bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial characteristics of species distributions as drivers in conservation prioritization
Authors: Kujala Heini , Moilanen Atte , Gordon Ascelin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSpatial prioritization, based on the biogeographical identification of priority areas for conservation actions, is an important aspect of conservation planning. Although the influence of factors such as costs, threats or use of surrogates on the resulting priorities has been studied extensively, relatively little is known about how the spatial characteristics of species distributions drive the spatial pattern of priorities in multi‐species conservation plans.Using datasets from Australia and Finland, we explore how excluding or including a given species changes spatial priorities in a multi‐species prioritization. We develop three metrics to quantify changes in priorities, and explore how these changes depend on the total number of species used in the prioritization, the spatial characteristics of the given species distribution, and how species share their space with other species used in the prioritization. We randomly selected 12 set of 10 species from each dataset, and explore the influence of each of these species in prioritizations done for a total of 10, 20, 50 or 100 species.We show that spatial priorities become increasingly stable as the number of species is increased, and that the stability of highest and lowest priority areas behave differently. When less than 50 species were used in a prioritization, intermediately rare species that occupy mostly species‐poor habitats tend to have the greatest influence on priorities, whereas very rare and common species that co‐occur with many other species tend to have a small influence.Our results present a systematic method to explore the stability of spatial priorities to changes in the species pool used for a conservation plan. Although the analysed two datasets differed in data type, location, scale and species composition, they both showed how using a small number of species leads to unstable spatial solutions, where the choice to include or exclude an individual species can strongly influence the conservation outcome. Our results also show that conservation planners should carefully assess the use of spatial prioritizations for identifying least important areas (e.g. for development) as these can be particularly unstable when the prioritization is based on a small number of species.
Poverty analysis using small area estimation: an application to conservation agriculture in Uganda
Authors: Farris Jarrad , Larochelle Catherine , Alwang Jeffrey , Norton George W. , King Caleb 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis article demonstrates the utility of small area estimation of poverty (SAEp) methods for researchers wishing to conduct a detailed welfare analysis as part of a larger survey of a small geographic area. This study applies SAEp methods as part of an impact assessment of a conservation agriculture production system in Eastern Uganda. Using SAEp, we estimate Foster–Greer–Thorbecke rural poverty indices, estimate the effects of per‐acre farm profit increases to poor households on the indices, and compare the findings to estimates of net returns from a field‐level evaluation of conservation agriculture for maize farmers. Results suggest that increasing the farm profits of the bottom 30% of households by $1.60 per‐acre per‐season would reduce rural poverty incidence by 1 percentage point. Available data on the net returns to conservation agriculture indicate that even these modest increases are achievable for few adopting households.
Genetic and epigenetic regulation of major histocompatibility complex class I gene expression in bovine trophoblast cells
Authors: Shi Bi , Thomas Aaron J. , Benninghoff Abby D. , Sessions Benjamin R. , Meng Qinggang , Parasar Parveen , Rutigliano Heloisa M. , White Kenneth L. , Davies Christopher J. 
Published: November 2017

ProblemThe regulatory mechanisms governing differential expression of classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (MHC‐Ia) and non‐classical MHC class I (MHC‐Ib) genes are poorly understood.Method of studyQuantitative reverse transcription‐ polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to compare the abundance of MHC‐I transcripts and related transcription factors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and placental trophoblast cells (PTC). Methylation of MHC‐I CpG islands was detected by bisulfite treatment and next‐generation sequencing. Demethylation of PBMC and PTC with 5′‐aza‐deoxycytidine was used to assess the role of methylation in gene regulation.ResultsMHC‐I expression was higher in PBMC than PTC and was correlated with expression of IRF1, class II MHC transactivator (CIITA), and STAT1. The MHC‐Ia genes and BoLA‐NC1 were devoid of CpG methylation in PBMC and PTC. In contrast, CpG sites in the gene body of BoLA‐NC2, ‐NC3, and ‐NC4 were highly methylated in PBMC but largely unmethylated in normal PTC and moderately methylated in somatic cell nuclear transfer PTC. In PBMC, demethylation resulted in upregulation of MHC‐Ib by 2.8‐ to 6‐fold, whereas MHC‐Ia transcripts were elevated less than 2‐fold.ConclusionDNA methylation regulates bovine MHC‐Ib expression and is likely responsible for the different relative levels of MHC‐Ib to MHC‐Ia transcripts in PBMC and PTC.
