bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allometric and growth data of an evergreen oak, Quercus glauca, in a secondary broadleaved forest
Authors: Itô Hiroki , Sumida Akihiro 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe evergreen oak Quercus glauca often dominates secondary broadleaved forests in Western Japan. It is regarded as a mid‐successional species, whose diameter and height growth fall between those of early‐ and late‐successional species. Despite the ecological importance of this evergreen oak in the secondary succession of the evergreen broadleaved forest zone in Japan, tree‐felling data that allow estimations of tree mass and leaf area from non‐destructive measurements are lacking. This paper provides stem growth data, read from tree rings on disks sampled from 13 Q. glauca stems, and their allometric data. The samples were collected in 1994 from the Ginkakuji‐san National Forest, Kyoto City, Japan. Allometric data comprised data on stem age, diameter at breast height, diameter at 10% height, tree height, height of the lowest living branch, height of the lowest living leaf in the crown, volume of the main stem, squared stem diameter just below the lowest living branch, total leaf area of the stem, dry weight of the total leaves, dry weight of all branches, dry weight of the main stem, total aboveground dry weight, mean relative photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) above the crown, mean relative PPFD below the crown, crown projection area, and specific leaf area. These data can be helpful for estimating the biomass and leaf area index of a Q. glauca stand by enabling the derivation of allometric relationships between non‐destructive measurements (such as stem diameter at breast height, and tree height) and tree mass or leaf area. Diameters (including bark thickness) at ground height and above (at 0.5‐ or 1‐m intervals) for each stem are also provided. Stem growth data were based on tree‐ring reads from disks taken from heights of 0.0 and 0.3 m, and at 0.5‐m (stem height <7 m) or 1.0‐m (stem height ≥7 m) intervals above that. Stem volume growth derived from these tree‐ring data can be converted into stem mass growth if combined with an analysis of the allometric data, which may serve as a useful resource for the estimation of carbon fixation by evergreen oaks in relation to global climate change.
Bias and Imprecision in the Determination of Free Glycerin in Biodiesel: The Unexpected Role of Limitations in Solubility
Authors: Heiden Richard W. , Schober Sigurd , Mittelbach Martin 
Published: December 2016

AbstractResidual free glycerin (FG) is a critical marker of fatty acid methyl ester (biodiesel) fuel quality. Yet, routine determinations by standard methods display excessive imprecision, and the uncertainties undermine confidence in the data. Various degrees of agitation are used here to evaluate the possibility of heterophase formation as a contributor to imprecision and potential bias. Statistical markers from the analysis of 13 biodiesel samples reveal that seven contain unexpected heterophases, which, due to settling, cause underestimates of 15–68%. Agitation alone re‐suspends heterophases for brief periods, easing potential biases, but also increases imprecision. A promising new sample pretreatment is presented, which reduces the deleterious effects of heterophases. Solubility limitations are explored as possible contributing factors, and measurements made at 23 °C in purified soy FAME reveal an equilibrium solubility which is more than 80% below previously published estimates. Strong interactions of liquid FG with small amounts of moisture reduce solubility to below international quality limits, while interactions of initially dissolved forms of moisture and FG produce bias‐inducing heterophases at 0.02% FG. The unexpected low solubility of FG, exacerbated by interactions with impurities, is seen as an important contributor to underestimates and imprecision, and a strong influencing factor on the fate of residual FG in commercial biodiesel fuels.
Quantifying Barriers to Improvement of Treatment Satisfaction in Men with Erectile Dysfunction: Use of Person-Item Maps
Authors: Bushmakin Andrew G. , Cappelleri Joseph C. , Stecher Vera , Lue Tom F. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Introduction
Patient-reported outcomes are a valuable tool used to gauge treatment satisfaction in different conditions, including erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim
To use person-item maps to quantify barriers to improvement of treatment satisfaction in men with ED.

Methods
Men 18 to 65 years old with documented ED received sildenafil 50 mg, sildenafil 100 mg, or placebo for 8 weeks in a double-blinded manner. Post hoc analyses were conducted on Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) data (11 items rating treatment satisfaction; each item score range = 0–4).

