bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesophilic versus thermophilic anaerobic digestion of cattle manure: methane productivity and microbial ecology
Authors: Moset Veronica , Poulsen Morten , Wahid Radziah , Højberg Ole , Møller Henrik Bjarne 
Published: March 2015

SummaryIn this study, productivity and physicochemical and microbiological (454 sequencing) parameters, as well as environmental criteria, were investigated in anaerobic reactors to contribute to the ongoing debate about the optimal temperature range for treating animal manure, and expand the general knowledge on the relation between microbiological and physicochemical process indicators. For this purpose, two reactor sizes were used (10 m3 and 16 l), in which two temperature conditions (35°C and 50°C) were tested. In addition, the effect of the hydraulic retention time was evaluated (16 versus 20 days).Thermophilic anaerobic digestion showed higher organic matter degradation (especially fiber), higher pH and higher methane (CH4) yield, as well as better percentage of ultimate CH4 yield retrieved and lower residual CH4 emission, when compared with mesophilic conditions. In addition, lower microbial diversity was found in the thermophilic reactors, especially for Bacteria, where a clear intensification towards Clostridia class members was evident.Independent of temperature, some similarities were found in digestates when comparing with animal manure, including low volatile fatty acids concentrations and a high fraction of Euryarchaeota in the total microbial community, in which members of Methanosarcinales dominated for both temperature conditions; these indicators could be considered a sign of process stability.
An exploratory short‐term double‐blind randomized trial of varenicline versus nicotine patch for smoking cessation in women
Authors: Gray Kevin M. , McClure Erin A. , Baker Nathaniel L. , Hartwell Karen J. , Carpenter Matthew J. , Saladin Michael E. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimsWithin a parent study examining ovarian hormone effects on smoking cessation in women, we conducted an exploratory short‐term trial of varenicline versus transdermal nicotine patch.DesignDouble‐blind double‐dummy randomized trial.SettingSingle‐site out‐patient research clinic in the United States.ParticipantsFemale smokers, ages 18–45 years and averaging ≥10 cigarettes per day for at least 6 months (n = 140).InterventionsParticipants were randomized to receive a 4‐week course of (a) varenicline tablets and placebo patches (n = 67) or (b) placebo tablets and nicotine patches (n = 73). Two brief cessation counseling sessions were provided for all participants.MeasurementsThe outcome of primary clinical interest was 2‐week end‐of‐treatment abstinence. Secondary outcomes included 1‐ and 4‐week end‐of treatment abstinence and abstinence at a post‐treatment follow‐up visit occurring 4 weeks after treatment conclusion. Breath carbon monoxide (≤ 10 parts per million) was used to confirm biochemically self‐reported abstinence.FindingsTwo‐week end‐of‐treatment abstinence was achieved by 37.3% (25 of 67) of varenicline participants and by 17.8% (13 of 73) of nicotine patch participants [odds ratio (OR) = 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.3–6.0, P = 0.011]. One‐week (44.8 versus 20.6%, OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.5–6.6, P = 0.003) and 4‐week (22.4 versus 9.6%, OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.0–7.2, P = 0.043) end‐of‐treatment abstinence similarly favored varenicline, although post‐treatment follow‐up Russell Standard abstinence was not significantly different between groups (23.9 versus 13.7%, OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 0.8–4.7, P = 0.126).ConclusionIn an exploratory 4‐week head‐to‐head trial in female smokers, varenicline, compared with nicotine patch, more than doubled the odds of end‐of‐treatment abstinence, although this diminished somewhat at post‐treatment follow‐up.
Minimally Invasive Ventricular Assist Device Surgery
Authors: Rojas Sebastian V. , Avsar Murat , Hanke Jasmin S. , Khalpey Zain , Maltais Simon , Haverich Axel , Schmitto Jan D. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe use of mechanical circulatory support to treat patients with congestive heart failure has grown enormously, recently surpassing the number of annual heart transplants worldwide. The current generation of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), as compared with older devices, is characterized by improved technologies and reduced size. The result is that minimally invasive surgery is now possible for the implantation, explantation, and exchange of LVADs. Minimally invasive procedures improve surgical outcome; for example, they lower the rates of operative complications (such as bleeding or wound infection). The miniaturization of LVADs will continue, so that minimally invasive techniques will be used for most implantations in the future. In this article, we summarize and describe minimally invasive state‐of‐the‐art implantation techniques, with a focus on the most common LVAD systems in adults.
