bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reducing Gaseous Emissions and Resource Consumption Embodied in French Final Demand: How Much Can Waste Policies Contribute?
Authors: Beylot Antoine , Vaxelaire Stéphane , Villeneuve Jacques 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThis study investigates the benefits of waste management policies on gaseous emissions and resource consumption caused by the final demand, in the specific case of France and in a context of economic growth. Waste input‐output analysis is implemented to compare three scenarios, depicting and combining the upward trend of final demand from 2008 to 2020, the increase in recycling rates by 2020 (encompassing the achievement of recycling objectives set by European Union Directives), and the simultaneous larger implementation of best available techniques (BAT) for waste incineration. Hybrid monetary physical input‐output tables are initially derived from balanced physical supply and use tables and further complemented with process inventory data on waste treatment technologies. A dramatic reduction in the demand for primary metals (by a factor of 2.0) and for primary mining and quarrying products for construction (by a factor of 1.9) is observed in 2020, as compared to 2008, in the case of the scenario “recycling,” despite the competition induced by the evolution of the final demand. On the contrary, considering energy requirements and fossil carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions caused by the French final demand, the combined improvements in recycling and incineration performances by 2020 would only limit the rise induced by the evolution of the final demand. On the basis of these results, the potential contribution of waste management policies to the decoupling of resource consumption and gaseous emissions from final demand's growth is finally discussed.
Theodor Weyl: A Pioneer of Urban Metabolism Studies
Authors: Lederer Jakob , Kral Ulrich 
Published: August 2015

SummaryA discussion between researchers in the field of industrial ecology led to the question of whether Wolman's work on the urban metabolism (UM) of cities in 1965 was the first to quantify material flows of urban societies. This forum communication retrieves an apparently lost, but remarkable, work in the development of material flow analysis (MFA). That work is known as the “Essay on the metabolism of Berlin,” published in 1894 by the renowned German chemist and medical doctor, Theodor Weyl. To investigate the nutrition situation among the population in the city of Berlin, Weyl investigated the nutrient flows discharged from the city and compared these values to the nutrient consumption through food intake. The title, approach, and wording make his work a forerunner of UM studies today. This forum contribution aims to introduce Weyl's work to an interdisciplinary international readership. Therefore, we (1) give a brief overview of Weyl's professional life, (2) summarize his study based on the German article, and (3) conclude with a discussion of the relevance of his study for the tool, MFA, and the concept of UM today. A major difference between his work and contemporary studies on UM is the motivation of the author. Weyl's aim was not to highlight the problems associated with excessive human consumption of resources and pollution of the environment, but to investigate the nutrition situation of a society with a significant degree of malnutrition. The existence of the latter, particularly in developing countries, makes Weyl's study still relevant.
The Greenhouse Gas Footprint of China's Food System: An Analysis of Recent Trends and Future Scenarios
Authors: Li Huimin , Wu Tong , Wang Xiao , Qi Ye 
Published: August 2015

