bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short‐Term Vegetation Recovery after a Grassland Fire in Lithuania: The Effects of Fire Severity, Slope Position and Aspect
Authors: Pereira Paulo , Cerdà Artemi , Lopez Antonio Jordán , Zavala Lorena M. , Mataix‐Solera Jorge , Arcenegui Victoria , Misiune Ieva , Keesstra Saskia , Novara Agata 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn Lithuania, fire is frequently used by farmers as a tool to remove dry grass, improve soil nutrient status and help soil tilling. However, little is known about the ecological impacts of these fires, including vegetation recovery. The objective of this work is to study the impacts of a spring grassland fire on vegetation recuperation on an east‐facing (A) and a west‐facing slope (B), considering fire severity and slope position, 10, 17, 31 and 46 days after the fire. Because of their effects on fire behaviour, aspect, steepness and heterogeneity of topography favoured higher fire severity on slope B than on slope A. Three different slope positions were identified on slope A – flat top, middle slope and flat bottom – and five on slope B – flat top, middle slope, flat middle slope, slope bottom slope and flat bottom. Fire severity was high in top slope positions. The recovery of vegetation was very fast. By the end of the study, vegetation covered nearly 100% of the study area, although fire severity, aspect and slope characteristics had implications on vegetation recovery. Plant cover recovered quickly on slope A. Ten and 17 days after the fire, plant cover was high in the bottom positions, where fire severity was relatively low. The major vegetation recuperation was observed between 17 and 31 days after the fire, in response to high rainfall. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DVB‐S2X system performance results for broadcast and unicast broadband networks
Authors: Angelone Martina , Alagha Nader , Arapoglou Pantelis‐Daniel , Ginesi Alberto 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThe need for improving the achievable performance of Digital Video Broadcasting via Satellite Second Generation (DVB‐S2) for different applications has resulted in an extension of the DVB‐S2 standard targeting the main satellite markets, that is, direct‐to‐home, professional links and very small aperture terminal, as well as emerging markets such as mobile services.In this paper, we present potential system performance improvements that can be achieved by deploying the techniques available from DVB‐S2 Extension in satellite broadcast (direct‐to‐home profile) as well as broadband networks (very small aperture terminal scenario). It is shown that the combination of DVB‐S2 Extension features offer significant advances and opportunities to service providers, particularly in emerging satellite systems such as multi‐beam Ka‐band broadband as well as broadcasting satellite networks. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening for trisomies by cell‐free DNA testing of maternal blood: consequences of a failed result
Authors: Revello R. , Sarno L. , Ispas A. , Akolekar R. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTObjectivesFirst, to report the distribution of the fetal fraction of cell‐free (cf) DNA and the rate of a failed cfDNA test result in trisomies 21, 18 and 13, by comparison with pregnancies unaffected by these trisomies, second, to examine the possible effects of maternal and fetal characteristics on the fetal fraction, and third, to consider the options for further management of pregnancies with a failed result.MethodsThis was a cohort study of 10 698 singleton pregnancies undergoing screening for fetal trisomies 21, 18 and 13 by cfDNA testing at 10–14 weeks' gestation. There were 160 cases of trisomy 21, 50 of trisomy 18, 16 of trisomy 13 and 10 472 were unaffected by these trisomies. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine significant predictors of fetal fraction and a failed cfDNA test result amongst maternal and fetal characteristics.ResultsFetal fraction decreased with increasing body mass index and maternal age, was lower in women of South Asian racial origin than in Caucasians and in assisted compared to natural conceptions. It increased with fetal crown–rump length and higher levels of serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A and free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin. The median fetal fraction was 11.0% (interquartile range (IQR), 8.3–14.4%) in the unaffected group, 10.7% (IQR, 7.8–14.3%) in trisomy 21, 8.6% (IQR, 5.0–10.2%) in trisomy 18 and 7.0% (IQR, 6.0–9.4%) in trisomy 13. There was a failed result from cfDNA testing after first sampling in 2.9% of the unaffected group, 1.9% of trisomy 21, 8.0% of trisomy 18 and 6.3% of trisomy 13. In the cases with a failed result, 7% of women had invasive testing, mainly because of high risk from the combined test and/or presence of sonographic features suggestive of trisomies 18 and 13. All cases of trisomies were detected prenatally.ConclusionsIn cases of a failed cfDNA test, the rate of trisomies 18 and 13, but not trisomy 21, is higher than in those with a successful test. In the management of such cases, the decision in favor of invasive testing should depend on the risk of prior screening and the results of detailed ultrasound examination. