bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bank erosion in agricultural drainage networks: new challenges from structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry for post‐event analysis
Authors: Prosdocimi Massimo , Calligaro Simone , Sofia Giulia , Dalla Fontana Giancarlo , Tarolli Paolo 
Published: June 2015

AbstractDrainage channels are an integral part of agricultural landscapes, and their impact on catchment hydrology is strongly recognized. In cultivated and urbanized floodplains, channels have always played a key role in flood protection, land reclamation, and irrigation. Bank erosion is a critical issue in channels. Neglecting this process, especially during flood events, can result in underestimation of the risk in flood‐prone areas.The main aim of this work is to consider a low‐cost methodology for the analysis of bank erosion in agricultural drainage networks, and in particular for the estimation of the volumes of eroded and deposited material. A case study located in the Veneto floodplain was selected. The research is based on high‐resolution topographic data obtained by an emerging low‐cost photogrammetric method (structure‐from‐motion or SfM), and results are compared to terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data. For the SfM analysis, extensive photosets were obtained using two standalone reflex digital cameras and an iPhone5® built‐in camera. Three digital elevation models (DEMs) were extracted at the resolution of 0.1 m using SfM and were compared with the ones derived by TLS. Using the different DEMs, the eroded areas were then identified using a feature extraction technique based on the topographic parameter Roughness Index (RI). DEMs derived from SfM were effective for both detecting erosion areas and estimating quantitatively the deposition and erosion volumes. Our results underlined how smartphones with high‐resolution built‐in cameras can be competitive instruments for obtaining suitable data for topography analysis and Earth surface monitoring. This methodology could be potentially very useful for farmers and/or technicians for post‐event field surveys to support flood risk management. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Convergent and invariant object representations for sight, sound, and touch
Authors: Man Kingson , Damasio Antonio , Meyer Kaspar , Kaplan Jonas T. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe continuously perceive objects in the world through multiple sensory channels. In this study, we investigated the convergence of information from different sensory streams within the cerebral cortex. We presented volunteers with three common objects via three different modalities—sight, sound, and touch—and used multivariate pattern analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data to map the cortical regions containing information about the identity of the objects. We could reliably predict which of the three stimuli a subject had seen, heard, or touched from the pattern of neural activity in the corresponding early sensory cortices. Intramodal classification was also successful in large portions of the cerebral cortex beyond the primary areas, with multiple regions showing convergence of information from two or all three modalities. Using crossmodal classification, we also searched for brain regions that would represent objects in a similar fashion across different modalities of presentation. We trained a classifier to distinguish objects presented in one modality and then tested it on the same objects presented in a different modality. We detected audiovisual invariance in the right temporo‐occipital junction, audiotactile invariance in the left postcentral gyrus and parietal operculum, and visuotactile invariance in the right postcentral and supramarginal gyri. Our maps of multisensory convergence and crossmodal generalization reveal the underlying organization of the association cortices, and may be related to the neural basis for mental concepts. Hum Brain Mapp 36:3629–3640, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emotional context facilitates cortical prediction error responses
Authors: Vogel Bob O. , Shen Christina , Neuhaus Andres H. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn the predictive coding framework, mismatch negativity (MMN) is regarded a correlate of the prediction error that occurs when top–down predictions conflict with bottom–up sensory inputs. Expression‐related MMN is a relatively novel construct thought to reflect a prediction error specific to emotional processing, which, however, has not yet been tested directly. Our paradigm includes both neutral and emotional deviants, thereby allowing for investigating whether expression‐related MMN is emotion‐specific or unspecifically arises from violations of a given sequence. Twenty healthy participants completed a visual sequence oddball task where they were presented with (1) sequence deviants, (2) emotional sequence deviants, and (3) emotional deviants. Mismatch components were assessed at ventral occipitotemporal scalp sites and analyzed regarding their amplitudes, spatiotemporal profiles, and neuronal sources. Expression‐related MMN could be clearly separated from its neutral counterpart in all investigated aspects. Specifically, expression‐related MMN showed enhanced amplitude, shorter latency, and different neuronal sources. Our results, therefore, provide converging evidence for a quantitative specificity of expression‐related MMN and seems to provide an opportunity to study prediction error during preattentive emotional processing. Our neurophysiological evidence ultimately suggests that a basic cognitive operator, the prediction error, is enhanced at the cortical level by processing of emotionally salient stimuli. Hum Brain Mapp 36:3641–3652, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A coupled hydrology–biogeochemistry model to simulate dissolved organic carbon exports from a permafrost‐influenced catchment
