration of Al‐O‐Al connectivity occurred with increasing alumina concentration, providing a mechanism for the increased thermal transport. Nanosegregation was also observed. Interconnectivity between Al ions created isolated Al‐O‐Al bonded clusters at low alumina concentrations with lower thermal transport than the high alumina glasses, whereas the latter showed a percolated network of Al‐O‐Al bonds that increased thermal transport.
Fine Ti‐dispersed Al2O3 composites and their mechanical and electrical properties
Authors: Shi Shengfang , Cho Sunghun , Goto Tomoyo , Sekino Tohru 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAl2O3/Ti composites containing 0‐30 vol% dispersed fine Ti particles were fabricated using a hot‐press sintering method at 1500°C from mixtures of Al2O3 and TiH2 powders. During sintering, TiH2 decomposed to form metallic Ti. The effects of the Ti content on the mechanical and electrical properties of the composites were then investigated. No Ti‐Al intermetallic compounds were detected by X‐ray diffraction, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy indicated the presence of Al‐Ti‐O solid solution and Ti‐O phases. The composites showed enhanced densification; the measured densities were higher than the calculated theoretical values. Microstructural observation revealed homogeneously distributed fine Ti particles dispersed in the Al2O3 matrix. The Ti particle size ranged from submicrometer to a few micrometers depending on the Ti content. The fracture mode of the composites was primarily transgranular, in contrast to the intergranular fracture mode of monolithic Al2O3. Although the flexural strength was decreased with increase in Ti content, the composite containing 20 vol% Ti displayed the maximum fracture toughness of 4.3 MPa·cm1/2, which was 37% greater than that of monolithic Al2O3. The composites containing more than 15 vol% Ti exhibited drastic decreases in resistivity (~10−1 Ωcm), which were attributed to the formation of interconnected Ti networks at these Ti contents. The percolation threshold volume for electrical conduction in the present system was calculated to be 13.8 vol%. The results indicate that dispersing fine Ti particles into Al2O3 increased the fracture toughness and improved the conductivity of Al2O3.
Alpha particle spectroscopy using FNTD and SIM super‐resolution microscopy
Authors: KOUWENBERG J.J.M. , KREMERS G.J. , SLOTMAN J.A. , WOLTERBEEK H.T. , HOUTSMULLER A.B. , DENKOVA A.G. , BOS A.J.J. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryStructured illumination microscopy (SIM) for the imaging of alpha particle tracks in fluorescent nuclear track detectors (FNTD) was evaluated and compared to confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). FNTDs were irradiated with an external alpha source and imaged using both methodologies. SIM imaging resulted in improved resolution, without increase in scan time. Alpha particle energy estimation based on the track length, direction and intensity produced results in good agreement with the expected alpha particle energy distribution. A pronounced difference was seen in the spatial scattering of alpha particles in the detectors, where SIM showed an almost 50% reduction compared to CLSM. The improved resolution of SIM allows for more detailed studies of the tracks induced by ionising particles. The combination of SIM and FNTDs for alpha radiation paves the way for affordable and fast alpha spectroscopy and dosimetry.
Reduced angiogenic factor expression in intrauterine fetal growth restriction using semiquantitative immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis
Authors: Alahakoon Thushari I. , Zhang Weiyi , Arbuckle Susan , Zhang Kewei , Lee Vincent 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimTo localize, quantify and compare angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PlGF), as well as their receptors fms‐like tyrosine kinase receptor (Flt‐1) and kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) in the placentas of normal pregnancy and complications of preeclampsia (PE), intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR) and PE + IUGR.MethodsIn a prospective cross‐sectional case–control study, 30 pregnant women between 24–40 weeks of gestation, were recruited into four clinical groups. Representative placental samples were stained for VEGF, PlGF, Flt‐1 and KDR. Analysis was performed using semiquantitative methods and digital image analysis.ResultsThe overall VEGF and Flt‐1 were strongly expressed and did not show any conclusive difference in the expression between study groups. PlGF and KDR were significantly reduced in expression in the placentas from pregnancies complicated by IUGR compared with normal and preeclamptic pregnancies.ConclusionThe lack of PlGF and KDR may be a cause for the development of IUGR and may explain the loss of vasculature and villous architecture in IUGR. Automated digital image analysis software is a viable alternative method to the manual reading of placental immunohistochemical staining.
The Historical Political Ecological and Political Economic Context of Mohawk Efforts at Land Reclamation in the Mohawk Valley
Authors: Rose Samuel W. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to elaborate on the history of the relationship between the political ecological and political economic changes occurring in the Mohawk communities in the Saint Lawrence river valley during the Twentieth Century with three Mohawk efforts at land reclamation in Upstate New York and the reestablishment of a Mohawk residential community in the ancestral homelands of the Mohawk river valley. I demonstrate how each of these efforts is conceptualized and should be understood in historical materialist terms as a social response to the changing social, economic, ecological, and political conditions in those communities and the processes involved in the reshaping and remaking of those communities.
