bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Importance of data selection and filtering in species distribution models: A case study on the Cantabrian brown bear
Authors: Zarzo‐Arias Alejandra , Penteriani Vincenzo , Gábor Lukáš , Šímová Petra , Grattarola Florencia , Moudrý Vítězslav 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSpecies distribution models (SDMs) are powerful tools in ecology and conservation. Choosing the right environmental drivers and filtering species' occurrences taking their biases into account are key factors to consider before modeling. In this case study, we address five common problems arising during the selection of input data for presence‐only SDMs on an example of a generalist species: the endangered Cantabrian brown bear. First, we focus on the selection of environmental variables that may drive its distribution, testing if climatic variables should be considered at a 1‐km analysis grain. Second, we investigate how filtering the species' data in view of (1) their collection procedures, (2) different time frames, (3) dispersal areas, and (4) subpopulations affects the performance and outputs of the models at three different spatial analysis grains (500 m, 1 km, and 5 km). Our results show that models with different input data yielded only minor differences in performance and behaved properly in terms of model validation, although coarsening the analysis grain deteriorated model performance. Still, the contribution of individual variables and the habitat suitability predictions differed among models. We show that a combination of limited data availability and poor selection of environmental variables can lead to inaccurate predictions. Specifically for the brown bear, we conclude that climatic variables should not be considered for exploring habitat suitability and that the best input data for modeling habitat suitability in the study area originate from (1) observations and traces from the (2) most recent period (2006–2019) in which the population is expanding, (3) not considering cells of dispersing bear occurrences and (4) modeling subpopulations independently (as they show distinct habitat preferences). In conclusion, SDMs can serve as a useful tool for generalist species including all available data; still, expert evaluation from the perspective of data suitability for the purpose of modeling and possible biases is recommended. This is especially important when the results are intended for management and conservation purposes at the local level, and for species that respond to the environment at coarse analysis grains.
Determining potential drivers of vegetation change in a Mediterranean environment
Authors: Dewees Shane L. , D'Antonio Carla M. , Molinari Nicole 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe increased occurrences of drought and fire may be contributing to the loss of biodiverse ecosystems in Mediterranean regions. Specifically, the conversion of diverse native shrublands, such as chaparral, to non‐native annual grassland by fire is of great conservation concern in California. To avoid or slow the loss of chaparral, it is important to understand the underlying causes of landscape conversion. Studies investigating the interaction of multiple potential drivers are particularly crucial to identification of vulnerable areas of the landscape. Here we used aerial imagery to evaluate vegetation transitions between chaparral, sage scrub, grassland, and tree domination and their potential drivers within Ventura County, CA, a strongly Mediterranean climate region. We used random forest algorithms and conditional inference trees to determine the climatic, topographic, and fire‐related variables contributing most to vegetation change. Our results support that chaparral conversion to grass (27% of chaparral plots) is a result of landscape position, fire, and drought acting in tandem. In particular, lower elevation, southwest‐facing slopes that experience a postfire drought are at very high likelihood of conversion to non‐native annual grass. Additionally, our results show that these grasslands, once formed, rarely convert to other community types. Therefore, protecting shrub‐dominated areas that are most likely to convert (low elevation, more southwest‐facing slopes, and less annual precipitation) is crucial to preserving native vegetation diversity.
Regulation on C2‐C8 carboxylic acid biosynthesis from anaerobic CO2 fermentation
Authors: Wu Wanling , Li Zhiqi , Liu Guangqing , Zhou Ling , Wang Wen 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBioconversion of CO2 into liquid fuels or chemicals, preferred medium chain carboxylic acids (caproic and caprylic acid), is an attractive CO2 utilization technology. The present study aims to investigate the effects of different ratios of H2/CO2 on regulating the distribution of C2‐C8 carboxylic acid products, while the headspace pressure of 1.5 bar was set to amplify the effect of different ratios. The H2/CO2 ratio of 4:1 was more suitable for preparing acetic acid, where the highest acetic acid yield was 17.5 g/L. And the H2/CO2 ratio of 2:1 showed excellent chain elongation ability with the highest n‐caprylic yield of 2.4 g/L. Additionally, the actual H2/CO2 ratios of 4:1 reactors were higher than that in 2:1 may be course chain elongation often accompanied by H2 production. The 16S rRNA genes analysis shows that the genus Terrisporobacter and Coriobacteriales may be related to acetic acid production enriched in H2/CO2 ratio 4:1 reactors, and the genus Clostridium and Paenibacillaceae may associate with the chain elongation pathway were enriched in H2/CO2 ratio 2:1 reactors.
