bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical profiles and treatment outcomes of systemic corticosteroids for toxic epidermal necrolysis: A retrospective study
Authors: Choonhakarn Charoen , Limpawattana Panita , Chaowattanapanit Suteeraporn 
Published: July 2015

AbstractToxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is an uncommon severe cutaneous adverse reaction. Although controversies remain in the pathophysiology and management of this condition, improvements in survival and morbidity have been observed over the past decade. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the clinical profiles of TEN in Thai patients and the treatment outcome with dexamethasone pulse therapy assessed by using the Severity of Illness Score for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SCORTEN). Medical records of all patients with TEN were collected retrospectively from January 2002 to December 2012. Epidemiological features, etiologies, treatments and clinical outcomes were reviewed. Of 18 patients, the female to male ratio was 1:1 and the mean age was 49.7 years. Cephalosporins (27.8%), phenytoin (16.7%), carbamazepine, sulfonamide drugs and allopurinol (11.1% each) were implicated as leading causes of TEN. Hepatitis was the most frequent complication (77.8%). Pulsed high doses of dexamethasone 1–1.5 mg/kg per day for a short period were administrated in all cases. Two of the 18 patients receiving corticosteroids (SCORTEN 5 and 6) died. The mortality rate was 11% (2/18 patients), however, no patient receiving systemic corticosteroids died if the patients had less than 4 points on SCORTEN. The clinical features of Thai patients with TEN were similar to other reports. In conclusion, in addition to withdrawal of the suspected agent and intensive supportive care, the administration of short‐term dexamethasone pulse therapy, particularly during the initial phase, may be beneficial in reducing the mortality rate.
Physical constraints on c13 and δ for transversely isotropic hydrocarbon source rocks
Authors: Yan Fuyong , Han De‐Hua , Yao Qiuliang 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTBased on the theory of anisotropic elasticity and observation of static mechanic measurement of transversely isotropic hydrocarbon source rocks or rock‐like materials, we reasoned that one of the three principal Poisson's ratios of transversely isotropic hydrocarbon source rocks should always be greater than the other two and they should be generally positive. From these relations, we derived tight physical constraints on c13, Thomsen parameter δ, and anellipticity parameter η. Some of the published data from laboratory velocity anisotropy measurement are lying outside of the constraints. We analysed that they are primarily caused by substantial uncertainty associated with the oblique velocity measurement. These physical constraints will be useful for our understanding of Thomsen parameter δ, data quality checking, and predicting δ from measurements perpendicular and parallel to the symmetrical axis of transversely isotropic medium. The physical constraints should also have potential application in anisotropic seismic data processing.
A quantitative framework for investigating risk of deadly collisions between marine wildlife and boats
Authors: Martin Julien , Sabatier Quentin , Gowan Timothy A. , Giraud Christophe , Gurarie Eliezer , Calleson Charles Scott , Ortega‐Ortiz Joel G. , Deutsch Charles J. , Rycyk Athena , Koslovsky Stacie M. 
Published: July 2015

Summary

Speed regulations of watercraft in protected areas are designed to reduce lethal collisions with wildlife but can have economic consequences. We present a quantitative framework for investigating the risk of deadly collisions between boats and wildlife.

We apply encounter rate theory to demonstrate how marine mammal–boat encounter rate can be used to predict the expected number of deaths associated with management scenarios. We illustrate our approach with management scenarios for two endangered species: the Florida manatee Trichechus manatus latirostris and the North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis. We used a Monte Carlo simulation approach to demonstrate the uncertainty that is associated with our estimate of relative mortality.