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Caught in the act: phenotypic consequences of a recent shift in feeding strategy of the shark barnacle Anelasma squalicola (Lovén, 1844)
Authors: Ommundsen Anders , Noever Christoph , Glenner Henrik 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAnelasma squalicola is a barnacle found attached to deep-water lantern sharks of the family Etmopteridae and is the only known cirriped on fish hosts. While A. squalicola is equipped with mouth and thoracic appendages (cirri), which are used for suspension feeding in conventional barnacles, its attachment device (peduncle) appears to have evolved into a feeding device, embedded into the tissue of its host. Here we demonstrate, through comparisons of the feeding apparatuses between A. squalicola and conventional suspension-feeding barnacles, that mouthparts and cirri of A. squalicola are highly reduced, and incapable of suspension-feeding activities. We show that in conventional suspension-feeding barnacles strong symmetries exist within these vital trophic structures. In A. squalicola strong asymmetries are widespread, indicating that those structures have been uncoupled from natural selection. The digestive tract is consistently empty, suggesting that feeding via cirri does not occur in A. squalicola. In addition, comparisons of stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) between A. squalicola, its shark host, and a conventional suspending feeding barnacle indicate that A. squalicola is taking nutrition directly from its host shark and not from the surrounding water. Our results strongly indicate that this barnacle has abandoned suspension feeding and now solely relies on obtaining nutrition from its host by a de novo evolved feeding mechanism.
The Effect of Regional Analgesia on Vascular Tone in Hip Arthroplasty Patients
Authors: Goytizolo Enrique A. , Stundner Ottokar , Rúa Sandra Hurtado , Marcello Dorothy , Buschiazzo Valeria , Vaz Ansara M. , Memtsoudis Stavros G. 
Published: January 2016

Background While it is assumed that neuraxial analgesia and pain management may beneficially influence perioperative hemodynamics, few studies provided data quantifying such effects and none have assessed the potential contribution of the addition of a nerve block. Questions/Purposes This clinical trial compared the visual analog scale (VAS) scores and measurement of arterial tone using augmentation index of patients who received combined spinal–epidural (CSE) only to patients who received both CSE and lumbar plexus block. Methods After obtaining written consent, 92 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty were randomized to receive either CSE or CSE with lumbar plexus block (LPB). Perioperative pain and arterial tone were measured using VAS scores and augmentation index (AI) respectively, at baseline and at various times postoperatively. Results After the exclusion of 2 patients, 44 patients received CSE alone and 46 patients received CSE and LPB. Patient demographics and perioperative characteristics were similar in both groups. AI continuously decreased after placement of a CSE with or without LBP, beyond full resolution of neuraxial and peripheral blockade. Although the LPB group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction of VAS pain scores in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU; P < 0.05), overall, the addition of a LPB did not significantly reduce the AI when compared to the control group. Conclusion The addition of a LPB provided better pain control in the PACU but did not reduce the AI, compared to the control group. We conclude that the addition of a LPB may have limited ability to affect arterial tone in the presence of a continuous infusion of epidural analgesics. In summary, the addition of a LPB in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty is clinically effective and provided better pain control, especially in the immediate postoperative period. The continuous decrease on the AI in both groups beyond the full resolution of the neuroaxial and LPB will require further studies.
