bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate‐driven diversity change in annual grasslands: Drought plus deluge does not equal normal
Authors: Harrison Susan P. , LaForgia Marina L. , Latimer Andrew M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractClimate forecasts agree that increased variability and extremes will tend to reduce the availability of water in many terrestrial ecosystems. Increasingly severe droughts may be exacerbated both by warmer temperatures and by the relative unavailability of water that arrives in more sporadic and intense rainfall events. Using long‐term data and an experimental water manipulation, we examined the resilience of a heterogeneous annual grassland community to a prolonged series of dry winters that led to a decline in plant species richness (2000–2014), followed by a near‐record wet winter (2016–2017), a climatic sequence that broadly resembles the predicted future in its high variability. In our 80, 5‐m2 observational plots, species richness did not recover in response to the wet winter, and the positive relationship of richness to annual winter rainfall thus showed a significant weakening trend over the 18‐year time period. In experiments on 100, 1‐m2 plots, wintertime water supplementation increased and drought shelters decreased the seedling survival and final individual biomass of native annual forbs, the main functional group contributing to the observed long‐term decline in richness. Water supplementation also increased the total cover of native annual forbs, but only increased richness within nested subplots to which seeds were also added. We conclude that prolonged dry winters, by increasing seedling mortality and reducing growth of native forbs, may have diminished the seedbank and thus the recovery potential of diversity in this community. However, the wet winter and the watering treatment did cause recovery of the community mean values of a key functional trait (specific leaf area, an indicator of drought intolerance), suggesting that some aggregate community properties may be stabilized by functional redundancy among species.
Microplastics as an emerging threat to terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: de Souza Machado Anderson Abel , Kloas Werner , Zarfl Christiane , Hempel Stefan , Rillig Matthias C. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMicroplastics (plastics <5 mm, including nanoplastics which are <0.1 μm) originate from the fragmentation of large plastic litter or from direct environmental emission. Their potential impacts in terrestrial ecosystems remain largely unexplored despite numerous reported effects on marine organisms. Most plastics arriving in the oceans were produced, used, and often disposed on land. Hence, it is within terrestrial systems that microplastics might first interact with biota eliciting ecologically relevant impacts. This article introduces the pervasive microplastic contamination as a potential agent of global change in terrestrial systems, highlights the physical and chemical nature of the respective observed effects, and discusses the broad toxicity of nanoplastics derived from plastic breakdown. Making relevant links to the fate of microplastics in aquatic continental systems, we here present new insights into the mechanisms of impacts on terrestrial geochemistry, the biophysical environment, and ecotoxicology. Broad changes in continental environments are possible even in particle‐rich habitats such as soils. Furthermore, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that microplastics interact with terrestrial organisms that mediate essential ecosystem services and functions, such as soil dwelling invertebrates, terrestrial fungi, and plant‐pollinators. Therefore, research is needed to clarify the terrestrial fate and effects of microplastics. We suggest that due to the widespread presence, environmental persistence, and various interactions with continental biota, microplastic pollution might represent an emerging global change threat to terrestrial ecosystems.
Clinicopathological characteristics of cutaneous malignant melanoma in patients at a tertiary hospital in Macaronesia. Survival as a function of locoregional prognostic factors per the American Joint Committee on Cancer
Authors: Fernández‐de‐Misa Cabrera Ricardo , González Delgado Benjamín , Gambra Michel Luisa E. , Casale Cristian , Lopez Figueroa Antonio , Uña Gorospe Jon , Martínez Cedrés José C. , Cabrera Suárez Miguel A. , Garrido Ríos Sofía , Hernández Hernández Noelia , Tébar Díaz Alejandro , Sánchez Barrios Aitana , Allende Riera Ana , Perera Molinero Antonio 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundDespite suffering high ultraviolet radiation levels, few data on malignant melanoma (MM) in Macaronesia are available.MethodsObservational study of cutaneous MM cases diagnosed during a period of 12 years at a tertiary hospital in Canary Islands.ResultsA total of 532 patients (female/male = 1.4) with an average age of 56 years were included; 5% developed more than one MM, and 7% reported family history of MM. Phototype II (43%), dark eyes (41%), and dark hair (41%) predominated. There was a lower frequency of light‐colored hair and eyes in those born in the Canary Islands. The most frequent locations of MM were on the back for men (37%) and on the lower extremities for women (35%). Among the infiltrating tumors (83%), the (median) thickness was 1.07 mm (women, 0.90 mm; men, 1.21 mm). Anatomopathological ulceration (AU) and a mitotic rate ≥1 mitosis/mm2 (HMR) were recorded in 27% of patients. Patients with regional disease constituted 12% of the population. The most common stage was IA (34%). Melanoma‐specific survival (MSSV) decreased significantly with thickness, presence of AU, HMR, and sentinel lymph node disease. These four variables were independent prognostic factors. The five‐year MSSV varied between 100% (stage IA) and 39% (stage IIIC).ConclusionsThe characteristics of the patients were similar to those published in datasets from continental Europe, although the pigmentary features were darker in those originating from Macaronesia. The prognostic parameters described in the 7th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) independently predict MSSV in our patients.
