bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Conceptual Complexity of Vocabulary in Elementary‐Grades Core Science Program Textbooks
Authors: Fitzgerald W. Jill , Elmore Jeff , Kung Melody , Stenner A. Jackson 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe researchers explored the conceptual complexity of vocabulary in contemporary elementary‐grades core science program textbooks to address two research questions: (1) Can a progression of concepts’ complexity level be described across grades? (2) Was there gradual developmental growth of the most complex concepts’ networks of associated concepts from the beginning of a program to the end? That is, for the most complex concepts, did associated concepts begin to appear in the early grades, with gradual cumulative addition of associated concepts throughout the elementary grades? Gradual accumulation of associated concepts could enable students to progressively construct a mental network of concepts within which a more complex concept could be situated, a network that could facilitate learning of most complex concepts. Two best‐selling, contemporary elementary‐grades core science programs constituted the data source. The researchers employed two measures: a conceptual complexity measure and the number of associated concepts (called nodes in concept networks) for each of the most complex concepts. The researchers conducted multilevel modeling and found that, on the whole, the programs exposed students to increasingly complex concepts with the rise of grades. Few highly complex concepts appeared in the earliest grades. Similarly, few associated concepts for the most complex concepts appeared in the earliest grades. Instead, associated concepts tended to be introduced simultaneously with the most complex concepts in the later grades. That is, on the whole, the programs did not expose students to the opportunity to construct strong affiliated concept networks (clusters of associated constructs) prior to introduction of the most complex concepts.
Weather radar data correlate to hail‐induced mortality in grassland birds
Authors: Carver Amber R. , Ross Jeremy D. , Augustine David J. , Skagen Susan K. , Dwyer Angela M. , Tomback Diana F. , Wunder Michael B. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSmall‐bodied terrestrial animals such as songbirds (Order Passeriformes) are especially vulnerable to hail‐induced mortality; yet, hail events are challenging to predict, and they often occur in locations where populations are not being studied. Focusing on nesting grassland songbirds, we demonstrate a novel approach to estimate hail‐induced mortality. We quantify the relationship between the probability of nests destroyed by hail and measured Level‐III Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD) data, including atmospheric base reflectivity, maximum estimated size of hail and maximum estimated azimuthal wind shear. On 22 June 2014, a hailstorm in northern Colorado destroyed 102 out of 203 known nests within our research site. Lark bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) nests comprised most of the sample (n = 186). Destroyed nests were more likely to be found in areas of higher storm intensity, and distributions of NEXRAD variables differed between failed and surviving nests. For 133 ground nests where nest‐site vegetation was measured, we examined the ameliorative influence of woody vegetation, nest cover and vegetation density by comparing results for 13 different logistic regression models incorporating the independent and additive effects of weather and vegetation variables. The most parsimonious model used only the interactive effect of hail size and wind shear to predict the probability of nest survival, and the data provided no support for any of the models without this predictor. We conclude that vegetation structure may not mitigate mortality from severe hailstorms and that weather radar products can be used remotely to estimate potential for hail mortality of nesting grassland birds. These insights will improve the efficacy of grassland bird population models under predicted climate change scenarios.
Experimental investigation of mega‐sub isolation structure
Authors: Tan Ping , Zhang Ying , Li Xiangxiu , Li Xiaojun , Liu Aiwen , Zhou Fulin 
Published: March 2017

SummaryAs urban high‐rise buildings increase, a mega‐sub configuration is proposed by engineers, which consists of two major structural components, a megastucture as the load‐bearing main structural frame and several functional substructures for residential or other usage. This paper presents a new mega‐sub isolation structure, in which substructures are designed to isolate from megastructure using special isolation devices. The equations of motion of the mega‐sub isolation structure are established, and its vibration mitigation mechanism is investigated systematically using a simplified lumped mass structural model. With the increase in substructure mass, working mechanism of mega‐sub isolation structure is changed from tuned vibration absorber, mid‐story isolation to base isolation. In the light of theoretical studies, three steel frame specimens of four mega frame stories were tested. The experimental results show that the isolated structure and lower substructure‐consolidated structure perform better than aseismic structure, and transfer functions derived from the test data support the conclusion of theoretical analysis that the control mechanism of this novel mega‐sub isolation structure is similar to mid‐story isolated structure in the case of the mass ratio between the substructure and the megastructure closed to 1, which is the most general situation in engineering.
Hydrolytic Activity of Castor Bean Powder: Effect of Gum Arabic, Lipase and Oil Concentrations
Authors: Salaberría Florencia , Palla Camila , Carrín María Elena 
Published: March 2017

