bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antiepileptic Drug Monotherapy Exposure and Suicide‐Related Behavior in Older Veterans
Authors: Pugh Mary Jo V. , Copeland Laurel A. , Zeber John E. , Wang Chen‐Pin , Amuan Megan E. , Mortensen Eric M. , Tabares Jeffrey V. , Van Cott Anne C. , Cooper Toby L. , Cramer Joyce A. 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesTo examine the association between antiepileptic drug (AED) receipt and suicide‐related behavior (SRB) in older veterans.DesignRetrospective database analysis.SettingVeterans Health Administration (VHA) inpatient and outpatient care.ParticipantsVeterans aged 65 and older in 2004 to 2006.MeasurementsSRB was identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes, and new AED monotherapy was identified using the VHA product variable in pharmacy data. Comorbid conditions and medications were also identified as potential confounders using previously validated algorithms. Cox proportional hazards models controlling for the propensity to receive AEDs examined the association between any AED exposure, specific AEDs, and time to SRB.ResultsWithin the eligible sample of 2.15 million individuals, 332 cases of SRB were found. Overall, 98% of participants were male, and 67% were non‐Hispanic white. Affective disorders and severe psychiatric conditions were strongly associated with SRB and were included in the propensity score. AED exposure displayed a significant association with SRB (odds ratio = 4.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.85–6.63) after adjusting for propensity to receive AEDs. Stratified analyses found similar results for those with (hazard ratio (HR) = 4.00, 95% CI = 2.9–5.5) and without (HR = 4.57, 95% CI = 1.15–18.20) mental health comorbidities. Gabapentin, phenytoin, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, topiramate, and valproate were significantly associated with SRB.ConclusionExposure to five common AEDs was associated with SRB in older VHA beneficiaries. Given the strong associations between psychiatric comorbidity and SRB, clinicians treating elderly adults should weigh this potential adverse effect into their consideration for treatment of those receiving AEDs. Particular attention should be given to depression and suicidality screening in people prescribed AEDs.
Clinical and Economic Burden of Community‐Acquired Pneumonia in the Medicare Fee‐for‐Service Population
Authors: Yu Holly , Rubin Jaime , Dunning Stephan , Li Suying , Sato Reiko 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesTo estimate current community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) incidence and its associated economic burden in the Medicare fee‐for‐service (FFS) population.DesignRetrospective.SettingThe 2007/08 Medicare Standard Analytic Files, a nationally representative random sample (5%) of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in the FFS program.ParticipantsResidents of one of the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia aged 18 and older on July 1, 2007, with continuous Part A and Part B coverage during calendar year 2007.MeasurementsIncidence, episode length, mortality, and costs were assessed. All‐cause costs were assessed using three methodologies: costs during the episode, and incremental costs using CAP cases as self‐control (before–after) and with matched controls (case–control).ResultsSixty‐five thousand eight hundred four CAP episodes (39% inpatient‐treated episodes) were identified. Average inpatient and outpatient episode lengths were 32.8 ± 46.9 and 12.4 ± 27.3 days, respectively, and overall incidence was 4,482/100,000 person‐years. Thirty‐day case fatality was 8.5% for inpatient and 3.8% for outpatient CAP. The average CAP episode cost was $8,606 ($18,670 for inpatient, $2,394 for outpatient). The incremental cost of a CAP episode in the before‐and‐after and case–control analyses was approximately $10,000.ConclusionAn estimated 1.3 million CAP cases and 74,000 CAP‐related deaths were found, with an economic burden of $13 billion annually in the Medicare fee‐for‐service population. Preventing CAP in this population may substantially reduce healthcare costs.