We show that encounter rate increased with vessel speed but that the expected number of encounters varies depending on the boating activities considered. For instance, in a scenario involving manatees and boating activities such as water skiing, the expected number of encounters in a given area (in a fixed time interval) increased with vessel speed. In another scenario in which a vessel made a transit of fixed length, the expected number of encounters decreases slightly with boat speed. In both cases, the expected number of encounters increased with distanced travelled by the boat. For whales, we found a slight reduction (˜0·1%) in the number of encounters under a scenario where speed is unregulated; this reduction, however, is negligible, and overall expected relative mortality was ˜30% lower under the scenario with speed regulation. The probability of avoidance by the animal or vessel was set to 0 because of lack of data, but we explored the importance of this parameter on the model predictions. In fact, expected relative mortality under speed regulations decreases even further when the probability of avoidance is a decreasing function of vessel speed.

By applying encounter rate theory to the case of boat collisions with marine mammals, we gained new insights about encounter processes between wildlife and watercraft. Our work emphasizes the importance of considering uncertainty when estimating wildlife mortality. Finally, our findings are relevant to other systems and ecological processes involving the encounter between moving agents.
Physically Meaningful Rendering using Tristimulus Colours
Authors: Meng Johannes , Simon Florian , Hanika Johannes , Dachsbacher Carsten 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn photorealistic image synthesis the radiative transfer equation is often not solved by simulating every wavelength of light, but instead by computing tristimulus transport, for instance using sRGB primaries as a basis. This choice is convenient, because input texture data is usually stored in RGB colour spaces. However, there are problems with this approach which are often overlooked or ignored. By comparing to spectral reference renderings, we show how rendering in tristimulus colour spaces introduces colour shifts in indirect light, violation of energy conservation, and unexpected behaviour in participating media.Furthermore, we introduce a fast method to compute spectra from almost any given XYZ input colour. It creates spectra that match the input colour precisely. Additionally, like in natural reflectance spectra, their energy is smoothly distributed over wide wavelength bands. This method is both useful to upsample RGB input data when spectral transport is used and as an intermediate step for corrected tristimulus‐based transport. Finally, we show how energy conservation can be enforced in RGB by mapping colours to valid reflectances.
Modeling Luminance Perception at Absolute Threshold
Authors: Kellnhofer Petr , Ritschel Tobias , Myszkowski Karol , Eisemann Elmar , Seidel Hans‐Peter 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWhen human luminance perception operates close to its absolute threshold, i. e., the lowest perceivable absolute values, appearance changes substantially compared to common photopic or scotopic vision. In particular, most observers report perceiving temporally‐varying noise. Two reasons are physiologically plausible; quantum noise (due to the low absolute number of photons) and spontaneous photochemical reactions. Previously, static noise with a normal distribution and no account for absolute values was combined with blue hue shift and blur to simulate scotopic appearance on a photopic display for movies and interactive applications (e.g., games). We present a computational model to reproduce the specific distribution and dynamics of “scotopic noise” for specific absolute values. It automatically introduces a perceptually‐calibrated amount of noise for a specific luminance level and supports animated imagery. Our simulation runs in milliseconds at HD resolution using graphics hardware and favorably compares to simpler alternatives in a perceptual experiment.
Nebenwirkungen ästhetischer Eingriffe an der Haut
Authors: Hartmann Daniela , Ruzicka Thomas , Gauglitz Gerd G. 
Published: July 2015

ZusammenfassungIn den letzten Jahren sind im Gebiet der ästhetischen Dermatologie eine Vielzahl von neuartigen therapeutischen Ansätzen zur Bekämpfung von Alterserscheinungen und zur Beeinflussung des äußeren Körpererscheinungsbildes verfügbar geworden. Umfangreiche Forschung auf diesem Gebiet hat zu einem erweiterten Verständnis der Anatomie und Physiologie des alternden Gesichtes geführt. Um die komplizierten altersbedingen Veränderungen anzugehen, erfordert die Anti‐Aging‐Behandlung heutzutage eine multidimensionale Herangehensweise. Zu den häufigsten ästhetischen Eingriffen gehören die Verwendung von Botulinumtoxin, eine Vielzahl von Füll materialien, Microneedling (Kollageninduktionstherapie), chemische Peelings, Laserbehandlung, Radiofrequenzbehandlung, Faden‐Facelifting, und Injektions‐Lipolyse mit Phosphatidylcholin/Deoxycholat.Leider fehlt vielen Medizinern immer noch ein fundiertes Verständnis möglicher Komplikationen, Risikofaktoren, und Nebenwirkungen in Verbindung mit minimalinvasiven Eingriffen. Der folgende Bericht zielt darauf ab, einen breiten Überblick über die heutzutage meistverwendeten Ansätze im dermato‐ästhetischen Bereich und die damit verbundenen Komplikationen zu geben.
State and Religion in the Formative Stage of Islam (7th–11th Centuries C.E.)
Authors: Hurvitz Nimrod 
Published: July 2015