AbstractLipase activity from castor bean seed powders was evaluated in hydrolysis reactions at 37 °C. The effects of different concentrations of lipase powder (LP), substrate (high oleic sunflower oil, O) and surfactant (gum arabic, A) on lipase activity (R) were assessed using experimental designs. Considered variable bounds were: 0.05–0.15 gLP, 0.07–0.20 oil:aqueous phase (w/w) and 0–0.025 g gum arabic/mL. All variables had significant effects on the transformed response, R1/2. The most important result was the negative effect of gum arabic in lipase activity, even when high oil concentrations were used. Experimental lipase activities involved in this work were within 0.32–16.90 mmolFFA/goil·gLP·h. Using 0.05 gLP and 0.20 oil:aqueous phase (w/w) without gum arabic, the activity of 20.47 ± 7.19 mmolFFA/goil·gLP·h was reached.
The Brief Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (BMSLSS): Reliability, validity, and gender invariance in an Indian adolescent sample
Authors: Hashim Jayana , Areepattamannil Shaljan 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTThis study examined the internal consistency reliability, factorial, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity, as well as gender invariance of the Brief Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (BMSLSS; Seligson, Huebner, & Valois, 2003) in a sample of 445 adolescents (Mage = 16.04 years) hailing from the southernmost state of India, Kerala. The study also examined the test‐retest reliability (n = 392) of the BMSLSS. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient suggested that the BMSLSS was reliable. Confirmatory factor analyses demonstrated the factorial validity of the BMSLSS. Bivariate correlational analyses provided support for the convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity of the BMSLSS. The test‐retest reliability coefficient indicated the temporal stability of the BMSLSS. Finally, multi‐group confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the gender invariance of the BMSLSS.
The noncoding RNA linc-ADAMTS5 cooperates with RREB1 to protect from intervertebral disc degeneration through inhibiting ADAMTS5 expression
Authors: Wang Kun , Song Yu , Liu Wei , Wu Xinghuo , Zhang Yukun , Li Shuai , Kang Liang , Tu Ji , Zhao Kangcheng , Hua Wenbin , Yang Cao 
Published: March 2017

Previous studies have indicated the important roles of ADAMTS5 in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, the mechanisms that regulate ADAMTS5 expression in nuclear pulposus (NP) cells remain largely unknown. Evidence suggests that intergenic transcription may be associated with genes that encode transcriptional regulators. Here, we identified a long intergenic noncoding RNA, linc-ADAMTS5, which was transcribed in the opposite direction to ADAMTS5. In the present study, through mining computational algorithm programs, and publicly available data sets, we identified Ras-responsive element-binding protein 1 (RREB1) as a crucial transcription factor regulating the expression of ADAMTS5 in NP cells. RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), in vitro binding assays, and gain- and loss-of-function studies indicated that a physical interaction between linc-ADAMTS5 and splicing factor proline/glutamine-rich (SFPQ) facilitated the recruitment of RREB1 to binding sites within the ADAMTS5 promoter to induce chromatin remodeling. This resulted in subdued ADAMTS5 levels in cultured NP cells involving histone deacetylases (HDACs). In clinical NP tissues, linc-ADAMTS5 and RREB1 were correlated negatively with ADAMTS5 expression. Taken together, these results demonstrate that RREB1 cooperates with noncoding RNA linc-ADAMTS5 to inhibit ADAMTS5 expression, thereby affecting degeneration of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the intervertebral disc (IVD).
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A165b ameliorates outer-retinal barrier and vascular dysfunction in the diabetic retina
Authors: Ved Nikita , Hulse Richard P. , Bestall Samuel M. , Donaldson Lucy F. , Bainbridge James W. , Bates David O. 
Published: March 2017