SummaryFood chain systems (FCSs), which begin in agricultural production and end in consumption and waste disposal, play a significant role in China's rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This article uses scenario analysis to show China's potential trajectories to a low‐carbon FCS. Between 1996 and 2010, the GHG footprint of China's FCSs increased from 1,308 to 1,618 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2‐eq), although the emissions intensity of all food categories, except for aquatic food, recorded steep declines. We project three scenarios to 2050 based on historical trends and plausible shifts in policies and environmental conditions: reference scenario; technology improvement scenario; and low GHG emissions scenario. The reference scenario is based on existing trends and exhibits a large growth in GHG emissions, increasing from 1,585 Mt CO2‐eq in 2010 to 2,505 Mt CO2‐eq in 2050. In the technology improvement scenario, emissions growth is driven by rising food demand, but that growth will be counterbalanced by gains in agricultural technology, causing GHG emissions to fall to 1,413 Mt CO2‐eq by 2050. Combining technology improvement with the shift to healthier dietary patterns, GHG emissions in the low GHG emissions scenario will decline to 946 Mt CO2‐eq in 2050, a drop of 41.5% compared with the level in 2010. We argue that these are realistic projections and are indeed indicative of China's overall strategy for low‐carbon development. Improving agricultural technology and shifting to a more balanced diet could significantly reduce the GHG footprint of China's FCSs. Furthermore, the transition to a low‐carbon FCS has potential cobenefits for land sustainability and public health.
Test–retest reliability and agreement of physical fall risk assessment tools in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Salb Johannes , Finlayson Janet , Almutaseb Sanaa , Scharfenberg Bertram , Becker Clemens , Sieber Cornel , Freiberger Ellen 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundPhysical decline and high rates of inactivity lead to an increased risk of falling in the intellectual disability (ID) population. It is important therefore to develop interventions to prevent falls and to develop valid and reliable assessment tools, which are suitable for use with people with ID. Targeting the most important fall risk factors such as strength, balance and gait measurement is important, yet there is a paucity of previous research on testing the feasibility and reliability of strength, balance and gait assessments with people with ID.AimsThe aims of this study are (i) to describe the test–retest reliability and agreement [standard error of measurement (SEM)] of slightly adapted fall risk assessments and (ii) to describe the test–retest reliability and SEM of these tests in younger and older age groups and mild/moderate and severe/profound ID‐level groups.MethodsResidents of a German residential facility for people with ID were asked to take part. The study has a test–retest design, whereby all participants were tested twice, with 7 days in‐between the first (T1) and second (T2) testing days. The ‘timed up and go’, ‘30‐second chair stand’, ‘handgrip’ and ‘Romberg balance test’ were all performed. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (2,1) values and SEM were calculated for the full sample, two age groups (split at the age of 60 years) and mild/moderate and severe/profound ID‐level groups.ResultsA total of 37 residents with a mean age of 59.3 years (standard deviation = 17.7) performed the tests on both testing days. Mainly moderate to excellent ICC values were found for all tests for the full sample and in all groups (0.59–0.97). Different SEM values were found for full sample and sub‐groups.ConclusionStrength, balance and gait assessment tools, which are easy to use and understand, were found to be reliable in adults with ID. The SEM is most important for interpreting the real effects of an intervention. Further analyses will be required to gain more information about the SEM in different age groups or ID‐level groups.
Innovative Approach for Interim Facial Prosthesis Using Digital Technology
Authors: Yoshioka Fumi , Ozawa Shogo , Hyodo Ikuo , Tanaka Yoshinobu 
Published: August 2015

AbstractDespite the important role of facial prosthetic treatment in the rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients, delay in its implementation can be unavoidable, preventing patients from receiving a prompt facial prosthesis and resuming a normal social life. Here, we introduce an innovative method for the fabrication of an interim facial prosthesis. Using a 3D modeling system, we simplified the fabrication method and used a titanium reconstruction plate for facial prosthesis retention. The patient received the facial prosthesis immediately after surgery and resumed a normal social life earlier than is typically observed with conventional facial prosthetic treatment.
Testing a model of biological soil crust succession
Authors: Read Cassia F. , Elith Jane , Vesk Peter A. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractQuestionBiocrust composition is important for the diversity, structure and function of dryland ecosystems globally, but there is no universally applicable model of biocrust succession, and the models that do exist may not apply everywhere. We ask: (1) how do biocrust species vary in their response to time since livestock exclusion (Time) across environmental gradients; (2) is there evidence for ruderal, mid‐ and late successional responses to Time in biocrust species; (3) can exploration of species attributes within response groups reveal potential mechanisms for biocrust succession; and (4) do our data support an existing standard conceptual model of biocrust succession described in the literature.LocationSemi‐arid woodlands of northwest Victoria, Australia.MethodsWe use data from a space‐for‐time study of biocrust composition following livestock exclusion and develop a hierarchical regression model of succession amongst a moss‐dominated biocrust community.ResultsTime since livestock exclusion (Time) was the most important driver of biocrust community dynamics in our study region; species varied widely in their response to Time. Succession within this moss‐dominated biocrust community did not follow the general sequence predicted by the standard model of biocrust succession presented in the literature. We classified species by their successional response from model coefficients. All late successional species were short‐statured and closely attached to the soil, whereas nearly all tall‐statured and loosely attached species were classified as mid‐successional.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the utility of hierarchical models for investigating successional processes at the species and community level, for testing a standard conceptual model of succession and for suggesting hypotheses about underlying trait‐based mechanisms. We propose an alternative model of biocrust succession that distinguishes between succession in favourable and unfavourable environments. We propose species response to Time is mediated by species structural density, which in turn relates to a suite of correlated traits including growth rate and longevity. This alternative conceptual model is useful for its generality.
The species pool concept as a framework for studying patterns of plant diversity
Authors: Zobel Martin 
Published: August 2015

