bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of post-fire vegetation recovery in Southern Siberia using remote sensing observations
Authors: Shvetsov Evgeny G , Kukavskaya Elena A , Buryak Ludmila V , Barrett Kirsten 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Wildfire is one of the main disturbances affecting forest dynamics, succession, and the carbon cycle in Siberian forests. The Zabaikal region in southern Siberia is characterized by one of the highest levels of fire activity in Russia. Time series of Landsat data and field measurements of the reforestation state were analyzed in order to estimate post-fire vegetation recovery. The results showed that the normalized burn ratio time series can be used to estimate forest recovery in the pine- and larch-dominated forests of the Zabaikal region. Multiple factors determine a forest’s recovery rate after a wildfire, including fire severity, tree species characteristics, topography, hydrology, soil properties, and climate. Assessing these factors is important if we are to understand the effects of fire on forest succession and to implement sustainable forest management strategies. In this work we used the field data and Landsat data to estimate post-fire vegetation dynamics as a function of several environmental factors. These factors include fire severity, pre-fire forest state, topography, and positive surface temperature anomalies. A regression model showed that fire frequency, fire severity, and surface temperature anomalies are the primary factors, explaining about 58% of the variance in post-fire recovery. High frequency of fire and positive surface temperature anomalies hamper the post-fire reforestation process, while more severe burns are followed by higher recovery rates. Further studies are necessary to consider other important factors such as soil properties, moisture, and precipitation, for better explanation of post-fire vegetation recovery.
Adapting, Translating, and Reworking Gomorrah
Authors: Dusi Nicola 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis article seeks to find a balance between issues concerning adaptation and translation and issues of TV studies and film studies. Adapting a literary text for a movie or for a TV series within the same culture involves a plethora of interpretive, semiotic, and hermeneutic relationships. This case study of the Italian novel Gomorrah (2006) by Roberto Saviano considers diverse strategies of adaptation, illustrating the complex passage through different discourses, practices, and processes from Saviano’s novel to Matteo Garrone’s film (Gomorrah, 2008) and to the TV series (Gomorrah, 2014—on air). The analysis adopts a multidisciplinary methodology in order to draw attention to translational ‘continuities’ from one medium to another and to the differences and ‘discontinuities’ in transmedia reinterpretations of previous source materials.
A New Method for Workplace Monitoring of Airborne Diacetyl and 2,3-Pentanedione Using Thermal Desorption Tubes and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Pengelly Ian , Brown Veronica M 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Diacetyl is a potentially harmful chemical that is used as an artificial flavouring in the food industry and may also be generated during processing of some natural products including coffee. In Europe, an 8-h time weighted average occupational exposure limit (TWA-OEL) of 20 ppb has been adopted for diacetyl, together with a short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 100 ppb. A sensitive new measurement method for diacetyl, and the related compound 2,3-pentanedione has been developed and evaluated. The new method uses Tenax TA sorbent tubes as the sampling media with analysis by thermal desorption (TD) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The sample tubes are suitable for both active (pumped) and passive (diffusive) sampling. Diacetyl is stable on the sample tubes for at least 3 months but 2,3-pentanedione requires analysis within a month. Sample recovery is unaffected by changes in relative humidity and the presence of acetic acid. For short-term sampling, active sampling is recommended. The safe sampling volume for diacetyl is 3 litres which, at a flow rate of 100 ml min−1, equates to a maximum recommended sampling time of 30 min. For long-term samples, in particular collection of personal samples, passive sampling is recommended. Diffusive uptake rates have been determined for both diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione on Tenax TA tubes fitted with standard diffusion heads over sampling periods of 1 to 8 h. Analytical limits of detection are approximately 0.2 ng for diacetyl and 0.1 ng for 2,3-pentanedione. These values equate to airborne concentrations of around 0.04 ppb of diacetyl and 0.02 ppb of 2,3-pentanedione for a 1.5-litre active sample and 0.3 ppb of diacetyl and 0.1 ppb of 2,3-pentanedione for an 8-h passive sample. In the case of passive sampling, this limit of detection is less than 1/50th of the new European TWA-OEL for diacetyl of 20 ppb. The method can also be used to identify the presence of other volatile organic compounds at sub-ppm concentrations.
Fire and legume germination in a tropical savanna: ecological and historical factors
Authors: Daibes L Felipe , Pausas Juli G , Bonani Nathalia , Nunes Jessika , Silveira Fernando A O , Fidelis Alessandra 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background and Aims
In many flammable ecosystems, physically dormant seeds show dormancy-break patterns tied to fire, but the link between heat shock and germination in the tropical savannas of Africa and South America remains controversial. Seed heat tolerance is important, preventing seed mortality during fire passage, and is usually predicted by seed traits. This study investigated the role of fire frequency (ecological effects) and seed traits through phylogenetic comparison (historical effects), in determining post-fire germination and seed mortality in legume species of the Cerrado, a tropical savanna–forest mosaic.