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the developed world. Characteristic features of DR are retinal neurodegeneration, pathological angiogenesis and breakdown of both the inner and outer retinal barriers of the retinal vasculature and retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE)–choroid respectively. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), a key regulator of angiogenesis and permeability, is the target of most pharmacological interventions of DR. VEGF-A can be alternatively spliced at exon 8 to form two families of isoforms, pro- and anti-angiogenic. VEGF-A165a is the most abundant pro-angiogenic isoform, is pro-inflammatory and a potent inducer of permeability. VEGF-A165b is anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective and neuroprotective. In the diabetic eye, pro-angiogenic VEGF-A isoforms are up-regulated such that they overpower VEGF-A165b. We hypothesized that this imbalance may contribute to increased breakdown of the retinal barriers and by redressing this imbalance, the pathological angiogenesis, fluid extravasation and retinal neurodegeneration could be ameliorated. VEGF-A165b prevented VEGF-A165a and hyperglycaemia-induced tight junction (TJ) breakdown and subsequent increase in solute flux in RPE cells. In streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, there was an increase in Evans Blue extravasation after both 1 and 8 weeks of diabetes, which was reduced upon intravitreal and systemic delivery of recombinant human (rh)VEGF-A165b. Eight-week diabetic rats also showed an increase in retinal vessel density, which was prevented by VEGF-A165b. These results show rhVEGF-A165b reduces DR-associated blood–retina barrier (BRB) dysfunction, angiogenesis and neurodegeneration and may be a suitable therapeutic in treating DR.
Compact dual‐band dual‐mode microstrip‐fed dipole‐loop antennas for pattern diversity arrays
Authors: Sarkar D. , Srivastava K.V. 
Published: March 2017

In this Letter, a compact dual‐band dual‐mode microstrip‐fed dipole‐loop (MDL) element is proposed, which consists of a rectangular loop‐structure embedded in the feed‐line of a printed dipole. This MDL element exhibits an additional one‐wavelength loop resonance at a lower frequency (1.55 GHz) with omnidirectional pattern, along with the conventional reflector‐backed half‐wavelength dipole mode (2.55 GHz) having end‐fire radiation. Thus, electrical size reduction and dual‐band frequency‐dependent pattern diversity characteristics are obtained simultaneously in the MDL element. Furthermore, the proposed MDL element is used to construct a 1 × 2 array which operates at 1.45 and 2.59 GHz with impedance bandwidths of 14.33 and 12.92%, respectively. Bi‐directional broadside radiation (peak gain of 4.42 dBi) is achieved at the lower band, whereas the higher band exhibits high‐gain end‐fire radiation with peak gain of 7.46 dBi. The proposed design concepts are validated by Ansys HFSS simulations as well as measurements carried out on fabricated array prototypes.
Segmented power distribution control system based on hybrid cascaded multilevel converter with parts of energy storage
Authors: Zha Xiaoming , Wang Pan , Liu Fei , Gong Jinwu , Zhu Feiyang 
Published: March 2017

A segmented power‐distribution control system based on a hybrid cascaded multilevel converter with parts of energy storage is proposed in this study. The energy storage cells and ordinary cells are connected in series to form a hybrid cascaded topology, which reduces the number of isolated supplies. So, the front‐ends and secondary windings of phase‐shifting transformer are simplified. According to the different operation modes of the motor, a novel three‐segmented control strategy based on active and reactive power control is proposed to realise the energy flow among the ordinary cells, storage cells, and the motor. Thus, the regenerated energy can be stored and reutilised automatically, and then the DC‐link voltages of two types of cells will be kept within the appropriate scope. A hybrid cascaded multilevel converter with two ordinary cells and two energy storage cells in each phase is taken as an example conducted on a 380 V scale‐down laboratory prototype. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed converter system.
White‐light emission from Y2SiO5:Ce3+, Tb3+ and Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ phosphor blends: a predictive model
Authors: Flores Dora‐Luz , Gutierrez Everardo , Cervantes David , Chacon Marco , Hirata Gustavo 
Published: March 2017