Do programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people leaving prison meet their health and social support needs?
Authors: Abbott Penelope , Lloyd Jane E. , Joshi Chandni , Malera‐Bandjalan Kathy , Baldry Eileen , McEntyre Elizabeth , Sherwood Juanita , Reath Jennifer , Indig Devon , Harris Mark F. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe objective of this review was to synthesise evidence on the health and social support needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people leaving prison and on programs which aid successful community re‐entry. A systematic literature review was undertaken of peer‐reviewed and grey literature published between 2001 and 2013, focusing on the post‐release needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and pre‐ and post‐release programs. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have high health and social support needs on leaving prison. There is little literature evidence that re‐entry programs commonly consider health needs, support linkages with primary care or Aboriginal Medical Services, or are designed in consideration of the particular needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In the absence of evaluative evidence on re‐entry programs in this group, we have synthesised the best practice recommendations. Re‐entry programs must be culturally competent in design and delivery, holistic, take a long‐term view, involve families and communities, demonstrate interagency coordination and promote linkages between prison and community‐based services. There is an urgent need for accessible pre‐ and post‐release programs which meet the particular needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including their health needs. Programs must be flexible, comprehensive and accessible to those on remand or with short sentences. Stronger linkage with primary care and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health organisations is recommended.
Food provision among food relief agencies in rural Australia, and perceived barriers and enablers to provide healthy food
Authors: Bortolin Natalia , Priestly Jaqueline , Sangster Janice 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveFood insecurity affects 4–14% of Australians, and up to 82% of vulnerable groups. Food relief agencies commonly provide food parcels or food vouchers. Little research has been undertaken on food relief agencies within rural Australia. This study determined the type of food assistance provided by rural food relief agencies, and barriers and enablers to provide healthy food.DesignCross‐sectional study, using telephone questionnaires with qualitative and quantitative aspects. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.SettingRural New South Wales, Australia.ParticipantsRepresentatives of 10 food relief agencies.Main outcome measure(s)Types of food assistance and food provided, and the barriers and enablers to provide healthy food to clients.ResultMost agencies provided food hampers and perishable and non‐perishable food. Rural food relief agencies had a greater capacity to provide non‐perishable compared to perishable food. Grains, breads and cereals, and canned fruit and vegetables were most popular. Nine key themes emerged including ‘Ability to purchase and provide healthy food’, ‘Ability to regulate food purchased or chosen by clients’, ‘Financial constraints of the agency’ and ‘Lack of storage’.ConclusionThere are many variables to consider in order to understand the capacity of rural food relief agencies to provide healthy food. There are also opportunities for food relief agencies to appraise current practices and make changes. Initiatives to improve storage facilities and food availability are key and include networking with local businesses, community organisations and government. Rural food relief agency clients could benefit from accessing food literacy and health programs like FoodREDi, OzHarvest NEST and SecondBite Fresh NED.