Age‐associated events in bovine oocytes and possible countermeasures
Authors: Iwata Hisataka 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMaternal aging profoundly affects oocyte quality. This has become common knowledge in industrialized countries and extensive studies addressing the causes and possible countermeasures against age‐associated deterioration of oocytes suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction is a causal factor in infertility. However, almost all studies addressing age‐associated events in oocytes have used mice as an animal model, and the reproductive life of mice is very short, making it difficult to study the gradual decline in fertility observed in humans. In the present review, age‐associated changes in the quality and quantity of bovine oocytes and possible countermeasures related to mitochondrial quality control are introduced.
A Synthesis of Peer-Reviewed Literature on Team-Coordinated and Delivered Early Supported Discharge After Stroke
Authors: Meyer Matthew J. , Teasell Robert , Thind Amardeep , Koval John , Speechley Mark 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis review aimed to summarize data from peer-reviewed studies of team-coordinated and delivered early supported discharge (ESD) for postacute, poststroke rehabilitation. A systematic review was performed in Medline, Embase, and CINAHL for appropriate studies. Information on program details and patient cohorts was synthesized. All programs sought patients with mild-to-moderate functional impairment and minimal cognitive impairment (often based on Barthel Index and Mini-Mental State Examination scores, respectively). All also included at least one subjective admission criterion related to rehabilitation suitability or the suitability of the home environment. Based on the identified studies, ESD programs can assume that 15% of patients screened for ESD will be eligible and care should be provided for 4 to 5 weeks postdischarge. Although the benefits of team-coordinated and delivered ESD poststroke have been well-documented, this review may be helpful for clinicians, administrators, and policy makers looking to establish or refine an ESD program for stroke.
Exact coherent states in channel flow
Authors: Wall D. P. , Nagata M. 
Published: January 2016

Three spatially extended travelling wave exact coherent states, together with one spanwise-localised state, are presented for channel flow. Two of the extended flows are derived by homotopy from solutions to the problem of channel flow subject to a spanwise rotation investigated by Wall & Nagata (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 727, 2013, pp. 523–581). Both these flows are asymmetric with respect to the channel centreplane, and feature streaky structures in streamwise velocity flanked by staggered vortical structures. One of these flows features two streak/vortex systems per spanwise wavelength, while the other features one such system. The former substantially reduces the value of the lowest Reynolds number at which channel flow solutions ,other than the basic flow, are known to exist down to 665. The third flow has, in contrast, half-turn rotational symmetry about a streamwise axis through a point on the channel centreplane, and is found to be the flow from which one of the asymmetric flows bifurcates in a symmetry-breaking bifurcation. This flow is found to exist on an isolated bifurcation branch, whose upper and lower branches both lie on the boundary basin separating initial conditions that lead to turbulent events, and those that directly decay back to laminar flow. The structure of this flow, in which the disturbance to the basic flow is concentrated in a core region in a spanwise period, allowed the derivation of a corresponding spanwise-localised flow, which is also discussed.
Local stability analysis and eigenvalue sensitivity of reacting bluff-body wakes
Authors: Emerson Benjamin , Lieuwen Tim , Juniper Matthew P. 
Published: January 2016

This paper presents an experimental and theoretical investigation of high-Reynolds-number low-density reacting wakes near a hydrodynamic Hopf bifurcation. This configuration is applicable to the wake flows that are commonly used to stabilize flames in high-velocity flows. First, an experimental study is conducted to measure the limit-cycle oscillation of this reacting bluff-body wake. The experiment is repeated while independently varying the bluff-body lip velocity and the density ratio across the flame. In all cases, the wake exhibits a sinuous oscillation. Linear stability analysis is performed on the measured time-averaged velocity and density fields. In the first stage of this analysis, a local spatiotemporal stability analysis is performed on the measured time-averaged velocity and density fields. The stability analysis results are compared to the experimental measurement and demonstrate that the local stability analysis correctly captures the influence of the lip-velocity and density-ratio parameters on the sinuous mode. In the second stage of the analysis, the linear direct and adjoint global modes are estimated by combining the local results. The sensitivity of the eigenvalue to changes in intrinsic feedback mechanisms is found by combining the direct and adjoint global modes. This is referred to as the eigenvalue sensitivity throughout the paper for reasons of brevity. The predicted global mode frequency is consistently within 10 % of the measured value, and the linear global mode shape closely resembles the measured nonlinear oscillations. The adjoint global mode reveals that the oscillation is strongly sensitive to open-loop forcing in the shear layers. The eigenvalue sensitivity identifies a wavemaker in the recirculation zone of the wake. A parametric study shows that these regions change little when the density ratio and lip velocity change. In the third stage of the analysis, the stability analysis is repeated for the varicose hydrodynamic mode. Although not physically observed in this unforced flow, the varicose mode can lock into longitudinal acoustic waves and cause thermoacoustic oscillations to occur. The paper shows that the local stability analysis successfully predicts the global hydrodynamic stability characteristics of this flow and shows that experimental data can be post-processed with this method in order to identify the wavemaker regions and the regions that are most sensitive to external forcing, for example from acoustic waves.
