Using exclusion rate to unify niche and neutral perspectives on coexistence

The competitive exclusion principle is one of the most influential concepts in ecology. The classical formulation suggests a correlation between competitor species similarity and competition severity, leading to rapid competitive exclusion where species are very similar; yet neutral models show that identical species can persist in competition for long periods. Here, we resolve the conflict by examining two components of similarity – niche overlap and competitive similarity – and modeling the effects of each on exclusion rate (defined as the inverse of time to exclusion). Studying exclusion rate, rather than the traditional focus on binary outcomes (coexistence vs exclusion), allows us to examine classical niche and neutral perspectives using the same currency. High niche overlap speeds exclusion, but high similarity in competitive ability slows it. These predictions are confirmed by a well-known model of two species competing for two resources. Under ecologically plausible scenarios of correlation between these two factors, the strongest exclusion rates may be among moderately similar species, while very similar and highly dissimilar competitors have very low exclusion rates. Adding even small amounts of demographic stochasticity to the model blurs the line between deterministic and probabilistic coexistence still further. Thus, focusing on exclusion rate, instead of on the binary outcome of coexistence versus exclusion, allows a variety of outcomes to result from competitive interactions. This approach may help explain species coexistence in diverse competitive communities and raises novel issues for future work

Towards a Soft Evaluation and Refinement of Tagging in Digital Humanities

In this paper we estimate the soundness of tagging in digital repositories within the field of Digital Humanities by studying the (semantic) conceptual structure behind the folksnonomy. The use of association rules associated to this conceptual structure (Stem and Luxenburger basis) allows to faithfully (from a semantic point of view) complete the tagging (or suggest such a completion).Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad TIN2013-41086-PJunta de Andalucía TIC-606

Synthesis of-4-((4-Trimethylsilyl-1H-1,2,3-Triazol-1-yl) methyl)-2H-Chromen-2-Ones: A Novel Class of Heteroaryl Anionic Synthon

A one-pot synthesis of some novel anionic scaffolds: the substituted-4-((4-trimethylsilyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-2H-chromen-2-one is reported. Reaction of 10 different substituted bromomethylcoumarins with trimethylsilylacetylene and sodium azide in the presence of copper(I) iodide catalyst gave the corresponding heteroaryl conjugates: the substituted-4-((4-trimethylsilyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-2H-chromen-2-one in 70–92% yields. The structures of the synthesized compounds have been completely characterized by spectral and elemental analyses. For the first time, the representative single-crystal X-ray structure analysis of 6-methoxy-4-((4-trimethylsilyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-2H-chromen-2-one is reported which confirms the formation of anionic synthon which bears the trimethylsilyl-group

Emerging Layered Materials and Their Applications in the Corrosion Protection of Metals and Alloys

Metals and alloys are essential in modern society, and are used in our daily activi- ties. However, they are prone to corrosion, with the conversion of the metal/alloy to its more thermodynamically-favored oxide/hydroxide phase. These undesirable corrosion reactions can lead to the failure of metallic components. Consequently, corrosion-protective technologies are now more important than ever, as it is essential to reduce the waste of valuable resources. In this review, we consider the role of emerging 2D materials and layered materials in the development of a corrosion protection strategy. In particular, we focus on the materials beyond graphene, and consider the role of transition metal dichalcogenides, such as MoS2, MXenes, layered double hydroxides, hexagonal boron nitride and graphitic carbon nitride in the formulation of effective and protective films and coatings. Following a short introduction to the synthesis and exfoliation of the layered materials, their role in corrosion protection is described and discussed. Finally, we discuss the future applications of these 2D materials in corrosion protection

Association of Vitamin B12 Deficiency with Fatigue and Depression after Lacunar Stroke

Background: In lacunar stroke patients vitamin B12 deficiency is often found and a relationship with the degree of periventricular white matter lesions (pWMLs) is suggested. Given the known relationships between WMLs and depression and between depression and fatigue after stroke, we studied both depression and fatigue in lacunar stroke patients with and without vitamin B12 deficiency. Methods: In 40 first-ever lacunar stroke patients vitamin B12 levels were determined and self-report questionnaires for fatigue and depression were completed three months after stroke. Results: Lacunar stroke patients with vitamin B12 deficiency (N = 13) reported significantly more fatigue (90.7 versus 59.4; p =.001) and depressive symptoms (6.62 versus 3.89; p,.05) than those without (N = 27). In regression analyses, vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly and independently associated with the presence of severe fatigue and clinically significant depression. Conclusions: Our preliminary results suggest a relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and increased levels of fatigue and depression in lacunar stroke patients. If these findings could be replicated in a larger and general stroke sample, thi

Change in Overactive Bladder Symptoms After Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women

OBJECTIVE: To assess change in overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms up to 5 years after surgery and to identify associated predictors of change from baseline. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of data from three multicenter urinary incontinence (UI) surgical trials of women with stress-predominant mixed UI assigned to Burch colposuspension, autologous fascial sling, or retropubic or transobturator midurethral slings. The primary outcome was improvement of 70% or greater from baseline in symptoms measured by the Urinary Distress Inventory-Irritative subscale. Surgical groups were compared within respective trials. Generalized linear models were fit using 1-year and up to 5-year data. RESULTS: Significant improvements in UDI-I scores were reported by each surgical group one year after surgery (p CONCLUSION: Most women with stress-predominant mixed UI experienced significant improvement in OAB symptoms after incontinence surgery although this initial improvement diminished over time. Obesity blunted symptom improvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II

NEOADJUVANT WEEKLY NAB-PACLITAXEL PLUS CARBOPLATIN FOLLOWED BY DOXORUBICIN PLUS CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE WITH BEVACIZUMAB ADDED CONCURRENTLY TO CHEMOTHERAPY FOR OPERABLE TRIPLE-NEGATIVE INVASIVE BREAST CANCER

