bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wildfire‐mediated vegetation change in boreal forests of Alberta, Canada
Authors: Stralberg Diana , Wang Xianli , Parisien Marc‐André , Robinne François‐Nicolas , Sólymos Péter , Mahon C. Lisa , Nielsen Scott E. , Bayne Erin M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractClimate‐induced vegetation change may be delayed in the absence of disturbance catalysts. However, increases in wildfire activity may accelerate these transitions in many areas, including the western boreal region of Canada. To better understand factors influencing decadal‐scale changes in upland boreal forest vegetation, we developed a hybrid modeling approach that constrains projections of climate‐driven vegetation change based on topo‐edaphic conditions coupled with weather‐ and fuel‐based simulations of future wildfires using Burn‐P3, a spatial fire simulation model. We evaluated eighteen scenarios based on all possible combinations of three fuel assumptions (static, fire‐mediated, and climate‐driven), two fire‐regime assumptions (constrained and unconstrained), and three global climate models. We simulated scenarios of fire‐mediated change in forest composition over the next century, concluding that, even under conservative assumptions about future fire regimes, wildfire activity could hasten the conversion of approximately half of Alberta's upland mixedwood and conifer forest to more climatically suited deciduous woodland and grassland by 2100. When fire‐regime parameter inputs (number of fire ignitions and duration of burning) were modified based on future fire weather projections, the simulated area burned was almost enough to facilitate a complete transition to climate‐predicted vegetation types. However, when fire‐regime parameters were held constant at their current values, the rate of increase in fire probability diminished, suggesting a negative feedback by which a short‐term increase in less‐flammable deciduous forest leads to a long‐term reduction in area burned. Our spatially explicit simulations of fire‐mediated vegetation change provide managers with scenarios that can be used to plan for a range of alternative landscape conditions.
Wildfires managed for restoration enhance ecological resilience
Authors: Barros Ana M. G. , Ager Alan A. , Day Michelle A. , Krawchuk Meg A. , Spies Thomas A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractExpanding the footprint of natural fire has been proposed as one potential solution to increase the pace of forest restoration programs in fire‐adapted landscapes of the western USA. However, studies that examine the long‐term socio‐ecological trade‐offs of expanding natural fire to reduce wildfire risk and create fire resilient landscapes are lacking. We used the model Envision to examine the outcomes that might result from increased area burned by what we call “restoration” wildfire in a landscape where the ecological benefits of wildfire are known, but the need to suppress high‐risk fires that threaten human values is also evident. Our study area, in the eastern Cascades of Oregon, USA, includes the Deschutes National Forest where large tracts of mixed conifer forest structure are outside the historical range of variation and characterized by multi‐layer, closed‐canopy stands. We found that simulation of one restoration wildfire per year in addition to high‐risk wildfires in the regular fire season and over the course of 50 yr resulted in a 23% increase in total area burned, but the same probability of fire‐on‐fire interactions. This translated into 0.3% of the national forest burned by restoration wildfire per year and had a small impact in area burned by high‐risk fires albeit more likely in extreme fire years. Smoke production doubled in the restoration scenario relative to the scenario without restoration wildfire, but still resulted in minimal smoke production in most years. Restoration fires burned with low‐ to mixed‐severity and led to a steady reduction in canopy cover and increase in resilient forest structure in dry‐forest types. Habitat for the federally protected northern spotted owl declined with the inclusion of restoration fire, while habitat for species that use recently burned forest stands (e.g., black‐backed woodpecker) increased. Our results suggest that restoration wildfire can improve forest resilience and contribute to restoration efforts in fire‐adapted forests, but there are trade‐offs (wildlife habitat, smoke, area burned in fire‐sensitive forest types), and the level of restoration fire use we simulated is unlikely to have a significant impact on the occurrence of high‐severity wildfires.