Adversary of DNA integrity: A long non‐coding RNA stimulates driver oncogenic chromosomal rearrangement in human thyroid cells
Authors: Demin Denis Eriksonovich , Murashko Matvey Mikhailovich , Uvarova Aksinya Nicolaevna , Stasevich Ekaterina Mikhailovna , Shyrokova Elena Yurievna , Gorlachev Gennady Efimovich , Zaretsky Andrew Rostislavovich , Korneev Kirill Viktorovich , Ustiugova Alina Sergeevna , Tkachenko Elena Andreevna , Kostenko Valentina Vitalevna , Tatosyan Karina Aleksandrovna , Sheetikov Saveliy Andreevich , Spirin Pavel Vladimirovich , Kuprash Dmitry Vladimirovich , Schwartz Anton Markovich 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe flurry of publications devoted to the functions of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) published in the last decade leaves no doubt about the exceptional importance of lncRNAs in various areas including tumor biology. However, contribution of lncRNAs to the early stages of oncogenesis remains poorly understood. In this study we explored a new role for lncRNAs: stimulation of specific chromosomal rearrangements upon DNA damage. We demonstrated that lncRNA CASTL1 (ENSG00000269945) stimulates the formation of the CCDC6‐RET inversion (RET/PTC1) in human thyroid cells subjected to radiation or chemical DNA damage. Facilitation of chromosomal rearrangement requires lncRNA to contain regions complementary to the introns of both CCDC6 and RET genes as deletion of these regions deprives CASTL1 of the ability to stimulate the gene fusion. We found that CASTL1 expression is elevated in tumors with CCDC6‐RET fusion which is the most frequent rearrangement in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Our results open a new venue for the studies of early oncogenesis in various tumor types, especially those associated with physical or chemical DNA damage.
Explaining and correcting trade imbalances between the Northern and Southern Eurozone: An empirical investigation
Authors: Litsios Ioannis , Pilbeam Keith 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn this paper we take a novel approach to examining the trade imbalances between the Southern Eurozone countries and the Northern Eurozone countries by aggregating them into a Southern Group and Northern Group. We then explore three possible causes of the trade imbalances, which are the fiscal channel, the investment channel and the competitiveness channel. We find that all three channels are important in explaining the emergence and correction of trade imbalances. In particular, we find that an increase in fiscal deficits in the North are twice as effective in reducing trade imbalances than fiscal consolidation in the South. By contrast, increased investment in the North has a similar impact to reduced investment in the South in correcting the trade imbalances. Finally, we find that a depreciation of the South's real exchange rate is associated with a long run deterioration in the Southern Group's trade balance suggesting that the South needs to seek non‐price competitiveness channels to address its trade imbalances.
