bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling risk of pneumonia epizootics in bighorn sheep
Authors: Sells Sarah N. , Mitchell Michael S. , Nowak J. Joshua , Lukacs Paul M. , Anderson Neil J. , Ramsey Jennifer M. , Gude Justin A. , Krausman Paul R. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTPneumonia epizootics are a major challenge for management of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) affecting persistence of herds, satisfaction of stakeholders, and allocations of resources by management agencies. Risk factors associated with the disease are poorly understood, making pneumonia epizootics hard to predict; such epizootics are thus managed reactively rather than proactively. We developed a model for herds in Montana that identifies risk factors and addresses biological questions about risk. Using Bayesian logistic regression with repeated measures, we found that private land, weed control using domestic sheep or goats, pneumonia history, and herd density were positively associated with risk of pneumonia epizootics in 43 herds that experienced 22 epizootics out of 637 herd‐years from 1979–2013. We defined an area of high risk for pathogen exposure as the area of each herd distribution plus a 14.5‐km buffer from that boundary. Within this area, the odds of a pneumonia epizootic increased by >1.5 times per additional unit of private land (unit is the standardized % of private land where global  = 25.58% and SD = 14.53%). Odds were >3.3 times greater if domestic sheep or goats were used for weed control in a herd's area of high risk. If a herd or its neighbors within the area of high risk had a history of a pneumonia epizootic, odds of a subsequent pneumonia epizootic were >10 times greater. Risk greatly increased when herds were at high density, with nearly 15 times greater odds of a pneumonia epizootic compared to when herds were at low density. Odds of a pneumonia epizootic also appeared to decrease following increased spring precipitation (odds = 0.41 per unit increase, global  = 100.18% and SD = 26.97%). Risk was not associated with number of federal sheep and goat allotments, proximity to nearest herds of bighorn sheep, ratio of rams to ewes, percentage of average winter precipitation, or whether herds were of native versus mixed or reintroduced origin. We conclude that factors associated with risk of pneumonia epizootics are complex and may not always be from the most obvious sources. The ability to identify high‐risk herds will help biologists and managers determine where to focus management efforts and the risk factors that most affect each herd, facilitating more effective, proactive management. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Is the OSA‐18 predictive of obstructive sleep apnea: Comparison to polysomnography
Authors: Ishman Stacey L. , Yang Christina J. , Cohen Aliza P. , Benke James R. , Meinzen‐Derr Jareen K. , Anderson Rebecca M. , Madden Marie E. , Tabangin Meredith E. 
Published: December 2014

