bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pasture–livestock dynamics with density‐dependent harvest and changing environment
Authors: Bergland Harald , Wyller John , Burlakov Evgenii 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe model pasture–livestock interactions by means of a predator–prey model, with the biomass vegetation as prey and the herbivores as predators. The harvesting rate is a sigmoidal function of the livestock density. We identify the necessary biological and harvest conditions for different equilibria of this model to exist. The system possesses no interior equilibrium points for the mortality rate exceeding a certain threshold. For the regime of low and moderate values of the mortality rate and a high consumption rate per animal, a unique finite and asymptotically stable state exists. We incorporate the effect of forage resource deterioration over time, causing extra decrease in the herbivore population and in the biomass density. We also include the effect of fluctuations in the availability of fodder by allowing for a seasonal periodic variation in the conversion efficiency. This results in extra oscillations superimposed on the general trends of the unperturbed system.Recommendations for Resource Managers

Depending on biological and harvest conditions, the system possesses up to three equilibrium states.
Forage resource deterioration over time causes an extra decrease in the herbivore population and in the biomass density.
A seasonal periodic variation in the conversion efficiency results in oscillations mainly in the herbivore density superimposed on the general trends of the unperturbed system.
Evaluating flood extent mapping of two hydraulic models, 1D HEC‐RAS and 2D LISFLOOD‐FP in comparison with aerial imagery observations in Gorgan flood plain, Iran
Authors: Rahimzadeh Omid , Bahremand Abdolreza , Noura Nader , Mukolwe Micah 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe compared flood mapping techniques using a one‐dimensional (1D) hydraulic model HEC‐RAS and two‐dimensional (2D) LISFLOOD‐FP for a 10‐km reach of Gorgan River in Iran. Both models were run using the same hydrologic input data. The input into the models was a steady discharge of 90 cm, corresponds to a flood peak occurred on March 25, 2012. Flood maps generated using these two models were compared with an observed flood inundation map, using F‐statistic. The roughness coefficients of the models were calibrated by maximizing the value of the F‐statistic. Based on the F‐statistic, LISFLOOD‐FP gives a slightly better result (F = 0.69) than HEC‐RAS (F = 0.67). Visual comparison of the flood extents generated by the two models showed reasonably good agreement. Validation was done using a flood event occurred on May 31, 2014. The LISFLOOD‐FP model gave a better result for validation as well. The 2D model showed more consistency in comparison with the 1D model.
Holiday in Cambodia: Perceived effects of a New Zealand high school international field trip on students
Authors: Wakeford Sarah , Orams Mark B. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractUsing an exploratory case study approach, this research used semi‐structured interviews to investigate the motivations, expectations and experiences of high school students in New Zealand who travelled to Cambodia on a school supervised field‐trip. Findings suggest students are motivated by altruistic behaviour and the desire for unique experiences. Students had very high expectations, predicting the experience to be either life changing or incredibly important. Post‐trip interviews revealed that the volunteer work undertaken was perceived as positive and that experiences of poverty were challenging and influential. Finally, personal development and an increased sense of social responsibility were identified as important effects of the trip.
Reproductive compatibility studies between wild and cultivated strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) to obtain “bridge species” for breeding programmes
Authors: Luque Ana Catalina , Debes Mario Alberto , Perera María Francisca , Castagnaro Atilio Pedro , Arias Marta Eugenia 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe Fragaria genus has become relevant due to worldwide economic importance of the octoploid hybrid F. × ananassa. Interspecific hybridizations are widely employed in breeding programmes to introduce useful characteristics from wild species to cultivated varieties, although many reproductive barriers prevent gene flow between species. Hybrid genotypes that can act as a bridge between related wild species and cultivated strawberry could be useful to overcome those barriers. The aim of this work was to obtain interspecific hybrids of Fragaria and to analyse possible reproductive barriers. In the Banco de Germoplasma de Frutilla‐UNT, crossings were carried out among wild species of Fragaria with different ploidy levels and cultivated strawberry. To confirm hybrid condition of genotypes obtained, histological techniques and microsatellite markers were used. When wild species were crossed with cultivated strawberry in both directions, there was low production of achenes, while in crosses between wild species of Fragaria genus, achene production was very high. The percentage of germination of achenes was high when crossed species had the same ploidy level, and very low or null when they presented different ploidy levels. Although pre‐zygotic incompatibility associated to the degree of domestication and postzygotic barriers related to different ploidy levels of the progenitors were detected, new hybrid genotypes of Fragaria were obtained. These new hybrids could be used as “bridge species” in breeding programmes, since preliminary results showed no incompatibility barriers when they were crossed with Duchesnea indica.
