bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of ultraviolet disinfection in reducing hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus on a bone marrow transplant unit
Authors: Brite Jennifer , McMillen Tracy , Robilotti Elizabeth , Sun Janet , Chow Hoi Yan , Stell Frederic , Seo Susan K. , McKenna Donna , Eagan Janet , Montecalvo Marisa , Chen Donald , Sepkowitz Kent , Kamboj Mini 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) environmental disinfection system on rates of hospital-acquired vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) and Clostridium difficile.DesignUsing active surveillance and an interrupted time-series design, hospital-acquired acquisition of VRE and C. difficile on a bone marrow transplant (BMT) unit were examined before and after implementation of terminal disinfection with UV on all rooms regardless of isolation status of patients. The main outcomes were hospital-based acquisition measured through (1) active surveillance: admission, weekly, and discharge screening for VRE and toxigenic C. difficile (TCD) and (2) clinical surveillance: incidence of VRE and CDI on the unit.SettingBone marrow transplant unit at a tertiary-care cancer center.ParticipantsStem cell transplant (SCT) recipients.InterventionTerminal disinfection of all rooms with UV regardless of isolation status of patients.ResultsDuring the 20-month study period, 579 patients had 704 admissions to the BMT unit, and 2,160 surveillance tests were performed. No change in level or trend in the incidence of VRE (trend incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81–1.14; level IRR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.37–1.18) or C. difficile (trend IRR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.89–1.31; level IRR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.13–2.11) was observed after the intervention.ConclusionsUtilization of UV disinfection to supplement routine terminal cleaning of rooms was not effective in reducing hospital-acquired VRE and C. difficile among SCT recipients.
Particle paths in nonlinear Schrödinger models in the presence of linear shear currents
Authors: Curtis C. W. , Carter J. D. , Kalisch H. 
Published: September 2018

We investigate the effect of constant-vorticity background shear on the properties of wavetrains in deep water. Using the methodology of Fokas (A Unified Approach to Boundary Value Problems, 2008, SIAM), we derive a higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation in the presence of shear and surface tension. We show that the presence of shear induces a strong coupling between the carrier wave and the mean-surface displacement. The effects of the background shear on the modulational instability of plane waves is also studied, where it is shown that shear can suppress instability, although not for all carrier wavelengths in the presence of surface tension. These results expand upon the findings of Thomas et al. (Phys. Fluids, vol. 24 (12), 2012, 127102). Using a modification of the generalized Lagrangian mean theory in Andrews & McIntyre (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 89, 1978, pp. 609–646) and approximate formulas for the velocity field in the fluid column, explicit, asymptotic approximations for the Lagrangian and Stokes drift velocities are obtained for plane-wave and Jacobi elliptic function solutions of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Numerical approximations to particle trajectories for these solutions are found and the Lagrangian and Stokes drift velocities corresponding to these numerical solutions corroborate the theoretical results. We show that background currents have significant effects on the mean transport properties of waves. In particular, certain combinations of background shear and carrier wave frequency lead to the disappearance of mean-surface mass transport. These results provide a possible explanation for the measurements reported in Smith (J. Phys. Oceanogr., vol. 36, 2006, pp. 1381–1402). Our results also provide further evidence of the viability of the modification of the Stokes drift velocity beyond the standard monochromatic approximation, such as recently proposed in Breivik et al. (J. Phys. Oceanogr., vol. 44, 2014, pp. 2433–2445) in order to obtain a closer match to a range of complex ocean wave spectra.