Societal influences on career decision making: Perspectives of African women pursuing technology‐related professions
Authors: Siwale Kaluwa , Mwalemba Gwamaka 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSeveral studies have explored the phenomenon of low participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and careers. However, there remains very limited understanding of this phenomenon from an African woman's perspective. This is particularly concerning when considering the positionality of African women, in a form of deeply entrenched and systemic marginalization in relation to women from other parts of the world. It is these unique circumstances that warrant study specifically aimed at uncovering and elevating their experiences. This qualitative study has explored and highlighted the dynamics African women face when deciding to pursue a technology‐related profession or studies. An understanding of the experiences of African women can provide a different lens for examining the concept of a “leaky pipeline,” as a phenomenon that has been used to explain the shortage of women in STEM fields. The findings highlight both the motivations as well as challenges experienced by African women pursuing STEM profession and studies. Some of the motivations highlighted include personal interest or capability, as well as the family setting of an individual and status of STEM profession their contexts. The phenomenon of impostor syndrome was identified as one of the clear challenges experienced by African women. The findings also highlight the complexity of factors that act as both challenge as well as motivation. These include gender perception and stereotypes, access (or lack thereof) to role models, family influences, and exposure to technology at a young age. While the study accomplishes the aim of elevating experiences of African women pursuing STEM professions and studies, it is clear that further studies are necessary in this area in order to develop a rich understanding of these experiences in relation to the well‐known systemic issues confronting African women. This deep and nuanced understanding will play a crucial role in formulating meaningful and sustainable resolutions.
Hierarchical random‐effects model for the insurance pricing of vehicles belonging to a fleet
Authors: Desjardins Denise , Dionne Georges , Lu Yang 
Published: December 2022

SummaryWe propose a count‐data model with hierarchical random effects for the posterior insurance ratemaking of vehicles belonging to a fleet, by allowing random effects for the fleet, the vehicles, and time. We derive a simple closed‐form ratemaking formula based on a hierarchical random‐effects specification. We estimate the corresponding econometric model and compute insurance premiums according to the past experience of both the vehicle and the fleet. Our model can be used in other count‐data applications with random individual and common effects on events involving many agents having activities with a principal in a hierarchical principal–agent environment, such as in education, health care management, finance, and business firms.
Data mining approaches for type 2 diabetes mellitus prediction using anthropometric measurements
Authors: Saberi‐Karimian Maryam , Mansoori Amin , Bajgiran Maryam Mohammadi , Hosseini Zeinab Sadat , Kiyoumarsioskouei Amir , Rad Elias Sadooghi , Zo Mostafa Mahmoudi , Khorasani Negar Yeganeh , Poudineh Mohadeseh , Ghazizadeh Sara , Ferns Gordon , Esmaily Habibollah , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the anthropometric measurements most associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using machine learning approaches.MethodsA prospective study was designed for a total population of 9354 (43% men and 57% women) aged 35–65. Anthropometric measurements include weight, height, demispan, Hip Circumference (HC), Mid‐arm Circumference (MAC), Waist Circumference (WC), Body Roundness Index (BRI), Body Adiposity Index (BAI), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist‐to‐height Ratio (WHtR), and Waist‐to‐hip Ratio (WHR) were completed for all participants. The association was assessed using logistic regression (LR) and decision tree (DT) analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to evaluate the DT's accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity using R software.ResultsTraditionally, 1461 women and 875 men with T2DM (T2DM group). According to the LR, in males, WC and BIA (p‐value < 0.001) and in females, demispan and WC (p‐value < 0.001) had the highest correlation with T2DM development risk. The DT indicated that WC has the most crucial effect on T2DM development risk, followed by HC, and BAI.ConclusionsOur results showed that in both men and women, WC was the most important anthropometric factor to predict T2DM.