Authors: Lessels Jason S. , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Carey Sean K , Smith Pete , Soulsby Chris 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe outline the development of a simple, coupled hydrology–biogeochemistry model for simulating stream discharge and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) dynamics in data sparse, permafrost‐influenced catchments with large stores of soil organic carbon. The model incorporates the influence of active layer dynamics and slope aspect on hydrological flowpaths and resulting DOC mobilization. Calibration and evaluation of the model was undertaken using observations from Granger Basin within the Wolf Creek research basin, Yukon, northern Canada. Results show that the model was able to capture the dominant hydrological response and DOC dynamics of the catchment reasonably well. Simulated DOC was highly correlated with observed DOC (r2 = 0.65) for the study period. During the snowmelt period, the model adequately captured the observed dynamics, with simulations generally reflecting the timing and magnitude of the observed DOC and stream discharge. The model was less successful over the later summer period although this partly reflected a lack of DOC observations for calibration. The developed model offers a valuable framework for investigating the interactions between hydrological and DOC processes in these highly dynamic systems, where data acquisition is often very difficult. © 2015 The Authors Hydrological Processes Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of 2H and 18O Pool Size Determinations on the Calculation of Total Energy Expenditure
Authors: Matthews Dwight E. , Gilker Charles D. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMeasurement of total energy expenditure using [2H,18O]water requires both accurate and precise determination of the rates of disappearance of 2H and 18O from body water over time and determination of the 2H and 18O pool sizes. However, the impact of the isotopic determination of body water upon the determination of energy expenditure is often overlooked. For measurement of total body water per se, the delay after administration before sampling body fluids becomes important, and saliva sampling can be used to resolve the timing of early samples for body water determination. For energy expenditure measurement per se, linear regression can be used to define the initial dilution. Because the hydrogen tracer dilutes into a pool significantly larger than body water pool per se due to the presence of labile hydrogens, a correction to the isotope pool size must be applied. The theoretical calculations of the exchangeable hydrogen pool presented here suggest that the hydrogen pool size is <3% greater than the body water pool and data are provided to support this idea. Finally, the two approaches used to define the body water pool space contribution to the calculation of energy expenditure using 2H218O are reviewed. Using a pool size based upon the average of the two pool spaces limits the effect of pool size error in the calculation of energy expenditure.
Estimation of Precision in DLW Studies Using the Two‐Point Methodology
Authors: Speakman John R. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPrevious attempts to estimate precision of doubly labeled water (DLW) estimates of CO2 production, using propagation of error analyses, have necessarily made simplifying assumptions which may compromise the resultant error estimate. Using an empirical iteration approach, error distributions for the DLW calculation were generated which overcome these problems. The error distribution for CO2 estimates generated by DLW is symmetrical but not normal. The distribution is significantly truncated such that the 99% inclusion limits are 2.034 SD and not 2.58 SD. The precision error (99% CI for mean as percent of the mean) in DLW experiments, when using duplicate analyses, varies between approximately 3% and 47% depending on the ratio of the elimination constants of the two labels (ko/kd), experimental duration and initial isotope dose. The error could be improved by approximately 10 fold by increasing the number of replicates at all six isotope determinations from 2 to 5. Estimating precision in actual experiments can be made using the same empirical approach. The resultant estimates can be of extreme value in evaluating the role of precision as a factor influencing deviations during validation studies, and also for weighting mean estimates in applications of the technique. The deviations of DLW estimates from those made simultaneously by indirect calorimetry in a small mammal validation study were generally greater than the precision of the DLW estimates of CO2 production. This may indicate there are more problems with the technique than precision alone.
Shape and surface chemistry effects on the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of metallic nanorods and nanospheres
Authors: Favi Pelagie Marlene , Valencia Mariana Morales , Elliott Paul Robert , Restrepo Alejandro , Gao Ming , Huang Hanchen , Pavon Juan Jose , Webster Thomas Jay 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMetallic nanoparticles (such as gold and silver) have been intensely studied for wound healing applications due to their ability to be easily functionalized, possess antibacterial properties, and their strong potential for targeted drug release. In this study, rod‐shaped silver nanorods (AgNRs) and gold nanorods (AuNRs) were fabricated by electron beam physical vapor deposition (EBPVD), and their cytotoxicity toward human skin fibroblasts were assessed and compared to sphere‐shaped silver nanospheres (AgNSs) and gold nanospheres (AuNSs). Results showed that the 39.94 nm AgNSs showed the greatest toxicity with fibroblast cells followed by the 61.06 nm AuNSs, ∼556 nm × 47 nm (11.8:1 aspect ratio) AgNRs, and the ∼534 nm × 65 nm (8.2:1 aspect ratio) AuNRs demonstrated the least amount of toxicity. The calculated IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) value for the AgNRs exposed to fibroblasts was greater after 4 days of exposure (387.3 μg mL−1) compared to the AgNSs and AuNSs (4.3 and 23.4 μg mL−1, respectively), indicating that these spherical metallic nanoparticles displayed a greater toxicity to fibroblast cells. The IC50 value could not be measured for the AuNRs due to an incomplete dose response curve. The reduced cell toxicity with the presently developed rod‐shaped nanoparticles suggests that they may be promising materials for use in numerous biomedical applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3940–3955, 2015.