Ascocerid cephalopods from the Hirnantian?–Llandovery stages of the southern Paraná Basin (Paraguay, South America): first record from high paleolatitudes
Authors: Cichowolski M. , Uriz N.J. , Alfaro M.B. , Galeano Inchausti J.C. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAscocerid cephalopods are described for the first time from high paleolatitudes of Gondwana. Studied material was collected from the Hirnantian?–Llandovery strata of the Eusebio Ayala and Vargas Peña formations, Paraná Basin, southeastern Paraguay. The specimens are poorly preserved and were questionably assigned to the subfamily Probillingsitinae Flower, 1941, being undetermined at genus and species rank because diagnostic characters are not visible. A particular feature seen in our material is the presence of both parts of the ascocerid conch (the juvenile or cyrtocone and the mature or brevicone) joined together, which is a very rare condition in the known paleontological record. The specimens are interpreted as at a subadult stage of development because fully grown ascocerids would have lost the juvenile shell. A planktonic vertical migrant mode of life with a subvertical attitude is proposed for the juvenile, and a horizontal demersal nektonic mode for the adult form, as has been previously suggested. A subvertical orientation near the bottom is proposed for the subadult stage. We suggest that the immigration of ascocerids to southwestern Gondwana was possible through ocean currents that would carry the planktonic juveniles from low to high latitudes during the end-Ordovician postglacial transgression that flooded the intracratonic basins of the region.
Diet quality as assessed by the Healthy Food Intake Index and relationship with serum lipoprotein particles and serum fatty acids in pregnant women at increased risk for gestational diabetes
Authors: Valkama Anita J. , Meinilä Jelena M. , Koivusalo Saila B. , Lindström Jaana , Rönö Kristiina , Stach-Lempinen Beata , Eriksson Johan G. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe importance of overall diet in modifying circulating lipoprotein particles and fatty acids during pregnancy is unclear. We examined the relationships of diet quality as assessed by the validated Healthy Food Intake Index (HFII) with serum HDL, LDL and VLDL particle concentrations and sizes and proportions of serum fatty acids in pregnant women at high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Overall, 161 women with a BMI of ≥30 kg/m2and/or a history of GDM were drawn from the Finnish Gestational Diabetes Prevention Study, which is a dietary and exercise intervention trial to prevent GDM. At baseline, the HFII score was inversely related to concentrations of HDL particles (P=0·010) and MUFA (P=0·010) and positively related to concentrations ofn-3 (P<0·001) andn-6 (P=0·003) PUFA. The significance for MUFA disappeared after adjustments. An increase in the HFII score from the first to second trimester of pregnancy correlated with reduced VLDL particle size (r−0·16, 95 % CI −0·31, −0·01), decreased MUFA concentrations (r−0·17, 95 % CI −0·31, −0·01) and elevatedn-6 PUFA concentrations (r0·16, 95 % CI 0·01, 0·31). In the maximum-adjusted model, the results remained significant except for VLDL particle size. These findings suggest that higher diet quality as defined by the HFII is related to a more favourable serum fatty acid profile, whereas the relationship with serum lipoprotein profile is limited in pregnant women at increased GDM risk.
Trajectories of psychiatric diagnoses and medication usage in youth with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: a 9-year longitudinal study
Authors: Kates Wendy R. , Mariano Margaret A. , Antshel Kevin M. , Chandra Shanel , Gamble Hilary , Giordano Mark , MacMaster Eric , Mattar Mirabelle , St. Fleur Diane , Faraone Stephen V. , Fremont Wanda P. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundChromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia in up to 30% of individuals with the syndrome. Despite this, we know relatively little about trajectories and predictors of persistence of psychiatric disorders from middle childhood to early adulthood. Accordingly, we followed youth over four timepoints, every 3 years, to assess long-term trajectories of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, mood, and psychosis-spectrum disorders (PSDs), as well as medication usage.MethodsEighty-seven youth with 22q11DS and 65 controls between the ages of 9 and 15 years at the first timepoint (T1; mean age 11.88 ± 2.1) were followed for 9 years (mean age of 21.22 ± 2.01 years at T4). Baseline cognitive, clinical, and familial predictors of persistence were identified for each class of psychiatric disorders.ResultsBaseline age and parent-rated hyperactivity scores predicted ADHD persistence [area under curve (AUC) = 0.81]. The presence of family conflict predicted persistence of anxiety disorders (ADs) whereas parent ratings of child internalizing symptoms predicted persistence of both anxiety and mood disorders (MDs) (AUC = 0.84 and 0.83, respectively). Baseline prodromal symptoms predicted persistent and emergent PSDs (AUC = 0.83). Parent-reported use of anti-depressants/anxiolytics increased significantly from T1 to T4.ConclusionsPsychiatric, behavioral, and cognitive functioning during late childhood and early adolescence successfully predicted children with 22q11DS who were at highest risk for persistent psychiatric illness in young adulthood. These findings emphasize the critical importance of early assessments and interventions in youth with 22q11DS.