Main Outcome Measures
Person-item maps were developed based on Rasch models. To quantify barriers to improvement of treatment satisfaction, responses to the 11 items of the EDITS questionnaire were dichotomized to indicate improvement (responses of 3 or 4 were combined to a score of 1) vs no change or worsening (responses of 0, 1, or 2 were combined to a score of 0).

Results
Analyses were conducted using data from 278 men who completed the EDITS questionnaire at the end of double-blinded treatment. The person-item map indicated that EDITS item 4 (ease of use of treatment) was the easiest barrier to overcome, whereas the most difficult barrier to improvement of treatment satisfaction was EDITS item 2 (degree to which treatment met expectations). Most men in the sildenafil 100-mg group endorsed most EDITS items, consistent with substantial improvement. The sildenafil 50-mg group was similar, but with smaller frequencies for endorsing improvement of the more difficult EDITS items. In contrast, men receiving placebo endorsed mainly the easiest EDITS items, with only a small number of men endorsing the difficult items.

Conclusion
A person-item map is a useful means for quantifying barriers to improvement of treatment satisfaction represented by EDITS items in patients with ED.
Combination treatment with leptin and pioglitazone in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Fernandez‐Martos Carmen M. , Atkinson Rachel A.K. , Chuah Meng I. , King Anna E. , Vickers James C. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIntroductionCombination therapy approaches may be necessary to address the many facets of pathologic change in the brain in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The drugs leptin and pioglitazone have previously been shown individually to have neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory actions, respectively, in animal models.MethodsWe studied the impact of combined leptin and pioglitazone treatment in 6‐month‐old APP/PS1 (APPswe/PSEN1dE9) transgenic AD mouse model.ResultsWe report that an acute 2‐week treatment with combined leptin and pioglitazone resulted in a reduction of spatial memory deficits (Y maze) and brain β‐amyloid levels (soluble β‐amyloid and amyloid plaque burden) relative to vehicle‐treated animals. Combination treatment was also associated with amelioration in plaque‐associated neuritic pathology and synapse loss, and also a significantly reduced neocortical glial response.DiscussionCombination therapy with leptin and pioglitazone ameliorates pathologic changes in APP/PS1 mice and may represent a potential treatment approach for AD.
‘Conflict with the Law’: Regulation & Homeless Youth Trajectories toward Stability
Authors: Quirouette Marianne , Frederick Tyler , Hughes Jean , Karabanow Jeff , Kidd Sean 
Published: December 2016

AbstractYouth without housing experience more regulation and conflict with criminal justice than their housed counterparts. Using in-depth qualitative interviews with fifty-one young people, we focus on how efforts to move away from homelessness towards long-term housing stability are impacted by conflict with law, a term referring to a broad range of experiences with various authorities in the legal system, social services, shelters, etc. Our paper comes out of a yearlong longitudinal study of the factors and processes affecting the transition away from youth homelessness in Toronto and Halifax. We consider practical barriers generated by conflict with law, but also the role that it can play in shaping the identity processes at the heart of successful transitions. Our findings highlight how conflict with law and regulation—even occurring before and during homelessness—has serious repercussions for young people well after they have left the streets.
Antiseptic Effect of Conventional Povidone–Iodine Scrub, Chlorhexidine Scrub, and Waterless Hand Rub in a Surgical Room: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tsai Jui-Chen , Lin Yen-Kuang , Huang Yen-Jung , Loh El-Wui , Wen Hsiao-Yun , Wang Chia-Hui , Tsai Yin-Tai , Hsieh Wen-Shyang , Tam Ka-Wai 
Published: December 2016

