bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in soil redox potential in response to flood irrigation with waste water in central Mexico
Authors: González‐Méndez B. , Webster R. , Fiedler S. , Siebe C. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryIrrigation with untreated sewage water adds fresh organic matter to the soil. When it is applied by flooding, as in the Mezquital Valley of Mexico, many of the pores in the soil become temporarily waterlogged and depleted of oxygen, and reduction generates nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4). We monitored the redox potential, Eh, in the soil at two sites in the Mezquital Valley to discover whether the short‐term gaseous emissions matched the changes in Eh. One site is irrigated periodically by flooding with waste water and has alfalfa, rye grass and maize grown in succession; the other site grows maize with water from summer rain only. Each electrode buried in the soil for the purpose produced sequences of measurements that were correlated in time. We modelled the correlation and took it into account to analyse the effects of the irrigation by residual maximum likelihood (reml). After each flooding, the redox potential under alfalfa and rye grass decreased by 150–200 mV from a norm of about 450 mV for 2 days, after which it returned to its norm. The short‐term response to flooding under maize was similar, but the redox potential did not recover completely; instead there was a decrease from one irrigation event to another, in particular as a result of heavy rain in September that saturated the soil. The soil under rain‐fed maize was slower to respond, partly, we believe, because infiltration into the less aggregated clay soil and drainage from it were also slow. Irrigation with untreated sewage water caused a sharp decrease in Eh lasting 1–2 days. It seems to have depleted the soil of oxygen, causing reduction in microhabitats rich in carbon and nitrogen and generation of N2O, which was captured in the closed chambers that we had installed.Highlights
Land in the Mezquital Valley of Mexico emits much greenhouse gas when irrigated with sewage water.
The soil's redox potential was monitored in situ as crops were irrigated or depended solely on rain.
Each irrigation caused a decrease in the soil's redox potential of 150–200 mV for 2 days.
The decrease in redox potential corresponded in time with emission of nitrous oxide.
Looking into cognitive impairment in primary‐progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Petracca M. , Sumowski J. , Fabian M. , Miller A. , Lublin F. , Inglese M. 
Published: October 2017

Background and purposeCognitive impairment in primary‐progressive multiple sclerosis (PP‐MS) is correlated with global brain atrophy. Unfortunately, brain volume computation requires processing resources that are not widely available in clinical practice. Therefore, we decided to test the predictive role of retinal atrophy metrics on cognitive decline, applying them as a proxy of gray matter atrophy in PP‐MS.MethodsTwenty‐five patients with PP‐MS completed the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis and underwent spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and 3.0‐T magnetic resonance imaging. We tested, through a stepwise logistic regression, whether OCT metrics [retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell + inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and total macular volume] predicted cognitive impairment and explored the role of gray matter atrophy in mediating these correlations.ResultsAmong OCT metrics, only GCIPL was associated with cognitive impairment (rp = 0.448, P = 0.036) and predictive of objective cognitive impairment (Wald [1] = 4.40, P = 0.036). Controlling for demographics, normalized brain volume and thalamic volume were correlated with GCIPL (rp = 0.427, P = 0.047 and rp = 0.674, P = 0.001, respectively) and cognitive scores (rp = 0.593, P = 0.004 and rp = 0.501, P = 0.017, respectively), with thalamic volume nearly mediating the association between GCIPL and cognition (Sobel z = 1.86, P = 0.063).ConclusionsThe GCIPL thickness is a suitable measure of neurodegeneration. In comparison with brain atrophy, GCIPL offers higher histopathological specificity, being a pure correlate of neuronal loss, and may be a non‐invasive, easy‐to‐perform way to quantitatively evaluate and monitor neuronal loss related to cognitive impairment in PP‐MS.
A direct aspiration first pass technique for acute stroke therapy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gory B. , Armoiry X. , Sivan‐Hoffmann R. , Piotin M. , Mazighi M. , Lapergue B. , Blanc R. , Turjman F. 
Published: October 2017

Background and purposeA direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT), involving the first‐line use of a large‐bore distal aspiration catheter, is a new strategy in the mechanical thrombectomy of acute ischemic stroke caused by large‐vessel occlusion. However, its impact on reperfusion rates, clinical outcomes and complication rates has not been fully examined.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of the literature searching multiple databases for reports on thrombectomy of acute stroke with ADAPT and performed meta‐analyses of clinical and radiographic outcomes.ResultsWe selected 16 articles that included a total of 1378 patients treated with ADAPT. The mean admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 17 and pre‐treatment intravenous thrombolysis was used in 51% of cases. The successful recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia 2b‐3) rate was 66% [95% confidence interval (CI), 59–72%] with ADAPT and a rescue stent retriever was used in 31% of cases (95% CI, 24–37%) yielding an overall thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia 2b‐3 rate of 89% (95% CI, 85–92%). We found a pooled estimate of 50% (95% CI, 45–54%) for functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) at 90 days, 15% (95% CI, 10–21%) for mortality within 90 days and 5% (95% CI, 3–7%) for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.ConclusionsADAPT therapy is associated with similar reperfusion rates, clinical outcomes and complication rates compared with thrombectomy with stent retrievers. However, the major limitations of current evidence (i.e. retrospective studies and selection bias) indicate a need for adequately powered, multicenter randomized controlled trials to determine the best strategy.