Decrease of superficial serine and lactate in the stratum corneum due to repetitive frictional trauma
Authors: Wong Lai San , Otsuka Atsushi , Tanizaki Hideaki , Nonomura Yumi , Nakashima Chisa , Yamamoto Yosuke , Yen Yu Ta , Rerknimitr Pawinee , Honda Tetsuya , Kabashima Kenji 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundRepetitive frictional trauma can be induced in daily and occupational activities, such as daily ablutions with washcloths. The influence of frictional trauma on the skin barrier function, especially in the perspective of the components of stratum corneum (SC), has not yet been studied in detail. Raman spectroscopy is a noninvasive optical technique based on inelastic light scattering that is capable of measuring several components in the skin. In this study, we used Raman spectroscopy to investigate the change in natural moisturizing factor (NMF) components in the SC following repetitive physical friction.MethodsSix healthy volunteers, who were included in the study after obtaining an informed consent, performed repetitive washing with soap using nylon towels on the forearm twice a day for 2 weeks and used Raman spectroscopy to investigate the change in NMF components in the SC.ResultsCompared with the control, which was washed with soap at the same frequency on the opposite forearm, a significant increase in the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and a decrease in NMF, serine, and total lactate, responsible for maintenance the SC hydration and structuring and maintaining the epidermal barrier function, in the SC were found.ConclusionsIncreased TEWL and decreased NMF are considered as an etiology of atopic dermatitis (AD); therefore, our findings provide evidence that daily activities with repetitive frictional trauma may be related to the predisposition of AD.
Current priorities in the Zika response
Authors: Esposito Danillo L. A. , de Moraes Jonathan B. , Antônio Lopes da Fonseca Benedito 
Published: December 2017

SummaryZika virus (ZIKV), a single‐stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family, is an arbovirus (viruses transmitted by arthropods) transmitted to humans and non‐human primates through the bites of infected female Aedes sp. mosquitoes. Although first isolated in 1947, it only recently emerged as a global threat, present in several countries resulting in a pandemic scenario. ZIKV infections may have severe outcomes, such as neurological impairment, and with the intrinsic ability of inducing microcephaly in fetuses of infected pregnant women, the virus has become a major public health problem. This review discusses some advances in diagnosis; vaccine development and the problems associated with their administration; the importance of the cross‐reactivity with other flaviviruses in protecting or worsening the disease; the implications of the recent outbreak caused by the virus in the world; and future prospects for the complete understanding of this disease.
Intrahepatic and peripheral blood phenotypes of natural killer and T cells: differential surface expression of killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors
Authors: Podhorzer Ariel , Machicote Andrés , Belén Santiago , Lauferman Leandro , Imventarza Oscar , Montal Silvina , Marciano Sebastián , Galdame Omar , Podesta Luis G. , Fainboim Leonardo 
Published: December 2017

SummaryDeep characterization of the frequencies, phenotypes and functionalities of liver and peripheral blood natural killer (NK), natural killer T (NKT) and T cells from healthy individuals is an essential step to further interpret changes in liver diseases. These data indicate that CCR7, a chemokine essential for cell migration through lymphoid organs, is almost absent in liver NK and T cells. CD56bright NK cells, which represent half of liver NK cells, showed lower expression of the inhibitory molecule NKG2A and an increased frequency of the activation marker NKp44. By contrast, a decrease of CD16 expression with a potential decreased capacity to perform antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity was the main difference between liver and peripheral blood CD56dim NK cells. Liver T cells with an effector memory or terminally differentiated phenotype showed an increased frequency of MAIT cells,T‐cell receptor‐γδ (TCR‐γδ) T cells and TCR‐αβ CD8+ cells, with few naive T cells. Most liver NK and T cells expressed the homing markers CD161 and CD244. Liver T cells revealed a unique expression pattern of killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR) receptors, with increased degranulation ability and higher secretion of interferon‐γ. Hence, the liver possesses a large amount of memory and terminally differentiated CD8+ cells with a unique expression pattern of KIR activating receptors that have a potent functional capacity as well as a reduced amount of CCR7, which are unable to migrate to regional lymph nodes. These results are consistent with previous studies showing that liver T (and also NK) cells likely remain and die in the liver.