Cytomegalovirus and Epstein‐Barr virus infections among pediatric kidney transplant recipients at a center using universal Valganciclovir Prophylaxis
Authors: Paulsen Grant , Cumagun Pia , Mixon Emily , Fowler Karen , Feig Daniel , Shimamura Masako 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundCMV is associated with adverse effects in renal transplant recipients. The objective of this study was to characterize the incidence and timing of CMV and EBV infections in relation to valGCV prophylaxis in a pediatric renal transplant cohort.MethodsRetrospective cohort of pediatric renal transplant patients given universal valGCV prophylaxis and universal viral surveillance was evaluated. Demographics, prophylaxis, acute rejection, and CMV and EBV infections were abstracted.ResultsA total of 92 pediatric renal allograft recipients, 2008‐2013, were included. One or more viral infections developed in 77/92 (83.7%) of the patients. EBV was the most common in 62/92 (67%) patients, irrespective of valGCV (82% of episodes occurring on valGCV). CMV DNAemia occurred in 30/92 (33%) patients, 14 episodes (47%) occurring on valGCV. Incidence of breakthrough CMV on prophylaxis was 15% and was associated with persistent DNAemia (OR 7.8, CI:1.6‐32.9, P < 0.02). CMV tissue‐invasive disease was not seen. CMV syndrome occurred in 10% of the cohort, only in CMV D+ patients, and only one symptomatic breakthrough infection required treatment. Out of 92, 21 (23%) had simultaneous co‐infections with 2‐3 viruses.ConclusionsViral infections in pediatric renal transplant recipients receiving universal valGCV prophylaxis were common. EBV infections were not reduced by valGCV prophylaxis, and nearly half of CMV infections occurred on valGCV. Symptomatic CMV infection while on prophylaxis was rare. valGCV prophylaxis may prevent symptomatic CMV infection but not EBV infection, and frequent CMV surveillance in pediatric renal transplant recipients on prophylaxis may not be necessary.
Fact‐finding survey on diagnostic procedures and therapeutic interventions for parkinsonism accompanying dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Manabe Yuta , Odawara Toshinari , Konishi Osamu 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundWe performed a questionnaire survey of medical doctors engaged in the management of dementia to identify the actual status of treatment for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) in Japan.MethodsAmong participating medical doctors, we selected neurologists (Group N) and psychiatrists (Group P) because these physicians are usually involved in the management of DLB patients. The two groups were compared based on their diagnosis and treatment of DLB and in particular, parkinsonism.ResultsNeurological examinations and biomarker tests were less frequently performed by Group P than Group N. Antipsychotics and other psychotropics excluding anti‐dementia drugs were significantly more frequently administered by Group P than Group N. The proportion of physicians who selected L‐dopa as a first‐line therapy for parkinsonism was significantly higher in Group N than in Group P. Despite these between‐group differences, the following findings were common to the two groups: there was a discrepancy between the symptom that patients expressed the greatest desire to treat, and the awareness of physicians regarding the treatment of these symptoms; the initial agent was L‐dopa; and physicians exercised caution against the occurrence of hallucinations, delusions, and other adverse drug reactions.ConclusionsThe results of the present survey offer valuable insight for the formulation of future DLB therapeutic strategies.
Falls and fear of falling in a sample of centenarians: the role of multimorbidity, pain and anxiety
Authors: Teixeira Laetitia , Araújo Lia , Duarte Natália , Ribeiro Oscar 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundTo explore the recent history of falls and the existence of fear of falling in a sample of centenarians, and to identify factors associated with both conditions.MethodsThe sample included 109 centenarians from two Portuguese studies. The two main outcomes of this study are fear of falling and history of fall(s).ResultsResults revealed that more than a half (51.4%) of the participants had fallen in the last 5 years and that the percentage of fear of falling was 78.9%. No association was found between the two conditions. The factors associated with each one were found to be different: number of health conditions for history of falls, and pain frequency and anxiety for fear of falling.ConclusionsThe relationship between anxiety and fear of falling reinforces the importance of screening both conditions as it can improve their detection and treatment. The established relationship between a high number of health conditions (common at very advanced ages) and falls demands greater attention in fall prevention initiatives specifically targeted to the extremely elderly.
Imagining contact reduces prejudice in preschool children
Authors: Birtel Michèle D. , Di Bernardo Gian Antonio , Stathi Sofia , Crisp Richard J. , Cadamuro Alessia , Vezzali Loris 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe examined the effectiveness of an imagery‐based strategy designed to reduce prejudice in preschoolers in Italy. Three studies involving different target groups (disabled children, Black children) were conducted within Italian preschools. Children (4–6 years) were asked to imagine and draw meeting an outgroup member (Studies 1 and 2) or to imagine writing a letter to an outgroup member (Study 3). Results revealed that preschoolers in the experimental condition, relative to a control group, reported less intergroup bias in the form of contact intentions and resource allocation as well as greater behavioral inclusiveness; effects were mediated by improved intergroup attitudes. Our findings are important in understanding ways that promote positive intergroup relations in ways that align with the interests of young children.