Randomised clinical trial: deep remission in biologic and immunomodulator naïve patients with Crohn's disease – a SONIC post hoc analysis
Authors: Colombel J.‐F. , Reinisch W. , Mantzaris G. J. , Kornbluth A. , Rutgeerts P. , Tang K. L. , Oortwijn A. , Bevelander G. S. , Cornillie F. J. , Sandborn W. J. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryBackgroundAs treatment goals in Crohn's disease (CD) evolve, targets now include clinical remission (CR), mucosal healing (MH) and biological remission [C‐reactive protein normalisation (CRPnorm)].AimsTo evaluate the association of baseline factors and treatment with the achievement of different composite remission parameters at week 26.MethodsThis post hoc analysis of the SONIC trial evaluated different composite remission measures at week 26 in a subgroup of patients with Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) scores, CRP, and endoscopic data available at baseline and week 26 (N = 188). Assessed composite remission measures were: CR (CDAI < 150) and MH (absence of any mucosal ulcerations), previously referred to as ‘deep remission;’ and alternative composite endpoints: CR + CRPnorm (CRP < 0.8 mg/dL); CRPnorm + MH; and CR + CRPnorm + MH.ResultsAmong analysed patients, 136/188 (72.3%) achieved CR and 90/188 (47.9%) achieved MH at week 26. All composite outcomes were significantly greater (Bonferroni significance level, P ≤ 0.016) with combination therapy (i.e. infliximab and azathioprine; 52.3–63.6%) vs. azathioprine monotherapy (12.9–29.0%; p ≤ 0.005 for all comparisons). Composite remission rates including MH were significantly greater with combination therapy (52.3–56.9%) vs. infliximab (25.6–32.3%; P ≤ 0.015 for all comparisons except CRPnorm + MH, P = 0.017) and vs. azathioprine monotherapy (12.9–20.4%; P ≤ 0.002 for all comparisons). Median serum trough infliximab concentrations among patients who achieved MH or CR + MH were greater when compared with those among patients who did not achieve MH (P = 0.018) or CR + MH (P = 0.053). Among the subgroup of patients with early Crohn's disease, MH alone or in combination with composite remission criteria significantly improved clinical outcomes of patients who received combination therapy.ConclusionsCombination therapy was more effective in achieving various composite remission measures vs. azathioprine or infliximab monotherapy. These data illustrate that ‘deep remission’ is achievable with combination therapy in a high percentage of patients with early Crohn's disease. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00094458.
Implementation of integrated therapies for comorbid post‐traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders in community substance abuse treatment programs
Authors: Killeen Therese K. , Back Sudie E. , Brady Kathleen T. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIssuesThe high prevalence of trauma and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) presents a number of treatment challenges for community treatment providers and programs in the USA. Although several evidence‐based, integrated therapies for the treatment of comorbid PTSD/SUD have been developed, rates of utilisation of such practices remain low in community treatment programs.ApproachThe goal of this article was to review the extant literature on common barriers that prevent adoption and implementation of integrated treatments for PTSD/SUD among substance abuse community treatment programs.Key FindingsOrganisational, provider‐level and patient‐level factors that drive practice decisions were discussed, including organisational philosophy of care policies, funding and resources, as well as provider and patient knowledge and attitudes related to implementation of new integrated treatments for comorbid PTSD and SUD.Implications and ConclusionsUnderstanding and addressing these community treatment challenges may facilitate use of evidence‐based integrated treatments for comorbid PTSD and SUD. [Killeen TK, Back SE, Brady KT. Implementation of integrated therapies for comorbid post‐traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders in community substance abuse treatment programs. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015]
Comparison of diabetes‐associated secondary healthcare utilization between alternative oral antihyperglycaemic dual therapy combinations with metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes: an observational cohort study
Authors: Strongman H. , D'Oca K. , Langerman H. , Das R. 