Morphological changes of the internal carotid artery: prevalence and characteristics. A clinical and ultrasonographic study in a series of 19 804 patients over 25 years old
Authors: Martins H. F. G. , Mayer A. , Batista P. , Soares F. , Almeida V. , Pedro A. J. , Oliveira V. 
Published: October 2017

Background and purposeMorphological changes of the internal carotid arteries (McICA) are frequently found during cervical ultrasound studies. However, the etiology of McICA remains controversial. During this study, the prevalence and demographic characteristics of McICA, such as kinking, coiling or looping identified by Doppler ultrasound, were analysed and its relationship with vascular risk factors and stroke was assessed.MethodsA retrospective study was performed by analysing 19 804 patients who were subjected to cervical ultrasonographic study between January 2000 and June 2012. The data were statistically analysed with SPSS® 20 and a multivariate logistic regression was performed. Statistical significance was accepted for P < 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used.ResultsMorphological changes of the internal carotid arteries were present in 2678 patients (13.5%) and were unilateral in 61.6% of these cases. Carotid kinking was found in 80% of the patients, coiling in 16% and looping in 1%. In multivariate analysis, the presence of McICA was related to older groups (1.04; 95% CI, 1.04–1.05; P < 0.01), female gender (1.78; 95% CI, 1.64–1.94; P < 0.01), patients with hyperlipidemia (1.28; 95% CI, 1.17–1.40; P < 0.01), carotid thickness (1.22; 95% CI, 1.13–1.33; P < 0.01) and cardiac or cardioembolic disease (1.11; 95% CI, 1.01–1.21; P = 0.02). The results of this study indicate that kinking in the carotid artery was associated with ipsilateral cerebral ischemic events (1.43; 95% CI, 1.040–1.958; P < 0.05).ConclusionMorphological changes of the internal carotid arteries were associated with aging, female gender and patients with hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. Kinking was associated with ipsilateral cerebral ischemia.
Hair coat properties of donkeys, mules and horses in a temperate climate
Authors: Osthaus B. , Proops L. , Long S. , Bell N. , Hayday K. , Burden F. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryBackgroundThere are clear differences between donkeys and horses in their evolutionary history, physiology, behaviour and husbandry needs. Donkeys are often kept in climates that they are not adapted to and as such may suffer impaired welfare unless protection from the elements is provided.ObjectivesTo compare some of the hair coat properties of donkeys, mules and horses living outside, throughout the year, in the temperate climate of the UK.Study designLongitudinal study.MethodsHair samples were taken from 42 animals: 18 donkeys (4 females, 14 males), 16 horses (6 females, 10 males) and eight mules (5 females, 3 males), in March, June, September and December. The weight, length and width of hair were measured, across the four seasons, as indicators of the hair coat insulation properties.ResultsDonkeys’ hair coats do not significantly differ across the seasons. All three measurements of the insulation properties of the hair samples indicate that donkeys do not grow a winter coat and that their hair coat was significantly lighter, shorter and thinner than that of horses and mules in winter. In contrast, the hair coats of horses changed significantly between seasons, growing thicker in winter.Main limitationsThe measurements cover only a limited range of features that contribute to the thermoregulation of an animal. Further research is needed to assess shelter preferences by behavioural measures, and absolute heat loss via thermoimaging.ConclusionsDonkeys, and to a lesser extent mules, appear not to be as adapted to colder, wet climates as horses, and may therefore require additional protection from the elements, such as access to a wind and waterproof shelter, in order for their welfare needs to be met.