Concordant community similarity patterns across functional groups in subarctic plant assemblages
Authors: Stehn Sarah E. , Roland Carl A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn light of increasing threats to global biodiversity, identifying the patterns in and drivers of variation in species composition along the environmental gradients in understudied regions is crucial for understanding ecosystem vulnerability and resilience. Terrestrial plant communities of interior Alaska are dominated by three major groups of primary producers—vascular plants, mosses, and macrolichens. Recent work has demonstrated broad‐scale positive correlations in species richness patterns among these three functional groups across scales in this region. However, the conspicuous and fundamental differences in reproductive strategies, dispersal ability, and physiological adaptations among these functional groups prompted us to investigate how community composition and species turnover vary across environmental gradients among these disparate groups. We hypothesized that species turnover would be greater in vascular plants than for spore‐producing cryptogam functional groups across gradients of elevation, vegetation type, and distance due to underlying differences in dispersal abilities and the temporal and spatial resolution of habitat preferences among these disparate groups. To address these issues, we compiled a uniquely comprehensive species composition dataset in interior Alaska utilizing a multi‐stage systematic design. We analyzed community similarity using Morisita‐Horn index of multi‐community similarity among all pairs of vegetation types and elevation bands for each functional group and used regression analysis to quantify the rate at which compositional similarity decayed with geographical distance among groups. Our study reveals consistently higher compositional variation (lower similarity) among vascular plants as compared to mosses and macrolichens across landscape gradients and spatial scales in interior Alaska. We also found that the decay of similarity with distance was less for both of the cryptogam groups than for vascular plants. Taken together, our results suggest that differences in functional group dispersal abilities, in combination with varying abilities to utilize fine‐scale temporal and spatial habitat variation, result in reduced turnover among mosses and macrolichens as compared to vascular plants both along landscape gradients and across distance in interior Alaska.
Avoiding or enduring painful sex? A prospective study of coping and psychosexual function in vulvovaginal pain
Authors: Engman L. , Flink I.K. , Ekdahl J. , Boersma K. , Linton S.J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundRecurring vulvovaginal pain is common, with evident effects on affected women's lives. Little is known about how affected women cope with painful sexual activities and how coping relates to pain intensity and psychosexual functioning over time. This prospective study explored the impact of avoidance and endurance on sexual function over time. Additionally, patterns of coping were studied on an individual level to increase knowledge about coping and its relation to psychosexual functioning.MethodsOne hundred and seventeen women, 18–35 years old, with recurring vulvovaginal pain answered questionnaires at two measurement points, five months apart, assessing avoidance and endurance coping, pain intensity and psychosexual functioning. A multiple regression model explored the predictive value of avoidance and endurance on sexual function over time. Cluster analyses investigated patterns of coping and stability within the clusters. These subgroups were compared on psychosexual outcomes.ResultsAvoidance at baseline was the only significant predictor of sexual function five months later. Distinct and stable subgroups with different patterns of coping were identified, where avoidance and endurance coping were used both separately and combined. Women who both avoided and endured had the most unfavourable outcomes in terms of psychosexual functioning.ConclusionsAvoidance of sexual activities was related to reduced sexual function over time, which calls for attention and clinical interventions targeting avoidance. Additionally, women who both avoid and endure sexual activities despite pain possibly need tailored interventions, as women with this coping pattern reported the lowest levels of psychosexual functioning.SignificanceIn this prospective study, avoidance of sexual activities predicted sexual function over time, when controlling for pain intensity. Subgroups of women using distinct patterns of coping were identified. Those who both avoided and endured had the lowest levels of psychosexual functioning.
Nanomaterials in the environment: Behavior, fate, bioavailability, and effects—An updated review
Authors: Lead Jamie R. , Batley Graeme E. , Alvarez Pedro J. J. , Croteau Marie-Noële , Handy Richard D. , McLaughlin Michael J. , Judy Jonathan D. , Schirmer Kristin 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

The present review covers developments in studies of nanomaterials (NMs) in the environment since our much cited review in 2008. We discuss novel insights into fate and behavior, metrology, transformations, bioavailability, toxicity mechanisms, and environmental impacts, with a focus on terrestrial and aquatic systems. Overall, the findings were that: 1) despite substantial developments, critical gaps remain, in large part due to the lack of analytical, modeling, and field capabilities, and also due to the breadth and complexity of the area; 2) a key knowledge gap is the lack of data on environmental concentrations and dosimetry generally; 3) substantial evidence shows that there are nanospecific effects (different from the effects of both ions and larger particles) on the environment in terms of fate, bioavailability, and toxicity, but this is not consistent for all NMs, species, and relevant processes; 4) a paradigm is emerging that NMs are less toxic than equivalent dissolved materials but more toxic than the corresponding bulk materials; and 5) translation of incompletely understood science into regulation and policy continues to be challenging. There is a developing consensus that NMs may pose a relatively low environmental risk, but because of uncertainty and lack of data in many areas, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn. In addition, this emerging consensus will likely change rapidly with qualitative changes in the technology and increased future discharges. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2029–2063. © 2018 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Polyurethane/polyurethane nanoparticle‐modified expanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene) vascular patches promote endothelialization
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wang Yutong , Liu Cheng , Feng Fuling , Wang Dawei , Mo Hong , Si Ling , Wei Guo , Shen Jian 
Published: April 2018

AbstractExpanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (ePTFE) has been widely used as a vascular graft material due to the fact that it is durable, porous, flexible, and inert. However, ePTFE grafts easily induce thrombosis, calcification and neointimal hyperplasia in small‐diameter (<6 mm) graft bypass surgeries and thus cause surgical failure. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the in vitro and in vivo performances of ePTFE grafts. In this work, we first prepared a polyurethane/polyurethane nanoparticles (PU/PU‐NPs) composite film by a simple cosedimentation method. Compared with the pure PU film, the blood compatibility and the cell compatibility of the PU/PU‐NPs composite film were significantly improved. Then, we constructed a PU/PU‐NPs/ePTFE vascular patch (PPVP) by coating PU and PU‐NPs onto the surface of an ePTFE graft. PU‐NP modification endowed the ePTFE graft with the nanopatterned surface similar to the luminal surface of a blood vessel. PU NPs and the structural likeness of the surface synergistically optimized the overall performance, and thus improved the blood and cell compatibilities, effectively inhibited platelet adhesion, enhanced cell attachment and proliferation, and facilitated the formation of endothelial tissue—endothelialization. The abdominal artery patched with PPVP was not blocked and the endothelialization was achieved 30 days after the implantation. All the results taken together indicate that PPVP may be a promising alternative for a vascular patch. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2131‐2140, 2018.