Establishment and spatial associations of recruits in meadow gaps
Authors: Fibich Pavel , Vítová Alena , Macek Petr , Lepš Jan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractQuestionsWhat is the spatio‐temporal dynamics of recruit (seedlings and vegetative sprouts) establishment in meadow gaps? What processes prevail during recruit establishment? At what spatio‐temporal scales do they operate?LocationA wet meadow in South Bohemia, a region of the Czech Republic.MethodsWe studied spatio‐temporal dynamics in pattern of recruits (seedlings and vegetative sprouts) to characterize development and underlying ecological processes during gap colonization. We established four types of artificial gaps laid out in ten replicated blocks. To distinguish the effects of generative vs vegetative reproduction we used gaps with sterilized and non‐sterilized soil (manipulating the seed bank), and manipulated the possibility of clonal spread by inserting mesh or felting along the borders of the gaps.ResultsThe majority of recruits appeared during July and August. Recruits were surrounded by empty spaces of 5–9 mm, and formed clumps of 20 mm or more. Clumping of even‐aged seedlings and a lower number of vegetative recruits were observed in the gaps with non‐sterilized soil. Overall, clonal spread was limited to the gap borders, being far less common than recruit establishment from seeds. The recruits emerged preferentially close to the gap centre where the temperature was highest as was the red to far–red ratio (R:FR). However, during the season, the majority of late recruits were observed in the southern, coolest parts of the gaps, reflecting the increasing importance of the facilitative effect of the surrounding vegetation.ConclusionsGaps were colonized predominantly from seeds; vegetative propagation was very slow and appeared at the end of the season. The presence of a seed bank enabled earlier gap colonization; the effect of seed rain became increasingly important during the season. The recruits were clumped, which further supports environmentally driven establishment, although other factors (e.g. facilitation) cannot be excluded. For the shortest distances, recruits were absent close neighbours due to the strongest competition. We therefore suggest that there was a spatial continuum between competition and facilitative effects among individual recruits.
Termite mounds as islands: woody plant assemblages relative to termitarium size and soil properties
Authors: Joseph Grant S. , Seymour Colleen L. , Cumming Graeme S. , Cumming David H.M. , Mahlangu Zacheus 
Published: October 2012

AbstractQuestionsWe investigated whether soils of small mounds resembled large mound or matrix soils, whether changes in plant composition reflected changes in soils, and the sequence in which plants colonize and disappear from mounds of increasing size.LocationMiombo woodland in northwest Zimbabwe.MethodsMacrotermitinae termitaria vary in size and soil nutrient concentrations, harbouring distinct woody plant assemblages, making them foci for plant and animal diversity, and also influencing primary, secondary and tertiary productivity. In spite of the importance of termitaria to heterogeneity and diversity, no studies have investigated changes in plant species assemblages as mound surface area increases to the point where mound vegetation is distinct from that of the matrix. We compared woody plant assemblages on 43 matrix plots with 95 Macrotermes termitaria across a range of surface areas, using ANOSIM, cluster analysis and MDS ordination. We compared soil nutrients, pH and clay, from ten large and ten small termitaria, and ten matrix sites. We also assessed how relative representation of large mound or matrix indicator species changed with mound area.ResultsChange was apparent even at mound sizes of >10 m2, where both soils and plant assemblages on mounds were significantly different to those of the matrix. Plant assemblages fell into two main groups at 20% similarity; the first comprised of matrix plots, mounds <10 m2 and some mounds between 10 and 30 m2; the second, the remainder of the mounds between 10 and 30 m2 and all mounds >30 m2. At 40% similarity, four groups emerged: matrix, mounds <10 m2, mounds 10–30 m2 and mounds >30 m2. Woody plant composition changed gradually as mound area increased. On termitaria <10 m2, only 25% of indicators were mound indicator species, but on mounds between 10 and 30 m2 in size, 62.5% were mound indicators. On termitaria >30 m2 in surface area, only mound indicator species were found.ConclusionsThrough termite activities in concentrating nutrients and clay, termitaria provide habitat for species usually excluded from the matrix. The process of mound building and the nature of the plants that establish on them seem to establish a positive feedback for establishment of other non‐woodland matrix species.