Purpose: This phase II neoadjuvant study investigated whether nab paclitaxel, carboplatin and bevacizumab given before neoadjuvant doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (AC) produced higher pathologic complete response (pCR) rates in triple- negative breast cancer (TNBC) compared with historical results achieved with standard anthracycline/taxane regimens. Patients and Methods: Eligible patients with operable TNBC ≥2 cm received four cycles of carboplatin (area under the curve 6, day 1) plus nab-paclitaxel (100 mg/m2, days 1, 8 and 15) every 28 days, followed by four 14-day cycles of AC neoadjuvantly, with bevacizumab 10 mg/kg every 14 days for the rst 6 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, resuming postoperatively to complete 1 year of antibody treatment. In breast pCR and pCR (breast + nodes) were primary and secondary endpoints, respectively. Results: Due to slow accrual, the study was closed after enrollment of 42 of 60 planned patients. Of the 38 patients who underwent surgery (ef cacy population), 22 (58%) achieved an in-breast pCR and 19 (50%) achieved a pCR (breast + nodes). Neutropenia was the most common Grade 3/4 adverse event (57% Grade 3 and 31% Grade 4), but only 1 patient required hospitalisation and IV antibiotics for neutropenic fever. Other Grade 3/4 events included anaemia (24%), thrombocytopenia (29%) and peripheral neuropathy (Grade 3, 5%). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a substantially higher pCR rate, both in-breast and breast + nodes, with the combination of nab paclitaxel plus carboplatin followed by AC, with concurrent bevacizumab, versus historic pCR rates with anthracycline-taxane regimens alone, supporting further investigation of this regimen, preferably in molecularly driven subsets, for the neoadjuvant treatment of patients with TNBC. Key words: Bevacizumab, breast cancer, carboplatin, nab-paclitaxel, neoadjuvant, triple-negative

Assessing the role of EO in biodiversity monitoring: options for integrating in-situ observations with EO within the context of the EBONE concept

The European Biodiversity Observation Network (EBONE) is a European contribution on terrestrial monitoring to GEO BON, the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network. EBONE’s aims are to develop a system of biodiversity observation at regional, national and European levels by assessing existing approaches in terms of their validity and applicability starting in Europe, then expanding to regions in Africa. The objective of EBONE is to deliver: 1. A sound scientific basis for the production of statistical estimates of stock and change of key indicators; 2. The development of a system for estimating past changes and forecasting and testing policy options and management strategies for threatened ecosystems and species; 3. A proposal for a cost-effective biodiversity monitoring system. There is a consensus that Earth Observation (EO) has a role to play in monitoring biodiversity. With its capacity to observe detailed spatial patterns and variability across large areas at regular intervals, our instinct suggests that EO could deliver the type of spatial and temporal coverage that is beyond reach with in-situ efforts. Furthermore, when considering the emerging networks of in-situ observations, the prospect of enhancing the quality of the information whilst reducing cost through integration is compelling. This report gives a realistic assessment of the role of EO in biodiversity monitoring and the options for integrating in-situ observations with EO within the context of the EBONE concept (cfr. EBONE-ID1.4). The assessment is mainly based on a set of targeted pilot studies. Building on this assessment, the report then presents a series of recommendations on the best options for using EO in an effective, consistent and sustainable biodiversity monitoring scheme. The issues that we faced were many: 1. Integration can be interpreted in different ways. One possible interpretation is: the combined use of independent data sets to deliver a different but improved data set; another is: the use of one data set to complement another dataset. 2. The targeted improvement will vary with stakeholder group: some will seek for more efficiency, others for more reliable estimates (accuracy and/or precision); others for more detail in space and/or time or more of everything. 3. Integration requires a link between the datasets (EO and in-situ). The strength of the link between reflected electromagnetic radiation and the habitats and their biodiversity observed in-situ is function of many variables, for example: the spatial scale of the observations; timing of the observations; the adopted nomenclature for classification; the complexity of the landscape in terms of composition, spatial structure and the physical environment; the habitat and land cover types under consideration. 4. The type of the EO data available varies (function of e.g. budget, size and location of region, cloudiness, national and/or international investment in airborne campaigns or space technology) which determines its capability to deliver the required output. EO and in-situ could be combined in different ways, depending on the type of integration we wanted to achieve and the targeted improvement. We aimed for an improvement in accuracy (i.e. the reduction in error of our indicator estimate calculated for an environmental zone). Furthermore, EO would also provide the spatial patterns for correlated in-situ data. EBONE in its initial development, focused on three main indicators covering: (i) the extent and change of habitats of European interest in the context of a general habitat assessment; (ii) abundance and distribution of selected species (birds, butterflies and plants); and (iii) fragmentation of natural and semi-natural areas. For habitat extent, we decided that it did not matter how in-situ was integrated with EO as long as we could demonstrate that acceptable accuracies could be achieved and the precision could consistently be improved. The nomenclature used to map habitats in-situ was the General Habitat Classification. We considered the following options where the EO and in-situ play different roles: using in-situ samples to re-calibrate a habitat map independently derived from EO; improving the accuracy of in-situ sampled habitat statistics, by post-stratification with correlated EO data; and using in-situ samples to train the classification of EO data into habitat types where the EO data delivers full coverage or a larger number of samples. For some of the above cases we also considered the impact that the sampling strategy employed to deliver the samples would have on the accuracy and precision achieved. Restricted access to European wide species data prevented work on the indicator ‘abundance and distribution of species’. With respect to the indicator ‘fragmentation’, we investigated ways of delivering EO derived measures of habitat patterns that are meaningful to sampled in-situ observations