Optimization of PLGA formulation containing protein or peptide‐based antigen: Recent advances
Authors: Hajavi Jafar , Ebrahimian Mahboubeh , Sankian Mojtaba , Khakzad Mohammad Reza , Hashemi Maryam 
Published: April 2018

AbstractProtein or peptide‐based antigens are the most promising forms to generate custom protective immune responses for clinical applications. Over the last decades, poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) as a biodegradable polymer has gained more attention for delivery of protein and peptide. Besides many appropriate characteristics, to improve its properties to overcome some obstacles such as release profile and it is important instability of antigen during both encapsulation and storage. Therefore, optimized procedures conditions require to be used to maintain the integrity of protein structure under several stress factors in formulation process. In this review article, the properties of PLGA particles, their preparation techniques and strategies for improvement of protein stability during encapsulation into PLGA, release from particle and storage as well as stabilization approaches were summarized. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Biomed. Mater. Res. Part A: 106A: 2540–2551, 2018
Successive ethanol–water fractionation of enzymatic hydrolysis lignin to concentrate its antimicrobial activity
Authors: Wang Guanhua , Xia Yue , Liang Benke , Sui Wenjie , Si Chuanling 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDWith the emergence of lignocellulose refining, there is an increasing interest in exploring the valuable applications for lignin due to its abundant and underused features. Originating from the physiological function of lignin in plants, this work attempted to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of enzymatic hydrolysis lignin (EHL) from a bioethanol‐derived biorefinery.RESULTSSuccessive ethanol–water dissolution was employed to fractionate EHL and the antimicrobial activities of three obtained lignin fractions (F1, F2 and F3) were compared by the agar diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. Interestingly, the results showed that the antimicrobial activities of EHL were centralized in F1 which exhibited obviously growth inhibitory effects against two Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and two Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica) bacteria with MICs of 1, 2, 2 and 2 mg mL−1, respectively. The further characterization suggested that the better solubility and higher phenolic hydroxyl content of F1 caused by lower molecular weight were possibly responsible for the improvement of antimicrobial performance.CONCLUSIONSConsequently, this work suggested that successive ethanol–water fractionation was an effective way to enhance the antimicrobial activity of EHL. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Adsorption of Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 to the electrode material activated carbon fabric
Authors: Mayer Florian , Stöckl Markus , Krieg Thomas , Mangold Klaus‐Michael , Holtmann Dirk 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDElectroactive microorganisms generate current in microbial fuel cells by oxidizing organic compounds and transferring the electrons to an anode. Thereby the adsorption of cells to the electrode is the first step in the process of biofilm formation.RESULTSA comparison of different electrode materials showed that activated carbon fabric has the best cell adsorption properties for the simple and strong attachment of Shewanella oneidensis cells to the electrode material under aerobic and non‐electrochemical conditions. A preadsorbed anode (20 cm2) contained 18 mg of cell biomass (OD600 = 0.3) and reached a current density of 4.25 μA cm−2. Under anaerobic conditions the adsorption to the activated carbon fabric was much less, however the current density was with 6.5 μA cm−2 (OD600 = 0.3) and 7.75 μA cm−2 (OD600 = 0.9) higher as under aerobic adsorption conditions.CONCLUSIONActivated carbon fabric is, due to its cell adsorption property and electrical conductivity, good for MFC applications. The material allows cell reproduction directly on the anode which is important for single‐ or multi‐layer biofilm formation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A framework for operationalizing risk: A practical approach to patient safety
Authors: Mathews Simon C. , Sutcliffe Kathleen M. , Garrett Margaret R. , Pronovost Peter J. , Paine Lori 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe importance of patient safety has grown tremendously; however, there are insufficient resources dedicated to its practical application. We provide an overview of the framework for addressing patient safety within the Johns Hopkins Health System, which approaches patient safety in the context of risk at the patient, provider, unit, and system levels. We present practical examples of how this approach is applied and highlight the resources needed as well as describe how it fits within the broader quality management infrastructure in the health system on its journey toward high reliability.