Objectives/HypothesisTo examine the ability of the OSA−18 to predict Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in a racially diverse population when compared to overnight polysomnography (PSG).Study DesignCross‐sectional retrospective.MethodsChildren 2 to 12 years of age diagnosed with OSA who were treated at a tertiary care institution between 2008 and 2013 and had complete PSG and OSA‐18 data were included. We performed logistic regression with OSA as the dependent variable and the OSA‐18 total symptom score (TSS), age, gender, race, asthma, and body mass index (BMI) as independent variables.ResultsSeventy‐nine children (32 females) were included (mean age 5.2 ± 2.4 years). The positive predictive value (PPV) was greater than 90 for an obstructive apnea–hypopnea index (oAHI) ≥ 1. The PPV and specificity were higher for white than for nonwhite children; however, sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of OSA‐18 TSS were low for mild, moderate, and severe OSA regardless of race. Age, race, and BMI were not significantly associated with oAHI.ConclusionsThis study, conducted in a racially diverse cohort, examined the ability of the OSA‐18 to predict OSA when compared to PSG—the gold standard—and found that sensitivity and NPV were extremely low for both white and nonwhite children. This suggests that the OSA‐18 is not sufficiently sensitive to detect OSA nor sufficiently specific to determine the absence of OSA. The OSA‐18 should be used as a quality‐of‐life indicator and is not a reliable substitute for PSG.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 125:1491–1495, 2015
The Wageningen Rainfall Simulator: Set‐up and Calibration of an Indoor Nozzle‐Type Rainfall Simulator for Soil Erosion Studies
Authors: Lassu Tamás , Seeger Manuel , Peters Piet , Keesstra Saskia D. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe set‐up and characterisation of an indoor nozzle‐type rainfall simulator (RS) at Wageningen University, the Netherlands, are presented. It is equipped with four Lechler nozzles (two nr. 460·788 and two nr. 461·008). The tilting irrigation plot is 6 m long and 2·5 m wide. An electrical pump supplies the constant flow during the experiments. The spatial distribution of the rainfall was measured with 60 rain gauges equally distributed on the experimental plot. Thies® Laser Precipitation Monitor was used to measure the size and falling velocity of the raindrops. Four different flow rates were applied (Q1–4). From the collected data, spatial rainfall intensity and spatial kinetic energy distribution maps were created; Christiansen uniformity coefficient was calculated for each flow rate. The results of the experiments revealed that the rainfall parameters (spatial rainfall intensity, kinetic energy, raindrop size distribution and fall velocity) in the RS are not homogeneous (Christiansen uniformity ranges from 68·5% to 83·2%). Accordingly, the whole plot can only be irrigated irregularly applying a wide range of intensities and rainfall energies. The RS offers a good opportunity to study great variety of process intensities such as splash erosion, runoff generation, soil aggregate stability, organic matter migration and scaled landscape development. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Thinning and Induced Drought on Microbiological Soil Properties and Plant Species Diversity at Dry and Semiarid Locations
Authors: Hedo de Santiago Javier , Lucas‐Borja Manuel Esteban , Wic‐Baena Consuelo , Andrés‐Abellán Manuela , de las Heras Jorge 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSoil properties and plant species diversity are key elements of forest ecosystem functioning and are affected directly by climate change. The aim of this work was to study plant species diversity, physicochemical and soil microbiological properties and enzymatic activities after induced drought conditions and thinning at semiarid (Calasparra) and dry (Yeste)Pinus halepensisMill. forest stands. Different plots affected by a wildfire event 17 years ago, with or without thinning 5 years after the fire event, were selected. A 15% rainfall reduction over 3 years was also carried out. Physicochemical soil properties (soil texture, pH, carbonates, total organic carbon, electrical conductivity and total N and P), soil enzymes (urease, phosphatase, β‐glucosidase and dehydrogenase activities), carbon mineralisation and soil microbial biomass carbon were analysed in the selected study areas. Shannon and Simpson indices were calculated, and total plant cover and plant species richness were evaluated. The results showed no differences in microbiological soil properties and soil enzyme activities when comparing thinned and unthinned plots; conversely, plant species diversity indices were affected by thinning. Induced drought affected only total cover and species richness, which were lower at Yeste. Significant site variation was also observed in soil properties, species richness and total plant cover, as opposed to the plant species diversity indices. We conclude that soil properties recover in the midterm after thinning activities, and they resist against a 15% rainfall reduction under potential climate change conditions remaining steady after induced drought. The plant community presents different responses to drought depending on the experimental site. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
UV‐Absorbent Lignin‐Based Multi‐Arm Star Thermoplastic Elastomers
Authors: Yu Juan , Wang Jifu , Wang Chunpeng , Liu Yupeng , Xu Yuzhi , Tang Chuanbing , Chu Fuxiang 
Published: December 2014

