bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eddy covariance and biometric measurements show that a savanna ecosystem in Southwest China is a carbon sink
Authors: Fei Xuehai , Jin Yanqiang , Zhang Yiping , Sha Liqing , Liu Yuntong , Song Qinghai , Zhou Wenjun , Liang Naishen , Yu Guirui , Zhang Leiming , Zhou Ruiwu , Li Jing , Zhang Shubin , Li Peiguang 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSavanna ecosystems play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. However, there is a gap in our understanding of carbon fluxes in the savanna ecosystems of Southeast Asia. In this study, the eddy covariance technique (EC) and the biometric-based method (BM) were used to determine carbon exchange in a savanna ecosystem in Southwest China. The BM-based net ecosystem production (NEP) was 0.96 tC ha−1 yr−1. The EC-based estimates of the average annual gross primary productivity (GPP), ecosystem respiration (Reco), and net ecosystem carbon exchange (NEE) were 6.84, 5.54, and −1.30 tC ha−1 yr−1, respectively, from May 2013 to December 2015, indicating that this savanna ecosystem acted as an appreciable carbon sink. The ecosystem was more efficient during the wet season than the dry season, so that it represented a small carbon sink of 0.16 tC ha−1 yr−1 in the dry season and a considerable carbon sink of 1.14 tC ha−1 yr−1 in the wet season. However, it is noteworthy that the carbon sink capacity may decline in the future under rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall. Consequently, further studies should assess how environmental factors and climate change will influence carbon-water fluxes.
Optimal timing of oral fosfomycin administration for pre-prostate biopsy prophylaxis
Authors: Rhodes Nathaniel J. , Gardiner Bradley J. , Neely Michael N. , Grayson M. Lindsay , Ellis Andrew G. , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Frauman Albert G. , Maxwell Kelly M. , Zembower Teresa R. , Scheetz Marc H. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Objectives
As the optimal administration time for fosfomycin peri-procedural prophylaxis is unclear, we sought to determine optimal administration times for fosfomycin peri-procedural prophylaxis.

Methods
Plasma, peripheral zone and transition zone fosfomycin concentrations were obtained from 26 subjects undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), following a single oral dose of 3 g of fosfomycin. Population pharmacokinetic modelling was completed with the Nonparametric Adaptive Grid (NPAG) algorithm (Pmetrics package for R), with a four-compartment model. Plasma and tissue concentrations were simulated during the first 24 h post-dose, comparing these with EUCAST susceptibility breakpoints for Escherichia coli, a common uropathogen.

Results
Non-compartmental-determined pharmacokinetic values in our population were similar to those reported in the package insert. Predicted plasma concentrations rapidly increased after the first hour, giving more than 90% population coverage for organisms with an MIC ≤4 mg/L over the first 12 h post-dose. Organisms with higher MICs fared much worse, with organisms at the EUCAST breakpoint being covered for &lt;10% of the population at any time. Transitional zone prostate concentrations exceeded 4 mg/L for 90% of the population between hours 1 and 9. Peripheral zone prostate concentrations were much lower and only exceeded 4 mg/L for 70% of the population between hours 1 and 4.

