bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical modeling of water balance for temporary landfill cover in North Germany
Authors: Widomski Marcin K. , Broichsitter Steffen Beck , Zink Alexander , Fleige Heiner , Horn Rainer , Stępniewski Witold 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAt the end of waste disposal in 2005, a temporary mineral system was constructed to cover the waste body of the municipal landfill in Rastorf (N Germany). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this temporary cover system in limiting the infiltration of surface water into the waste body. The numerical modeling for the hydrological year 2012 was performed in FEFLOW 6.0. The required input data for modeling were achieved by laboratory measurements of the saturated hydraulic conductivity and the water retention characteristics of the mineral layers. The assumed initial and boundary conditions were based on in‐situ measurements of matrix potential and volumetric water content at three different measuring points by tensiometers, FDR sensors and observed meteorological conditions. The model was applied according to Darcy's and Richards' equations for variably saturated flow. Our results allowed assessing the components of water balance for a temporary cover system, especially water seepage into the waste body. The correlation between the measured and modeled volumetric soil water content in the layered temporary cover system was observed (R2 = 0.56 to 0.90). Deviations between the measured and modeled values are superficially related to the soil´s heterogeneity. In conclusion, the measured and modeled water balance parameters indicate that the temporary coverage system remains effective in limiting the infiltration rate. However, our studies revealed that the calculated and measured water seepage exceeded the values allowable by the German regulations. Additional studies have to assess variations in the soil water characteristics caused by weather‐related wetting and drying cycles and influence of waste settlement changing the profile of slope.
Benzodithiophene‐Based Broad Absorbing Random Copolymers Incorporating Weak and Strong Electron Accepting Imide and Lactam Functionalized Pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole Derivatives for Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Tamilavan Vellaiappillai , Roh Kyung Hwan , Agneeswari Rajalingam , Lee Dal Yong , Cho Shinuk , Jin Youngeup , Park Sung Heum , Hyun Myung Ho 
Published: March 2015

Two benzodithiophene (BDT)‐based broad absorbing low band gap random copolymers, P1 and P2, incorporating electron accepting imide functionalized pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,3‐dione (TDPPDT) and lactam functionalized pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4‐dione (DKPP) derivatives are prepared. The copolymerization of differently alkylated two TDPPDT derivatives with both of BDT and DKPP offers random copolymers P1 and P2. The absorption bands of polymers P1 and P2 cover the region from 300 to 900 nm and the estimated band gaps of P1 and P2 are 1.43 and 1.39 eV, respectively. The highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels of P1 and P2 are identical, at –5.25 eV. The organic field effect transistors made from P1 and P2 provide a hole mobility μ of 3.0 × 10−4 and 3.6 × 10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. Polymer solar cells (PSCs) prepared from P1 and P2 afford a maximum power conversion efficiency of 1.64% and 2.14%, respectively.
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A highly acid‐resistant novel strain of Lactobacillus johnsonii No. 1088 has antibacterial activity, including that against Helicobacter pylori, and inhibits gastrin‐mediated acid production in mice
Authors: Aiba Yuji , Nakano Yasuhiro , Koga Yasuhiro , Takahashi Kenji , Komatsu Yasuhiko 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA novel strain of Lactobacillus johnsonii No. 1088 was isolated from the gastric juice of a healthy Japanese male volunteer, and characterized for its effectiveness in the stomach environment. Lactobacillus johnsonii No. 1088 was found to have the strongest acid resistance among several lactobacilli examined (>10% of cells survived at pH 1.0 after 2 h), and such a high acid resistance property was a specific characteristic of this strain of L. johnsonii. When cultured with various virulent bacteria, L. johnsonii No. 1088 inhibited the growth of Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli O‐157, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Clostridium difficile, in which case its effectiveness was more potent than that of a type strain of L. johnsonii, JCM2012. In addition to its effect in vitro, L. johnsonii No. 1088 inhibited the growth of H. pylori in human intestinal microbiota‐associated mice in both its live and lyophilized forms. Moreover, L. johnsonii No. 1088 suppressed gastric acid secretion in mice via decreasing the number of gastrin‐positive cells in the stomach. These results taken together suggest that L. johnsonii No. 1088 is a unique lactobacillus having properties beneficial for supporting H. pylori eradication by triple therapy including the use of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and also for prophylaxis of gastroesophageal reflux disease possibly caused after H. pylori eradication as a side effect of PPI.