Published: March 2015

AimsTo compare diabetes‐associated secondary healthcare utilization in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) prescribed sulphonylureas (SUs) versus other oral antihyperglycaemic agents (OHAs) as an add‐on to metformin monotherapy (metformin + SU vs metformin + OHA).MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked to Hospital Episode Statistics. Adults with T2DM initiated on metformin + SU or metformin + OHA from April 2003 to March 2012 were identified. Patients were matched using propensity scores. Diabetes‐associated secondary healthcare visits were counted from >6 months post‐initiation of dual therapy until treatment change or end of follow‐up. Outcomes were calculated as rate ratios, adjusted for over‐dispersion using negative binomial regression and propensity score for covariates.ResultsAfter propensity score matching, 1704 patients were included in each cohort. For the primary objective (diabetes‐associated inpatient and outpatient visits combined), the metformin + SU cohort had a directionally higher rate of diabetes‐associated secondary healthcare utilization than the metformin + OHA cohort [adjusted rate ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97–1.29]. For the secondary outcomes, the adjusted rate ratio was 1.38 (95% CI 0.95–2.00) for inpatient admissions and 1.10 (95% CI 0.95–1.28) for outpatient visits. Macrovascular complications, accounting for 77.2% of inpatient admissions, occurred at a statistically significantly higher rate in the metformin + SU cohort than in the metformin + OHA cohort (adjusted rate ratio 1.77, 95% CI 1.15–2.71).ConclusionsThis study found a statistically significant higher rate of inpatient admissions for macrovascular complications and cardiology outpatient visits and, overall, a directionally higher rate of secondary healthcare utilization for patients prescribed metformin + SU than for those prescribed metformin + OHA. This adds to the evidence that long‐term and health economic outcomes should be considered in treatment decisions for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Too much of a good thing: sea ice extent may have forced emperor penguins into refugia during the last glacial maximum
Authors: Younger Jane L. , Clucas Gemma V. , Kooyman Gerald , Wienecke Barbara , Rogers Alex D. , Trathan Philip N. , Hart Tom , Miller Karen J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe relationship between population structure and demographic history is critical to understanding microevolution and for predicting the resilience of species to environmental change. Using mitochondrial DNA from extant colonies and radiocarbon‐dated subfossils, we present the first microevolutionary analysis of emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) and show their population trends throughout the last glacial maximum (LGM, 19.5–16 kya) and during the subsequent period of warming and sea ice retreat. We found evidence for three mitochondrial clades within emperor penguins, suggesting that they were isolated within three glacial refugia during the LGM. One of these clades has remained largely isolated within the Ross Sea, while the two other clades have intermixed around the coast of Antarctica from Adélie Land to the Weddell Sea. The differentiation of the Ross Sea population has been preserved despite rapid population growth and opportunities for migration. Low effective population sizes during the LGM, followed by a rapid expansion around the beginning of the Holocene, suggest that an optimum set of sea ice conditions exist for emperor penguins, corresponding to available foraging area.
The causes of falls: views of older people with visual impairment
Authors: Brundle Caroline , Waterman Heather A. , Ballinger Claire , Olleveant Nicola , Skelton Dawn A. , Stanford Penelope , Todd Chris 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundSight impairment increases with age and, compared with the general older population, older people with sight impairment are more likely to fall. There is a growing body of evidence on the views and perceptions of older people about falls, but little is published on the views of older people with sight impairment.ObjectiveTo explore what older people with sight impairment believe to be the causes of falls.DesignA qualitative design was used, incorporating focus groups and interviews in which participants discussed falls and falls prevention. Framework analysis was employed to identify themes arising from participants' discussions of the causes of falls.Setting and participantsFifty‐four community dwelling men and women with sight impairment, aged 65 and over, were recruited from across Greater Manchester, UK.ResultsFive types of factors were identified that were believed to cause falls: (i) health issues and changes in balance caused by ageing; (ii) cognitive and behavioural factors; (iii) the impact of sight impairment on getting around the home; (iv) the impact of sight impairment on negotiating the environment away from home; and (v) unexplained falls.Discussion and conclusionsOlder people with sight impairment reported many researched risk factors previously identified by older people without sight impairment but also described many perceived risks unique to people with sight impairment. There are few interventions to prevent falls aimed at older people with sight impairment, and the results of this study allow further tailoring of such interventions based on views of older people with sight impairment.