Crowdsourcing to delineate skin affected by chronic graft‐vs‐host disease
Authors: Tkaczyk Eric R. , Coco Joseph R. , Wang Jianing , Chen Fuyao , Ye Cheng , Jagasia Madan H. , Dawant Benoit M. , Fabbri Daniel 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundEstimating the extent of affected skin is an important unmet clinical need both for research and practical management in many diseases. In particular, cutaneous burden of chronic graft‐vs‐host disease (cGVHD) is a primary outcome in many trials. Despite advances in artificial intelligence and 3D photography, progress toward reliable automated techniques is hindered by limited expert time to delineate cGVHD patient images. Crowdsourcing may have potential to provide the requisite expert‐level data.Materials and methodsForty‐one three‐dimensional photographs of three cutaneous cGVHD patients were delineated by a board‐certified dermatologist. 410 two‐dimensional projections of the raw photos were each annotated by seven crowd workers, whose consensus performance was compared to the expert.ResultsThe consensus delineation by four of seven crowd workers achieved the highest agreement with the expert, measured by a median Dice index of 0.7551 across all 410 images, outperforming even the best worker from the crowd (Dice index 0.7216). For their internal agreement, crowd workers achieved a median Fleiss's kappa of 0.4140 across the images. The time a worker spent marking an image had only weak correlation with the surface area marked, and very low correlation with accuracy. Percent of pixels selected by the consensus exhibited good correlation (Pearson R = 0.81) with the patient's affected surface area.ConclusionCrowdsourcing may be an efficient method for obtaining demarcations of affected skin, on par with expert performance. Crowdsourced data generally agreed with the current clinical standard of percent body surface area to assess cGVHD severity in the skin.
Inhibition of the CD40/CD40L complex protects mice against ALI‐induced pancreas degradation
Authors: Tariket Sofiane , Hamzeh‐Cognasse Hind , Arthaud Charles‐Antoine , Laradi Sandrine , Bourlet Thomas , Berthelot Philippe , Garraud Olivier , Cognasse Fabrice 
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUNDAcute lung injury (ALI) is a severe complication of transfusion. In a previous study, we saw that inhibition of the CD40/CD40L complex allowed restoration of ALI lesions in an experimental mouse model.OBJECTIVESThis study focused on pancreas‐associated injury development during experimental ALI pathogenesis and its limitation through CD40/CD40L complex inhibition.MATERIALS AND METHODSAn ALI mouse model was established through intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide and intravenous anti–major histocompatibility complex class I monoclonal antibody injection. Preemption of lesions was achieved with intravenous injection of neutralizing anti‐CD40L monoclonal antibody 30 minutes before the trigger, that is, anti–major histocompatibility complex class I monoclonal antibody administration. Histology and immunoassay analyses were used to evaluate pancreatic lesions.RESULTSALI development induced significant degradation of the lungs and pancreas and was associated with pancreatic lesions. Different scores were established showing more severe injury to the pancreas in ALI conditions; however, injury was significantly reduced through CD40/CD40L complex inhibition.CONCLUSIONThis study supports the idea that several organs are exposed during ALI development, and particularly when such experimental ALI aims at mimicking transfusion‐associated ALI; nevertheless, preventive treatment inhibiting CD40/CD40L (sCD40L) complex formation provides protection from lung disease as well as disease of other organs.
Exploring variation in patient access of post-discharge physiotherapy following total hip and knee arthroplasty under a choice based system in the UK: an observational cohort study
Authors: Hamilton David F , Loth Fanny C , MacDonald Deborah J , MacFarlane Gary J , Beard David J , Simpson A Hamish RW , Patton James T , Howie Colin R 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesTo assess a targeted ‘therapy as required’ model of post-discharge outpatient physiotherapy provision. Specifically, we investigated what proportion of patients accessed post-discharge physiotherapy following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), whether accessing therapy was associated with post-arthroplasty patient reported outcomes and whether it was possible to predict which patients would access post-discharge physiotherapy from pre-operative data.DesignProspective, observational, longitudinal cohort study.SettingSingle National Health Service orthopaedic teaching hospital in the UK.Participants1395 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and 1374 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.Primary and secondary outcome measuresSelf-reported access of post-discharge physiotherapy, the Oxford Hip or Knee Score, EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire and post-operative surgical episode satisfaction metric.Results662 (48.2%) patients with TKA and 493 (35.3%) patients with THA accessed additional post-discharge physiotherapy. Patient-reported outcomes (p<0.001) and surgical episode satisfaction (p=0.001) in both THA and TKA were higher in patients that did not participate in post-discharge physiotherapy. Regression models using pre-operative symptom burden and demographic data predicted post-discharge therapy access with an accuracy of only 17% greater than chance in patients with THA and 7% greater than chance in patients with TKA.ConclusionsIn a choice-based service model of ‘therapy as required’ following hip and knee arthroplasty only a third of THA and half of TKA patients accessed post-discharge therapy. Patients who did not access physiotherapy reported greater post-operative outcomes. This variation in the need for post-discharge physiotherapy suggests that targeting of rehabilitation may be a cost-effective model, however it was not possible to reliably predict which patients would access post-discharge physiotherapy from pre-operative data.