A Pilot Prospective, Multicenter Observational Study of Dopamine Agonist Withdrawal Syndrome in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Chaudhuri Kallol Ray , Todorova Antoniya , Nirenberg Melissa J. , Parry Miriam , Martin Anne , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Rizos Alexandra , Henriksen Tove , Jost Wolfgang , Storch Alexander , Ebersbach Georg , Reichmann Heinz , Odin Per , Antonini Angelo 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome (DAWS) has been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who rapidly decrease or stop their dopamine agonist (DA) treatment. Retrospective studies suggest a high prevalence of DAWS (14%–18%) in PD, but there are no prospective studies. We report data from the first pilot European multicenter prospective study addressing the frequency of probable DAWS (Rabinak‐Nirenberg criteria) in PD patients. The self‐completed Nonmotor Symptoms Questionnaire (which addresses the core features of DAWS) was administered at clinical follow‐up at 1 month in 51 patients (33 male; mean age: 73.0 ± 9.9 years; PD duration: 12.2 ± 6.3 years) who had discontinued dopamine agonists. Twelve out of fifty‐one patients (24%) met clinical criteria for DAWS, the most common symptoms of which were anxiety (91.7%), pain (50%), sweating (41.7%), and anhedonia (16.7%), after the withdrawal of a DA (ropinirole, pramipexole, or cabergoline). In this first prospective evaluation of DAWS in the clinic, preliminary data indicate a high rate after discontinuation of a range of DAs, particularly in the context of impulse control disorders. Larger, controlled studies are required to establish a definitive management pathway.
Syntheses of biphenyl‐terminated polyhedral oligomeric octasilicate‐core dendrimers and their single‐component optical transparent free‐standing thermoplastic films
Authors: Irie Yasuyuki , Naka Kensuke 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT2‐Biphenylethyl and 2‐biphenylhexyl‐terminated polyhedral oligomeric octasilicate (OS)‐core polyester‐typed dendrimers, denoted as OS‐C2‐BP and OS‐C6‐BP, respectively, were prepared by ring‐opening reaction and subsequent condensation of octakis(propenyl succinicanhydrido)polyhedral octasilicate (OS‐SA) with 2‐(4‐phenylphenoxy)ethanol (BP‐C2‐OH) and 6‐(4‐phenylphenoxy)hexanol (BP‐C6‐OH), respectively. OS‐C2‐BP formed a transparent film, whereas OS‐C6‐BP formed an opaque whitish waxy film. The coating film of OS‐C2‐BP was easily peeled off from a substrate and formed a free‐standing film. The results of X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimeter suggest that the film of OS‐C2‐BP was amorphous, whereas OS‐C6‐BP contained crystalline domains. Thermogravimetric analysis of OS‐C2‐BP and OS‐C6‐BP showed 5 wt % weight losses at 362 °C and 283 °C, respectively. OS‐C2‐BP offered higher thermal resistance than OS‐C6‐BP. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1437–1443
Breast cancer‐related lymphedema and sexual experiences: a mixed‐method comparison study
Authors: Radina M. Elise , Fu Mei R. , Horstman Lori , Kang Yang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractObjectiveUp to 40% of breast cancer survivors develop lymphedema, a chronic and sometimes disabling condition that manifests as abnormal swelling of the effected arm or hand or upper chest areas. Although the effects of lymphedema on quality of life have been well established, less well documented are the sexual experiences of breast cancer survivors with lymphedema. This study is the first to compare the sexual experiences of women with (n = 243) and without breast cancer‐related lymphedema (n = 109).MethodsA mixed‐method design was used to explore both quantitatively and qualitatively the impact of lymphedema on participants' sexual experiences.ResultsParticipants with breast cancer‐related lymphedema reported struggles with compression garments and sexual intimacy, negative feelings involving the breast and arm, and feelings of decreased sexual desire.ConclusionsRecommendations for healthcare professionals, social workers, and marriage and family therapists are offered with the aim of assisting women with breast cancer‐related lymphedema and their sexual partners. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On shear verification according to fib Model Code 2010 in FRC elements without traditional reinforcement
Authors: Coccia Simona , Meda Alberto , Rinaldi Zila 
Published: March 2015

AbstractFibre‐reinforced concrete (FRC) without any traditional reinforcement is used particularly extensively in structures such as pavements and tunnels. The fib Model Code for Concrete Structures 2010 introduced the possibility of using FRC for structural design and it is becoming a reference document for such structures. The application of fib Model Code 2010 suggestions for flexural and axial forces, once the constitutive relationships of the material are defined, allows for safe design. However, shear verification is often a cause of discussion in the design community. The aim of this paper is to clarify this aspect and provide a procedure that can be followed in the design process. A case study is also presented.