Lignin‐grafted copolymers, namely lignin‐graft‐poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl acrylate) (lignin‐g‐P(MMA‐co‐BA)), are synthesized via “grafting from” atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) with the aid of lignin‐based macroinitiators. By manipulating the monomer feed ratios of MMA/BA, grafted copolymers with tunable glass transition temperatures (−10–40 °C) are obtained. These copolymers are evaluated as sustainable thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). The results suggest that the mechanical properties of these TPEs lignin‐g‐P(MMA‐co‐BA) copolymers are improved significantly by comparing with those of linear P(MMA‐co‐BA) copolymer counterparts, and the elastic strain recovery is nearly 70%. Lignin‐g‐P(MMA‐co‐BA) copolymers exhibit high absorption in the range of the UV spectrum, which might allow for applications in UV‐blocking coatings.
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Predictors of response to a cognitive behavioral intervention for impulse control behaviors in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Okai David , Askey‐Jones Sally , Samuel Michael , David Anthony S. , Brown Richard G. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundLimited trial evidence suggests that cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) may be effective in managing impulse control behavior (ICBs) in Parkinson's disease.AimsTo examine predictors of outcome in trial, participants (N = 42) receiving treatment immediately or after a waiting time.MethodsDependent variables were Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI‐C) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Baseline demographic and clinical variables were independent variables.ResultsBetter CGI‐C was predicted by fewer ICBs, taking a dopamine agonist, lower levodopa (l‐dopa) equivalent dose (LEDD), higher social functioning, and lower NPI severity before treatment. Improvement on the NPI was predicted by lower LEDD, lower anxiety, lower baseline global clinical severity, and higher social functioning.ConclusionsPatients with lower burden of ICBs and other psychiatric symptomatology, better social functioning, and lower dose of antiparkinsonian medication may benefit more from CBT. However, we cannot yet identify individual patients with sufficient confidence at this stage to target treatment. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Effects of rasagiline on the progression of nonmotor scores of the MDS‐UPDRS
Authors: Poewe Werner , Hauser Robert A. , Lang Anthony 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundA draft version of part 1 (Non‐Motor Aspects of Experiences of Daily Living; nM‐EDL) of the MDS‐UPDRS scale was employed as a secondary outcome in the ADAGIO study, which assessed the effect of rasagiline in early Parkinson's disease (PD) patients.MethodsThis analysis includes 1,150 untreated PD patients randomized to placebo or rasagiline 1 or 2 mg/day for 36 weeks in the placebo‐controlled phase of ADAGIO who had draft‐nM‐EDL assessments at baseline and week 36.ResultsOver the 9‐month placebo‐controlled phase of the study, nM‐EDL scores significantly deteriorated from baseline in the placebo group only (0.34 ± 0.10 units; P < 0.001). Compared to the placebo group (n = 583), there was significantly less deterioration in the 1‐mg/day rasagiline group (n = 280; treatment effect: −0.33 units; P < 0.05), whereas the treatment effect in the 2‐mg/day rasagiline group (n = 287) was not statistically significant (−0.25 ± 0.17 units; P = 0.131).ConclusionsThe nM‐EDL subscale appears sensitive to change in very early PD, and treatment with rasagiline 1 mg/day was associated with significantly less decline in nonmotor experiences of daily living versus placebo. Given that score changes were numerically small, the clinical implications of this effect remain unclear. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Correlating core‐level shifts and structure of zinc‐oxide surfaces
Authors: Abedi Navid , Heimel Georg 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBecause they crucially impact parameters of direct relevance for the performance of zinc‐oxide (ZnO) based applications and devices, atomistic details of the ZnO surface structure have received appreciable attention over the past decades. Numerous studies have shown that it critically depends on preparation procedures, necessitating a thorough surface characterization for a truly knowledge‐based improvement of, e.g., ZnO‐based opto‐electronic devices. Here, we present the results of a comprehensive theoretical study on the core‐level shifts of various ZnO surface reconstructions with the aim of enabling structure‐ and stoichiometry determination from one of the most widely available surface‐analytic methods, that is, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Growth of BGaN epitaxial layers using close‐coupled showerhead MOCVD
Authors: Malinauskas T. , Kadys A. , Stanionytė S. , Badokas K. , Mickevičius J. , Jurkevičius J. , Dobrovolskas D. , Tamulaitis G. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBGaN epilayers were grown on GaN/sapphire templates in hydrogen atmosphere by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The growth was attempted at different temperatures and flow rates of triethylboron, which was used as boron precursor. According to XRD measurements, up to 2.9% of boron was incorporated in 500 nm‐thick BGaN layers deposited at 870 °C. Comparison of XRD results with the red shift observed in the photoluminescence band with increasing boron content confirms an extremely large value of ∼10 eV for the bowing parameter in BGaN.
Investigations of the electrochemical stability of InGaN photoanodes in different electrolytes
Authors: Finken Matthias , Wille Ada , Reuters Benjamin , Heuken Michael , Kalisch Holger , Vescan Andrei 
Published: December 2014