AbstractQuestions related to state and religion, in the formative centuries of Islam, are often viewed through the “opposition paradigm,” which asserts that the relations between the rulers and the scholars were primarily a protracted struggle over religious authority. However, recent studies point to a more collaborative relationship between these two pillars of Muslim societies. This essay brings together the assessments of several studies that undermine the “opposition paradigm.” After pointing to its flaws, the essay suggests that an additional venue of scholarship, governance, will shed much light on the relations between the state and men of religion. It argues that from what we know about governance, the state was free of detailed religious injunctions and was, therefore, capable of adapting itself to historical circumstances, from its inception to the present. Furthermore, it asserts that deepening our understanding of political practice is critical to improve our understanding of state and religion in Muslim societies.
The evolution of fecundity is associated with female body size but not female‐biased sexual size dimorphism among frogs
Authors: Monroe M. J. , South S. H. , Alonzo S. H. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractSexual size dimorphism (SSD) is one of the most common ways in which males and females differ. Male‐biased SSD (when males are larger) is often attributed to sexual selection favouring large males. When females are larger (female‐biased SSD), it is often argued that natural selection favouring increased fecundity (i.e. larger clutches or eggs) has coevolved with larger female body size. Using comparative phylogenetic and multispecies regression model selection approaches, we test the hypothesis that among‐species variation in female fecundity is associated with the evolution of female‐biased SSD. We also ask whether the hypothesized relationship between SSD and fecundity is relaxed upon the evolution of parental care. Our results suggest a strong relationship between the evolution of fecundity and body size, but we find no significant relationship between fecundity and SSD. Similarly, there does not appear to be a relationship between fecundity and the presence or absence of parental care among species. Thus, although female body size and fecundity coevolve, selection for increased fecundity as an explanation for female‐biased SSD is inconsistent with our analyses. We caution that a relationship between female body size and fecundity is insufficient evidence for fecundity selection driving the evolution of female‐biased SSD.
Stress‐gradient hypothesis explains susceptibility to Bromus tectorum invasion and community stability in North America's semi‐arid Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis ecosystems
Authors: Reisner Michael D. , Doescher Paul S. , Pyke David A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractQuestions(1) What combinations of overlapping water and heat stress and herbivory disturbance gradients are associated with shifts in interactions between Artemisia tridentata subsp. wyomingensis (Artemisia) and herbaceous beneficiary species? (2) Do interactions between Artemisia and beneficiaries shift from competition to facilitation with increasing stress‐disturbance where facilitation and competition are most frequent and strongest at the highest and lowest levels, respectively? (3) Do such relationships differ for native and non‐native beneficiaries? (4) What are the implications of any observed shifts in interactions between community compositional stability in space and susceptibility to invasion?LocationNorth American Artemisia communities.MethodsWe tested the stress‐gradient hypothesis (SGH) in an observational study consisting of 75 sites located along overlapping water and heat stress and disturbance gradients. We used spatial patterns of association among Artemisia and six native and two non‐native beneficiary species; including the invasive annual grass Bromus tectorum, representing a diverse array of life history strategies, to infer whether the net outcome of interactions was facilitation or competition. We assessed implications for community stability by examining shifts in community composition in space and resistance to invasion.Results/ConclusionsCattle herbivory, a novel disturbance and selective force, was a significant component of two overlapping stress gradients most strongly associated with observed shifts in interactions. Facilitation and competition were strongest and most frequent at the highest and lowest stress levels along both gradients, respectively. Contrasting ecological optima among native and non‐native beneficiaries led to strikingly different patterns of interactions. The four native bunchgrasses with the strongest competitive response abilities exhibited the strongest facilitation at their upper limits of stress tolerance, while the two non‐natives exhibited the strongest competition at the highest stress levels, which coincided with their maximum abundance. Artemisia facilitation enhanced stability at intermediate stress levels by providing a refuge for native bunchgrasses, which in turn reduced the magnitude of B. tectorum invasion. However, facilitation was a destabilizing force at the highest stress levels when native bunchgrasses became obligate beneficiaries dependent on facilitation for their persistence. B. tectorum dominated these communities, and the next fire may convert them to annual grasslands.
Evaluation of Patients with Community‐Acquired Pneumonia Caused by Zoonotic Pathogens in an Area with a High Density of Animal Farms
Authors: Huijskens E. G. W. , Smit L. A. M. , Rossen J. W. A. , Heederik D. , Koopmans M. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryIntensive animal farming could potentially lead to outbreaks of infectious diseases. Clinicians are at the forefront of detecting unusual diseases, but the lack of specificity of zoonotic disease symptoms makes this a challenging task. We evaluated patients with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) with known and unknown aetiology in an area with a high livestock density and a potential association with animal farms in the proximity. Between 2008 and 2009, a period coinciding with a large Q fever outbreak in the Netherlands, patients with CAP were tested for the presence of possible respiratory pathogens. The presence and number of farm animals within 1 km of the patients' home address were assessed using geographic information system (GIS) and were compared between cases and age‐matched control subjects. Of 408 patients with CAP, pathogens were detected in 275 (67.4%) patients. The presence of sheep and the number of goats were associated with CAP caused by Coxiella burnetii in a multiple logistic regression model (P < 0.05). CAP with unknown aetiology was not associated with the presence of animal farms (P > 0.10). The use of GIS in combination with aetiology of CAP could be potentially used to target diagnostics and to identify outbreaks of rare zoonotic disease.
Changes in a Starting Pitcher’s Performance Characteristics Across the Duration of a Major League Baseball Game
Authors: Whiteside David , Martini Douglas N. , Zernicke Ronald F. , Goulet Grant C. 
Published: July 2015