Level of C‐Reactive Protein in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: A Comparative Study Between Patients With Non‐Infected Catheters and Arteriovenous Fistula in a Large Saudi Hemodialysis Center
Authors: Al Saran Khalid , Sabry Alaa , Shalaby Medhat , Al Sherbeiny Sherrine , Abdelkader Mohamed 
Published: October 2012

AbstractCentral venous catheters are associated with infection and resultant higher C‐reactive protein levels (CRP), suggesting that catheters may be an important determinant of increased inflammatory response. The increased levels of markers such as CRP are associated with increased risk of premature death and hospitalization in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on regular hemodialysis (HD). In this prospective study the mean levels of the inflammatory marker CRP were measured every 2 months over a period of 6 months by using immunoturbidimetric assay in 70 ESRD patients on maintenance HD at Prince Salman Center For Kidney Diseases (PSCKD) who met our inclusion criteria, comparing those dialyzed using a non‐infected catheter (35 patients) to those using arteriovenous fistulas (35 patients). Seventy ESRD patients who had been on maintenance HD for more than 6 months were included in the study, with a mean age of 50.09 ± 15.61 years, 80% were males and 20% were females. Serial levels of mean CRP were statistically significantly higher in the group with non‐infected catheters (0.83, 0.82, 0.94 mg/dL) compared with those with arteriovenous fistula (0.31, 0.38 and 0.34 mg/dL) with P‐values of 0.000, 0.023 and 0.001, respectively. In our study we found no relationship between CRP level and age, sex, hemoglobin albumin, calcium, phosphorus and intact parathyroid hormone level in both groups. Our study shows that catheters might contribute to increased inflammation independent of infection, and support the avoidance of catheters and a timely conversion to fistulas with catheter removal.
Sinus valsalva aneurysm on cardiac CT angiography: Assessment and detection
Authors: Troupis John M , Nasis Arthur , Pasricha Sundeep , Patel Mihir , Ellims Andris Harald , Seneviratne Sujith 
Published: October 2012

SummaryAfter the advent of ECG gated cardiac CT angiography (CCTA) there has been significant improvement in image quality of the ascending aorta. As a result the sinuses of valsalva are readily assessable. Sinuses of valsalva aneurysm can cause significant dysfunction of the aortic root and annulus and can be congenital or acquired. The aneurysm most commonly originates from the right coronary sinus. Complications related to sinuses of valsalva aneurysm can cause chest pain and can be life threatening. The cardiac imager should actively assess the sinuses of valsalva in every CCTA study.
Balancing biodiversity with agriculture: Land sharing mitigates avian malaria prevalence
Authors: Mendenhall Chase D. , Archer Holly M. , Brenes Federico Oviedo , Sekercioglu Cagan H. , Sehgal Ravinder N. M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDebate over balancing agricultural production and biodiversity conservation has generated two opposing strategies: a “land sparing” approach involving large‐scale nature reserves, versus a “land sharing” approach where agricultural areas support wildlife through fine‐scale conservation. As a result of this debate, studies focus almost exclusively on species diversity and food production, while ignoring other critical ecosystem processes such as disease dynamics. Here we quantify how tropical avian malaria in an abundant sedentary bird species responds at fine spatial scales in a “land sharing” system. We find the proportion and configuration of countryside forest elements within a radius of 400 m, proximity to the nearest river, and habitat type explains malaria prevalence across the region. We simulate “land sparing” and “land sharing” land use strategies and model malaria prevalence to find that land sharing mitigates malaria prevalence more effectively. With these analyses, we gain a better understanding of how biodiversity, ecosystem services, agricultural yield, and human well‐being intersect in complex ecosystems.
Thoracoscopic surgery for refractory cases of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax
Authors: Odaka Makoto , Akiba Tadashi , Mori Shohei , Asano Hisatoshi , Yamashita Makoto , Kamiya Noriki , Morikawa Toshiaki 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIntroductionSecondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) can be life threatening because patients often have severe lung disease with other coexisting diseases such as heart disease. In this study, we evaluate the feasibility of thoracoscopic surgery to treat SSP and discuss thoracoscopic techniques for managing complicated cases.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the outcome of thoracoscopic surgeries in 21 SSP patients.ResultsFifteen patients had chronic emphysema, four had interstitial pneumonia, and two had inflammatory lung disease. All patients presented with persistent air leaks, and their median preoperative hospital stay was 11 days. All patients underwent thoracoscopic surgery. In 12 patients, the leaking bullae were excised by endoscopic stapling. Fibrin glue was used in 16 cases and polyglycolic acid sheets in 17. Polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue without bullectomy were used in three cases. Air leaks were treated by simple stapling in four cases and by gelatin‐resorcin formaldehyde glue in five. Median postoperative hospital stay was 8 days. No patients required conversion to open surgery. Postoperative complications such as persistent air leaks, pneumonia, and acute respiratory failure were observed in six patients. Four recurrences of pneumothorax were observed during the median postoperative follow‐up period of 19.3 months.ConclusionOur results suggest that thoracoscopic surgery is feasible and less invasive than open surgery for high‐risk patients, and it improves patient quality of life. Various techniques to stop air leaks enabled us to treat patients with refractory SSP.