Association between KRAS gene polymorphisms and genetic susceptibility to breast cancer in a Chinese population
Authors: Jin Min , Lu Fengke , Li Xi , Zhou Wei , Li Sihui , Jiang Yanting , Wu Huiling , Wang Jian 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe KRAS gene has a pathophysiological role in the development of many cancers. This study aims to investigate the relationship between KRAS polymorphisms and genetic susceptibility to breast cancer.MethodThe rs712, rs12587 and rs9266 gene loci in the KRAS gene of 421 subjects (141 breast cancer patients, 141 benign breast tumours and 139 healthy controls) were analysed by the polymerase chain reaction and SNaPshot sequencing. Transcriptomic information on KRAS and corresponding clinical information was downloaded from the TCGA and GTEx databases. Differences in KRAS expression between breast cancer tissues and control tissues were analysed.ResultsWe found no significant association between KRAS rs712 and rs12587 locus gene polymorphisms and an increased risk of developing benign breast tumours and breast cancer (p > 0.05). The KRAS rs9266 locus mutation heterozygous model CT and dominant model CT + TT were significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (both p < 0.05). In addition, the TAT haplotype was expressed at an increased frequency, and the GAC haplotype was expressed at a reduced frequency in breast cancer compared with controls (both p < 0.05). We found that KRAS was over expressed in breast cancer tumour tissues compared with the control tissues (p < 0.0001).ConclusionThe KRAS rs9266 gene polymorphism and the TAT haplotype may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in Chinese women. The GAC haplotype may be a protective factor against breast cancer.
Laccase immobilization on bimetallic MOF‐derived porous carbon materials for the removal of bisphenol A
Authors: Song Bixiu , Ren Dajun , Wang Zhaobo , Huang Yongwei , Zhang Xiaoqing , Zhang Shuqin , Gong Xiangyi , Chen Wangsheng 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAs a result of the poor mechanical properties of most metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), they are liable to dissociate in water and thus cannot maintain immobilized enzyme activity. In this paper, a magnetic porous carbon material (Fe‐Cu‐MPC) with good stability was prepared by high temperature carbonization using a bimetallic Fe‐Cu‐MOF precursor, and used to immobilize laccase by a simple and rapid adsorption‐crosslinking method. Optimized by the response surface method, optimal conditions for the immobilization of laccase on Fe‐Cu‐MPC were obtained as follows: enzyme concentration 1.275 mg mL−1, immobilization time 32 min, and pH 4.7. Under the optimal preparation conditions, the activity of the immobilized laccase obtained was 0.63 U mg−1, with activity recovery of 63.13%. The enzyme loading was 189.03 mg g−1 and the immobilization yield was 74.13%. Compared with free laccase, Fe‐Cu‐MPC@Lac showed stronger tolerance to temperature and pH, and had better thermal stability and storage stability. The removal of BPA by immobilized laccase was studied, showing that the removal effect of Fe‐Cu‐MPC@Lac on BPA was much higher than that of free laccase. Within 5 h, the BPA removal amount of Fe‐Cu‐MPC@Lac (0.34 mmol g−1) was two‐fold that of free laccase (0.14 mmol g−1), and the BPA removal rate reached 41.35% after ten cycles. Finally, based on the intermediates identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, two possible degradation pathways of BPA were proposed. Studies have shown that Fe‐Cu‐MPC is an excellent carrier and Fe‐Cu‐MPC@Lac has great potential in the treatment of BPA containing wastewater. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Atlantic Forest restoration recovers physical and biological properties in the short term, but not the general soil quality
Authors: de Vasconcelos Tatiana Cabral , Londe Vinícius , Velasquez Elena , Lavelle Patrick , Rodrigues Ricardo Ribeiro 
Published: December 2022

AbstractEcological restoration has the potential to improve and recover soil quality, helping to mitigate soil degradation worldwide. However, soil monitoring is often overlooked in restoration, preventing a comprehensive understanding of how restoration interventions affect soil quality and the time required for recovering different soil properties. Herein, we tested if MAR areas (moderately assisted recovery—tree plantings) in the early restoration stage have better soil quality (and ecosystem services) than UNR areas (unassisted natural recovery—abandoned pastures) and pastures in continuous use (PCU). We collected 72 soil samples in three 5‐year‐old MAR areas and three 5‐year‐old UNR areas, one PCU, and one reference ecosystem (RE) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlantica). A total of 45 variables representing macrofauna, fertility, structure, and aggregation were measured and then submitted to multivariate analyses to compute sub‐indicators and a general indicator of soil quality (GISQ). The richness of orders and classes, cationic exchange capacity, total porosity, and biogenic aggregates contributed the most to the sub‐indicators. MAR and UNR areas had similar values to the RE for macrofauna, structure, and aggregation sub‐indicators, but they were far below the RE for fertility. In addition, all areas had lower GISQ values than the RE. Soils were classified as high quality in RE and medium quality in other areas. Our study evidences that some soils' physical and biological properties can be rapidly recovered through forest restoration, but 5 years is not enough time to change the general soil quality and make restoration areas have better conditions than the previous land use. If the restoration goal is to have high soil quality in the short term, corrective actions should be taken to improve soil fertility and help the area along the desired trajectory.