The role of context in intuitive decision-making
Authors: Elbanna Said , Fadol Yasir 
Published: January 2016

AbstractFew writers have examined the contextual determinants of intuitive decision-making and none has examined the differential contribution to explaining intuition made by different perspectives on context. This study seeks to supply what is absent by examining the overall impact of combinations of variables representing three different perspectives (decision, environment and firm) on the use of intuition when making strategic decisions. The results indicate that the characteristics specific to the firm and to the environment appear to be more significant to intuition than does the nature of the decision; and that the impact of the contextual variables varies from one dimension to another. The research limitations are discussed and suggestions for future research are also offered.
Plasmodium malaria and antimalarial antibodies in the first year of life
Authors: DOBBS KATHERINE R. , DENT ARLENE E. 
Published: January 2016

SUMMARYMalaria is one of the most serious infectious diseases with most of the severe disease caused byPlasmodium falciparum(Pf). Naturally acquired immunity develops over time after repeated infections and the development of antimalarial antibodies is thought to play a crucial role. Neonates and young infants are relatively protected from symptomatic malaria through mechanisms that are poorly understood. The prevailing paradigm is that maternal antimalarial antibodies transferred to the fetus in the last trimester of pregnancy protect the infant from early infections. These antimalarial antibodies wane by approximately 6 months of age leaving the infant vulnerable to malaria, however direct evidence supporting this epidemiologically based paradigm is lacking. As infants are the target population for future malaria vaccines, understanding how they begin to develop immunity to malaria and the gaps in their responses is key. This review summarizes the antimalarial antibody responses detected in infants and how they change over time. We focus primarily on Pf antibody responses and will briefly mentionPlasmodium vivaxresponses in infants.
Human parasites in the Roman World: health consequences of conquering an empire
Authors: MITCHELL PIERS D. 
Published: January 2016

SUMMARYThe archaeological evidence for parasites in the Roman era is presented in order to demonstrate the species present at that time, and highlight the health consequences for people living under Roman rule. Despite their large multi-seat public latrines with washing facilities, sewer systems, sanitation legislation, fountains and piped drinking water from aqueducts, we see the widespread presence of whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) andEntamoeba histolyticathat causes dysentery. This would suggest that the public sanitation measures were insufficient to protect the population from parasites spread by fecal contamination. Ectoparasites such as fleas, head lice, body lice, pubic lice and bed bugs were also present, and delousing combs have been found. The evidence fails to demonstrate that the Roman culture of regular bathing in the public baths reduced the prevalence of these parasites. Fish tapeworm was noted to be widely present, and was more common than in Bronze and Iron Age Europe. It is possible that the Roman enthusiasm for fermented, uncooked fish sauce (garum) may have facilitated the spread of this helminth. Roman medical practitioners such as Galen were aware of intestinal worms, explaining their existence and planning treatment using the humoural theory of the period.