A review of recent advances and current hypotheses on the pathogenesis of acute laminitis
Authors: Katz L. M. , Bailey S. R. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryWith the increasing number of studies being published on the different experimental models used to induce and study acute laminitis, the pathophysiological events associated with these various models (i.e. starch overload, oligofructose overload, black walnut extract and hyperinsulinaemia) can be compared more realistically. Within this review, the mechanisms for metabolic vs. inflammatory laminitis are discussed, and the question of how pasture laminitis may fit into any of the proposed mechanisms is addressed.
Respiratory responses to exercise in the horse
Authors: Franklin S. H. , Van Erck‐Westergren E. , Bayly W. M. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryHorses are elite athletes when compared with other mammalian species. In the latter, performance is limited by cardiovascular or musculoskeletal performance whereas in athletic horses it is the respiratory system that appears to be rate limiting and virtually all horses exercising at high intensities become hypoxaemic and hypercapnoeic. This is due to both diffusion limitation and a level of ventilation inadequate for the metabolic level that enables horses to exercise at these intensities. In conjunction with these blood gas changes, total pulmonary resistance increases and the work of breathing rises exponentially and airflow eventually plateaus despite increases in inspiratory and expiratory intrapleural pressures. Horses breathe at comparatively high frequencies when galloping due to the tight 1:1 coupling of strides to breathing. Whether this effects gas exchange and, if so, to what extent, has not been fully elucidated.
Synthesis and Photoluminescence of a New Chlorogermanate Phosphor Ca8Mg(GeO4)4Cl2:Eu2+
Authors: Que Meidan , Ci ZhiPeng , Wang Yuhua , Zhu Ge , Liu Bitao , Zhang Jia , Shi YuRong , Wen Yan , Li Yao , Wang Qian 
Published: October 2012

A new chlorogermanate compound Ca8Mg(GeO4)4Cl2 (CMGC) was synthesized via high‐temperature solid‐state reaction for the first time. The crystal structure of CMGC had been refined and determined from the XRD profiles by Rietveld refinement method, which belong to space group Fd‐3m with the lattice constants a = b = c = 15.1760(25) Å. Photoluminescence properties of CMGC:Eu2+ phosphors were investigated by absorption spectra, excitation, and emission spectra. The occupy situation and energy transfer were investigated by decay lifetimes and emission spectra under different excitation wavelengths. Thermal stability was also measured. The results show that the absorption spectra of CMGC:Eu2+ phosphors cover from 250 to 500 nm. Under 365 and 435 nm excitation, the emission spectra of CMGC:Eu2+ phosphors show blue‐green (centered at 425 and 510 nm) and green (centered at 510 nm) emission, respectively, which attributed to Eu2+ ions occupying different crystal sites. Our results indicated that CMGC:Eu2+ phosphors had a potential application use for white light‐emitting diodes.
Crystal Structure and Optical Performance of Al3+ and Ce3+ Codoped Ca3Sc2Si3O12 Green Phosphors for White LEDs
Authors: Wu Yun‐Fang , Chan Ya‐Han , Nien Yung‐Tang , Chen In‐Gann 
Published: October 2012

Ca3Sc2Si3O12:Ce3+ (CSS:Ce) green phosphors used for white light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are synthesized and codoped with Al3+ via a solid‐state reaction method. The crystal structure and vibrational modes are analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman scattering spectroscopy. The energy transfer behavior and optical performance are characterized by photoluminescence and excitation spectra, quantum efficiency, and time‐resolved photoluminescence. The incorporation of Al3+ into CSS:Ce can inhibit the formation of the impurity phases Sc2O3 and CeO2, improve crystallinity, and enhance the photoluminescence intensity as well as quantum efficiency. The substitution of Sc3+ with Al3+ increased the crystal field splitting of Ce3+ and resulted in the red shift of photoluminescence. The results show that Ca3Sc2−xAlxSi3O12:Ce3+ has high quantum efficiency, making it a promising green phosphor that can be collocated with a commercial 450 nm blue LED and a red phosphor for solid‐state lighting applications.