Methods
Seeds of 46 legume species were collected from three vegetation types (grassy savannas, woody savannas and forests) with different fire frequencies. Heat shock experiments (100 °C for 1 min; 100 °C for 3 min; 200 °C for 1 min) were then performed, followed by germination and seed viability tests. Principal component analysis, generalized linear mixed models and phylogenetic comparisons were used in data analyses.

Key Results
Heat shocks had little effect on germination, but seed mortality was variable across treatments and species. Seed mortality was lowest under the 100 °C 1 min treatment, and significantly higher under 100 °C 3 min and 200 °C 1 min; larger seed mass decreased seed mortality, especially at 200 °C. Tree species in Detarioideae had the largest seeds and were unaffected by heat. Small-seeded species (mostly shrubs from grassy savannas) were relatively sensitive to the hottest treatment. Nevertheless, the presence of physical dormancy helped to avoid seed mortality in small-seeded species under the hottest treatment.

Conclusions
Physical dormancy-break is not tied to fire in the Cerrado mosaic. Heat tolerance appears in both forest and savanna species and is predicted by seed traits (seed mass and physical dormancy), which might have helped forest lineages to colonize the savannas. The results show seed fire responses are better explained by historical than ecological factors in the Cerrado, contrasting with different fire-prone ecosystems throughout the world.
Assortative interactions revealed in a fission–fusion society of Australian humpback dolphins
Authors: Hunt Tim N , Allen Simon J , Bejder Lars , Parra Guido J 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Understanding individual interactions within a community or population provides valuable insight into its social system, ecology, and, ultimately, resilience against external stimuli. Here, we used photo-identification data, generalized affiliation indices, and social network analyses to investigate dyadic relationships, assortative interactions, and social clustering in the Australian humpback dolphin (Sousa sahulensis). Boat-based surveys were conducted between May 2013 and October 2015 around the North West Cape, Western Australia. Our results indicated a fission–fusion society, characterized by nonrandom dyadic relationships. Assortative interactions were identified both within and between sexes and were higher among members of the same sex, indicating same-sex preferred affiliations and sexual segregation. Assortative interactions by geographic locations were also identified, but with no evidence of distinct social communities or clusters or affiliations based on residency patterns. We noted high residency among females. Models of temporal patterns of association demonstrated variable levels of stability, including stable (preferred companionships) and fluid (casual acquaintances) associations. We also demonstrated some social avoidance. Our results point to greater social complexity than previously recognized for humpback dolphins and, along with knowledge of population size and habitat use, provide the necessary baseline upon which to assess the influence of increasing human activities on this endemic, Vulnerable species.
Breakthroughs and new horizons in reproductive biology of rare and endangered animal species
Authors: Comizzoli Pierre , Holt William V 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBecause of higher extinction rates due to human and natural factors, more basic and applied research in reproductive biology is required to preserve wild species and design proper strategies leading to sustainable populations. The objective of the review is to highlight recent, inspiring breakthroughs in wildlife reproduction science that will set directions for future research and lead to more successes in conservation biology. Despite new tools and approaches allowing a better and faster understanding of key mechanisms, we still know little about reproduction in endangered species. Recently, the most striking advances have been obtained in nonmammalian species (fish, birds, amphibians, or corals) with the development of alternative solutions to preserve fertility or new information about parental nutritional influence on embryo development. A novel way has also been explored to consider the impact of environmental changes on reproduction—the allostatic load—in a vast array of species (from primates to fish). On the horizon, genomic tools are expected to considerably change the way we study wildlife reproduction and develop a concept of “precision conservation breeding.” When basic studies in organismal physiology are conducted in parallel, new approaches using stem cells to create artificial gametes and gonads, innovations in germplasm storage, and more research on reproductive microbiomes will help to make a difference. Lastly, multiple challenges (for instance, poor integration of new tools in conservation programs, limited access to study animals, or few publication options) will have to be addressed if we want reproductive biology to positively impact conservation of biodiversity.
Indirect Effects of 10-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Against Adult Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Rural Western Kenya
Authors: Bigogo Godfrey M , Audi Allan , Auko Joshua , Aol George O , Ochieng Benjamin J , Odiembo Herine , Odoyo Arthur , Widdowson Marc-Alain , Onyango Clayton , Borgdorff Martien W , Feikin Daniel R , Carvalho Maria da Gloria , Whitney Cynthia G , Verani Jennifer R 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background
Data on pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) indirect effects in low-income countries with high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden are limited. We examined adult pneumococcal pneumonia incidence before and after PCV introduction in Kenya in 2011.