Variation in microbial function through soil depth profiles in the Kushiro Wetland, northeastern Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Senga Yukiko , Hiroki Mikiya , Terui Shigeharu , Nohara Seiichi 
Published: March 2015

AbstractTo provide new insights into microbial functions in the Kushiro Wetland, Japan, we measured vertical profiles of fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis (total microbial activity), β‐glucosidase and xylosidase (organic matter decomposition), acid phosphatase (phosphate production) and potential denitrifying (denitrification) activities as microbial enzyme activities in soil to depths of approximately 1.5 m from two sites with different vegetation in November 2008 (winter) and August 2009 (summer). Active organic matter decomposition, phosphate production and denitrification were evident in shallow litter and peat layers, and total microbial activity was high. Almost no differences in decomposition and total microbial activity were observed between seasons, whereas phosphate production and denitrification were higher in summer. All activities were low in mid‐depth volcanic‐ash and clay layers because of low carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus levels. Surprisingly, the total microbial activity and decomposition in deep clay & peat and peat layers were the same as or higher than in shallow layers. However, denitrification was limited, probably because dissolved organic matter containing humic‐like substances was unsuitable as a substrate. Moreover, total soil phosphorus levels, acid phosphatase activity and multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the soil in the Kushiro Wetland is likely P limited.
EPAS1 Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated With High Altitude Polycythemia in Tibetans at the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xu Jin , Yang Ying-Zhong , Tang Feng , Ga Qin , Tana Wuren , Ge Ri-Li 
Published: March 2015

Objective To test the hypothesis that the polymorphisms in the EPAS1 gene are associated with the susceptibility to high altitude polycythemia (HAPC) in Tibetans at the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Methods We enrolled 63 Tibetan HAPC patients and 131 matched healthy Tibetans as a control group, from the Yushu area in Qinghai where the altitude is greater than 3500 m. Eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the EPAS1 gene, including rs12619696, rs13420857, rs2881504, rs4953388, rs13419896, rs4953354, rs10187368, and rs7587138, were genotyped by the Sequenom MassARRAY SNP assay. Results The frequencies of the G allele of EPAS1 SNP rs13419896 were significantly higher in the HAPC group than in the control group ( P < .05). Moreover, the A alleles of rs12619696 and rs4953354 were prevalent in the HAPC group, and their counterpart homozygotes were prevalent in the normal Tibetan group ( P < .05). Conclusions Compared with normal Tibetans, Tibetans with HAPC are maladapted and have a different haplotype in EPAS1 SNPs rs12619696, rs13419896, and rs4953354.