Linking ecological niche, community ecology and biogeography: insights from a mechanistic niche model
Authors: Cabral Juliano Sarmento , Kreft Holger 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimWe present a mechanistic niche model that integrates the demography of competing plant species in a metabolic, stochastic framework. In order to explore the model's ability to generate multiple species and community patterns, we assessed trait composition, richness gradients and spatial distributions of species ranges and abundances of simulated communities.LocationHypothetical, sloped plane.MethodsStage‐structured populations of species differing in traits and habitat requirements competed for space in a grid‐based model. Demographic processes (recruitment, reproduction, mortality, dispersal) and resource competition were explicitly simulated. Demographic rates and carrying capacity followed metabolic constraints. We simulated 50 species pools until reaching stable communities. Species pools were initialized with 400 species that had random traits and habitat requirements. The habitat requirements generated potential distributions of richness, range and abundance, whereas the simulations yielded realized distributions.ResultsThe communities assembled in the simulations consisted of species spread non‐randomly within trait space. Potential species richness peaked at mid‐elevations, whereas realized richness was slightly shifted towards higher elevations. For 11% of all species, the highest local abundances were found not in the most suitable habitat, but in suboptimal conditions. 53% of all species could not fill the climatically determined potential range. The ability to fill the potential range was significantly influenced by species traits (e.g. body mass and Allee effects) and species richness.Main conclusionsSpatial and trait properties of surviving species and of equilibrium communities diverged from the potential distributions. Realized richness gradients were consistent both with patterns observed in nature and those expected from null models based on geometrical constraints. However, the divergences between potential and realized patterns of richness, ranges and abundances indicate the importance of demography and biotic interaction for generating patterns at species and community levels. Consequently, bias in correlative habitat models and single‐species mechanistic models may arise if competition and demography are neglected. Additionally, competitive exclusion provides a mechanistic explanation for the low transferability of single‐species niche models. These results confirm the usefulness of mechanistic niche models for guiding further research integrating ecological niche, community ecology and biogeography.
Rheological Characteristics of Sour Cherries in Gels Containing Waxy Maize and Cassava Starches
Authors: Pająk Paulina , Fortuna Teresa , Gałkowska Dorota 
Published: October 2012

AbstractEight gels composed of sour cherries, starch ingredient, sucrose, potassium sorbate and citric acid were prepared using the same recipe. The starch component was waxy maize (WM) or cassava (CA) starch or their blends with cold water swelling (CWS) starches. The gels varied only in the origin and type of chemical modification of starch (acetylated distarch adipate, hydroxypropylated distarch phosphate). Rheological properties of the gels were studied. Flow tests showed that all samples were pseudoplastic and exhibited shear thinning behavior with tendency to yield stress. The structural recovery of the cherry gels was above 55% and was clearly dominated by the origin of the starch. Linear viscoelastic data showed that all fruit gels exhibited weak gel‐like structure. Classification of gels into two different types was confirmed both in results of steady flow and low amplitude oscillatory tests. Cherry gels containing modified WM starches showed very good heat and rheological stability, whereas gels based on CA starches and their blends with CWS WM starches were more susceptible to shear rates and increased temperature.Practical ApplicationsFruit gels are popular low‐level sugar products used mainly in confectionery. It is very important to provide appropriate viscosity of this product (thick or thin, depending on its usage). Starch is commonly used in production of modern food, mainly to modify its texture and to improve food stability during storage. This research was developed to study the effect of starch addition on the rheological properties of cherry gels. Published works provide information for researchers on this area of study and enable producers to make fruit gels of great consumer's acceptability.