Virus detection in critically ill children with acute respiratory disease: a new profile in view of new technology
Authors: Kawaguchi Atsushi , Bates Angela , Lee Bonita E. , Drews Steven , Garros Daniel 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimTo describe the epidemiology of critically ill children admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with acute respiratory disease. The association with intubation was analysed for the three most prevalent viruses and in those with and without viral co‐infection.MethodsPatients admitted to the PICU (2004–2014) with acute respiratory disease were included. Analyses were performed utilising each respiratory viral infection or multiple viral infections as an exposure.ResultsThere were 1766 admissions with acute respiratory disease of which 1372 had respiratory virus testing and 748 had one or more viruses detected. The risk of intubation before or during the PICU stay was higher if parainfluenza virus was detected compared to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (OR: 2.20; 95% CI: 1.06–4.56). Sixty‐three admissions had two or more viruses detected, and the combination of RSV and Rhinovirus/enterovirus was the most common. No significant difference was observed in the risk of intubation between patients with multiple and single viral infections.ConclusionHigher risk of intubation was found in patients with parainfluenza as compared to RSV. The risk of intubation comparing parainfluenza virus to other viruses and for patients with multiple versus single virus needs to be further studied.
Partition number, rate priors and unreliable divergence times in Bayesian phylogenetic dating
Authors: Jin Yuanting , Brown Richard P. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMore loci/partitions should improve Bayesian estimation of divergence times on phylogenies but it has recently been shown that this can lead to surprisingly poor estimation due to the way it affects the prior on mean substitution rate. Here we consider the likely impact of partition number on divergence time analyses carried out using the program BEAST. Mitochondrial genome data from toad‐headed lizards (genus Phrynocephalus) from the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau were used to examine this effect. Under increased partitioning of the sequences, BEAST posterior divergence times became unreasonably narrow and downwardly biased due to misspecification of the mean substitution rate prior. This effect was detectable when relatively few partitions were used (i.e. between four and eight), but became very acute for 27–86 partitions. Fortunately, a correction that adjusts the standard deviation of the mean of locus rates led to results that were equivalent to those obtained using the latest version of the program MCMCtree, which implements a new gamma‐Dirichlet prior to overcome this problem. A review of the literature shows that a substantial number of BEAST dating studies are likely to have been affected by this misspecification of the rate prior.
miR‐193b availability is antagonized by LncRNA‐SNHG7 for FAIM2‐induced tumour progression in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: She Kelin , Yan Hui , Huang Jun , Zhou Huaping , He Jianxing 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectivesLong non‐coding RNAs have identified to involve into the tumour cell proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis. We previously found that up‐regulated LncRNA‐SNHG7 (SNHG7) positively correlated to the Fas apoptosis inhibitory molecule 2 (FAIM2) in lung cancer cells with unclear mechanism.MethodsNon‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and relative normal tissues (n = 25) were collected. The SNHG7 expression and function in NSCLC was determined. The SNHG7‐miR 193b‐FAIM2 network was analysed in vitro and vivo.ResultsWe reported that oncogene SNHG7 predicted a poor clinical outcome and functioned as competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) antagonized microRNA‐193b (miR‐193b) to up‐regulate the FAIM2 level in NSCLC. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that SNHG7 harboured miR‐193b‐binding sites, and we found decreased miR‐193b levels in NSCLC tissues when compared to relative normal tissues. Luciferase assays indicated that overexpression of miR‐193b inhibited the Ruc expression of plasmid with miR‐193b‐binding sites of SNHG7 in a dose‐dependent manner. Ectopically expressed SNHG7 also as a molecular sponge sequestered endogenous miR‐193b. Besides, FAIM2 was found to be directly targeted by miR‐193b. The restoration of miR‐193b levels in NSCLC cell lines A549 and H125 suppressed the expression of FAIM2 and related tumour proliferation, metastasis and induced apoptosis. However, forced expression of SNHG7 could down‐regulate miR‐193b to elevate the FAIM2 level of tumour cells, leading to impaired miR‐193b/FAIM2‐induced tumour progression. Knockdown of SNHG7 in vivo significantly delayed the tumour growth with decreased tumour volume, which accompanied with enhanced miR‐193b expression and reduced FAIM2 levels.ConclusionThe results indicated that miR‐193b is indispensible for the ceRNA role of SNHG7 in FAIM2‐supported tumourigenesis of lung cancer.