A Prominent Role for Leaf Calcium as a Yield and Quality Determinant in Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Varieties Grown Under Irrigated Mediterranean Conditions
Authors: Tsialtas J. T. , Shabala S. , Matsi T. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSeven cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) accessions were tested over 2 years under irrigated Mediterranean conditions on a loamy soil with nitrogen (N) as the only nutrient input. The study aimed to identify the critical nutritional and physiological factors determining seedcotton yield and fibre quality. A suite of leaf physiological traits [chlorophyll content (assessed by SPAD), carbon isotope discrimination (Δ), 15N natural abundance (δ15N), leaf water potential, N and C concentrations, C/N ratio, K, Na, Ca and Mg concentrations, their sum and ratios] was assessed, and their interrelationships then analysed. It was found that physiological indices such as SPAD, Δ and δ15N failed to discern genotypes for yield and did not relate with fibre quality traits. At the same time, leaf Ca concentration was the trait that showed the strongest correlation with both seedcotton (SY) and lint yield (LY). An increase of K/Na ratio up to 5.74 was beneficial for SY but higher ratios impacted yield adversely. In this line, exclusion of K in favour of Ca (lower K/Ca ratios) increased both SY and LY. The above results could be explained by Ca2+ control over activity of tonoplast and plasma membrane cation channels, resulting in redistribution of K+ between cell compartments. It is suggested that Ca2+‐rich plants are more efficient in sequestering higher K+ quantities in leaf vacuoles, at the expense of cytosolic K+. Under K+‐limiting conditions, such redistribution may trigger programmed cell death and enhance leaf senescence. This would remobilize and translocate nutrients (e.g. N) and organic substances to sinks (seedcotton), contributing to higher yields reported in the present work.
Ferroelectricity and Ferromagnetism of M‐Type Lead Hexaferrite
Authors: Tan Guo‐Long , Li Wei 
Published: March 2015

Polarization and related properties in the M‐type lead hexaferrite (PbFe12O19) are reported for the first time. The remnant polarization of PbFe12O19 exhibits a maximum value of 104 μC/cm2, as well as large spontaneous polarization at room temperature. Annealing of PbFe12O19 in oxygen plays a key role in the saturation of its polarization hysteresis loop because it greatly enhances the ceramic's electric resistance. Two current peaks in the I–V curve reveal a polarization switch, providing effective evidence for the ferroelectricity of PbFe12O19. Its temperature‐dependent dielectric constant undergoes colossal change in the vicinity of two temperatures (322°C and 518°C), which are assigned to the transitions from ferro‐ to antiferro‐ and antiferro‐ to paraelectric phases, respectively. The plots of logarithm of (1/ε–1/εm) as a function of logarithm of (T–Tm) obey a modified Curie–Weiss law, verifying the relaxor ferroelectric characterization of PbFe12O19. The ceramic also exhibits a strong magnetic hysteresis loop. These combined functional responses of ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism in PbFe12O19 ceramic present an opportunity to create electric devices that actively couple the magnetic and ferroelectric orders.
