bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fire, percolation thresholds and the savanna forest transition: a neutral model approach
Authors: Abades Sebastián R. , Gaxiola Aurora , Marquet Pablo A. 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Recent empirical and theoretical analyses have suggested that biomes could correspond to alternative equilibrium states; one such example is the transition between forest, savanna and treeless states.

Fire supposes to be a key functional component of savanna ecosystems and is a powerful predictor of tree cover that can differentiate between forest and savanna ecosystems. Interestingly, empirical evidence suggests that fire occurrence drops at a threshold tree cover near 40%. Since savannas are ecosystems characterized by a discontinuous tree canopy cover immersed in a continuous grass layer a 40% of tree cover implies around 60% cover of grasses, which are the flammable component of this ecosystem.

In this article, we hypothesize that the observed common pattern of 40% tree cover versus 60% in grass cover often reported for savanna ecosystems is the outcome of a spatial phase transition associated with the existence of a critical percolation threshold for fire spread.

To test this hypothesis, we developed a spatially explicit neutral metacommunity model to explore the relationship between species cover and the emergence of percolation patterns. The model is intended to emulate savanna dynamics under neutrality assumptions.

Using a statistical mechanical approach, we show that a second‐order phase transition behaviour is observed for the probability that a grass species develops a percolating cluster. Using a simple finite size scaling analysis, the percolation threshold pc for our model was estimated to be in the range of 0.53–0.62.

Synthesis. Our results point out that the emergence of a spatial phase transition associated with percolation is a robust result of neutral metacommunity dynamics with a critical threshold of space occupancy close to pc ˜ 0.6, which supports our hypothesis that the empirically observed 40% tree cover (60% grass cover) is associated with a percolation threshold for C4 grasses that in turn imply the existence of a spatially connected or spanning cluster of grass cover over which fire can spread.
‘Gentrification Without Displacement' and the Consequent Loss of Place: The Effects of Class Transition on Low‐income Residents of Secure Housing in Gentrifying Areas
Authors: Shaw Kate S. , Hagemans Iris W. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe increasingly disputed concept of gentrification‐induced displacement is combining with the argument that the poor benefit from social mix to produce a theoretical case for ‘positive gentrification'. The notion that new middle‐class residents not only attract more investment but bring opportunities for ‘upward social mobility' to low‐income people who manage to stay in gentrifying areas has become policy orthodoxy. While there are scholarly challenges to the extent of these benefits, the disadvantages of imposed social mix on low‐income communities even where they are not physically displaced remain under‐researched. This article helps to fill this gap by reporting on research into the experience of long‐term low‐income residents of gentrifying neighbourhoods who managed to stay put. The research explores notions of social mix, place and displacement among residents of secure community housing in Melbourne, Australia (the equivalent of small‐scale social housing in Europe and North America) with the object of establishing whether the absence of physical displacement is sufficient to ameliorate gentrification's negative impacts. The findings demonstrate that transformations in shops and meeting places, and in the nature of local social structure and government interventions, cause a sense of loss of place even without physical displacement.
Using lithium ion batteries in the aeromedical environment: A calculated risk?
Authors: Haggerty Andrew , Keogh Sean 
Published: January 2015

AbstractLithium ion batteries are increasingly utilised within helicopter emergency medical services. Their favourable chemical profile confers many desirable properties: they are small, lightweight and provide a high specific capacity (energy to weight ratio) coupled with a slow self‐discharge rate, ensuring a longer functional availability for vital equipment. They are frequently used in routine medical equipment including ventilators, monitors and intravenous pumps, and in aviation specific items, such as satellite and mobile phones, VHF radios and navigation systems.
Heterogeneity in practice during negative scrotal exploration for clinically‐suspected testicular torsion
Authors: Naumann David N , Jones Simon A , Taylor Caroline , Jaganathan Ramasamy , Hendrickse Charles W , Karandikar Sharad 
Published: January 2015