Greening the Dark Side of Chocolate: A Qualitative Assessment to Inform Sustainable Supply Chains
Authors: Camargo Marisa Camilher , Hogarth Nicholas J , Pacheco Pablo , Nhantumbo Isilda , Kanninen Markku 
Published: September 2018

SummaryDespite the plethora of discourse about how sustainable development should be pursued, the production of agricultural commodities is held responsible for driving c. 80% of global deforestation. Partially as a response, the private sector has made commitments to eliminate deforestation, but it is not yet clear what factors these commitments should take into account to effectively halt deforestation while also contributing to broader sustainable development. In the context of private sector commitments to zero-deforestation, this study characterizes the perceptions of different types of stakeholders along the cocoa and chocolate supply chain in order to determine the main challenges and solutions to encourage sustainable production. The main purpose is to understand the key factors that could facilitate a transition to a more sustainable supply while harmonizing the multiple actors’ interests. A qualitative thematic analysis of perceptions was conducted based on responses from 59 interviews with different stakeholders along the cocoa and chocolate supply chain in six key producing and consuming countries. Thematic analysis of the responses revealed six main themes: (1) make better use of policies, regulations and markets to help promote sustainability; (2) improve information and data (e.g., impacts of climate change on cocoa) to inform sound interventions; (3) focus on the landscape rather than the farm-level alone and improve integration of supply chain actors; (4) promote better coordination between stakeholders and initiatives (e.g., development assistance projects and corporate sustainability efforts); (5) focus on interdependent relationships between social, environmental and economic dimensions to achieve sustainable development; and (6) engage with the private sector. The study shows the importance of identifying different stakeholder priorities in order to design solutions that accommodate multiple interests. It also emphasizes the need to improve coordination and communication between stakeholders and instruments in order to address the three different dimensions of sustainability in a synergistic manner, considering the interactions from production of raw material to end consumer.
Approximate analytical solutions for a class of nonlinear stochastic differential equations
Authors: MEIMARIS A. T. , KOUGIOUMTZOGLOU I. A. , PANTELOUS A. A. 
Published: September 2018

An approximate analytical solution is derived for a certain class of stochastic differential equations with constant diffusion, but nonlinear drift coefficients. Specifically, a closed form expression is derived for the response process transition probability density function (PDF) based on the concept of the Wiener path integral and on a Cauchy–Schwarz inequality treatment. This is done in conjunction with formulating and solving an error minimisation problem by relying on the associated Fokker–Planck equation operator. The developed technique, which requires minimal computational cost for the determination of the response process PDF, exhibits satisfactory accuracy and is capable of capturing the salient features of the PDF as demonstrated by comparisons with pertinent Monte Carlo simulation data. In addition to the mathematical merit of the approximate analytical solution, the derived PDF can be used also as a benchmark for assessing the accuracy of alternative, more computationally demanding, numerical solution techniques. Several examples are provided for assessing the reliability of the proposed approximation.
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome: from fetus to fontan
Authors: Roeleveld Peter P. , Axelrod David M. , Klugman Darren , Jones Melissa B. , Chanani Nikhil K. , Rossano Joseph W. , Costello John M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe care of children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome is constantly evolving. Prenatal diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome will aid in counselling of parents, and selected fetuses may be candidates forin uterointervention. Following birth, palliation can be undertaken through staged operations: Norwood (or hybrid) in the 1st week of life, superior cavopulmonary connection at 4–6 months of life, and finally total cavopulmonary connection (Fontan) at 2–4 years of age. Children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome are at risk of circulatory failure their entire life, and selected patients may undergo heart transplantation. In this review article, we summarise recent advances in the critical care management of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome as were discussed in a focused session at the 12th International Conference of the Paediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society held on 9 December, 2016, in Miami Beach, Florida.