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in developing multifunctional materials that can be used in different areas, such as artificial lighting. White light‐emitting diodes offer the possibility of efficient, safe, and reliable solid‐state lighting. This study presents a synthesis and characterisation process of a white‐light emitting phosphor based on the combination of rare earth‐activated Y2SiO5:Ce3+, Tb3+ (YSO) and Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ (SSN) phosphors. The YSO phosphor was prepared by combustion synthesis, whereas the SSN phosphor was prepared by solid‐state reaction under N2/H2 atmosphere. Photoluminescence measurements showed the contribution of a broad‐band emission of Ce3+ ions located in the blue region of the electromagnetic spectrum, a well‐defined green emission of Tb3+ ions with the main peak located at λEm = 545 nm in the YSO phosphor, and a broad‐band emission in the red region due to Eu2+ ions in the SSN phosphor. It is worth mentioning that excitation wavelength was in long UV radiation at 360 nm. In addition, a predictive model simulating and modelling the rare earths’ molar percentages to approximate to the D65 white light chromaticity coordinates is presented.
Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, Low Platelets Syndrome Superimposed on Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Conceição Madalena Gomes , Gomes Paulo Pereira , Clode Nuno , Martins Inês 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA pregnancy complicated by typical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome is reported. At 20 weeks of gestation, a case of HUS was diagnosed, with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli identified. Plasmapheresis allowed continuation of the pregnancy for 5 weeks. Superimposed preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome were diagnosed after the establishment of nephrotic range proteinuria, hypertension and recurrence of hemolysis. This is a singular case, as it demonstrates that HELLP syndrome can superimpose upon HUS, a fact that can impact future research on reproductive immunology. It also reminds clinicians that the overlapping of clinical and laboratory findings in HELLP syndrome makes the diagnosis of other thrombotic microangiopathies during pregnancy a clinical challenge.
Atypical Suprasellar Neurocytoma in a 31-Month-Old Child: A Case Report
Authors: Roels P. , De Beul P. , Herregods N. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe report a case of a 31-month-old girl with visual impairment. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large cystic lesion with a mural nodule in the suprasellar region. Biopsy was performed, and histopathological examination demonstrated an atypical extraventricular neurocytoma (EVN). EVN is a rare neuroepithelial tumor with similar histological and biological characteristics in comparison to intraventricular neurocytoma. However, the morphological appearance of EVN can show wide variability with significant overlap of imaging findings compared with other neoplasms. The majority of EVNs are seen supratentorial involving the cerebral hemispheres. An EVN in the sellar or suprasellar region has only been reported twice in adults and to our knowledge never in children.
Myocardial Ischemia Caused by Subepicardial Hematoma
Authors: Grieshaber Philippe , Nef Holger , Böning Andreas , Niemann Bernd 
Published: March 2017

Background Bleeding from bypass anastomosis leakage occurs early after coronary artery bypass grafting. Later, once the anastomosis is covered by intima, spontaneous bleeding is unlikely.
Case Description A 63-year-old male patient developed a pseudoaneurysm-like, subepicardial late-term bleeding resulting in a hematoma that compromised coronary artery flow by increasing extracoronary pressure. This resulted in severe angina pectoris (Canadian Cardiovascular Society IV) and myocardial ischemia within the affected area. After surgical removal of the hematoma and repair of the anastomosis, the patient's symptoms disappeared and no signs of myocardial ischemia were present.
Conclusion Surgical removal is an efficient therapy for subepicardial hematoma inducing myocardial ischemia.
Massive Urinary Protein Excretion Associated with Greater Neonatal Risk in Preeclampsia
Authors: Mateus Julio , Newman Roger , Sibai Baha , Li Qing , Barton John , Combs C. , Guzman Edwin , Boggess Kim , Gyamfi Cynthia , von Dadelszen Peter , Woelkers Doug 
Published: March 2017