AimDiagnostic uncertainty, inadequate training and inexperience could lead to surgeons performing unnecessary orchidopexy during negative scrotal exploration for suspected testicular torsion. In the present study, we aimed to examine current practice, in order to highlight areas for improvement and focused guideline recommendations.Patients and MethodsPatients undergoing scrotal exploration for suspected torsion at a UK hospital from 1 August 2012 to 1 July 2013 were included. Urologists managed patients over 16 years of age, and general surgeons managed those 16 years and younger. Demographic and admission details, diagnosis, surgical technique and specialty of the surgeon were recorded. Diagnosis and management of torsion and nontorsion were examined. Negative scrotal exploration was defined as the absence of testicular torsion.ResultsThere were 73 emergency scrotal explorations. The median age was 17 years. Urologists operated on 52 per cent. A total of 34 per cent of adult and 26 per cent of paediatric patients had an intraoperatively‐confirmed diagnosis of torsion (P < 0.01). Fifty two of 73 (70 per cent) patients had negative scrotal exploration, of which 29 of 52 (56 per cent) underwent ipsilateral orchidopexy, and seven of 52 (13 per cent) underwent contralateral orchidopexy. General surgeons performed nonindicated orchidopexy more than urologists (P < 0.001).ConclusionVariations in practice exist between surgeons managing negative scrotal exploration. Although appropriate emphasis during training is placed on managing testicular torsion, attention must also be given to consensus management of negative scrotal exploration.
Efficacy of a Transition Theory‐Based Discharge Planning Program for Childhood Asthma Management
Authors: Ekim Ayfer , Ocakci Ayse Ferda 
Published: January 2015