Burden of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and other respiratory viruses and the completeness of respiratory viral identification among respiratory inpatients, Canada, 2003‐2014
Authors: Schanzer Dena L. , Saboui Myriam , Lee Liza , Nwosu Andrea , Bancej Christina 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundA regression‐based study design has commonly been used to estimate the influenza burden; however, these estimates are not timely and many countries lack sufficient virological data. Alternative approaches that would permit a timelier assessment of the burden, including a sentinel surveillance approach recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), have been proposed. We aimed to estimate the hospitalization burden attributable to influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory viruses (ORV) and to assess both the completeness of viral identification among respiratory inpatients in Canada and the implications of adopting other approaches.MethodsRespiratory inpatient records were extracted from the Canadian Discharge Abstract Database from 2003 to 2014. A regression model was used to estimate excess respiratory hospitalizations attributable to influenza, RSV, and ORV by age group and diagnostic category and compare these estimates with the number with a respiratory viral identification.ResultsAn estimated 33 (95% CI: 29, 38), 27 (95% CI: 22, 33), and 27 (95% CI: 18, 36) hospitalizations per 100 000 population per year were attributed to influenza, RSV, and ORV, respectively. An influenza virus was identified in an estimated 78% (95% CI: 75, 81) and 17% (95% CI: 15, 21) of respiratory hospitalizations attributed to influenza for children and adults, respectively, and 75% of influenza‐attributed hospitalizations had an ARI diagnosis.ConclusionsHospitalization rates with respiratory viral identification still underestimate the burden. Approaches based on acute respiratory case definitions will likely underestimate the burden as well, although each proposed method should be compared with regression‐based estimates of influenza‐attributed burden as a way of assessing their validity.
Multifunctional antiferroelectric MLCC with high‐energy‐storage properties and large field‐induced strain
Authors: Chen Liming , Sun Ningning , Li Yong , zhang Qiwei , Zhang Liwen , Hao Xihong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMultifunctional antiferroelectric (Pb0.92−xBa0.05La0.02Dyx)(Zr0.68Sn0.27Ti0.05)O3 multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) was prepared successfully by the tape‐casting method. The MLCC with 10‐thick layers exhibits compact structure, excellent energy‐storage, and strain properties. For energy‐storage performance, the pulsed discharge current reveals that the stored energy can be released in a quite short time of about 600 ns. The maximum discharge energy density was obtained in the sample with x = 0.04 at 300 kV/cm, which was 3.8 J/cm3 calculated by the hysteresis loop and 2.7 J/cm3 by the pulsed discharge current, respectively. Meanwhile, the MLCC possesses large strain property, where the sample with x = 0.04 shows a high field‐induced strain of 0.71% at room temperature. In addition, the temperature dependence of energy‐storage and strain demonstrates that the MLCC has good temperature stability. The results indicate that the multifunctional MLCC can be a promising candidate for the application in energy and sensor fields.
Effect of Al3+ doping on mechanical and thermal properties of DyTaO4 as promising thermal barrier coating application
Authors: Wu Peng , Chong XiaoYu , Feng Jing 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe ceramics of dysprosium tantalate (DyTaO4) doping with Al3+ (the doping content are 0, 2, 4, and 6 mol%, respectively) are successfully synthesized in this work. The results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal that the DyTaO4 has the domains within ferroelasticity. The thermal properties indicate that the (AlxDy1−x)TaO4 ceramics have much lower thermal conductivity and better high‐temperature phase stability than that of 8YSZ (yttria‐stabilized zirconia). The elastic properties imply that the (AlxDy1−x)TaO4 have lower elastic properties than that of DyTaO4. The values of Young's modulus of (AlxDy1−x)TaO4 range from 82 to 135 GPa, and the thermal expansion coefficients (TEC) of (AlxDy1−x)TaO4 vary in the range of (6‐10) × 10−6 K−1 when the temperature is below 1200°C.
AC electric field‐induced softening of alkali silicate glasses
Authors: McLaren Charles T. , Heffner William R. , Raj Rishi , Jain Himanshu 
Published: December 2017

AbstractElectric field‐induced softening (EFIS) is a recently discovered phenomenon leading to significant reduction in the furnace temperature at which glass softens under the application of DC voltage. Unfortunately, it is accompanied by local compositional changes due to migration of ions that could limit its usefulness. To overcome this drawback, we have investigated the same phenomenon using AC voltage, that is, AC‐EFIS on a sodium disilicate glass and a 50/50 mixed lithium‐sodium disilicate glass of very different ionic resistivity yet similar network structure. The results show that the magnitude of EFIS temperature reduction is significantly greater for AC compared to DC for both glass compositions. The enhancement of EFIS under AC voltage appears to be due to a more uniform power dissipation and self‐healing of changes than under DC voltage. This uniformity allows for the overall sample temperature to increase throughout the bulk and provides a better technique for practical applications than the DC case which produces potentially undesirable changes, especially in the anode region.