Best practices for the use of itraconazole as a replacement for ketoconazole in drug–drug interaction studies
Authors: Liu Lichuan , Bello Akintunde , Dresser Mark J. , Heald Donald , Komjathy Steven Ferenc , O'Mara Edward , Rogge Mark , Stoch S. Aubrey , Robertson Sarah M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractKetoconazole has been widely used as a strong cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A (CYP3A) inhibitor in drug–drug interaction (DDI) studies. However, the US Food and Drug Administration has recommended limiting the use of ketoconazole to cases in which no alternative therapies exist, and the European Medicines Agency has recommended the suspension of its marketing authorizations because of the potential for serious safety concerns. In this review, the Innovation and Quality in Pharmaceutical Development's Clinical Pharmacology Leadership Group (CPLG) provides a compelling rationale for the use of itraconazole as a replacement for ketoconazole in clinical DDI studies and provides recommendations on the best practices for the use of itraconazole in such studies. Various factors considered in the recommendations include the choice of itraconazole dosage form, administration in the fasted or fed state, the dose and duration of itraconazole administration, the timing of substrate and itraconazole coadministration, and measurement of itraconazole and metabolite plasma concentrations, among others. The CPLG's recommendations are based on careful review of available literature and internal industry experiences.
CORDEX‐NA: factors inducing dry/wet years on the North American Monsoon region
Authors: Cerezo‐Mota Ruth , Cavazos Tereza , Arritt Raymond , Torres‐Alavez Abraham , Sieck Kevin , Nikulin Grigory , Moufouma‐Okia Wilfram , Salinas‐Prieto Jose Antonio 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTThe output of four regional climate models (RCMs) from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX)‐North America (NA) region was analysed for the 1990–2008 period, with particular interest on the mechanisms associated with wet and dry years over the North American Monsoon (NAM) core region. All RCMs (RCA3.5, HadGEM3‐RA, REMO, and RegCM4) were forced by the ERA‐Interim reanalysis. Model precipitation was compared against several observational gridded data sets at different time scales. Most RCMs capture well the annual cycle of precipitation and outperform ERA‐Interim, which is drier than the observations. RCMs underestimate (overestimate) the precipitation over the coastal plains (mountains) and have some problems to reproduce the interannual variability of the monsoon. To further investigate this, two extreme summers that showed the largest consistency among observations and RCMs were chosen: one wet (1990) and one dry (2005). The impact of the passage of tropical cyclones, the size of the Western Hemisphere Warm Pool (WHWP), the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) position, and the initial intensity of the land–sea thermal contrast (LSTC) were analysed. During the wet year, the LSTC was stronger than the 2005 dry monsoon season and there were a larger number of hurricanes near the Gulf of California, the WHWP was more extended, and the ITCZ was located in a more northerly position than in 2005. All these processes contributed to a wetter NAM season. During the dry year, the LSTC was weaker, with a later onset, probably due to a previous very wet winter. The inverse precipitation relationship between winter and summer in the monsoon region was well captured by most of the RCMs. RegCM4 showed the largest biases and HadGEM3‐RA the smallest ones.
Assessment of the response of the East Asian winter monsoon to ENSO‐like SSTAs in three U.S. CLIVAR Project models
Authors: Hao Xin , Li Fei , Sun Jianqi , Wang Huijun , He Shengping 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTThe simulated response of the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) to ENSO‐like sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) forcing in three U.S. Climate Variability and Predictability (U.S. CLIVAR) Project models (GFDL, CCM3, and CCM3.5) are evaluated. The time series of the ENSO‐like pattern significantly correlates with the EAWM index for the period 1949–2004 based on the HadISST SST data set and the NCEP atmospheric reanalysis. Their correlation coefficient is −0.32 at the 95% confidence level. The warm (cold) phase of ENSO‐like SSTAs is associated with a weakened (strengthened) Siberian High and an eastern‐positioned (western‐positioned) Aleutian Low, anomalous southerly (northerly) wind at 850 hPa and positive (negative) surface air temperature anomalies over East Asia and western North Pacific, while 300 hPa zonal wind anomalies emerge with a reduced (accelerated) East Asian jet stream.Further model examination reveals that the simulated response over East Asia forced by warm (cold) ENSO‐like SSTAs in CCM3 and the three‐model ensemble corresponds to the weakened (strengthened) EAWM. The spatial correlation coefficients between the three‐model ensemble and observation in the atmospheric circulation and surface air temperature range from 0.15 to 0.80 at the 99% confidence level. This success in simulating relationship between ENSO‐like SSTAs and EWAM using three‐model ensemble proposes a new idea for the EAWM prediction.