Applying Restrictive Measures in the Care of Adolescents With Mild Intellectual Disabilities: Attitudes of Support Staff and Policy Implications
Authors: Dörenberg Vivianne E. T. , de Veer Anke J. E. , Francke Anneke L. , Embregts Petri J. C. M. , van Nieuwenhuijzen Maroesjka , Frederiks Brenda J. M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractResearch suggests that restrictive measures are widely used on adolescents with mild intellectual disabilities. In the Netherlands, restrictive measures are defined as all measures that limit the freedom of a person. In most countries, legislation and policies that seek to reduce the use of restrictive measures focus on seclusion and mechanical and physical restraints. The study aimed to investigate the extent to which restrictive practices are used in the care of adolescents with mild intellectual disabilities while also exploring the attitudes of support staff toward these interventions. A survey study was done among a nationally representative Dutch research sample consisting of support staff. A structured questionnaire was completed by 195 staff members (response of 68.7%) working in settings providing care for people with intellectual disabilities. The measures generally used by staff members who work with adolescents with mild intellectual disabilities involved restricting the freedom of movement and so‐called social restrictions (such as limiting the use of mobile phones). Nearly all respondents considered restrictive measures to be justified in the case of danger, physical aggression, or sexually abusive behavior (87.8–96.8%). Frequently mentioned reasons for using restrictive measures were averting or avoiding danger (90.4 and 83.0%, respectively) and calming the adolescent (63.8%). Although seclusion and mechanical and physical restraints were generally considered most intrusive, staff members were aware that social restrictions could also be instrusive. The fact that current policies do not address these measures makes support staff question the lawfulness of their actions. As well as staff training to reduce the use of restrictive measures, rules, and legislation are also needed to clarify the options and limits to using such measures in the professional care of adolescents with mild intellectual disabilities.
Evaluating the Factor Structure of the MIDI Personality Scale Using Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Joshanloo Mohsen 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis study investigated the factor structure of the 26‐item Midlife Development Inventory (MIDI) Personality Scale in a sample of 2,720 Americans. It was found that whereas confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) did not provide an acceptable fit to the data, exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) provided an acceptable fit. The results of ESEM revealed that the a priori five‐factor structure of personality was generally consistent with the data, and all items had salient loadings on their target factors. ESEM also revealed that some of the items contributed significantly to more than one personality factor. The results are in line with previous research, and indicate that ESEM is more suitable than CFA for the study of personality traits.
Acute kidney injury, but not sepsis, is associated with higher procedure‐related bleeding in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Hung Adelina , Garcia‐Tsao Guadalupe 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundBleeding after low‐risk invasive procedures can be life‐threatening or can lead to further complications in decompensated cirrhosis patients. In unstratified cohorts of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis, the rate of procedure‐related bleeding is low despite abnormal coagulation parameters. Our objective was to identify patients with decompensated cirrhosis at a high risk of developing procedure‐related bleeding in whom the value of pre‐procedure transfusions could be assessed.MethodsHospitalized patients with cirrhosis who developed post‐paracentesis hemoperitoneum confirmed by CT scan, from the period of January 2012 to August 2016, constituted the study group. They were compared to patients hospitalized in the same period in whom post‐paracentesis hemoperitoneum was suspected but ruled out by CT scan. A retrospective chart review was conducted to determine specifics of the adverse event, patient characteristics and risk factors for bleeding.ResultsOn multivariate analysis, acute kidney injury prior to paracentesis was the only independent predictor of post‐paracentesis hemoperitoneum (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.3‐13.5, P = .01), independent of MELD score, large volume paracentesis, sepsis, platelets, INR and haemoglobin levels.ConclusionsInfection/sepsis is generally considered predictive of bleeding in cirrhosis. Our study suggests that acute kidney injury, and not sepsis, is the most important predictor of post‐procedure bleeding in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Although end‐stage renal disease is a known cause of bleeding in non‐cirrhotic patients, there are no studies establishing acute kidney injury as a risk factor for post‐procedure bleeding in cirrhosis. Future studies investigating blood product transfusion needs in cirrhosis prior to procedures should carefully look at patients with acute kidney injury.
Depth influence on biochemical performance and thallus size of the red alga Gelidium corneum
Authors: Quintano Endika , Díez Isabel , Muguerza Nahiara , Figueroa Félix López , Gorostiaga José María 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRecent declines in the foundation species Gelidium corneum (Hudson) J.V. Lamouroux in pristine coastal stretches of the Southeastern Bay of Biscay have been documented in which individuals showed a high bleaching incidence. Among the potential factorsthat may be responsible for these changes in G. corneum abundance, it has been suggested that high levels of irradiance may be imposing stressful environmental conditions for shallow populations. Given that light is reduced exponentially as depth increases, in this investigation we examined the influence of depth on the stress of G. corneum by comparing the performance of several biochemical parameters and thallus size in plants collected at three different depths. The results revealed that plants growing in shallow waters showed lower antioxidant activity, lower concentrations of photosynthetic pigments (Chl‐a, total carotenoids, phycoerythrin), lower internal nitrogen levels (higher C:N ratio) and shorter thallus lengths than those living in deeper waters. Some of these results may be an expression of photoacclimation, but the low antioxidant activity and total carotenoid concentration detected in plants living in shallow waters suggest that the photoprotective mechanisms of G. corneum may have failed to offset photodamage. If so, our findings support previous studies that suggest that recent changes in solar radiation are partially responsible for G. corneum declines. Nevertheless, given that the metabolic performance of macroalgae is determined by the inter‐play of irradiance with other factors, including temperature and nutrient availability, further research is needed to reach a better understanding of the factors causing stress in G. corneum.