Hep‐CORE: a cross‐sectional study of the viral hepatitis policy environment reported by patient groups in 25 European countries in 2016 and 2017
Authors: Lazarus Jeffrey V , Stumo Samya R , Harris Magdalena , Hendrickx Greet , Hetherington Kristina L , Maticic Mojca , Jauffret‐Roustide Marie , Tallada Joan , Simojoki Kaarlo , Reic Tatjana , Safreed‐Harmon Kelly ,   the Hep‐CORE Study Group
Published: April 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe first World Health Organization (WHO) global health sector strategy on hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) has called for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030. This study assesses policies and programmes in support of elimination efforts as reported by patient groups in Europe.MethodsIn 2016 and 2017, hepatitis patient groups in 25 European countries participated in a cross‐sectional survey about their countries’ policy responses to HBV and HCV. The English‐language survey addressed overall national response; public awareness/engagement; disease monitoring; prevention; testing/diagnosis; clinical assessment; and treatment. We performed a descriptive analysis of data and compared 2016 and 2017 findings.ResultsIn 2017, 72% and 52% of the 25 European study countries were reported to not have national HBV and HCV strategies respectively. The number of respondents indicating that their governments collaborated with civil society on viral hepatitis control increased from 13 in 2016 to 18 in 2017. In both 2016 and 2017, patient groups reported that 9 countries (36%) have disease registers for HBV and 11 (44%) have disease registers for HCV. The number of countries reported to have needle and syringe exchange programmes available in all parts of the country dropped from 10 (40%) in 2016 to 8 in 2017 (32%). In both 2016 and 2017, patient groups in 5 countries (20%) reported that HCV treatment is available in non‐hospital settings. From 2016 to 2017, the reported number of countries with no restrictions on access to direct‐acting antivirals for HCV increased from 3 (12%) to 7 (28%), and 5 fewer countries were reported to refuse treatment to people who are currently injecting drugs.ConclusionsThe patient‐led Hep‐CORE study offers a unique perspective on the readiness of study countries to undertake comprehensive viral hepatitis elimination efforts. Viral hepatitis monitoring should be expanded to address policy issues more comprehensively and to incorporate civil society perspectives, as is the case with global HIV monitoring. Policy components should also be explicitly added to the WHO framework for monitoring country‐level progress against viral hepatitis.
Determinants of growth rates and mass of Canada geese goslings
Authors: Conover Michael R. , Frank Maureen G. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTFledgling mass is an important determinant of first‐year survival and recruitment into the breeding population for many Arctic‐nesting goose species. In turn, fledgling mass of these geese is influenced by hatch date and forage quality and quantity in the brood‐rearing area. Less is known about the determinants of growth rates and fledgling mass in temperate‐nesting geese. For 25 years, we examined near‐fledging mass, hatch dates, and growth rates of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) nesting in Connecticut, USA by tracking individually marked geese that wore neck collars or large plastic leg bands. Fledgling mass was influenced by sex (males were heavier), gosling age when weighed, and family type (fledglings raised in 2‐parent families were heavier than those raised in gang broods). Paternal nesting experience (years of prior nesting) influenced fledgling mass, probably because goslings with experienced fathers hatched earlier than goslings with inexperienced fathers. Among fledglings raised in gang broods, fledgling mass was positively correlated with the number of parents attending the brood and negatively correlated with the number of goslings within the brood. Gosling growth rates (daily gain in mass) were higher for males than females; goslings in 2‐parent families grew 2 g/day faster than those in gang broods. Late‐hatched goslings grew faster than goslings that hatched earlier. In gang broods, growth rates were positively correlated with the ratio of parents to goslings. Assessing goose sex ratios, Julian hatching dates, family types, and brood sizes will allow waterfowl managers in temperate regions to refine their goose population models. This, in turn, will allow waterfowl managers to determine more accurately what proportion of the populations can be safely harvested or how best to manage nuisance goose populations. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.