Games of Seduction and Games of History: Alioum Moussa’sFashion Victimsin Niamey, Niger
Authors: Gilvin Amanda 
Published: March 2015

Abstract:In his November 2011 solo art exhibition,Fashion Victims, held in Niamey, Niger, the Cameroonian artist Alioum Moussa launched a critique of global participation in the industrial fashion system by employing secondhand garments as his primary medium. The show had special resonance in a city attempting to cultivate both industrial and artisanal production of dress and fashion for global markets. Moussa demanded that viewers reckon with their own consumerist dress practices and potential fashion victimization in what he described as “global games of seduction,” and he offered tributes to the different “fashion victims” by inviting others to play in shared games of history.
Cell Phones and Alienation among Bulsa of Ghana’s Upper East Region: “The Call Calls You Away”
Authors: Watson Marcus D. , Atuick Evans A. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract:Many scholars have concluded, perhaps prematurely, that information and communication technologies (ICTs) are inherently empowering for Africans. In order to look more closely at the impact of ICTs on relationships and society, this article focuses on everyday life. Specifically, it uses ethnographic methods and the theory of “affordances” to illuminate the use of cell phones among Bulsa of Ghana’s Upper East Region. While cell phones help users connect with distant loved ones, they also plant seeds of alienation between users and those who remain physically present. These changes are evident in new body habits and in social behaviors that would be culturally unacceptable in face-to-face interactions but are largely excused in the interventions of the virtual world.
Effect of the use of ambulance-based thrombolysis on time to thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke: a randomized clinical trial.
Authors: Fakhraldeen Mohammad , Segal Eli , de Champlain François 
Published: March 2015

Article chosenEbinger M, Winter B, Wendt M, et al. Effect of the use of ambulance-based thrombolysis on time to thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA 2014;311(16):1622-31.Clinical questionDoes prehospital thrombolysis in specialized ambulances reduce delay to thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke?ObjectiveTo determine the effect of prehospital thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke administered in specialized ambulances on delay in thrombolytic administration, thrombolysis rate, post-thrombolysis intracerebral hemorrhage, and 7-day mortality.
Variation in Infection Prevention Practices in Dialysis Facilities: Results From the National Opportunity to Improve Infection Control in ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease) Project
Authors: Chenoweth Carol E. , Hines Stephen C. , Hall Kendall K. , Saran Rajiv , Kalbfleisch John D. , Spencer Teri , Frank Kelly M. , Carlson Diane , Deane Jan , Roys Erik , Scholz Natalie , Parrotte Casey , Messana Joseph M. 
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVETo observe patient care across hemodialysis facilities enrolled in the National Opportunity to Improve Infection Control in ESRD (end-stage renal disease) (NOTICE) project in order to evaluate adherence to evidence-based practices aimed at prevention of infection.SETTING AND PARTICIPANTSThirty-four hemodialysis facilities were randomly selected from among 772 facilities in 4 end-stage renal disease participating networks. Facility selection was stratified on dialysis organization affiliation, size, socioeconomic status, and urban/rural status.MEASUREMENTSTrained infection control evaluators used an infection control worksheet to observe 73 distinct infection control practices at the hemodialysis facilities, from October 1, 2011, through January 31, 2012.RESULTSThere was considerable variation in infection control practices across enrolled facilities. Overall adherence to recommended practices was 68% (range, 45%–92%) across all facilities. Overall adherence to expected hand hygiene practice was 72% (range, 10%–100%). Compliance to hand hygiene before and after procedures was high; however, during procedures hand hygiene compliance averaged 58%. Use of chlorhexidine as the specific agent for exit site care was 19% overall but varied from 0% to 35% by facility type. The 8 checklists varied in the frequency of perfect performance from 0% for meeting every item on the checklist for disinfection practices to 22% on the arteriovenous access practices at initiation.CONCLUSIONSOur findings suggest that there are many areas for improvement in hand hygiene and other infection prevention practices in end-stage renal disease. These NOTICE project findings will help inform the development of a larger quality improvement initiative at dialysis facilities.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(7):802–806