Failed cooperative, but not competitive, interaction between large-scale brain networks impairs working memory in schizophrenia
Authors: Pu W. , Luo Q. , Palaniyappan L. , Xue Z. , Yao S. , Feng J. , Liu Z. 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundA large-scale network named the default mode network (DMN) dynamically cooperates and competes with an external attention system (EAS) to facilitate various cognitive functioning that is prominently impaired in schizophrenia. However, it is unclear whether the cognitive deficit in schizophrenia is related to the disrupted competition and/or cooperation between these two networks.MethodA total of 35 schizophrenia patients and 30 healthy controls were scanned using gradient-echo echo-planar imaging duringn-back working memory (WM) processing. Brain activities of the DMN and EAS were measured using general linear modelling of the functional magnetic resonance imaging data. Dynamic interaction between the DMN and EAS was decomposed into two directions using Granger causality analysis.ResultsWe observed a significant failure of DMN suppression in patients with schizophrenia, which was significantly related to WM/attentional deficit. Granger causality modelling showed that in healthy controls, while the EAS inhibitorily influenced the DMN, the DMN exerted an ‘excitatory’ or cooperative influence back on the EAS, especially in those with lower WM accuracy. In schizophrenia, this ‘excitatory’ DMN→EAS influence within the reciprocal EAS–DMN loop was significantly reduced, especially in patients with WM/attentional deficit.ConclusionsThe dynamic interaction between the DMN and EAS is likely to be comprised of both competitive and cooperative influences. In healthy controls, both the ‘inhibitory’ EAS→DMN interaction and ‘excitatory’ DMN→EAS interaction are correlated with WM performance. In schizophrenia, reduced ‘cooperative’ influence from the DMN to dorsal nodes of the EAS occurs in the context of non-suppression of the DMN and may form a possible pathophysiological substrate of WM deficit and attention disorder.
Different neural substrates for executive functions in youths with ADHD: a diffusion spectrum imaging tractography study
Authors: Chiang H.-L. , Chen Y.-J. , Shang C.-Y. , Tseng W.-Y. I. , Gau S. S.-F. 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundThe relationship between white-matter tracts and executive functions (EF) in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has not been well studied and previous studies mainly focused on frontostriatal (FS) tracts. The authors explored the microstructural property of several fibre tracts hypothesized to be involved in EF, to correlate their microstructural property with EF, and to explore whether such associations differ between ADHD and typically developing (TD) youths.MethodWe assessed 45 youths with ADHD and 45 individually matched TD youths with a computerized test battery for multiple dimensions of EF. From magnetic resonance imaging, FS tract, superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), arcuate fasciculus (AF) and cingulum bundle (CB) were reconstructed by diffusion spectrum imaging tractography. The generalized fractional anisotropy (GFA) values of white-matter tracts were computed to present microstructural property of each tract.ResultsWe found lower GFA in the left FS tract, left SLF, left AF and right CB, and poorer performance in set-shifting, sustained attention, cognitive inhibition and visuospatial planning in ADHD than TD. The ADHD and TD groups demonstrated different association patterns between EF and fibre tract microstructural property. Most of the EF were associated with microstructural integrity of the FS tract and CB in TD youths, while with that of the FS tract, SLF and AF in youths with ADHD.ConclusionsOur findings support that the SLF, AF and CB also involve in a wide range of EF and that the main fibre tracts involved in EF are different in youths with ADHD.
Resonant third harmonic generation in clusters with density ripple: Effect of pulse slippage
Authors: Vij Shivani , Kant Niti , Aggarwal Munish 
Published: January 2016

AbstractA model is presented for the resonant third harmonic generation of short pulse lasers in cluster plasma in the presence of density ripple. Because of ripple in cluster density and plasma electron density outside the cluster, the phase-matching condition for the third harmonic process is satisfied, leading to resonant enhancement of harmonic generation. We explore the impact of laser intensity, cluster size, and collisional frequency of electrons on the efficiency of third harmonic generation. Moreover, since the group velocity of the third harmonic wave is greater than that of the fundamental wave, it causes the slippage of the generated harmonic pulse out of the fundamental laser pulse and its amplitude increases with time.