OBJECTIVEEffective perioperative hand antisepsis is crucial for the safety of patients and medical staff in surgical rooms. The antimicrobial effectiveness of different antiseptic methods, including conventional hand scrubs and waterless hand rubs, has not been well evaluated.DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTSA randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the 3 antiseptic methods among surgical staff of Taipei Medical University—Shuang Ho Hospital. For each method used, a group of 80 participants was enrolled.INTERVENTIONSurgical hand cleansing with conventional 10% povidone–iodine scrub, conventional 4% chlorhexidine scrub, or waterless hand rub (1% chlorhexidine gluconate and 61% ethyl alcohol).RESULTSColony-forming unit (CFU) counts were collected using the hand imprinting method before and after disinfection and after surgery. After surgical hand disinfection, the mean CFU counts of the conventional chlorhexidine (0.5±0.2, P<0.01) and waterless hand rub groups (1.4±0.7, P<0.05) were significantly lower than that of the conventional povidone group (4.3±1.3). No significant difference was observed in the mean CFU count among the groups after surgery. Similar results were obtained when preexisting differences before disinfection were considered in the analysis of covariance. Furthermore, multivariate regression indicated that the antiseptic method (P=.0036), but not other variables, predicted the mean CFU count.CONCLUSIONSConventional chlorhexidine scrub and waterless hand rub were superior to a conventional povidone–iodine product in bacterial inhibition. We recommend using conventional chlorhexidine scrub as a standard method for perioperative hand antisepsis. Waterless hand rub may be used if the higher cost is affordable.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2017;38:417–422
Carbohydrate intake and resistance-based exercise: are current recommendations reflective of actual need?
Authors: Escobar Kurt A. , VanDusseldorp Trisha A. , Kerksick Chad M. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSubstantial research has been completed examining the impact of carbohydrate (CHO) intake on endurance exercise, whereas its role in resistance-based exercise performance, adaptation and cell signalling has yet to be fully characterised. This empirical shortcoming has precluded the ability to establish specific CHO recommendations for resistance exercise. This results in recommendations largely stemming from findings based on endurance exercise and/or anecdotal evidence despite the distinct energetic demands and molecular responses mediating adaptation from endurance- and resistance-based exercise. Moreover, the topic of CHO and exercise has become one of polarising nature with divergent views – some substantiated, others lacking evidence. Current literature suggests a moderately high daily CHO intake (3–7 g/kg per d) for resistance training, which is thought to prevent glycogen depletion and facilitate performance and adaptation. However, contemporary investigation, along with an emerging understanding of the molecular underpinnings of resistance exercise adaptation, may suggest that such an intake may not be necessary. In addition to the low likelihood of true glycogen depletion occurring in response to resistance exercise, a diet restrictive in CHO may not be detrimental to acute resistance exercise performance or the cellular signalling activity responsible for adaptation, even when muscle glycogen stores are reduced. Current evidence suggests that signalling of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1, the key regulatory kinase for gene translation (protein synthesis), is unaffected by CHO restriction or low muscular glycogen concentrations. Such findings may call into question the current view and subsequent recommendations of CHO intake with regard to resistance-based exercise.
Intake ofn-3 fatty acids and long-term outcome in renal transplant recipients: apost hocanalysis of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Pranger Ilse G. , Gruppen Eke G. , van den Berg Else , Soedamah-Muthu Sabita S. , Navis Gerjan , Gans Rijk O. B. , Muskiet Frits A. J. , Kema Ido P. , Joosten Michel M. , Bakker Stephan J. L. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSupplementation withn-3 fatty acids may improve long-term outcomes of renal transplant recipients (RTR). Recent evidence suggests that EPA and DHA have different outcomes compared withα-linolenic acid (ALA). We examined the prospective associations of EPA–DHA and ALA intakes with graft failure and all-cause mortality in 637 RTR. During 3·1 years (interquartile range 2·7, 3·8) of follow-up, forty-one developed graft failure and sixty-seven died. In age- and sex-adjusted analyses, EPA–DHA and ALA intakes were not associated with graft failure. EPA–DHA intake was not significantly associated with mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 0·79; 95% CI 0·54, 1·15 per 0·1 energy% difference). ALA intake was significantly associated with mortality (HR 1·17; 95% CI 1·04, 1·31 per 0·1 energy% difference). This association remained following adjustments for BMI, proteinuria and intakes of fat, carbohydrate and protein. RTR in the highest tertile of ALA intake exhibited about 2-fold higher mortality risk (HR 2·21; 95% CI 1·23, 3·97) compared with the lowest tertile. In conclusion, ALA intake may be associated with increased mortality in RTR. Future RCT are needed to confirm these results.
Social support buffers the effect of interpersonal life stress on suicidal ideation and self-injury during adolescence
Authors: Mackin D. M. , Perlman G. , Davila J. , Kotov R. , Klein D. N. 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundThe effect of life stress on suicidal symptoms during adolescence is well documented. Stressful life events can trigger suicidality, but most adolescents are resilient and it is unclear which factors protect against the deleterious impact of stress. Social support is thought to be one such factor. Therefore, we investigated the buffering effect of specific sources of social support (parental and peer) on life stress (interpersonal and non-interpersonal) in predicting suicidal symptoms during adolescence. In order to test the specificity of this stress buffering, we also examined it with regard to dysphoric mood.MethodData come from the Adolescent Development of Emotions and Personality Traits (ADEPT) Project, a cohort of 550 adolescent females aged 13.5–15.5 recruited from Long Island. Self-reported social support, suicidality, and dysphoria were assessed at baseline and suicidality and dysphoria were assessed again at 9-month follow-up. Life stress was assessed by interview at the follow-up.ResultsHigh levels of parental support protected adolescent girls from developing suicidal symptoms following a stressor. This effect was less pronounced for peer support. Also, social support did not buffer the pathogenic effects of non-interpersonal stress. Finally, social support did not buffer the effect of life stress on dysphoric symptoms.ConclusionsAltogether, our results highlight a distinct developmental pathway for the development of suicidal symptoms involving parental support that differs from the development of dysphoria, and signifies the importance and specificity of social support in protecting against suicidality in adolescent girls.
TIPPETT'S FOURTH PIANO SONATA
Authors: Mead Philip 
Published: December 2016