Conclusions
Until more precise plasma and tissue data are available, we recommend that fosfomycin prophylaxis be given 1–4 h prior to prostate biopsy. We do not recommend fosfomycin prophylaxis for subjects with known organisms with MICs &gt;4 mg/L.
First-in-Human Evaluation of the Safety and Immunogenicity of a Recombinant Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 gag Vaccine (HVTN 090)
Authors: Fuchs Jonathan D. , Frank Ian , Elizaga Marnie L. , Allen Mary , Frahm Nicole , Kochar Nidhi , Li Sue , Edupuganti Srilatha , Kalams Spyros A. , Tomaras Georgia D. , Sheets Rebecca , Pensiero Michael , Tremblay Marc A. , Higgins Terry J. , Latham Theresa , Egan Michael A. , Clarke David K. , Eldridge John H. ,   for the HVTN 090 Study Group and the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases HIV Vaccine Trials Network, Mulligan Mark , Rouphael Nadine , Estep Scharla , Rybczyk Kyle , Dunbar Deb , Buchbinder Susan , Wagner Theresa , Isbell Reese , Chinnell Victoria , Bae Jin , Escamilla Gina , Tseng Jenny , Fair Ramey , Ramirez Shelly , Broder Gail , Briesemeister Liz , Ferrara Adi 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Background.  We report the first-in-human safety and immunogenicity evaluation of a highly attenuated, replication-competent recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 vaccine.
Methods.  Sixty healthy, HIV-1-uninfected adults were enrolled in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled dose-escalation study. Groups of 12 participants received rVSV HIV-1 gag vaccine at 5 dose levels (4.6 × 103 to 3.4 × 107 particle forming units) (N = 10/group) or placebo (N = 2/group), delivered intramuscularly as bilateral injections at 0 and 2 months. Safety monitoring included VSV cultures from blood, urine, saliva, and swabs of oral lesions. Vesicular stomatitis virus-neutralizing antibodies, T-cell immunogenicity, and HIV-1 specific binding antibodies were assessed.
Results.  Local and systemic reactogenicity symptoms were mild to moderate and increased with dose. No severe reactogenicity or product-related serious adverse events were reported, and all rVSV cultures were negative. All vaccine recipients became seropositive for VSV after 2 vaccinations. gag-specific T-cell responses were detected in 63% of participants by interferon-γ enzyme-linked immunospot at the highest dose post boost.
Conclusions.  An attenuated replication-competent rVSV gag vaccine has an acceptable safety profile in healthy adults. This rVSV vector is a promising new vaccine platform for the development of vaccines to combat HIV-1 and other serious human diseases.
Cage and field experiments as basis for the development of control strategies against Cacopsylla pruni, the vector of European Stone Fruit Yellows
Authors: Paleskić C. , Bachinger K. , Brader G. , Kickenweiz M. , Engel C. , Wurm L. , Czipin L. , Riedle‐Bauer M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe efficacy and the instant effect of 13 insecticides and antifeedants towards Cacopsylla pruni, the vector of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum’ were examined in cage studies (no choice experiments with 10 field‐collected overwintered adults per experiment) on potted apricot trees (budding trees under outdoor conditions in early spring and foliated seedlings kept at 21°C). Cypermethrin caused 100% insect mortality within 2–4 h, thiacloprid 90–100% mortality within 24 h both on foliated and on budding trees. On budding trees spinosad led to 70–90% mortality within 24 h, thixotropic white trunk paint to 90% mortality within 48 h. On foliated seedlings flonicamid gave 70–100% mortality within 1 day, abamectin, spinosad, acetamiprid and spirotetramat 70–100% within 72 h. Field studies monitoring the effects of thiacloprid on remigrants of C. pruni by yellow sticky traps were carried out in two apricot orchards. Additionally the influence of the insecticide on insect dispersal was examined by mark, release and recapture trials. As compared to the control thiacloprid significantly reduced the catches of naturally occurring and released insects, decreased the number of trees on which released insects were recaptured (by 25–100%) and shortened the migration distances of the released insects by more than half. Our results suggest that appropriate insecticide treatments both reduce C. pruni populations and have a direct effect on pathogen transmission. Application of Cypermethrin before bloom and thiacloprid after bloom seem best suited to achieve these objectives. Thixotropic white trunk paint could, a formulation for spray application provided, eventually be a sustainable alternative or complement for treatments before bloom.
Social and Economic Impacts of School Influenza Outbreaks in England: Survey of Caregivers
Authors: Thorrington Dominic , Balasegaram Sooria , Cleary Paul , Hay Catherine , Eames Ken 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDInfluenza is a cause of considerable morbidity in England, particularly among children. A total of 39% of all influenza‐attributable general practitioner consultations and 37% of all influenza‐attributable hospital admissions occur in those aged under 15 years. Few studies have quantified the impact of influenza outbreaks on families. We assessed this impact during 2 influenza seasons.METHODSWe used questionnaires to obtain data in primary schools that reported an outbreak of an influenza‐like‐illness (ILI). We sought data on the loss of productivity, costs borne by families and loss in health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). ILIs were identified using the symptoms criteria from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the UK Flusurvey.RESULTSFor each child reporting ILI, mean school absence was 3.8 days (95% confidence interval [CI]): 3.0‐4.8) with mean work absence for caregivers reported as 3.7 days (95% CI: 2.7‐4.8). The mean loss in HRQoL was 2.1 quality‐adjusted life days (95% CI: 1.5‐2.7). The estimated total pediatric burden of disease for reported school‐based outbreaks during the 2 influenza seasons was 105.3 QALYs (95% CI: 77.7‐139.0).CONCLUSIONSThis study shows the potential social and economic benefit of vaccination of children during mild influenza seasons.
Learning The Strategy of Reasoning Through Marzano Dimensional Mastery Learning Model Among Form Four Students for The Topic Of Differentiation
Authors: Arshad Mohamad Nizam , Atan Noor Azean , Abdullah Abdul Halim , Mokhtar Mahani , Abu Mohd Salleh 
Published: February 2017