Objective The objective of this study was to compare clinical outcomes of preeclamptic pregnancies according to the proteinuria level.
Study Design Secondary analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort study of women with preeclampsia (PE) symptomatology. Nonproteinuria, mild-proteinuria, and massive-proteinuria PEs were defined as: < 165 mg in 12 hours or < 300 mg in 24 hours, 165 mg to 2.69 g in 12 hours or 300 mg to 4.99 g in 24 hours, and ≥ 2.7 g in 12 hours or ≥ 5.0 g in 24 hours, respectively. Individual and composite maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes were compared among the PE groups.
Results Of the 406 analyzed pregnancies, 36 (8.8%) had massive-proteinuria PE, 268 (66.0%) mild-proteinuria PE, and 102 (25.1%) nonproteinuria PE. Compared with the other groups, massive-proteinuria PE women had significantly higher blood pressures (p < 0.001), epigastric pain (p = 0.007), and uric acid serum levels (p < 0.001) prior to delivery. Composite maternal morbidity was similar across the groups. Delivery < 340/7 weeks occurred in 80.6, 49.3, and 22.5% of massive-proteinuria, mild-proteinuria, and nonproteinuria PE groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). Composite adverse neonatal outcomes were significantly higher in the massive-proteinuria PE compared with the other groups (p = 0.001).
Conclusion While potentially not important diagnostically, massive proteinuria is associated with more severe clinical manifestations of PE prompting earlier delivery.
Maturity, Spawning Omission, and Reproductive Complexity of Deepwater Rockfish
Authors: Conrath Christina Lyn 
Published: March 2017

AbstractReproductive parameters are critical components of stock assessment models that directly influence estimates of the stock biomass of mature females and significantly impact the determination of catch levels for many federally managed fish species. There are few data available concerning the reproductive biology of deepwater rockfish species in the Gulf of Alaska, which are suspected to have complex life histories that include viviparity, increasing productivity with age, abortive maturity, and spawning omission. The objective of this study was to examine the reproductive biology of female Shortraker Rockfish Sebastes borealis, Rougheye Rockfish S. aleutianus, and Blackspotted Rockfish S. melanostictus within the Gulf of Alaska. The reproductive development stage was examined for samples collected opportunistically throughout the year from a variety of scientific platforms and charter vessels in 2008–2014. Rougheye Rockfish and Shortraker Rockfish were found to be seasonal synchronous spawners, with the onset of development occurring in the later summer months and parturition taking place from March through May. The fork length at 50% maturity (L50) was similar for Rougheye Rockfish (L50 = 45.0 cm) and Blackspotted Rockfish (L50 = 45.3 cm), but the age at 50% maturity (A50) was younger for Rougheye Rockfish (A50 = 19.6 years) than for Blackspotted Rockfish (A50 = 27.4 years). The L50 for Shortraker Rockfish was 49.9 cm, but this species could not be reliably aged. In all three species, there were individuals undergoing abortive maturity and skipped spawning. Skipped spawning rates ranged from 37.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 29.9–44.9%) for Rougheye Rockfish to 93.9% (95% CI = 90.0–97.3%) for Blackspotted Rockfish; Shortraker Rockfish had an intermediate skipped spawning rate of 60.0% (95% CI = 49.2–70.8%). The results from this study will advance our knowledge of the reproductive biology of these species and will aid in ensuring that the most appropriate data are utilized in their stock assessments.Received August 17, 2016; accepted January 18, 2017 Published online March 24, 2017
Influence of Size, Age, and Spawning Season on Sex Change in Black Sea Bass
Authors: Provost M. M. , Jensen O. P. , Berlinsky D. L. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
A tagging study was conducted off the New Jersey coast to study sex change in Black Sea Bass Centropristis striata as a function of size, age, and spawning season. Throughout 2011–2013, 3,670 fish were measured and 1,498 were tagged from research, charter, and commercial fishing vessels. Of the tagged fish, 437 were recaptured. Size at 50% probability of sex change was 355 mm TL; the proportion of female fish in sexual transition increased with body size from 0.5% at 175–225 mm to 15.7% at 375–425 mm and increased with age from 0.6% at 3 years old to 18.2% at 6 years old. Relatively few females (8 of 107) changed sex during the spawning season, but a larger proportion (8 of 22 females) transitioned between spawning seasons. The proportion of females with transitional gonads was lowest at the start of the spawning season in June (0.2%), slowly increased over the summer, and sharply peaked just after the spawning season in October (9.5%). In addition, a high proportion of young mature fish were male (40% at age 2), which may indicate the presence of primary males. This is the first tagging study to estimate sex change as a function of size, age, and season in a protogynous hermaphroditic fish species. Use of tagging avoids potential problems that are associated with inferring sex change rates from sex ratios based on catch data.