PurposeThis study tested the efficacy of a nurse‐led discharge planning program for childhood asthma management, based on transition theory.MethodsA quasi‐experimental design was used. The sample comprised 120 children with asthma and their parents (intervention group n = 60, control group n = 60).FindingsThe asthma management self‐efficacy perception level of parents in the intervention group increased significantly and the number of triggers their children were exposed to at home was reduced by 60.8%. The rates of admission to emergency departments and unscheduled outpatient visits were significantly lower in the intervention group compared with the control group.ConclusionsTransition theory‐based nursing interventions can provide successful outcomes on childhood asthma management.Practice ImplicationsTransition theory‐based discharge planning program can guide nursing interventions to standardize care of the child with asthma. Combining care at home with hospital care strengthens ongoing qualified asthma management.
Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Synthases, But Not Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase, Selectively Worsens Left Ventricular Function After Successful Resuscitation From Cardiac Arrest in Swine
Authors: Dokken Betsy B. , Gaballa Mohamed A. , Hilwig Ronald W. , Berg Robert A. , Kern Karl B. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectivesNitric oxide (NO) is a critical regulator of vascular tone and signal transduction in the cardiovascular system. NO is synthesized by three unique enzymes (nitric oxide synthases [NOS]): endothelial and neuronal NOS, both constitutively expressed, and inducible NOS (iNOS), which is induced by proinflammatory stimuli and subsequently produces a burst of NO. NO has been implicated as both an injurious and a beneficial mediator after cardiac arrest and resuscitation. A previous study in swine found that iNOS expression is absent in the myocardium prior to cardiac arrest and that it increases after 10 minutes of untreated ventricular fibrillation (VF), decreases somewhat during the early postresuscitation period, and then steadily increases up to 6 hours postresuscitation. Because this time course of iNOS expression mirrors that of postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction, this study was designed to test the hypothesis that selective inhibition of iNOS improves postresuscitation outcomes in swine.MethodsThirty‐two domestic swine of either sex were randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatments 15 minutes after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC): 1) NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME), a global NO inhibitor; 2) aminoguanidine (AG), a selective iNOS inhibitor; or 3) saline as control. After 10 minutes of untreated VF, swine received a standard resuscitation protocol. Twenty‐four‐hour survival, neurological status, left ventricular (LV) function, and hemodynamic measurements were obtained.ResultsReturn of spontaneous circulation occurred in 28 of 32 animals (88%). Only successfully resuscitated animals were assigned to treatment groups and completed the study. There were no differences in survival or neurological outcomes between groups. There were also no differences in LV function or hemodynamic variables found between the control group and the AG group. Global inhibition of NOS with l‐NAME post‐ROSC increased aortic pressure and transiently decreased pulse pressure. Treatment with l‐NAME also increased LV end diastolic pressure and decreased cardiac output within 30 minutes post‐ROSC, which was sustained throughout the 4‐hour measurements, compared to both the control and the AG groups. In addition, LV ejection fraction recovered to baseline measurements in both the control and AG groups, but failed to recover in the l‐NAME group.ConclusionsGlobal inhibition of NOS after cardiac arrest and resuscitation markedly worsens hemodynamic variables. Selective inhibition of iNOS after cardiac arrest and resuscitation does not prevent postresuscitation myocardial stunning. There were no significant differences in neurological outcome or survival between treatment groups.
Emergency Department Transfers and Transfer Relationships in United States Hospitals
Authors: Kindermann Dana R. , Mutter Ryan L. , Houchens Robert L. , Barrett Marguerite L. , Pines Jesse M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe objective was to describe transfers out of hospital‐based emergency departments (EDs) in the United States and to identify different characteristics of sending and receiving hospitals, travel distance during transfer, disposition on arrival to the second hospital, and median number of transfer partners among sending hospitals.MethodsEmergency department records were linked at transferring hospitals to ED and inpatient records at receiving hospitals in nine U.S. states using the 2010 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) State Emergency Department Databases and State Inpatient Databases, the American Hospital Association Annual Survey, and the Trauma Information Exchange Program. Using the Clinical Classification Software (CCS) to categorize conditions, the 50 disease categories with the highest transfer rates were studied, and these were then placed into nine clinical groups. Records were included where both sending and receiving records were available; these data were tabulated to describe ED transfer patterns, hospital‐to‐hospital distances, final patient disposition, and number of transfer partners.ResultsA total of 97,021 ED transfer encounters were included in the analysis from the 50 highest transfer rate disease categories. Among these, transfer rates ranged from 1% to 13%. Circulatory conditions made up about half of all transfers. Receiving hospitals were more likely to be nonprofit, teaching, trauma, and urban and have more beds with greater specialty coverage and more advanced diagnostic and therapeutic resources. The median transfer distance was 23 miles, with 25% traveling more than 40 to 50 miles. About 8% of transferred encounters were discharged from the second ED, but that varied from 0.6% to 53% across the 50 conditions. Sending hospitals had a median of seven transfer partners across all conditions and between one and four per clinical group.ConclusionsAmong high‐transfer conditions in U.S. EDs, patients are often transferred great distances, more commonly to large teaching hospitals with greater resources. The large number of transfer partners indicates a possible lack of stable transfer relationships between U.S. hospitals.
Does migration raise agricultural investment? An empirical analysis for rural Mexico
Authors: Böhme Marcus H. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe effect of remittances on capital accumulation remains a contested topic. This article uses a panel data set from rural Mexico to investigate the impact of remittances on agriculture and livestock investments. After controlling for the endogeneity of migration through an instrumental variable estimation our empirical results show that international migration has a significantly positive effect on the accumulated agricultural assets but not on livestock capital. This suggests that households use the capital obtained from international migration only to overcome liquidity constraints for subsistence production whereas migration itself seems to be the superior investment option compared to other productive activities such as livestock husbandry.
Gas, dust, and fumes exposure is associated with mite sensitization and with asthma in mite‐sensitized adults
Authors: Bjerg A. , Rönmark E.P. , Hagstad S. , Eriksson J. , Andersson M. , Wennergren G. , Torén K. , Ekerljung L. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractOccupational exposure to gas, dust, and fumes (GDF) increases the risk of asthma and eczema. We investigated the role of sensitization in the association between GDF and allergic conditions. A population‐based sample of 788 adults from the West Sweden Asthma Study completed questionnaires and skin prick tests. After adjustment for confounders, GDF exposure was associated with a doubled risk of sensitization to mites, but not with other allergens. Mite sensitization also modified the effect of GDF on asthma. In mite‐sensitized subjects, GDF was associated with physician‐diagnosed asthma, adjusted OR 2.9 (1.2–7.2), and with wheeze, OR 2.4 (1.1–5.3). In non‐mite‐sensitized subjects, the corresponding ORs were 1.1 (0.5–2.6) and 0.6 (0.3–1.3). GDF was independently associated with eczema regardless of mite sensitization, but not with rhinitis. These novel findings suggest that components of GDF may act as adjuvants that facilitate sensitization to mites and that mite‐sensitized individuals may be especially susceptible to inhalant occupational exposures.
Elevated D‐dimers in attacks of hereditary angioedema are not associated with increased thrombotic risk
Authors: Reshef A. , Zanichelli A. , Longhurst H. , Relan A. , Hack C. E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundRecommended management of attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) due to C1 esterase inhibitor (C1‐INH) deficiency (C1‐INH‐HAE) includes therapy with exogenous C1INH. Thrombotic/thromboembolic events (TEE) have been reported with plasma‐derived C1INH, but so far none with recombinant human C1INH (rhC1INH). This phase III, randomized, placebo (saline)‐controlled study evaluated the safety of rhC1INH 50 IU/kg for the treatment of acute attacks in 74 patients with C1‐INH‐HAE.MethodsMonitoring for TEE and assessment of risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by the Wells prediction rule were performed, and levels of fibrin degradation products (plasma D‐dimers) were assessed before study drug administration (baseline), 2 h, and 7 days posttreatment.ResultsPlasma D‐dimer levels were elevated in 80% of the patients (median [25th–75th percentiles]: 2149 [480–5105] μg/l; normal ≤250 μg/l) and were higher in patients with submucosal (abdominal, oropharyngeal–laryngeal) attacks (3095 [890–10000] μg/l; n = 29) compared with subcutaneous (peripheral, facial) attacks (960 [450–4060] μg/l; n = 35). Median plasma D‐dimer levels were comparable across treatment groups at baseline (1874 [475–4568] μg/l rhC1INH; 2259 [586–7533] μg/l saline) and 2 h postinfusion (2389 [760–4974] μg/l rhC1INH; 2550 [310–8410] μg/l saline); median plasma D‐dimer levels were decreased by Day 7 in both groups (425 [232–3240] μg/l rhC1INH; 418 [246–2318] μg/l saline). No increased risk of DVT was identified, nor any TEE reported in rhC1INH treated or controls.ConclusionElevated plasma D‐dimer levels were associated with acute C1‐INH‐HAE attacks, particularly with submucosal involvement. However, rhC1INH therapy was not associated with thrombotic events.
Successful Use of Hydroxocobalamin and Sodium Thiosulfate in Acute Cyanide Poisoning: A Case Report with Follow‐up
Authors: Zakharov Sergey , Vaneckova Manuela , Seidl Zdenek , Diblik Pavel , Kuthan Pavel , Urban Pavel , Navratil Tomas , Pelclova Daniela 
Published: January 2015