Methods
From 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2016, we conducted surveillance for acute respiratory infection (ARI) among ~12 000 adults (≥18 years) in western Kenya, where HIV prevalence is ~17%. ARI cases (cough or difficulty breathing or chest pain, plus temperature ≥38.0°C or oxygen saturation <90%) presenting to a clinic underwent blood culture and pneumococcal urine antigen testing (UAT). We calculated ARI incidence and adjusted for healthcare seeking. The proportion of ARI cases with pneumococcus detected among those with complete testing (blood culture and UAT) was multiplied by adjusted ARI incidence to estimate pneumococcal pneumonia incidence.

Results
Pre-PCV (2008–2010) crude and adjusted ARI incidences were 3.14 and 5.30/100 person-years-observation (pyo), respectively. Among ARI cases, 39.0% (340/872) had both blood culture and UAT; 21.2% (72/340) had pneumococcus detected, yielding a baseline pneumococcal pneumonia incidence of 1.12/100 pyo (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–1.3). In each post-PCV year (2012–2016), the incidence was significantly lower than baseline; with incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.31–0.61) in 2012 and 0.13 (95% CI: 0.09–0.17) in 2016. Similar declines were observed in HIV-infected (IRR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.08–0.22) and HIV-uninfected (IRR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.05–0.20) adults.

Conclusions
Adult pneumococcal pneumonia declined in western Kenya following PCV introduction, likely reflecting vaccine indirect effects. Evidence of herd protection is critical for guiding PCV policy decisions in resource-constrained areas.
The feasibility and clinical implication of tricuspid regurgitant velocity and pulmonary flow acceleration time evaluation for pulmonary pressure assessment during exercise stress echocardiography
Authors: Wierzbowska-Drabik Karina , Picano Eugenio , Bossone Eduardo , Ciampi Quirino , Lipiec Piotr , Kasprzak Jarosław Damian 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Aims
Echocardiography can estimate pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) from tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) or acceleration time (ACT) of pulmonary flow. We assessed the feasibility of TRV and ACT measurements during exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) and their correlation in all stages of ESE.

Methods and results
We performed ESE in 102 subjects [mean age 49 ± 17 years, 50 females, 39 healthy, 30 with cardiovascular risk factors, and 33 with pulmonary hypertension (PH)] referred for the assessment of exercise tolerance and ischaemia exclusion. ESE was performed on cycloergometer with the load increasing by 25 W for each 2 min. Assessment of TRV with continuous wave and ACT with pulsed Doppler were attempted in 306 time points: at rest, peak exercise, and recovery. In 20 PH patients we evaluated the correlations of TRV and ACT with invasively measured PAP. The success rate was 183/306 for TRV and 304/306 for ACT (feasibility: 60 vs. 99%, P < 0.0001). There was a close correlation between TRV and ACT: r = 0.787, P < 0.001 and ACT at peak ≤67 ms showed 94% specificity for elevated systolic PAP detection. Moreover, TRV and ACT at peak exercise reflected better that resting data the invasive systolic PAP and mean PAP with r = 0.76, P = 0.0004 and r = −0.67, P = 0.0018, respectively.