Sensitivity Analysis of Environmental Process Modeling in a Life Cycle Context: A Case Study of Hemp Crop Production
Authors: Andrianandraina  , Ventura Anne , Senga Kiessé Tristan , Cazacliu Bogdan , Idir Rachida , van der Werf Hayo M. G. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThe aim of this article is to develop a methodological approach allowing to assess the influence of parameters of one or more elementary processes in the foreground system, on the outcomes of a life cycle assessment (LCA) study. From this perspective, the method must be able to: (1) include foreground process modeling in order to avoid the assumption of proportionality between inventory data and reference flows; (2) quantify influences of foreground processes’ parameters (and, possibly, interactions between parameters); and (3) identify trends (either increasing or decreasing) for each parameter on each indicator in order to determine the most favorable direction for parametric variation. These objectives can be reached by combining foreground system modeling, a set of two different sensitivity analysis methods (each one providing different and complementary information), and LCA. The proposed method is applied to a case study of hemp‐based insulation materials for buildings. The present study will focus on the agricultural stage as a foreground system and as a first step encompassing the entire life cycle. A set of technological recommendations were identified for hemp farmers in order to reduce the crop's environmental impacts (from –11% to –89% according to the considered impact category). One of the main limitations of the approach is the need for a detailed model of the foreground process. Further, the method is, at present, rather time‐consuming. However, it offers long‐term advantages given that the higher level of model detail adds robustness to the LCA results.
Eco‐Evolutionary Pathways Toward Industrial Cities
Authors: Chandra‐Putra Handi , Chen Jing , Andrews Clinton J. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryIndustrial location theory has not emphasized environmental concerns, and research on industrial symbiosis has not emphasized workforce housing concerns. This article brings jobs, housing, and environmental considerations together in an agent‐based model of industrial and household location. It shows that four classic outcomes emerge from the interplay of a relatively small number of explanatory factors: the isolated enterprise with commuters; the company town; the economic agglomeration; and the balanced city.
Criticality of the Rare Earth Elements
Authors: Nassar N.T. , Du Xiaoyue , Graedel T.E. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryRecent constraints on supplies of the rare earth elements (REEs) have led to concerns about their long‐term availability as well as the consequences that shortages would pose for modern technology. To assess this situation, we apply a comprehensive “criticality” methodology to the REE: lanthanum (La); cerium (Ce); praseodymium (Pr); neodymium (Nd); samarium (Sm); europium (Eu); gadolinium (Gd); terbium (Tb); dysprosium (Dy); holmium (Ho); erbium (Er); thulium (Tm); ytterbium (Yb); lutetium (Lu); and yttrium (Y). Assessments are made on national (U.S. and China) and global levels for the year 2008. Evaluations of each indicator are presented and the results plotted in “criticality space” on a 0 to 100 scale. Over the medium term (5 to 10 years), supply risk (SR) for all REEs is moderate with minimal variation (62.8 to 65.1). Over the long term (10 to 100 years), SR is low (42.1 to 49.2). Environmental implications scores, reflecting the economic allocation of environmental burdens, range from 4.2 for La to 34.4 for Lu. Eu, Er, and Dy have the highest vulnerability to supply restriction (VSR) at the global level (50.6, 49.2, and 47.4, respectively), whereas Sm has the lowest (15.1). This is mainly a reflection of their substitution potential. Similarly, at the national level for the United States and China, Eu and Sm have the highest and lowest VSR scores, respectively, although there are notable differences in scores among the REEs and between countries. Although China's export restrictions render REE supplies inadequate to meet demand at present, our analysis indicates a lower criticality for REEs over the longer term than for a number of other industrially used metals.
Structure of the Global Virtual Carbon Network: Revealing Important Sectors and Communities for Emission Reduction
Authors: Liang Sai , Feng Yu , Xu Ming 
Published: March 2015

SummaryTraditional production‐ and consumption‐based accounting frameworks for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions focus on the two ends of supply chains, treating intermediate sectors as a “black box.” Particular intermediate sectors can potentially be important for global mitigation of CO2 emissions, through improving productivity to reduce inputs from upstream suppliers, thus emissions from upstream sectors, while still fulfilling downstream demands. Identifying those important intermediate sectors requires opening the black box and treating the economy as an integrated system. This study constructs a global virtual carbon network for 2009 and identifies key sectors for reducing global CO2 emissions through improving productivity using network analysis techniques. We also identify 73 communities in the network in which sectors are more closely connected with one another than with sectors outside the community. Identifying communities helps in the understanding of potential impacts of sector‐specific policy interventions through supply chains. The results offer additional insights that are not obviously visible in traditional input‐output analysis.