AbstractCo‐existence theories fail to adequately explain observed community patterns (diversity and composition) because they mainly address local extinctions. For a more complete understanding, the regional processes responsible for species formation and geographic dispersal should also be considered. The species pool concept holds that local variation in community patterns is dependent primarily on the availability of species, which is driven by historical diversification and dispersal at continental and landscape scales. However, empirical evidence of historical effects is limited. This slow progress can be attributed to methodological difficulties in determining the characteristics of historical species pools and how they contributed to diversity patterns in contemporary landscapes. A role of landscape‐scale dispersal limitation in determining local community patterns has been demonstrated by numerous seed addition experiments. However, disentangling general patterns of dispersal limitation in communities still requires attention. Distinguishing habitat‐specific species pools can help to meet both applied and theoretical challenges. In conservation biology, the use of absolute richness may be uninformative because the size of species pools varies between habitats. For characterizing the dynamic state of individual communities, biodiversity relative to species pools provides a balanced way of assessing communities in different habitats. Information about species pools may also be useful when studying community assembly rules, because it enables a possible mechanism of trait convergence (habitat filtering) to be explicitly assessed. Empirical study of the role of historic effects and dispersal on local community patterns has often been restricted due to methodological difficulties in determining habitat‐specific species pools. However, accumulating distributional, ecological and phylogenetic information, as well as use of appropriate model systems (e.g. archipelagos with known biogeographic histories) will allow the species pool concept to be applied effectively in future research.
First case of mesh infection due to Coccidioides spp. and literature review of fungal mesh infections after hernia repair
Authors: Forrester Joseph D. , Gomez Carlos A. , Forrester Jared A. , Nguyen Mike , Gregg David , Deresinski Stan , Banaei Niaz , Weiser Thomas G. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryFungal mesh infections are a rare complication of hernia repairs with mesh. The first case of Coccidioides spp. mesh infection is described, and a systematic literature review of all known fungal mesh infections was performed. Nine cases of fungal mesh infection are reviewed. Female and male patients are equally represented, median age is 49.5 years, and critical illness and preinfection antibiotic use were common. Fungal mesh infections are rare, but potentially fatal, complications of hernias repaired with mesh.
Is the extraction by Whatman FTA filter matrix technology and sequencing of large ribosomal subunit D1–D2 region sufficient for identification of clinical fungi?
Authors: Kiraz Nuri , Oz Yasemin , Aslan Huseyin , Erturan Zayre , Ener Beyza , Arikan Akdagli Sevtap , Muslumanoglu Hamza , Cetinkaya Zafer 
Published: August 2015

SummaryAlthough conventional identification of pathogenic fungi is based on the combination of tests evaluating their morphological and biochemical characteristics, they can fail to identify the less common species or the differentiation of closely related species. In addition these tests are time consuming, labour‐intensive and require experienced personnel. We evaluated the feasibility and sufficiency of DNA extraction by Whatman FTA filter matrix technology and DNA sequencing of D1–D2 region of the large ribosomal subunit gene for identification of clinical isolates of 21 yeast and 160 moulds in our clinical mycology laboratory. While the yeast isolates were identified at species level with 100% homology, 102 (63.75%) clinically important mould isolates were identified at species level, 56 (35%) isolates at genus level against fungal sequences existing in DNA databases and two (1.25%) isolates could not be identified. Consequently, Whatman FTA filter matrix technology was a useful method for extraction of fungal DNA; extremely rapid, practical and successful. Sequence analysis strategy of D1–D2 region of the large ribosomal subunit gene was found considerably sufficient in identification to genus level for the most clinical fungi. However, the identification to species level and especially discrimination of closely related species may require additional analysis.
And the nasty ones lose in the end: foliar pathogenicity trades off with asexual transmission in the Irish famine pathogen Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Pasco Claudine , Montarry Josselin , Marquer Bruno , Andrivon Didier 
Published: August 2015

Summary

A trade‐off between pathogenicity and transmission is often postulated to explain the persistence of pathogens over time. If demonstrated, it would help to predict the evolution of pathogenicity across cropping seasons, and to develop sustainable control strategies from this prediction. Unfortunately, experimental demonstration of such trade‐offs in agricultural plant pathogens remains elusive.

We measured asexual transmission of Phytophthora infestans isolates differing in pathogenicity in two sets of artificial infection experiments under controlled, semi‐outdoor conditions.

Higher foliar pathogenicity decreased mean daughter tuber weight, increased infection severity in daughter tubers, and increased stem mortality before emergence. The most pathogenic isolates thus suffer a double penalty for asexual transmission: a lower survival probability within small and severely infected tubers; and a lower infection probability of neighbouring healthy plants due to fewer infected stems produced by surviving tubers. Moderate tuber resistance favoured transmission of the least pathogenic isolates, while high levels of resistance almost abolished transmission of all isolates.