From Democratization to Securitization: Post‐Arab Spring Political Order in the Middle East
Authors: Battaloglu Cihat , Farasin Fadi 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis article examines the question: why and how the wave of democratization in the Middle East has receded, giving way to the prioritization of security in the post‐Arab Spring by conducting analyses at three levels: societal, state, and international. By applying the main concepts and theories found in the literature on democratization and securitization and by analyzing the Bertelsmann Stiftung's Democracy Status Index, the Arab Barometers Survey, and the Arab Opinion Survey, the article concludes that: at the societal level, the tragic unfolding of events after the Arab Spring prohibits the public from pushing a reform agenda; at the state level, the post‐Arab political environment raises doubts among the ruling elite about how far political reforms should be extended; and at the international level, with the rise of new security threats, international pressure on Middle East countries to democratize has been restrained, giving way to security cooperation as the top priority.
Spatial distribution, sampling efficiency and Taylor's power law
Authors: TAYLOR R. A. J. 
Published: November 2017

1. A relationship between sampling efficiency and Taylor's power law (TPL) is derived and illustrated with data from gypsy moth samples taken in Pennsylvania.2. It is shown that attractant traps such as pheromone and light traps may exhibit density‐dependent sampling efficiency which can influence the parameters of TPL.3. Comparison of the light trap and pheromone trap sample data with those of a standardised suction trap enables the attractant traps to be standardised.4. Rescaling male moth catches per trap to number per unit volume increases the slope, intercept and correlation coefficient while stretching the pattern of data points.5. Density‐dependent sampling efficiency of attractant traps shows how TPL is sensitive to spatial aggregation behaviour as well as other life‐history variables.
Melanoma tumors exhibit a variable but distinct metabolic signature
Authors: Feichtinger René G. , Lang Roland , Geilberger Reinhard , Rathje Florian , Mayr Johannes A. , Sperl Wolfgang , Bauer Johann W. , Hauser‐Kronberger Cornelia , Kofler Barbara , Emberger Michael 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe Warburg theory of cancer postulates that an important driver of tumorigenesis is insufficient respiration due to mitochondrial defects, and concomitant enhancement of lactate production due to increased aerobic glycolysis. We analysed 48 melanoma samples by immunohistochemistry and found that 38% of melanomas are characterized by areas of isolated or combined deficiencies of complexes of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system, whereby the incidence of OXPHOS‐deficient areas is associated with an increased Breslow index; 62% of melanomas showed high expression of all OXPHOS complexes. Expression of carbonic anhydrase IX was low, indicating that melanomas generally are well‐oxygenated. Expression of HIF‐1α and MCT4 was high, which might be a consequence of increased lactate dehydrogenase A levels in melanomas. Our data indicate that there are two types of melanomas: one that features a classic Warburg effect, whereas the other one, despite being glycolytic, maintains a high level of OXPHOS complexes.
Factors affecting the patency of arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis: Single center experience
Authors: Stolic Radojica V. , Trajkovic Goran Z. , Kostic Mirjana M. , Mihailovic Branko , Jovanovic Aleksandar N. , Lazic Bratislav D. , Matijasević Ivana R. , Jaksić Maša D. , Mirkovic Zlatica M. , Smilic Tanja N. , Mitic Javorka S. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntroduction: Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the preferred form vascular access for hemodialysis (HD), as they have a low rate of complications and durable function. The aim of our investigation was to analyze the factors that might influence the function of AVFs.Methods: Data were taken from the computerized patient record system in the Clinic of Urology and Nephrology, Clinical Center, Kragujevac, Serbia, for a 2‐year period. We analyzed patients who had requested re‐creation of AVFs as a secondary procedure. During this period 112 patients, 73 (65%) men and 39 (35%) women, had AVF thromboses. All relevant clinical and laboratory parameters that could affect the function and survival of AVF were evaluated.Findings: In univariate logistic regression analysis, statistically significant predictors influencing the duration of the fistula were magnesium (P < 0.001), triglycerides (P = 0.041), smoking (P = 0.001), antiplatelet therapy (P < 0.001), and type of HD (bicarbonate vs. hemodiafiltration) (P < 0.001). In the multiple logistic regression model, high concentrations of magnesium (B = 7434; P < 0.001) and antiplatelet therapy (B ‐ 1.042; P = 0.04) were significantly associated with the length of AVF function.Discussion: After successful establishment of an AVF, there is a compelling need to maintain fistula patency. Factors that affect functioning of the AVFs are presently under intense scrutiny. According to our results, some clinical factors may determine long term fistula duration, such as concentration of the magnesium and antiplatelet therapy.