Apparent annual survival estimates of tropical songbirds better reflect life history variation when based on intensive field methods
Authors: Martin Thomas E. , Riordan Margaret M. , Repin Rimi , Mouton James C. , Blake William M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimAdult survival is central to theories explaining latitudinal gradients in life history strategies. Life history theory predicts higher adult survival in tropical than north temperate regions given lower fecundity and parental effort. Early studies were consistent with this prediction, but standard‐effort netting studies in recent decades suggested that apparent survival rates in temperate and tropical regions strongly overlap. Such results do not fit with life history theory. Targeted marking and resighting of breeding adults yielded higher survival estimates in the tropics, but this approach is thought to overestimate survival because it does not sample social and age classes with lower survival. We compared the effect of field methods on tropical survival estimates and their relationships with life history traits.LocationSabah, Malaysian Borneo.Time period2008–2016.Major taxonPasseriformes.MethodsWe used standard‐effort netting and resighted individuals of all social and age classes of 18 tropical songbird species over 8 years. We compared apparent survival estimates between these two field methods with differing analytical approaches.ResultsEstimated detection and apparent survival probabilities from standard‐effort netting were similar to those from other tropical studies that used standard‐effort netting. Resighting data verified that a high proportion of individuals that were never recaptured in standard‐effort netting remained in the study area, and many were observed breeding. Across all analytical approaches, addition of resighting yielded substantially higher survival estimates than did standard‐effort netting alone. These apparent survival estimates were higher than for temperate zone species, consistent with latitudinal differences in life histories. Moreover, apparent survival estimates from addition of resighting, but not from standard‐effort netting alone, were correlated with parental effort as measured by egg temperature across species.Main conclusionsInclusion of resighting showed that standard‐effort netting alone can negatively bias apparent survival estimates and obscure life history relationships across latitudes and among tropical species.
Trait correlations equalize spread velocity across plant life histories
Authors: Lustenhouwer Nicky , Moran Emily V. , Levine Jonathan M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimForecasting species migration with climate change and the advance of biological invasions requires a better understanding of species' relative migration capacity. Although theory predicts that species combining high fecundity and dispersal with early maturation should spread the fastest, possible correlations between these traits greatly complicate predictions of species' relative spread velocity. We asked whether the demographic and dispersal rates controlling plant population spread are correlated across species, and which observed association of these traits leads to the fastest spread.LocationWorldwide.Time periodCurrent.Major taxa studiedEighty species of herbaceous and woody plants from 35 families and 64 genera.MethodsWe examined the relationships between age at maturity, dispersal and fecundity for 80 plant species, ranging from annual herbs to trees. We incorporated these rates into a model predicting spread velocities, in order to estimate species' spread capacity as a function of their life history.ResultsAcross species, age at maturity was positively associated with both dispersal and fecundity. Given that these traits have opposing effects on spread, our models predict that species widely spaced along an age‐at‐maturity gradient should spread at comparable rates. This result was driven by variation between rather than within life‐forms; the traits controlling spread were not correlated within annual herbs, perennial herbs or trees. The predicted spread velocities for these plant life‐forms overlapped considerably, although on average, trees were predicted to spread faster than herbaceous species.Main conclusionsOur results suggest that very different plant life histories allow for similar rates of biological invasion or native species migration under climate change. Determining where species fall within the correlated suite of traits controlling spread might provide the most effective way to predict relative spread velocities.
Light and plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria effects on Brachiaria brizantha growth and phenotypic plasticity to shade
Authors: Lopes M. J. S. , Dias‐Filho M. B. , Castro T. H. R. , Silva G. B. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis is the first report on the effect of light intensity and plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on the growth of a tropical forage grass, being a relevant study to improve pasture management in conventional farming and integrated crop‐livestock‐forestry systems. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the effects of light intensity and Burkholderia pyrrocinia and Pseudomonas fluorescens inoculation on Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã growth, and phenotypic plasticity to shade. The experiment was conducted in a semi‐controlled environment. Seedlings of B. brizantha were allocated to full sun and shade. P. fluorescens and B. pyrrocinia were inoculated individually or co‐inoculated by soil drench, 14 days after seedling emergence. We evaluated morphogenesis, structural and growth parameters. Irrespective of the light regime, co‐inoculated plants had greater leaf area and SPAD index (chlorophyll content). Increase in total biomass production in co‐inoculated plants was over 100% and 300%, under full sun and shade respectively. Co‐inoculated P. fluorescens and B. pyrrocinia increased shade tolerance in B. brizantha, improving plant performance. Co‐inoculation promoted growth in B. brizantha under both sun and shade, indicating its potential as a bio‐fertilizer in conventional and integrated systems, especially in silvopastoral systems, where light availability to pasture growth may be limited.
International Political Risk Management: Perspectives, Approaches and Emerging Agendas
Authors: John Anna , Lawton Thomas C. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis paper reviews the extant and emerging perspectives on, and approaches to, political risk management, particularly in the context of foreign direct investment. The authors identify and classify the various theoretical lenses in the domain of political risk management, and suggest a future research agenda. The paper contributes by conceptually categorizing and mapping the extant research onto three approaches to the management of political risk. Through conducting a narrative literature review, the authors suggest three theoretical perspectives on political risk management: institutions; resources and capabilities; and resource dependence. They argue that the institutions approach to political risk management is reactive, responding to external stimuli, whereas the resources‐ and capabilities‐based approach is proactive, preparing and acting in anticipation. The resource dependence domain offers an intermediate approach – the active management of political risk. The authors also suggest that the effectiveness of the domains’ approaches may vary across different national contexts.