EU Refugee Policies and Politics in Times of Crisis: Theoretical and Empirical Perspectives
Authors: Niemann Arne , Zaun Natascha 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn 2015/16, Europe faced the largest inflow of refugees since World War II. This inflow highlighted systemic deficiencies in EU asylum co‐operation which provoked a state of crisis. Together with the Eurozone crisis, this crisis has the potential to seriously damage the overall project of EU integration. The goal of this Special Issue is to provide a first systematic assessment of the crisis, applying and further developing key theoretical approaches to the sequence of events. In empirical terms, we advance original empirical evidence in order to deepen our understanding of the crisis and how it has been managed. In theoretical terms, we seek to (re)assess the usefulness and limitations of some important theoretical perspectives to European integration at a critical juncture of the EU's history. After presenting the sequence of events and assessing the EU's crisis response, the introduction will summarize our main findings and present avenues for further research.
Democracy at Stake: Multipositional Actors and Politicization in the EU Civil Society Field
Authors: Oleart Alvaro , Bouza Luis 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) has the potential to significantly change the dynamics of interaction between EU institutions and civil society, which we conceive as a field. This article analyzes how the EU civil society field has been re‐shaped by the ECI, the creation of networks and relationships between EU and national organizations and the effects of politicization. Using interview data and online documents from five ECI cases, we argue that an ECI can potentially transform the meta‐field of civil society and democracy by altering what is at stake. We show that the five cases compete in a single field of civil society in the EU where incumbent organizations react to challenges. However, the field cannot be characterized in terms of a competition between insiders and outsiders. Rather, the ECI favours actors able to combine activism in different spheres – which we call multi‐positional actors.
Selection and identification of protective culture for controlling Staphylococcus aureus in fresh Domiati like cheese
Authors: Ibrahim Amel , Awad Sameh 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAntibacterial activity of forty lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates toward Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated. The selected strains were then used as protective culture in artificial contaminated Domiati like cheese with S. aureus. The effect of using these strains on physicochemical properties and overall acceptability of fresh cheese was evaluated. Depending on its antibacterial activity, three strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus 130RZFAAU, 131RZFAAU, and 190RZFAAU were selected for cheese making. No negative sensory properties were observed by the panelists when LAB strains were used as a single culture in the fresh cheese making. The application of these strains as protective culture in artificial contaminated cheesemaking process give a positive results. S. aureus was detected in cheese samples by culture method and propidium mono azide–quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. The results recommended that the strain L. rahmnosus 131RZFAUU that used in this study has antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and could be used as protective culture for improving the safety of Egyptian soft cheese.Practical applicationsDetection of pathogenic bacteria by classical tests can take several days. It would be useful to have a rapid detection protocol to screen for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in milk and cheese. Application of real‐time PCR in cheese is sufficient in characterization the S. aureus communities in raw milk and follow the dynamics of the entire populations in cheese. Recently, some scientific publications have shown that the naturally cheese microflora can efficiently prevent the growth of pathogenic or spoilage microorganisms. The control of spoilage and pathogens bacteria has been traditionally done by chemical additives, but the application of promising protective cultures, especially for traditionally cheeses made from raw milk, is limited. This work present some protective culture selected for controlling S. aureus in soft cheese. This work confirm the PMA‐q PCR method for detection live cells of S. aureus in cheese rapidly.
Predicting calvarial growth in normal and craniosynostotic mice using a computational approach
Authors: Marghoub Arsalan , Libby Joseph , Babbs Christian , Pauws Erwin , Fagan Michael J. , Moazen Mehran 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDuring postnatal calvarial growth the brain grows gradually and the overlying bones and sutures accommodate that growth until the later juvenile stages. The whole process is coordinated through a complex series of biological, chemical and perhaps mechanical signals between various elements of the craniofacial system. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent a computational model can accurately predict the calvarial growth in wild‐type (WT) and mutant type (MT) Fgfr2C342Y/+ mice displaying bicoronal suture fusion. A series of morphological studies were carried out to quantify the calvarial growth at P3, P10 and P20 in both mouse types. MicroCT images of a P3 specimen were used to develop a finite element model of skull growth to predict the calvarial shape of WT and MT mice at P10. Sensitivity tests were performed and the results compared with ex vivo P10 data. Although the models were sensitive to the choice of input parameters, they predicted the overall skull growth in the WT and MT mice. The models also captured the difference between the ex vivoWT and MT mice. This modelling approach has the potential to be translated to human skull growth and to enhance our understanding of the different reconstruction methods used to manage clinically the different forms of craniosynostosis, and in the long term possibly reduce the number of re‐operations in children displaying this condition and thereby enhance their quality of life.