AbstractInGaN is a promising material for direct solar water splitting due to its tuneable bandgap between 0.69 and 3.4 eV. Several investigations were carried out recently to test the suitability of InGaN in photoelectrochemical cells (PECs). These studies were performed in a multitude of different electrolytes and hence a comparison of the results is very difficult. Therefore, the electrochemical stability of InGaN was investigated and compared in different commonly used electrolytes in this work. The InGaN layers were deposited via metal‐organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE). Their structural properties were examined by high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction (HRXRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The long‐term stability of the InGaN layers was studied in NaCl, HCl, HBr, H2SO4, NaOH and KOH. Etching was observed for the two bases after 48 h. Furthermore, the photoanodes were investigated via chronoamperometry. For these measurements, the samples were illuminated with a 55 W Xe lamp for 45 min and additionally biased with 0.5 V. A comparison of the different electrolytes reveals that only the samples in NaOH and HBr show a sufficient photocurrent. Additionally, stable InGaN surfaces were observed only in 1 mol/L NaCl and in 1 mol/L HBr. Since the use of HBr most likely leads to the formation of Br2 instead of O2, it is concluded that n‐doped InGaN has to be used with co‐catalysts in PECs to prevent the etching of the surface.
Nonradiative centers in deep‐UV AlGaN‐based quantum wells revealed by two‐wavelength excited photoluminescence
Authors: Kamata N. , Touhidul Islam A. Z. M. , Julkarnain M. , Murakoshi N. , Fukuda T. , Hirayama H. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe have succeeded in detecting nonradiative recombination (NRR) centers in InAlGaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) for the sterilization wavelength at around 265 nm by our scheme of two‐wavelength excited photoluminescence (PL). Samples studied are InAlGaN multiple quantum well structures with InAlGaN electron blocking layer grown on sapphire (0001) substrates by metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) technique at the growth temperature of 880 °C (sample A) and 920 °C (sample B). The MQW consists of three InAlGaN wells of 2 nm sandwiched by 7 nm InAlGaN barrier layers. With the addition of the below‐gap excitation (BGE) light of 1.17 eV, the PL intensity decreased for the sample A but increased for the sample B. Both change in the PL intensity implies the existence of NRR centers, which were activated by the BGE. We attribute both intensity change to two‐levels model and one level model, respectively. Based on rate equation analysis, a set of NRR parameters of sample B was determined by utilizing a saturating tendency of the PL intensity change. Spectroscopic and quantitative advantages of the method enable us to clarify energy distribution of NRR centers without providing electrode.
Deliberately Light Interpersonal Touch as an Aid to Balance Control in Neurologic Conditions
Authors: Johannsen Leif , McKenzie Evelyn , Brown Melanie , Redfern Mark S. , Wing Alan M. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Purpose:
We aimed to quantify the benefit of externally provided deliberately light interpersonal touch (IPT) on body sway in neurological patients.

Design:
IPT effect on sway was assessed experimentally across differing contacting conditions in a group of 12 patients with Parkinson’s disease and a group of 11 patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke.

Methods:
A pressure plate recorded sway when IPT was provided by a healthcare professional at various locations on a patient’s back.

Findings:
IPT on the back reduced anteroposterior body sway in both groups. Numerically, IPT was more effective when applied more superior on the back, specifically at shoulder level, and when applied at two contact locations simultaneously.

Conclusion:
Our findings demonstrate the benefit of deliberately light IPT on the back to facilitate patients’ postural stability.