Who pays and how much? A cross-sectional study of out-of-pocket payment for modern contraception in Kenya
Authors: Radovich Emma , Dennis Mardieh L , Barasa Edwine , Cavallaro Francesca L , Wong Kerry LM , Borghi Josephine , Lynch Caroline A , Lyons-Amos Mark , Abuya Timothy , Benova Lenka 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesOut-of-pocket (OOP) payment for modern contraception is an understudied component of healthcare financing in countries like Kenya, where wealth gradients in met need have prompted efforts to expand access to free contraception. This study aims to examine whether, among public sector providers, the poor are more likely to receive free contraception and to compare how OOP payment for injectables and implants—two popular methods—differs by public/private provider type and user’s sociodemographic characteristics.Design, setting and participantsSecondary analyses of nationally representative, cross-sectional household data from the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. Respondents were women of reproductive age (15–49 years). The sample comprised 5717 current modern contraception users, including 2691 injectable and 1073 implant users with non-missing expenditure values.Main outcomeRespondent’s self-reported source and payment to obtain their current modern contraceptive method.MethodsWe used multivariable logistic regression to examine predictors of free public sector contraception and compared average expenditure for injectable and implant. Quintile ratios examined progressivity of non-zero expenditure by wealth.ResultsHalf of public sector users reported free contraception; this varied considerably by method and region. Users of implants, condoms, pills and intrauterine devices were all more likely to report receiving their method for free (p<0.001) compared with injectable users. The poorest were as likely to pay for contraception as the wealthiest users at public providers (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.91). Across all providers, among users with non-zero expenditure, injectable and implant users reported a mean OOP payment of Kenyan shillings (KES) 80 (US$0.91), 95% CI: KES 78 to 82 and KES 378 (US$4.31), 95% CI: KES 327 to 429, respectively. In the public sector, expenditure was pro-poor for injectable users yet weakly pro-rich for implant users.ConclusionsMore attention is needed to targeting subsidies to the poorest and ensuring government facilities are equipped to cope with lost user fee revenue.
Does neighborhood socioeconomic status predict the risk of preterm birth? A community-based Canadian cohort study
Authors: Adhikari Kamala , Patten Scott B , Williamson Tyler , Patel Alka B , Premji Shahirose , Tough Suzanne , Letourneau Nicole , Giesbrecht Gerald , Metcalfe Amy 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveThis study developed and internally validated a predictive model for preterm birth (PTB) to examine the ability of neighbourhood socioeconomic status (SES) to predict PTB.DesignCohort study using individual-level data from two community-based prospective pregnancy cohort studies (All Our Families (AOF) and Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON)) and neighbourhood SES data from the 2011 Canadian census.SettingCalgary, Alberta, Canada.ParticipantsPregnant women who were <24 weeks of gestation and >15 years old were enrolled in the cohort studies between 2008 and 2012. Overall, 5297 women participated in at least one of these cohorts: 3341 women participated in the AOF study, 2187 women participated in the APrON study and 231 women participated in both studies. Women who participated in both studies were only counted once.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPTB (delivery prior to 37 weeks of gestation).ResultsThe rates of PTB in the least and most deprived neighbourhoods were 7.54% and 10.64%, respectively. Neighbourhood variation in PTB was 0.20, with an intra-class correlation of 5.72%. Neighbourhood SES, combined with individual-level predictors, predicted PTB with an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.75. The sensitivity was 91.80% at a low-risk threshold, with a high false-positive rate (71.50%), and the sensitivity was 5.70% at a highest risk threshold, with a low false-positive rate (0.90%). An agreement between the predicted and observed PTB demonstrated modest model calibration. Individual-level predictors alone predicted PTB with an AUC of 0.60.ConclusionAlthough neighbourhood SES combined with individual-level predictors improved the overall prediction of PTB compared with individual-level predictors alone, the detection rate was insufficient for application in clinical or public health practice. A prediction model with better predictive ability is required to effectively find women at high risk of preterm delivery.