Purpose:With a view to informing in-game decision making as it relates to strategy and pitcher health, this study examined changes in pitching-performance characteristics across 9 innings of Major League Baseball (MLB) games.Methods:129 starting MLB pitchers met the inclusion criteria for this study. Pitch type, speed, ball movement, release location, and strike-zone data—collected using the MLB’s ball-tracking system, PITCHf/x—were obtained for 1,514,304 pitches thrown from 2008 to 2014.Results:Compared with the 1st inning, the proportion of hard pitches thrown decreased significantly until the 7th inning, while the proportions of breaking and off-speed pitches increased. Significant decreases in pitch speed, increases in vertical movement, and decreases in release height emerged no later than the 5th inning, and the largest differences in all variables were generally recorded between the 1st inning and the late innings (7–9). Pitchers were most effective during the 2nd inning and significantly worse in innings 4 and 6.Conclusion:These data revealed that several aspects of a starting pitcher’s pitching characteristics exhibited changes from baseline as early as the 2nd or 3rd inning of an MLB game, but this pattern did not reflect the changes in his effectiveness. Therefore, these alterations do not appear to provide reasonable justification for relieving a starting pitcher, although future work must address their relevance to injury. From an offensive standpoint, batters in the MLB should anticipate significantly more hard pitches during the early innings but more breaking and off-speed pitches, with decreasing speed, as the game progresses.
Quantification of Azospirillum brasilense FP2 Bacteria in Wheat Roots by Strain-Specific Quantitative PCR
Authors: Stets Maria Isabel , Alqueres Sylvia Maria Campbell , Souza Emanuel Maltempi , Pedrosa Fábio de Oliveira , Schmid Michael , Hartmann Anton , Cruz Leonardo Magalhães 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