Clinical Relevance:
Deliberately light IPT resembles a manual handling strategy, which minimizes load imposed on healthcare professionals when providing balance support, while it facilitates patients’ own sensorimotor control of body balance during standing.
Effectiveness of Vestibular Rehabilitation in Hemodialysis Patients With Dizziness
Authors: Dai Chin-Ying , Lin Su-Chun , Peng Hui-Ling , Chung Yueh-Chin , Chen Shu-Wen , Feng Ying-Feng , Tung Yi-Chen , Liu Wen-Miao 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPurpose:This study evaluated the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) for hemodialysis (HD) patients with chronic dizziness.Design:A single-blind, randomized controlled study was performed.Methods:Cluster-randomized sampling was used to select the experimental group from two outpatient dialysis clinics. A total of 26 patients participated in the study. Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and falls were used as outcome measures. Data were collected at baseline (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3).Findings:Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA of DHI revealed a statistically significant group and time interaction. Dizziness handicap outcome was significantly reduced over time in the experimental group (DHI total score, T1 = 35.29, T2 = 32.86, T3 = 27.86,p= .001).Conclusions:VR exercise instructed by nurses can be effective in alleviating handicap imposed by dizziness in dialysis patients.Clinical Relevance:Nurses are encouraged to learn VR as a simple exercise to improve well-being in dialysis patients with chronic dizziness.
Optimal Fish Passage Barrier Removal—Revisited
Authors: King S. , O'Hanley J. R. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractInfrastructure, such as dams, weirs and culverts, disrupt the longitudinal connectivity of rivers, causing adverse impacts on fish and other aquatic species. Improving fish passage at artificial barriers, accordingly, can be an especially effective and economical river restoration option. In this article, we propose a novel, mixed integer programing model for optimizing barrier mitigation decisions given a limited budget. Rather than simply treating barriers as being impassable or not, we consider the more general case in which barriers may be partially passable. Although this assumption normally introduces nonlinearity into the problem, we manage to formulate a linear model via the use of probability chains, a newly proposed technique from the operations research literature. Our model is noteworthy in that it can be readily implemented and solved using off‐the‐shelf optimization modelling software. Using a case study from the US State of Maine, we demonstrate that the model is highly efficient in comparison with existing solution methods and, moreover, highly scalable in that large problems with many thounsands of barriers can still be solved optimally. Our analysis confirms that barrier mitigation can provide substantial ecological gains for migratory fish at low levels of investment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coping with Work‐related Traumatic Situations among Crime Scene Technicians
Authors: Pavšič Mrevlje Tinkara 
Published: January 2015

AbstractCrime scene technicians collect evidence related to crime and are therefore exposed to many traumatic situations. The coping strategies they use are thus very important in the process of facing the psychological consequences of such work. The available literature shows that crime scene technicians are an understudied subgroup of police workers. Our study is therefore the first unfolding insights into technicians' coping strategies, post‐traumatic symptomatology and somatic health, based on a sample of 64 male crime scene technicians (85% of all Slovene technicians).Crime scene technicians mainly use avoidance coping strategies. Approach strategies that are more effective in the long‐term—i.e. lead to a larger buffering of the effects of traumatic stress—are more frequently used if technicians are familiar with the nature of the task, when they have time to prepare for it, and if they feel that past situations have been positively resolved. Behavioural avoidance strategies were found to be least effective when dealing with traumatic experiences and are also related to more frequent problems of physical health.Results indicate that appropriate trainings for future technicians would facilitate the use of more effective coping strategies and consequently lead to a more effective and satisfied worker. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Volumetric Alterations in the Heteromodal Association Cortex in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Richter J. , Poustka L. , Vomstein K. , Haffner J. , Parzer P. , Stieltjes B. , Henze R. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground:We investigated if alterations in higher-order association areas related to schizophrenia, namely the heteromodal association cortex (HASC), are also observable in subjects with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Methods:A group of 18 children with ASD and 18 healthy controls (HC) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The examination comprised an analysis of group differences in gray matter (GM) volume, surface area (SA) and hemispheric lateralization.Results:Differences in GM volumes in children with ASD and HC were detected in frontal and parietal areas related to the HASC. No HASC structure that showed changes in GM volume exhibited differences in SA. Alterations in hemispheric lateralization between ASD and HC are seen in a frontal area of the HASC.Conclusions:Our results indicate that changes in HASC areas are not restricted to schizophrenia, but extend to other psychiatric disorders, namely ASD. The lacking group differences in SA indicate that changes in GM volume are possibly evoked by other variables than SA in children with ASD.