AbstractHydroxocobalamin is an effective first‐line antidote used mainly in monotherapy of cyanide poisonings, while the opinions are different on the effects of its combination with sodium thiosulfate. A 58‐year‐old male committed a suicide attempt by ingesting of 1200–1500 mg of potassium cyanide; he was unconscious for 1–1.5 min. after ingestion with the episode of generalized seizures. On admission to the ICU, the patient was acidotic (pH 7.28; HCO3 14.0 mmol/L, base excess −12.7 mmol/L, saturation O2 0.999) with high serum lactate (12.5 mmol/L). Hydroxocobalamin was administered 1.5 hr after ingestion in two subsequent intravenous infusions at a total dose of 7.5 g. The infusion was followed by continuous intravenous administration of 1 mL/hr/kg of 10% sodium thiosulfate at a total dose of 12 g. No complications and adverse reactions were registered. Serum lactate decreased to 0.6 mmol/L the same day, and arterial blood gases became normal (pH 7.49; HCO3 27.2 mmol/L, base excess 2.2 mmol/L, saturation O2 0.994). The follow‐up examination 5 months later revealed no damage of basal ganglia and cerebellum on magnetic resonance imaging. The neurological examination revealed no pathological findings. On the ocular coherence tomography, the retinal nerve fibres layer was normal. In visual evoked potentials, there was a normal evoked complex on the left eye and minor decrease in amplitude on the right eye. Combination of hydroxocobalamin and sodium thiosulfate can have a positive effect on the survival without long‐term neurological and visual sequelae in the cases of massive cyanide poisonings due to the possibility of a potentiation or synergism of hydroxocobalamin effects by sodium thiosulfate. This synergism can be explained by the different time‐points of action of two antidotes: the initial and immediate effect of hydroxocobalamin, followed by the delayed, but more persistent effect of sodium thiosulfate.
Final quality of life and safety data for patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer treated with cabazitaxel in the UK Early Access Programme (EAP) (NCT01254279)
Authors: Bahl Amit , Masson Susan , Malik Zafar , Birtle Alison J. , Sundar Santhanam , Jones Rob J. , James Nicholas D. , Mason Malcolm D. , Kumar Satish , Bottomley David , Lydon Anna , Chowdhury Simon , Wylie James , de Bono Johann S. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo compile the safety profile and quality of life (QoL) data for patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with cabazitaxel in the UK Early Access Programme (UK EAP).Patients and MethodsA total of 112 patients participated at 12 UK cancer centres. All had mCRPC with disease progression during or after docetaxel. Patients received cabazitaxel 25 mg/m2 every 3 weeks with prednisolone 10 mg daily for up to 10 cycles. Safety assessments were performed before each cycle and QoL was recorded at alternate cycles using the EQ‐5D‐3L questionnaire and visual analogue scale (VAS). The safety profile was compiled after completion of the UK EAP and QoL measures were analysed to record trends. No formal statistical analysis was carried out.ResultsThe incidences of neutropenic sepsis (6.3%), grade 3 and 4 diarrhoea (4.5%) and grade 3 and 4 cardiac toxicity (0%) were low. Neutropenic sepsis episodes, though low, occurred only in patients who did not receive prophylactic granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor. There were trends towards improved VAS and EQ‐5D‐3L pain scores during treatment.ConclusionsThe UK EAP experience indicates that cabazitaxel might improve QoL in mCRPC and represents an advance and a useful addition to the armamentarium of treatment for patients whose disease has progressed during or after docetaxel. In view of the potential toxicity, careful patient selection is important.
The National Institutes of Health Toolbox for the Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function: A Tool for Developmental Science
Authors: Bauer Patricia J. , Zelazo Philip David 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn this article, we describe the development of the Cognition Battery (CB) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox for the Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function. The goal of the NIH Toolbox initiative was to provide a brief, comprehensive tool to assess cognitive, emotional, motor, and sensory function in various settings, emphasizing outcomes in clinical trials and functional status in large‐scale epidemiological and longitudinal studies. The CB assesses six key subdomains of cognition from 3 to 85 years, assesses typical function, is brief and easy to administer, is available without charge, and can be modified to reflect scientific and technological advances. It is also child friendly, making it a useful tool for developmental science.
Immigrant Youth Adaptation in the Greek School Context: A Risk and Resilience Developmental Perspective
Authors: Motti‐Stefanidi Frosso 
Published: January 2015