Teaching & Learning Tips 2: Cognitive load theory
Authors: Rana Jasmine , Burgin Susan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractChallenge: Dermatology trainees include medical students, residents, and fellows. Variability in level of experience and background knowledge can make clinical teaching challenging. Research also shows novices have different ways of thinking than experts, which must be acknowledged in the preceptor‐trainee interaction for optimal teaching and learning to occur. Herein we explore how “cognitive load” varies with learner level and how reducing cognitive load can enhance learning, especially for novice learners.
Measuring the success of Medical Emergency Teams: potentially preventable deaths versus total cardiac arrest deaths. A single centre observational study
Authors: Barrett Jonathan , Hawdon Gabrielle , Wade Julie , Reeves John 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundRapid response systems have been implemented with the aim of preventing patient deterioration, in‐hospital cardiac arrests (IHCA) and related deaths. Not all ‘unexpected deaths’ are preventable, thus compromising the use of unexpected deaths as an outcome measure.AimsTo assess temporal trends in potentially preventable deaths as a subset of total unexpected death rates over a 4‐year period.MethodsA single centre, cohort study of all unexpected deaths between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2013. Unexpected deaths were identified from the rapid response systems database and patients’ case histories were reviewed to reclassify the deaths into one of three categories: potentially preventable: if earlier MET activation may have prevented death; missed not for resuscitation opportunity; and not preventable. Total bed days were obtained from the hospital's patient administration system.ResultsThe rate of potentially preventable deaths decreased from 5.3 to 0.7 per 100 000 bed days (incident rate ratio (IRR) 0.53 (95% CI 0.31–0.90),P= 0.02). The rate of total unexpected deaths was unchanged (IRR 0.96 (0.80–1.16),P= 0.70), as were the rates of non‐preventable deaths (IRR 1.06 (0.78–1.42),P= 0.72) and missed NFR deaths (IRR 1.1 (0.83–1.42),P= 0.56).ConclusionThe rate of potentially preventable deaths has decreased by 47% per year over a 4‐year period without any change in the overall rate of unexpected deaths. Distinguishing between potentially preventable deaths in contrast to total unexpected deaths enables more targeted evaluation of rapid response systems.
Static fatigue and compressive stress generation in an aged crack
Authors: Lezzi Peter J. , Seaman Jared H. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn classic experiments by Michalske and others, it was found that cracks aged statically below the fatigue limit acquired a temporary strength increase compared to the non‐aged crack. In our previous publication we observed that cracks growing near the fatigue limit exhibited a time dependent slowing down of crack growth. Both of these phenomena are related to a toughening of the crack tip that we attribute to a water‐assisted surface stress relaxation mechanism. To test this hypothesis, the K‐v crack growth curves have been measured using the double cantilever beam (DCB) experimental technique for two commercial glasses, a sodium aluminosilicate, and a potassium aluminosilicate, both of which exhibit clear fatigue limits in air. Using polarimetry, it is shown that the stress state near an unloaded but previously aged crack tip is opposite in sign to the stress state near the tip of a crack held in Mode I loading. These results clearly indicate that a stress relaxation mechanism is occurring at the crack tip.