Conclusion
ACT is closely correlated with and substantially more feasible than TRV during ESE and inclusion of both parameters (TRACT approach) expands the possibility of PAP assessment, especially at exercise when TRV feasibility is the lowest but correlation with invasive PAP seems to increase.
A novel atrial fibrillation prediction model for Chinese subjects: a nationwide cohort investigation of 682 237 study participants with random forest model
Authors: Hu Wei-Syun , Hsieh Meng-Hsuen , Lin Cheng-Li 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Aims
We aimed to construct a random forest model to predict atrial fibrillation (AF) in Chinese population.

Methods and results
This study was comprised of 682 237 subjects with or without AF. Each subject had 19 features that included the subjects’ age, gender, underlying diseases, CHA2DS2-VASc score, and follow-up period. The data were split into train and test sets at an approximate 9:1 ratio: 614 013 data points were placed into the train set and 68 224 data points were placed into the test set. In this study, weighted average F1, precision, and recall values were used to measure prediction model performance. The F1, precision, and recall values were calculated across the train set, the test set, and all data. The area under receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve was also used to evaluate the performance of the prediction model. The prediction model achieved a k-fold cross-validation accuracy of 0.979 (k = 10). In the test set, the prediction model achieved an F1 value of 0.968, precision value of 0.958, and recall value of 0.979. The area under ROC curve of the model was 0.948 (95% confidence interval 0.947–0.949). This model was validated with a separate dataset.

Conclusions
This study showed a novel AF risk prediction scheme for Chinese individuals with random forest model methodology.
Sarcopenia and Variation in the Human Leukocyte Antigen Complex
Authors: Jones Garan , Pilling Luke C , Kuo Chia-Ling , Kuchel George , Ferrucci Luigi , Melzer David 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background
Aging is characterized by chronic inflammation plus loss of muscle mass and strength, termed sarcopenia. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types are drivers of autoimmune disease, although with limited penetrance. We tested whether autoimmune diagnoses are associated with sarcopenia, and whether HLA types and related genetic variants are associated with sarcopenia in autoimmune disease-free older people.

Methods
Data were collected from 181,301 UK Biobank European descent volunteers aged 60–70 with measured hand grip strength and impedance. Logistic regression analysis estimated HLA type and sarcopenia associations, adjusted for confounders and multiple testing.

Results
Having any autoimmune diagnosis was associated with sarcopenia (odds ratio [OR] 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.74–1.92, p = 4.0*10−125). After excluding autoimmune diagnoses, 6 of 100 HLA types (allele frequency &gt;1%) were associated with sarcopenia (low grip strength and muscle mass). Having two HLA-DQA1*03:01 alleles increased odds of sarcopenia by 19.3% (OR 1.19, CI 1.09–1.29, p = 2.84*10–5), compared to no alleles. Having ≥6 of the 12 HLA alleles increased sarcopenia odds by 23% (OR 1.23, CI 1.12–1.35, p = 7.28*10–6). Of 658 HLA region non-coding genetic variants previously implicated in disease, 4 were associated with sarcopenia, including rs41268896 and rs29268645 (OR 1.08, CI 1.05–1.11, p = 1.06*10–8 and 1.07, CI 1.04–1.09, p = 1.5*10–6, respectively). Some HLA associations with sarcopenia were greater in female participants.