Weed Control with Halauxifen-Methyl Applied Alone and in Mixtures with 2,4-D, Dicamba, and Glyphosate
Authors: Zimmer Marcelo , Young Bryan G. , Johnson William G. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSynthetic auxin herbicides such as 2,4-D and dicamba are often utilized to control broadleaf weeds in preplant burndown applications to soybean. Halauxifen-methyl is a new synthetic auxin herbicide for broadleaf weed control in preplant burndown applications to corn, cotton, and soybean at low use rates (5 g ae ha–1). Field experiments were conducted to evaluate efficacy and weed control spectrum of halauxifen-methyl applied alone and in mixtures with 2,4-D (560 g ae ha–1), dicamba (280 g ae ha–1), and glyphosate (560 g ae ha–1). Glyphosate-resistant (GR) horseweed was controlled with halauxifen-methyl applied alone (90% control) and in mixtures (87% to 97% control) 35 d after treatment (DAT). Common ragweed was controlled 93% with halauxifen-methyl applied alone and 91% to 97% in mixtures 35 DAT. Halauxifen-methyl applied alone resulted in poor giant ragweed control 21 DAT (73% control); however, mixtures of halauxifen-methyl with 2,4-D, dicamba, or glyphosate controlled giant ragweed (86% to 98% control). Halauxifen-methyl alone resulted in poor redroot pigweed control (62% control) 21 DAT; however, mixtures of halauxifen-methyl with dicamba, 2,4-D, or glyphosate controlled redroot pigweed (89% to 98% control). Halauxifen-methyl controls GR horseweed and common ragweed applied alone and in mixtures with other synthetic auxin herbicides and glyphosate. Furthermore, mixing 2,4-D or dicamba with halauxifen-methyl can increase the weed control spectrum in preplant burndown applications.
Competitiveness of Herbicide-Resistant Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) with Soybean
Authors: Butts Thomas R. , Vieira Bruno C. , Latorre Débora O. , Werle Rodrigo , Kruger Greg R. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWaterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus(Moq.) J. D. Sauer] is a troublesome weed occurring in cropping systems throughout the U.S. Midwest with an ability to rapidly evolve herbicide resistance that could be associated with competitive disadvantages. Little research has investigated the competitiveness of differentA. tuberculatuspopulations under similar environmental conditions. The objectives of this study were to evaluate: (1) the interspecific competitiveness of three herbicide-resistantA. tuberculatuspopulations (2,4-D and atrazine resistant [2A-R], glyphosate and protoporphyrinogen oxidase [PPO]-inhibitor resistant [GP-R], and 2,4-D, atrazine, glyphosate, and PPO-inhibitor susceptible [2AGP-S]) with soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.]; and (2) the density-dependent response of eachA. tuberculatuspopulation within a constant soybean population in a greenhouse environment.Amaranthus tuberculatuscompetitiveness with soybean was evaluated across five target weed densities of 0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 plants pot−1(equivalent to 0, 20, 40, 80, and 160 plants m−2) with 3 soybean plants pot−1(equivalent to 300,000 plants ha−1). At the R1 soybean harvest time, no difference in soybean biomass was observed acrossA. tuberculatuspopulations. AtA. tuberculatusdensities <8 plants pot−1, the 2AGP-S population had the greatest biomass and stem diameter per plant. At the R7 harvest time, the 2AGP-S population caused the greatest loss in soybean biomass and number of pods compared with the other populations at densities of <16 plants pot−1. The 2AGP-S population had greater early-season biomass accumulation and stem diameter compared with the otherA. tuberculatuspopulations, which resulted in greater late-season reduction in soybean biomass and number of pods. This research indicates there may be evidence of interspecific competitive fitness cost associated with the evolution of 2,4-D, atrazine, glyphosate, and PPO-inhibitor resistance inA. tuberculatus. Focus should be placed on effectively using cultural weed management practices to enhance crop competitiveness, especially early in the season, to increase suppression of herbicide-resistantA. tuberculatus.