Smaller Stokes Shift Induced Highly Efficient Broadband Near Infrared Garnet Phosphor
Authors: Zhang Jingnan , Zhang Liangliang , Liu Feng , Wu Hao , Wu Huajun , Pan Guohui , Luo Yongshi , Hao Zhendong , Zhang Jiahua 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBroadband near‐infrared (NIR) phosphor converted light emitting diodes (pc‐LEDs) are novel compact light sources that enable portable devices for substance detection. However, to achieve such efficient pc‐LEDs is still a challenge due to lack of efficient phosphors. In this paper, Stokes shift as an efficiency predictor is emphasized. In Cr3+ activated Ca2LuZr2Al3O12 (CLZA) garnet phosphor, Stokes shift decreases from 2990 to 2854 cm−1 upon substituting Ca‐Zr with Lu‐Al. As a result, electron–phonon coupling related nonradiative process is reduced. The external quantum efficiency is significantly enhanced to 47.4%, and the as fabricated NIR pc‐LED offers 33.7% @10 mA electro‐optical efficiency. The results can advance the development of efficient NIR phosphors.
Improving ultrasound‐based brachytherapy needle conspicuity by applying an echogenic coating
Authors: Brost Eric E. , Stish Bradley J. , Lee Christine U. , Urban Matthew W. , Deufel Christopher L. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundApplicator conspicuity in ultrasound‐guided brachytherapy procedures is commonly impaired by imaging artifacts or non‐ideal imaging geometry, which can slow down applicator position digitization and increase the geometric uncertainty of the delivered dose distribution.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to improve the conspicuity of high‐dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy needles under B‐mode ultrasound imaging by applying an echogenic surface coating. Our hypothesis was that an echogenic coating would reduce artifacts and improve needle visualization within regions of signal degradation.MethodsIn this study, 17‐gauge, 25‐cm long titanium HDR brachytherapy needles were coated with acoustically reflective microspheres over a 2.5 cm region starting from the needle tip. Three coating thicknesses (27 μm, 40 μm, 64 μm) were compared against an uncoated control needle. The coated and uncoated needles were imaged using B‐mode ultrasound in a tissue‐equivalent prostate phantom and in a cadaverous male pelvis using a transrectal probe. Needle conspicuity was assessed under multiple conditions: a single needle implant, an implant with multiple needles between the probe and the needle of interest, and an angled needle implant. All images were assessed qualitatively for needle conspicuity and the presence of artifacts and quantitatively using grey‐scale image intensity values.ResultsThe 64 μm echogenic coating reduced the magnitude of reverberation artifacts by 31 ± 14% and comet tail artifacts by 40%–70%. The echogenic coating also improved needle contrast, measured by the relative differences in signal intensity compared with the adjacent environment, when needles were angled up to 30° with respect to the transducer probe in the cadaver. The improvements in conspicuity and artifact reduction increased with increasing coating thickness. The performance of the needles coated with the 64 μm thickness was qualitatively superior and yielded high‐contrast, well‐circumscribed signals in the cadaverous male pelvis, even under situations where a needle was acoustically shadowed by multiple other needles.ConclusionsAn echogenic surface coating reduced imaging artifacts and improved needle conspicuity under realistic clinical conditions for ultrasound‐based prostate or gynecological brachytherapy. The improved conspicuity has the potential to improve the efficiency of needle placement and the accuracy of needle position digitization during brachytherapy procedures.