AbstractOn 10 May 1989 pianist Philip Mead was engaged to play Tippett's Fourth Piano Sonata at Birmingham University on the occasion of the composer receiving his honorary doctorate there. This was preceded by an afternoon workshop on the piece with lively discussion between composer and pianist. Two days previously, on 8 May 1989, in preparation for the concert, Mead played the work privately to the composer. The information in this article, which is almost entirely drawn from those two meetings, begins with a brief description of working with Tippett. Then, after an overview of all four sonatas it makes general points about the structure and style of the Fourth Sonata. Finally, each movement is discussed in turn using ideas, many of which were initiated by the composer, developed by the pianist.
The impacts of recurrent fires on diversity of fruit-feeding butterflies in a south-eastern Amazon forest
Authors: de Andrade Rafael B. , Balch Jennifer K. , Carreira Junia Y. O. , Brando Paulo M. , Freitas André V. L. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract:In the south-eastern Amazon, positive feedbacks between land use and severe weather events are increasing the frequency and intensity of fires, threatening local biodiversity. We sampled fruit-feeding butterflies in experimental plots in a south-eastern Amazon forest: one control plot, one plot burned every 3 y, one plot burned yearly. We also measured environmental parameters (canopy cover, temperature, humidity). Our results show no significant differences in overall species richness between plots (34, 37 and 33 species respectively), although richness was lower in burned plots during the dry season. We found significant differences in community composition and structure between control and burned plots, but not between burned treatments. In the control plot, forest-specialist species represented 64% of total abundance, decreasing to 50% in burned every 3 y and 54% in yearly burned plots. Savanna specialist species were absent in the control plot, but represented respectively 8% and 3% of total abundance in burned plots. The best predictor of the change in spatial community patterns and abundance of forest specialists was canopy cover. Although we found high resilience to forest burning in many species, our study suggests that fire disturbance can still be a threat to forest specialists due to changes in microclimate.
Facilitating second language learners’ listening comprehension with Second Life and Skype
Authors: Levak Natasha , Son Jeong-Bae 
Published: December 2016