Long‐Term Changes in Plant Life Forms as a Consequence of Grazing Exclusion under Arid Climatic Conditions
Authors: Tarhouni Mohamed , Ben Hmida Walid , Neffati Mohamed 
Published: June 2015

AbstractEl Ouara natural region (southern dry area of Tunisia) is characterized by harsh climatic conditions (high temperature, low rainfall). It is the preferred destination of many herds disturbing local ecosystems and loosing many palatable plant species. These climatic stresses and human disturbances affect the local natural vegetation communities. Conservation management has been imposed in order to preserve the national floristic heritage and biodiversity. Among the proposed techniques was the creation of Sidi Toui national park since 1991. This study aims to assess changes of flora life forms strategies (Raunkiaer, Noy‐Meir and Grime types) inside and outside the park from 1990 to 2011. The Raunkiaer biologic spectrum is considered as a flora adaptation strategy to the climatic conditions. Noy‐Meir classified plants on the basis of their photosynthetic activity during the dry season (arido‐passive and arido‐active species). The C–S–R Grime model gathered plants to three groups (Competitive (C), Stress‐tolerant (S) and Ruderal (R)). The quadrat point method was used to evaluate the natural vegetation status. Main results are (i) Chameaphytes and Hemicryptophytes cover increased at the beginning and decreased after long period of protection, (ii) Therophytes dominate inside the park after 20 years of protection, (iii) Arido‐active species are sensible to human disturbance and long protection effects and (iv) the protection period decreased the cover of S, CS and CRS species and increased the RS ones. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intermittent catheterisation for long‐term bladder management (abridged cochrane review)
Authors: Prieto Jacqui A. , Murphy Catherine , Moore Katherine N. , Fader Mandy J. 
Published: June 2015

AimsTo review the evidence on strategies to reduce UTI, other complications or improve satisfaction in intermittent catheter (IC) users by comparing: (1) one catheter design, material or technique versus another; (2) sterile technique versus clean; or (3) single‐use (sterile) or multiple‐use (clean) catheters.MethodsWe searched Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, reference lists, and conference proceedings to November 2013. We contacted other investigators for unpublished data or clarification. Trial screening, assessment and data abstraction were all in accordance with the Cochrane handbook.ResultsThirty one trials (13 RCTs and 18 randomized crossover trials), addressed the inclusion criteria comparing method or design and UTI/bacteriuria, other complications or participant assessed outcomes. Studies varied widely in follow‐up, UTI definition and attrition; in some, data could not be combined. Where there were data, confidence intervals were wide and hence clinically important differences could neither be reliably identified nor ruled out.ConclusionsCurrent research evidence is weak and design issues are significant. It has not yet been established whether incidence of UTI, other complications such as haematuria, or user satisfaction are affected by sterile or clean technique, coated or uncoated catheters, single or multiple‐use catheters or by any other strategy. For people using IC, choice of catheter will depend on personal preference, cost, portability, and ease of use. Individuals should discuss the catheter options with their healthcare practitioner. Cost‐effectiveness analysis and use of the standard definition of UTI are essential in any proposed clinical trial. Neurourol. Urodynam. 34:???–???, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nosocomial outbreak of hepatitis B virus infection in a pediatric hematology and oncology unit in South Africa: Epidemiological investigation and measures to prevent further transmission
Authors: Büchner Ané , Du Plessis Nicolette M. , Reynders David T. , Omar Fareed E. , Mayaphi Simnikiwe H. , Haeri Mazanderani Ahmad F. , Avenant Theunis 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundHospital‐acquired hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been well described and continues to occur worldwide. Recent nosocomial outbreaks have been linked to unsafe injection practices, use of multi‐dose vials, and poor staff compliance with standard precautions. This report describes a nosocomial outbreak that occurred in a pediatric hematology and oncology unit of a large academic hospital, the epidemiological investigation of the outbreak, and preventive measures implemented to limit further in‐hospital transmission.MethodsOutbreak investigation including contact tracing and HBV screening were initially carried out on all patients seen by the unit during the same period as the first three cases. Routine screening for the entire patient population of the unit was initiated in February 2013 when it was realized that numerous patients may have been exposed.ResultsForty‐nine cases of HBV infection were confirmed in 408 patients tested between July 2011 and October 2013. Phylogenetic analysis of the HBV preC/C gene nucleotide sequences revealed that all tested outbreak strains clustered together. Most (67%) patients were HBeAg positive. The cause of transmission could not be established. Preventive measures targeted three proposed routes. HBV screening and vaccination protocols were started in the unit.ConclusionsThe high number of HBeAg positive patients, together with suspected lapses in infection prevention and control measures, are believed to have played a major role in the transmission. Measures implemented to prevent further in‐hospital transmission were successful. On‐going HBV screening and vaccination programs in pediatric hematology and oncology units should become standard of care. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.