Reasoning skills are very important in encouraging students to think more critically and logically, as depicted in the Malaysian Education Development Plan (2013-2025). Therefore, this study looked into improving the Differentiation Reasoning Level (DRL) of reasoning skills among students for a topic in the Additional Mathematics subject, known as Differentiation, through reasoning learning strategy. The study participants consisted of a total of 31 students from a secondary boarding school in Johor, selected through a purposive sampling method. A pre-test was carried out for the participants, from the advanced level, followed by a number of repetition tests, before the post-test assessment was conducted. The data collection for this study employed a set of Reasoning Test on Differentiation (RTD) and 10 sets of learning activities on Differentiation based on modified Marzano Rubric for Specific Task of Situations (1992). This dimension involved four types of reasoning skills, namely, comparison, classification, inductive, and deductive. The survey data, through paired samples t-test, revealed a significant difference between the mean scores in pre-test and post-test (p <0.05). In addition, the paired sample t-test showed a significant difference on the level of reasoning among students from each construct in the reasoning skills before and after using this module. In conclusion, the Marzano Model of Dimensional Learning (1992) is a thinking skill model that can help improve students' reasoning skills. The model covers analysis aspects of what has been learned by implementing the process of identifying reasons, which will help students to add and expand their knowledge. The findings also implied that, the processes of teaching and learning play an important role in ensuring students’ capability to emphasize on the implementation process of reasoning skills
Rim Pathway-Mediated Alterations in the Fungal Cell Wall Influence Immune Recognition and Inflammation
Authors: Ost Kyla S. , Esher Shannon K. , Leopold Wager Chrissy M. , Walker Louise , Wagener Jeanette , Munro Carol , Wormley Floyd L. , Alspaugh J. Andrew 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTCompared to other fungal pathogens,Cryptococcus neoformansis particularly adept at avoiding detection by innate immune cells. To explore fungal cellular features involved in immune avoidance, we characterized cell surface changes of theC. neoformans rim101Δ mutant, a strain that fails to organize and shield immunogenic epitopes from host detection. These cell surface changes are associated with an exaggerated, detrimental inflammatory response in mouse models of infection. We determined that the disorganized strainrim101Δ cell wall increases macrophage detection in a contact-dependent manner. Using biochemical and microscopy methods, we demonstrated that therim101Δ strain shows a modest increase in the levels of both cell wall chitin and chitosan but that it shows a more dramatic increase in chito-oligomer exposure, as measured by wheat germ agglutinin staining. We also created a series of mutants with various levels of cell wall wheat germ agglutinin staining, and we demonstrated that the staining intensity correlates with the degree of macrophage activation in response to each strain. To explore the host receptors responsible for recognizing therim101Δ mutant, we determined that both the MyD88 and CARD9 innate immune signaling proteins are involved. Finally, we characterized the immune response to therim101Δ mutantin vivo, documenting a dramatic and sustained increase in Th1 and Th17 cytokine responses. These results suggest that the Rim101 transcription factor actively regulates theC. neoformanscell wall to prevent the exposure of immune stimulatory molecules within the host. These studies further explored the ways in which immune cells detectC. neoformansand other fungal pathogens by mechanisms that include sensing N-acetylglucosamine-containing structures, such as chitin and chitosan.IMPORTANCEInfectious microorganisms have developed many ways to avoid recognition by the host immune system. For example, pathogenic fungi alter their cell surfaces to mask immunogenic epitopes. We have created a fungal strain with a targeted mutation in a pH response pathway that is unable to properly organize its cell wall, resulting in a dramatic immune reaction during infection. This mutant cell wall is defective in hiding important cell wall components, such as the chito-oligomers chitin and chitosan. By creating a series of cell wall mutants, we demonstrated that the degree of chito-oligomer exposure correlates with the intensity of innate immune cell activation. This activation requires a combination of host receptors to recognize and respond to these infecting microorganisms. Therefore, these experiments explored host-pathogen interactions that determine the degree of the subsequent inflammatory response and the likely outcome of infection.
Cost-related non-adherence to prescribed medicines among older adults: a cross-sectional analysis of a survey in 11 developed countries
Authors: Morgan Steven G , Lee Augustine 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesTo assess the effects of costs on access to medicines in 11 developed countries offering different levels of prescription drug coverage for their populations.DesignCross-sectional study of data from the Commonwealth Fund 2014 International Health Policy Survey of Older Adults.SettingTelephone survey conducted in 11 high-income countries: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the USA.Participants22 532 adults aged 55 and older and living in the community in studied countries.Primary outcome measureSelf-reported cost-related non-adherence (CRNA) in the form of either not filling a prescription or skipping doses within the last 12 months because of out-of-pocket costs.ResultsEstimated prevalence of CRNA among all older adults varied from <3% in the France, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK to 16.8% in the USA. Canada had the second highest national prevalence of CRNA (8.3%), followed by Australia (6.8%). Older adults in the USA were approximately six times more likely to report CRNA than older adults in the UK (adjusted OR=6.09; 95% CI 3.60 to 10.20). Older adults in Australia and Canada were also statistically significantly more likely to report CRNA than older adults in the UK. Across most countries, the prevalence of CRNA was higher among lower income residents and lower among residents over age 65.ConclusionsObserved differences in national prevalence of CRNA appear to follow lines of availability of prescription drug coverage and the extent of direct patient charges for prescriptions under available drug plans.
Electrical Potential Distribution in Polymethyl Methacrylate-Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites
Authors: Nawawi Zainuddin , Kurnia R. F. , Isa N. F. A. , Buntat Z. , Yuniarti D. R. , Jambak M. I. , Sidik Muhammad Abu Bakar 
Published: February 2017