T‐cell epitope content comparison (EpiCC) of swine H1 influenza A virus hemagglutinin
Authors: Gutiérrez Andres H. , Rapp‐Gabrielson Vicki J. , Terry Frances E. , Loving Crystal L. , Moise Leonard , Martin William D. , De Groot Anne S. 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundPredicting vaccine efficacy against emerging pathogen strains is a significant problem in human and animal vaccine design. T‐cell epitope cross‐conservation may play an important role in cross‐strain vaccine efficacy. While influenza A virus (IAV) hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titers are widely used to predict protective efficacy of 1 IAV vaccine against new strains, no similar correlate of protection has been identified for T‐cell epitopes.ObjectiveWe developed a computational method (EpiCC) that facilitates pairwise comparison of protein sequences based on an immunological property—T‐cell epitope content—rather than sequence identity, and evaluated its ability to classify swine IAV strain relatedness to estimate cross‐protective potential of a vaccine strain for circulating viruses.MethodsT‐cell epitope relatedness scores were assessed for 23 IAV HA sequences representing the major H1 swine IAV phylo‐clusters circulating in North American swine and HA sequences in a commercial inactivated vaccine (FluSure XP®). Scores were compared to experimental data from previous efficacy studies.ResultsHigher EpiCC scores were associated with greater protection by the vaccine against strains for 23 field IAV strain vaccine comparisons. A threshold for EpiCC relatedness associated with full or partial protection in the absence of cross‐reactive HI antibodies was identified. EpiCC scores for field strains for which FluSure protective efficacy is not yet available were also calculated.ConclusionEpiCC thresholds can be evaluated for predictive accuracy of protection in future efficacy studies. EpiCC may also complement HI cross‐reactivity and phylogeny for selection of influenza strains in vaccine development.
Mortality burden from seasonal influenza and 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza in Beijing, China, 2007‐2013
Authors: Wu Shuangsheng , Wei Zaihua , Greene Carolyn M. , Yang Peng , Su Jianting , Song Ying , Iuliano Angela D. , Wang Quanyi 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundData about influenza mortality burden in northern China are limited. This study estimated mortality burden in Beijing associated with seasonal influenza from 2007 to 2013 and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.MethodsWe estimated influenza‐associated excess mortality by fitting a negative binomial model using weekly mortality data as the outcome of interest with the percent of influenza‐positive samples by type/subtype as predictor variables.ResultsFrom 2007 to 2013, an average of 2375 (CI1002‐8688) deaths was attributed to influenza per season, accounting for 3% of all deaths. Overall, 81% of the deaths attributed to influenza occurred in adults aged ≥65 years, and the influenza‐associated mortality rate in this age group was higher than the rate among those aged <65 years (113.6 [CI49.5‐397.4] versus 4.4 [CI1.7‐18.6] per 100 000,P < .05). The mortality rate associated with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic in 2009/2010 was comparable to that of seasonal influenza during the seasonal years (19.9 [CI10.4‐33.1] vs 17.2 [CI7.2‐67.5] per 100 000). People aged <65 years represented a greater proportion of all deaths during the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic period than during the seasonal epidemics (27.0% vs 17.7%,P < .05).ConclusionsInfluenza is an important contributor to mortality in Beijing, especially among those aged ≥65 years. These results support current policies to give priority to older adults for seasonal influenza vaccination and help to define the populations at highest risk for death that could be targeted for pandemic influenza vaccination.
Assessing the reporting quality of influenza outbreaks in the community
Authors: Lo Calvin , Mertz Dominik , Loeb Mark 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundHigh‐quality reporting of outbreak characteristics is fundamental to understand the behaviour of various strains of influenza virus and the impact of outbreak management strategies. However, few studies have systematically evaluated the quality of outbreak reporting.ObjectivesTo conduct a systematic analysis and assessment for reporting quality of influenza outbreaks based on a modified version of the STROBE statement, and to examine characteristics associated with reporting quality.MethodsA literature search was conducted across 3 online databases (PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE) for reports of influenza outbreaks (pandemic H1N1, avian, seasonal). The quality of reports meeting our eligibility criteria was assessed using the Modified STROBE criteria and assigned a score of 30. Mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported for comparisons of study characteristics.ResultsSixty‐four outbreak reports were available for analyses. The average Modified STROBE score was 20/30. Peer‐reviewed articles were associated with a better quality of reporting (MD 2.79, 95% CI 0.79‐4.78). Likewise, reports from authors affiliated with public health agencies were associated with better quality than those from academic institutions (MD 1.65, 95% CI−0.27‐3.56).ConclusionsThe development of explicit reporting guidelines specifically geared towards reporting of outbreak investigations proved to be useful. Providing information on patient characteristics, investigation details in introduction and results, as well as addressing limitations that could have biased the findings, were frequently missing in the published reports.