Lithospheric Control on Asthenospheric Flow From the Iceland Plume: 3‐D Density Modeling of the Jan Mayen‐East Greenland Region, NE Atlantic
Authors: Tan Pingchuan , Sippel Judith , Breivik Asbjørn Johan , Meeßen Christian , Scheck‐Wenderoth Magdalena 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe density structure of the oceanic lithosphere north of Iceland is key for understanding the effects of the Iceland plume on the greater Jan Mayen‐East Greenland Region. We obtain the 3‐D density structure of the sediments and the crust from regional reflection and refraction seismic lines. The temperature and related density structures of the mantle between 50 and 250 km are derived from a shear wave velocity (Vs) tomography model. To assess the density between the Moho and 50‐km depth, we combine forward and inverse 3‐D gravity modeling. Beneath the Middle Kolbeinsey Ridge (MKR) region, a deep, broad negative mantle density anomaly occurs under the Kolbeinsey Ridge. It is overlain by a narrower uppermost mantle NE‐SW elongated negative density anomaly, which is increasingly displaced eastward of the spreading axis northward. It crosses the West Jan Mayen Fracture Zone and becomes weaker approaching the Mohn's spreading ridge. The effect of this anomaly is consistent with significantly shallower basement on the eastern side of the MKR. We interpret this as the result of thermal erosion of the lithosphere by hot asthenospheric flow out from the Iceland plume, possibly the main driver for several eastward jumps of the MKR during the last 5.5 Ma. The cause for the deviation of the flow may be that the West Jan Mayen Fracture Zone is easier to cross in a region where the difference in lithospheric thickness is small. That implies that the bottom lithospheric topography exerts a regional but not local influence on upper asthenospheric flow.
Housing Age and Affluence Influence Plant and Soil Nitrogen and Carbon Cycles in Two Semiarid Cities
Authors: Cobley L. A. E. , Pataki D. E. , McCarthy H. R. , Martin S. A. , Ehleringer J. R. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWhile human activities have altered the urban nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) cycles, the relationships between social and biophysical processes in cities are not well understood. Here we evaluated relationships between sociodemographic variables (median household income and housing age) and N and C contents and stable isotope ratios of vegetation in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area (LA), California, and the Salt Lake Valley, Utah. We hypothesized that (1) N content and stable isotope ratios would be negatively related to income via increased N deposition in lower‐income areas; (2) N and C content and N stable isotope ratios would have a positive relationship with age due to soil organic matter accumulation and increased exposure to N losses over time, respectively; and (3) δ13C would increase with income as a result of increased fossil fuel‐derived CO2concentrations in lower‐income areas. We found that δ15N values decreased with median household income in both cities and N content decreased with income in LA. In addition, atmospheric NO2concentrations decreased with income in LA. Soil N and C content increased with housing age. However, δ15N had opposing relationships with age in the two cities. Finally, foliar δ13C values were more isotopically depleted with both increasing household income and increasing NO2concentrations in LA. These results show that urban foliar and soil isotopic composition are associated with sociodemographic variables and that affluence, as well as housing age, influences urban plant and soil function.
The Extent and Regulation of Summer Methane Oxidation in Northern Lakes
Authors: Thottathil Shoji D. , Reis Paula C. J. , del Giorgio Paul A. , Prairie Yves T. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractInland waters have a significant influence on atmospheric methane (CH4) levels. However, processes determining the strength of CH4 emissions from these systems are not well defined. Aerobic oxidation is a major sink of CH4 in freshwater environments and thus an important determinant of aquatic CH4 emissions, yet strikingly little is known about its drivers. Here we assessed the extent of water column CH4 oxidation at the whole ecosystem scale using stable carbon isotopic (δ13C) mass balance of CH4 in 14 northern lakes spanning wide range of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations. We show that the extent of oxidation can vary from near zero to near complete, and for concentrations of 1.9–11 mg/L, DOC is a key modulator of CH4 oxidation during the summer stratification period. Increasing DOC concentrations enhances oxidation in the upper layers by reducing light inhibition on methanotrophic activity, while reducing oxygen available for oxidation in the deeper layers. The effect of this light inhibition was also observable over the diurnal cycle. We developed simple predictive empirical models (r2 > 0.82) to estimate the extent of oxidation in the different layers of lakes for the summer period. Applying our surface layer model to a larger data set suggests that about 30% of CH4 transported to or generated within the epilimnion of Québec lakes is oxidized during summer. Our results imply that DOC concentration, through its effect on the light regime of lakes, has the potential to affect strongly the magnitude and patterns of summer CH4 emissions.