<p>Research work of polymer nanocomposites in high voltage insulator becomes interest nowadays. Polymer based and nanofillers are the core components in polymer nanocomposites. By adding such a big amount of nanofiller it would enhance the electrical and mechanical properties of polymers. However as for today, a little percentage of nanofiller concentration could dramatically enhanced the properties of the polymeric material. Recent research of graphene oxide (GO) nanofiller has brought to this project interest. This paper presents several methods that have been published to development PMMA (poly methyl methacrylate)/GO nanocomposites and a simulation of PMMA/GO in order to investigate the potential distribution. </p>
A Study on Digital Forensics in Hadoop
Authors: Thanekar Sachin Arun , Subrahmanyam K. , Bagwan A.B. 
Published: February 2017

<p>Nowadays we all are surrounded by Big data. The term ‘Big Data’ itself indicates huge volume, high velocity, variety and veracity i.e. uncertainty of data which gave rise to new difficulties and challenges. Hadoop is a framework which can be used for tremendous data storage and faster processing. It is freely available, easy to use and implement. Big data forensic is one of the challenges of big data. For this it is very important to know the internal details of the Hadoop. Different files are generated by Hadoop during its process. Same can be used for forensics. In our paper our focus is on digital forensics and different files generated during different processes. We have given the short description on different files generated in Hadoop. With the help of an open source tool ‘Autopsy’ we demonstrated that how we can perform digital forensics using automated tool and thus big data forensics can be done efficiently.</p>
Sex Differences and Functional Outcome After Intravenous Thrombolysis
Authors: Spaander Fianne H. , Zinkstok Sanne M. , Baharoglu Irem M. , Gensicke Henrik , Polymeris Alexandros , Traenka Christopher , Hametner Christian , Ringleb Peter , Curtze Sami , Martinez-Majander Nicolas , Aarnio Karoliina , Nolte Christian H. , Scheitz Jan F. , Leys Didier , Hochart Anais , Padjen Visnja , Kägi Georg , Pezzini Alessandro , Michel Patrik , Bill Olivier , Zini Andrea , Engelter Stefan T. , Nederkoorn Paul J. 
Published: February 2017