Conclusion
Autoimmune diagnoses are strongly associated with sarcopenia in 60- to 70-year olds. Variation in specific HLA types and non-coding single nucleotide polymorphisms is also associated with sarcopenia in older carriers free of diagnosed autoimmune diseases. Patients with sarcopenia might benefit from targeted treatment of autoimmune processes.
Applying quality improvement strategies within Canadian population health promotion
Authors: Bloomquist Candace D , Kryzanowski Julie , Dunn-Pierce Tanya 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
This article describes how quality improvement (QI) methodology was applied to partnership work in a population health promotion unit within a health care system. Using Kolb’s experiential model of learning, we describe and reflect on our experience as a population health promotion unit working on a QI initiative focused on community partnerships for intersectoral collaboration. We identify contextual factors that can guide QI for population health promotion work. The three main lessons we identified were to (i) frame the need for improvement effectively, (ii) start by setting the conditions for others to lead and (iii) be people-focused as well as process-focused. Health care systems can apply QI methods to improve and strengthen their role in working with partners to improve population health. By sharing our experience with other practitioners, we hope to find support and allies as we learn together to improve quality in population health promotion settings.
Tricuspid valve intervention at the time of mitral valve surgery: a meta-analysis
Authors: Tam Derrick Y , Tran Andrew , Mazine Amine , Tang Gilbert H L , Gaudino Mario F L , Calafiore Antonio M , Friedrich Jan O , Fremes Stephen E 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The surgical management of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) at the time of mitral valve surgery remains controversial. Our objectives were to determine the safety and efficacy of tricuspid valve (TV) repair during mitral valve surgery in a meta-analysis.

METHODS
MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from 1946 to 2017 for all studies comparing TV repair to no intervention at the time of mitral valve surgery on early and late mortality and late TR. A random-effects meta-analysis of all outcomes was performed.

RESULTS
One thousand four hundred and seventeen studies were retrieved and a total of 17 studies [2 randomized clinical trial (n = 211), 11 adjusted observational studies (n = 3848) and 4 unadjusted observational studies (n = 67 010)] that compared TV repair (n = 11 787) to no intervention (n = 56 027) at a mean follow-up of 6.0 ± 0.64 years were included. There was no difference in 30-day/in-hospital mortality between repair and no repair [risk ratio (RR) 1.19, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.70–2.02; P = 0.52]. The incidence of new permanent pacemaker implantation was higher in the TV repair group (RR 2.73, 95% CI 2.57–2.89; P < 0.01). TV repair was protective against late moderate or greater TR [incident rate ratio (IRR) 0.28, 95% CI 0.17–0.47; P < 0.01] and severe TR (IRR 0.38, 95% CI 0.17–0.84). There was a numerically lower rate of late TV reoperation (IRR 0.39, 95% CI 0.12–1.25; P = 0.11) that did not reach statistical significance. Overall, there was no difference in late mortality between the 2 treatments (IRR 0.87, 95% CI 0.63–1.24; P = 0.43).

CONCLUSIONS
TV repair appears safe in the perioperative period and may reduce future recurrent TR without any survival benefit.
Medical student exposure to cardiothoracic surgery in the United Kingdom
Authors: Gasparini Marisa , Jayakumar Shruti , Ayton Sarah , Nardini Marco N , Dunning Joel D 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
There has been declining interest in cardiothoracic surgery amongst medical graduates. This survey examines the exposure of British medical students to cardiothoracic surgery in various settings and its relationship with students’ interest in the speciality.

METHODS
A questionnaire composed of 14 quantitative and qualitative items was distributed amongst 162 medical students. The survey included questions on demographics, interest in cardiothoracic surgery, mechanisms of exposure to the speciality and desire to pursue a career in cardiothoracic surgery before and after exposure.

RESULTS
Amongst the surveyed students, 71.0% reported exposure to cardiothoracic surgery as part of their medical school curricula and 24.7% reported extracurricular exposure. Of the students, 46.7% reported clinical exposure. Overall, 27.1% of students reported interest in a career in cardiothoracic surgery, which was higher amongst students who had curricular (29.6%), clinical (35.5%) or extracurricular exposure (50.0%). Amongst interested students, 43.2% engaged in extracurricular cardiothoracic activities compared with 16.1% of students not interested in pursuing the speciality. Confidence in career choice after exposure increased more in interested students (20.4%) than not interested students (1.6%). Students rated exposure and mentorship as the most important factor in promoting a career in cardiothoracic surgery.

CONCLUSIONS
Medical students with an interest in cardiothoracic surgery are more likely to organize independent attachments in the speciality and attend extracurricular events; however, many students might fail to identify cardiothoracic surgery as an area of interest because of the lack of exposure at medical school.