Azospirillum
is a rhizobacterial genus containing plant growth-promoting species associated with different crops worldwide.
Azospirillum brasilense
strains exhibit a growth-promoting effect by means of phytohormone production and possibly by N
2
fixation. However, one of the most important factors for achieving an increase in crop yield by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria is the survival of the inoculant in the rhizosphere, which is not always achieved. The objective of this study was to develop quantitative PCR protocols for the strain-specific quantification of
A. brasilense
FP2. A novel approach was applied to identify strain-specific DNA sequences based on a comparison of the genomic sequences within the same species. The draft genome sequences of
A. brasilense
FP2 and Sp245 were aligned, and FP2-specific regions were filtered and checked for other possible matches in public databases. Strain-specific regions were then selected to design and evaluate strain-specific primer pairs. The primer pairs AzoR2.1, AzoR2.2, AzoR5.1, AzoR5.2, and AzoR5.3 were specific for the
A. brasilense
FP2 strain. These primer pairs were used to monitor quantitatively the population of
A. brasilense
in wheat roots under sterile and nonsterile growth conditions. In addition, coinoculations with other plant growth-promoting bacteria in wheat were performed under nonsterile conditions. The results showed that
A. brasilense
FP2 inoculated into wheat roots is highly competitive and achieves high cell numbers (∼10
7
CFU/g [fresh weight] of root) in the rhizosphere even under nonsterile conditions and when coinoculated with other rhizobacteria, maintaining the population at rather stable levels for at least up to 13 days after inoculation. The strategy used here can be applied to other organisms whose genome sequences are available.
A Gnotobiotic Pig Model for Determining Human Norovirus Inactivation by High-Pressure Processing
Authors: Lou Fangfei , Ye Mu , Ma Yuanmei , Li Xinhui , DiCaprio Erin , Chen Haiqiang , Krakowka Steven , Hughes John , Kingsley David , Li Jianrong 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

Human norovirus (NoV) is responsible for over 90% of outbreaks of acute nonbacterial gastroenteritis worldwide and accounts for 60% of cases of foodborne illness in the United States. Currently, the infectivity of human NoVs is poorly understood due to the lack of a cell culture system. In this study, we determined the survival of a human NoV genogroup II, genotype 4 (GII.4) strain in seeded oyster homogenates after high-pressure processing (HPP) using a novel receptor binding assay and a gnotobiotic pig model. Pressure conditions of 350 MPa at 0°C for 2 min led to a 3.7-log
10
reduction in the number of viral RNA copies in oysters, as measured by the porcine gastric mucin-conjugated magnetic bead (PGM-MB) binding assay and real-time RT-PCR, whereas pressure conditions of 350 MPa at 35°C for 2 min achieved only a 1-log
10
reduction in the number of RNA copies. Newborn gnotobiotic piglets orally fed oyster homogenate treated at 350 MPa and 0°C for 2 min did not have viral RNA shedding in feces, histologic lesions, or viral replication in the small intestine. In contrast, gnotobiotic piglets fed oysters treated at 350 MPa and 35°C for 2 min had high levels of viral shedding in feces and exhibited significant histologic lesions and viral replication in the small intestine. Collectively, these data demonstrate that (i) human NoV survival estimated by an
in vitro
PGM-MB virus binding assay is consistent with the infectivity determined by an
in vivo
gnotobiotic piglet model and (ii) HPP is capable of inactivating a human NoV GII.4 strain at commercially acceptable pressure levels.