AbstractImmigrant youth comprise a sizable and integral part of contemporary societies. Their successful adaptation becomes a high‐stakes issue for them and for society. In spite of the challenges they face, most of them adapt well in their new countries. In this article, I examine the question of who among immigrant youth succeeds and why, based on findings from a three‐wave longitudinal project conducted in Greece. That study found that immigrant youth were less well adapted initially with respect to major developmental tasks (academic achievement, conduct, peer acceptance) and were less engaged in school than their nonimmigrant classmates, but that they did not have less optimal psychological well‐being. These findings held for all ethnic groups and generations. Family functioning and immigrant youth's attributes contributed to individual differences in their adaptation. These results may reflect at least partly societal attitudes toward the presence of immigrants in the country.
Developing Thoughts About What Might Have Been
Authors: Beck Sarah R. , Riggs Kevin J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractRecent research has changed how developmental psychologists understand counterfactual thinking or thoughts of what might have been. Evidence suggests that counterfactual thinking develops over an extended period into at least middle childhood, depends on domain‐general processes including executive function and language, and dissociates from counterfactual emotions such as regret. In this article, we review the developmental evidence that forms a critical but often‐overlooked complement to the cognitive, social, and neuroscience literatures. We also highlight topics for further research, including spontaneous counterfactual thinking and counterfactual thinking in clinical settings.