These data demonstrate a trade‐off between foliar pathogenicity and asexual transmission over seasons in P. infestans, which should stabilise pathogenicity over time in the potato late blight pathosystem and possibly favour clone replacement by less pathogenic lineages after demographic bottlenecks.
Exploring the influence of Internet‐based caregiver support on experiences of isolation for older spouse caregivers in rural areas: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Blusi Madeleine , Kristiansen Lisbeth , Jong Mats 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundMany older spouse caregivers are tied to the home by their caring duties and feel isolated. The values of supporting older caregivers are well known. In rural areas with long distances and decline in essential services, attending caregiver support groups can be difficult. Using Internet‐based services can provide an opportunity for rural caregivers to participate in caregiver support, regardless of geographical distances and without the need for physical presence.Aims and objectivesThis study aimed to explore how Internet‐based caregiver support may influence the experience of isolation among older spouse caregivers in rural areas.DesignAn intervention study where 63 older rural caregivers received an Internet‐based caregiver support service.MethodA qualitative interview study based on 31 interviews with open‐ended questions, analysed using latent content analysis.FindingsTwo themes represent the findings from the study:Expanding the concept of placeandDeveloping networks. Even though participants still spent their days in the house, they experienced that daily life was being spent in a variety of places, both physically, virtually and emotionally. The Internet‐based support service provided them with a tool to reconnect with family and develop new friends.ConclusionsInternet‐based caregiver support may reduce the experience of isolation for spouse caregivers in rural areas. Nurses played a crucial part in the development, by encouraging, educating and inspiring caregivers and supporting their independence.Implications for practiceInternet‐based services ought to be an option for caregiver support in rural areas as it may reduce feelings of isolation for older spouse caregivers.
Signalling Events and Associated Pathways Related to the Mammalian Sperm Capacitation
Authors: Gangwar DK , Atreja SK 
Published: August 2015

ContentsCapacitation is a biological phenomenon occurring prior to fertilization and is a multiple event process. Many physiological and biochemical changes takes place during the process; these changes are related to lipid composition of membrane, intracellular modulation of ion concentration, protein phosphorylation, sperm movement and membrane permeability. These events occur when the sperm is exposed to the new environment of ion concentration in the female reproductive tract. Ions such as bicarbonate and calcium facilitate capacitation by activating adenylyl cyclase, thus initiating protein kinase A (PKA) signalling cascade. Extracellular‐regulated kinase pathway is activated by ligand binding to the membrane receptors and intracellular activation by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Activation of these pathways leads to the phosphorylation of different proteins, which is associated with events such as capacitation, hyperactivation and acrosome reaction that are essential for successful fertilization. Extensive studies were carried out on protein phosphorylation in relation to capacitation, but its role still remains ambiguous.
Exchange Rate Movements and the Distribution of Productivity
Authors: Tomlin Ben , Fung Loretta 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis paper examines how movements in the real exchange rate affect the distribution of labor productivity within industries. Appreciations of the local currency expose domestic plants to more competition as export opportunities shrink and import competition intensifies. As a result, smaller less productive plants are forced from the market, which truncates the lower end of the productivity distribution, and surviving plants face a reduction in physical sales (unless they adjust their mark‐up), which, in the presence of scale economies, can lower productivity. Using quantile regression, we find that movements in the exchange rate do, indeed, have distributional effects on productivity.
A possible new paradigm? A survey‐based assessment of the use of thawed group A plasma for trauma resuscitation in the United States
Authors: Dunbar Nancy M. , Yazer Mark H. ,   on behalf of the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUNDAlthough evidence supporting this practice is limited, some centers use thawed group A plasma for the initial resuscitation of trauma patients.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSTo better understand the current use of plasma in trauma resuscitation, a survey was developed, validated, and distributed via e‐mail to 121 American trauma centers.RESULTSA total of 61 responses were received. Most were from Level 1 trauma centers (56/61, 92%) in urban settings (47/61, 77%). Virtually all centers reported maintaining A thawed plasma inventory (59/61, 97%). Among the 56 Level 1 trauma center respondents, most keep thawed A immediately available (49/56, 88%) and many use group A plasma for trauma recipients of unknown ABO group (34/49, 69%). Half of the surveyed centers implemented this practice within the past year. The majority do not limit the amount of A plasma that can be administered to a patients of unknown ABO group (21/34, 62%), and most do not titer for anti‐B (27/34, 79%).CONCLUSIONThe majority of Level 1 trauma centers maintain thawed plasma inventories and use group A plasma for trauma recipients of unknown ABO group. Most centers do not limit the amount of group A plasma used in this situation or titer the anti‐B.