AbstractLearning how to comprehend while listening to a second language is often considered by learners to be a difficult process that can lead to anxiety when trying to communicate (Graham, 2006; Graham & Macaro, 2008). Computer-mediated communication (CMC) can be used to assist in increasing access to native speakers and opportunities to listen. This study investigates the effectiveness of the use of Second Life and Skype as part of facilitation techniques and the affordances of these online tools for developing listening comprehension. Participants in the study were learning either English or Croatian and were located in Sydney and Brisbane in Australia, Split in Croatia, and Mostar in Bosnia and Hercegovina. A mixed-methods approach was utilised incorporating pre-tests and post-tests (quantitative data) to gain information on the effectiveness of the techniques for developing listening comprehension and in-depth interviews (qualitative data) to gain the participants’ views on the perceived effectiveness of the techniques and the affordances of Second Life or Skype. The results of the study indicate that both techniques resulted in positive gains in the development of listening comprehension. Based on the analysis of the interview data, a more in-depth perspective on the affordances of each online tool was developed, which informed the creation of a new facilitation technique utilising both tools. The study demonstrates how online tools can be used to facilitate interaction between learners and illustrates the need for the selection of online tools for language learning to be based on pedagogy. It is recommended that the selection of tools should be carefully considered in alignment with task aims and the affordances of online tools.
Modes of relating to contingency: An exploration of experiences in advanced cancer patients
Authors: Kruizinga Renske , Hartog Iris D. , Scherer-Rath Michael , Schilderman Hans , Van Laarhoven Hanneke 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTObjective:Throughout their lives, people are confronted with unexpected life events, which can be difficult to incorporate into their life narratives. Such a confrontation can result in an experience of contingency. Different ways of relating to contingency have been described by Wuchterl: denying, acknowledging, and “encounter with the Other.” In the present article, we aim to trace these theoretical distinctions in real-life experiences of patients.Method:We analyzed 45 interviews using the constant comparative method with a directed content analysis approach in the Atlas.ti coding program. The interviews originated from a randomized controlled trial evaluating an assisted reflection on life events and ultimate life goals. Seven spiritual counselors from six hospitals in the Netherlands conducted the interviews from July of 2014 to March of 2016. All 45 patients had advanced cancer.Results:We found four different modes into which relating to contingency can be classified: denying, acknowledging, accepting, and receiving. With denying, patients did not mention any impact of the life event on their lives. In acknowledging, the impact was recognized and a start was made to incorporate the event into their life. In accepting, patients went through a process of reinterpretation of the event. In receiving, patients talked about receiving insights from their illness and living a more conscious life.Significance of results:Our study is the first to investigate the different ways of relating to contingency in clinical practice. The defined modes will improve our understanding of the various ways in which cancer patients relate to their disease, allowing caregivers to better target and shape individual care.
Robert Coe Receives 2016 John Adam Fleming Medal
Authors:   AGU
Published: December 2016

Robert Coe was awarded the 2016 John Adam Fleming Medal at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 14 December 2016 in San Francisco, Calif. The medal is for "original research and technical leadership in geomagnetism, atmospheric electricity, aeronomy, space physics, and/or related sciences."
Chirality-driven orbital magnetic moments as a new probe for topological magnetic structures
Authors: dos Santos Dias Manuel , Bouaziz Juba , Bouhassoune Mohammed , Blügel Stefan , Lounis Samir 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWhen electrons are driven through unconventional magnetic structures, such as skyrmions, they experience emergent electromagnetic fields that originate several Hall effects. Independently, ground-state emergent magnetic fields can also lead to orbital magnetism, even without the spin–orbit interaction. The close parallel between the geometric theories of the Hall effects and of the orbital magnetization raises the question: does a skyrmion display topological orbital magnetism? Here we first address the smallest systems with nonvanishing emergent magnetic field, trimers, characterizing the orbital magnetic properties from first-principles. Armed with this understanding, we study the orbital magnetism of skyrmions and demonstrate that the contribution driven by the emergent magnetic field is topological. This means that the topological contribution to the orbital moment does not change under continuous deformations of the magnetic structure. Furthermore, we use it to propose a new experimental protocol for the identification of topological magnetic structures, by soft X-ray spectroscopy.