Background and Purpose—
Women have a worse outcome after stroke compared with men, although in intravenous thrombolysis (IVT)–treated patients, women seem to benefit more. Besides sex differences, age has also a possible effect on functional outcome. The interaction of sex on the functional outcome in IVT-treated patients in relation to age remains complex. The purpose of this study was to compare outcome after IVT between women and men with regard to age in a large multicenter European cohort reflecting daily clinical practice of acute stroke care.

Methods—
Data were obtained from IVT registries of 12 European tertiary hospitals. The primary outcome was poor functional outcome, defined as a modified Rankin scale score of 3 to 6 at 3 months. We stratified outcome by age in decades. Safety measures were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality at 3 months.

Results—
In this cohort, 9495 patients were treated with IVT, and 4170 (43.9%) were women with a mean age of 71.9 years. After adjustments for baseline differences, female sex remained associated with poor functional outcome (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.31). There was no association between sex and functional outcome when data were stratified by age. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rate was similar in both sexes (adjusted odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.73–1.19), whereas mortality was lower among women (adjusted odds ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.99).

Conclusions—
In this large cohort of IVT-treated patients, women more often had poor functional outcome compared with men. This difference was not dependent on age.
Task Engagement and Attentional Resources
Authors: Matthews Gerald , Warm Joel S. , Smith Andrew P. 
Published: February 2017

Objective: Two studies tested multivariate models of relationships between subjective task engagement and vigilance. The second study included a stress factor (cold infection). Modeling tested relationships between latent factors for task engagement and vigilance, and the role of engagement in mediating effects of cold infection. Background: Raja Parasuraman’s research on vigilance identified several key issues, including the roles of task factors, arousal processes, and individual differences, within the framework of resource theory. Task engagement is positively correlated with performance on various attentional tasks and may serve as a marker for resource availability. Method: In the first study, 229 participants performed simultaneous and successive vigilance tasks. In the second study, 204 participants performed a vigilance task and a variable-foreperiod simple reaction-time task on two separate days. On the second day, 96 participants performed while infected with a naturally occurring common cold. Task engagement was assessed in both studies. Results: In both studies, vigilance decrement in hit rate was observed, and task performance led to loss of task engagement. Cold infection also depressed both vigilance and engagement. Fitting structural equation models indicated that simultaneous and successive tasks should be represented by separate latent factors (Study 1), and task engagement fully mediated the impact of cold infection on vigilance but not reaction time (Study 2). Conclusions: Modeling individual differences in task engagement elucidates the role of resources in vigilance and underscores the relevance of Parasuraman’s vision of the field. Application: Assessment of task engagement may support diagnostic monitoring of operators performing tasks requiring vigilance.
Potential probiotic-associated traits revealed from completed high quality genome sequence of Lactobacillus fermentum 3872
Authors: Lehri Burhan , Seddon Alan M. , Karlyshev Andrey V. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe article provides an overview of the genomic features of Lactobacillus fermentum strain 3872. The genomic sequence reported here is one of three L. fermentum genome sequences completed to date. Comparative genomic analysis allowed the identification of genes that may be contributing to enhanced probiotic properties of this strain. In particular, the genes encoding putative mucus binding proteins, collagen-binding proteins, class III bacteriocin, as well as exopolysaccharide and prophage-related genes were identified. Genes related to bacterial aggregation and survival under harsh conditions in the gastrointestinal tract, along with the genes required for vitamin production were also found.