A randomised, double- blind, cross-over study investigating the prebiotic effect of agave fructans in healthy human subjects
Authors: Ramnani P. , Costabile A. , Bustillo A. G. R. , Gibson G. R. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind, cross-over human feeding study aimed to determine the prebiotic effect of agave fructans. A total of thirty-eight volunteers completed this trial. The treatment consisted of 3 weeks' supplementation with 5 g/d of prebiotic agave fructan (Predilife) or equivalent placebo (maltodextrin), followed by a 2-week washout period following which subjects were crossed over to alternate the treatment arm for 3 weeks followed by a 2-week washout. Faecal samples were collected at baseline, on the last day of treatment (days 22 and 58) and washout (days 36 and 72), respectively. Changes in faecal bacterial populations, SCFA and secretory IgA were assessed using fluorescentin situhybridisation, GC and ELISA, respectively. Bowel movements, stool consistencies, abdominal comfort and mood changes were evaluated by a recorded daily questionnaire. In parallel, the effect of agave fructans on different regions of the colon using a three-stage continuous culture simulator was studied. Predilife significantly increased faecal bifidobacteria (log109·6 (sd0·4)) and lactobacilli (log107·7 (sd0·8)) compared with placebo (log109·2 (sd0·4);P = 0·00) (log107·4 (sd0·7);P= 0·000), respectively. No change was observed for other bacterial groups tested, SCFA, secretory IgA, and PGE2concentrations between the treatment and placebo. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis indicated that bacterial communities were randomly dispersed and no significant differences were observed between Predilife and placebo treatments. Thein vitromodels showed similar increases in bifidobacterial and lactobacilli populations to that observed with thein vivotrial. To conclude, agave fructans are well tolerated in healthy human subjects and increased bifidobacteria and lactobacilli numbersin vitroandin vivobut did not influence other products of fermentation.
Data on face-to-face contacts in an office building suggest a low-cost vaccination strategy based on community linkers
Authors: GÉNOIS MATHIEU , VESTERGAARD CHRISTIAN L. , FOURNET JULIE , PANISSON ANDRÉ , BONMARIN ISABELLE , BARRAT ALAIN 
Published: March 2015

AbstractEmpirical data on contacts between individuals in social contexts play an important role in providing information for models describing human behavior and how epidemics spread in populations. Here, we analyze data on face-to-face contacts collected in an office building. The statistical properties of contacts are similar to other social situations, but important differences are observed in the contact network structure. In particular, the contact network is strongly shaped by the organization of the offices in departments, which has consequences in the design of accurate agent-based models of epidemic spread. We consider the contact network as a potential substrate for infectious disease spread and show that its sparsity tends to prevent outbreaks of rapidly spreading epidemics. Moreover, we define three typical behaviors according to the fractionfof links each individual shares outside its own department: residents, wanderers, and linkers. Linkers (f~ 50%) act as bridges in the network and have large betweenness centralities. Thus, a vaccination strategy targeting linkers efficiently prevents large outbreaks. As such a behavior may be spotteda prioriin the offices' organization or from surveys, without the full knowledge of the time-resolved contact network, this result may help the design of efficient, low-cost vaccination or social-distancing strategies.
Broader prevalence of Wolbachia in insects including potential human disease vectors
Authors: de Oliveira C.D. , Gonçalves D.S. , Baton L.A. , Shimabukuro P.H.F. , Carvalho F.D. , Moreira L.A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWolbachiaare intracellular, maternally transmitted bacteria considered the most abundant endosymbionts found in arthropods. They reproductively manipulate their host in order to increase their chances of being transmitted to the offspring, and currently are being used as a tool to control vector-borne diseases. Studies on distribution ofWolbachiaamong its arthropod hosts are important both for better understanding why this bacterium is so common, as well as for its potential use as a biological control agent. Here, we studied the incidence ofWolbachiain a broad range of insect species, collected from different regions of Brazil, using three genetic markers (16S rRNA, wspandftsZ), which varied in terms of their sensitivity to detect this bacterium. The overall incidence ofWolbachiaamong species belonging to 58 families and 14 orders was 61.9%. The most common positive insect orders were Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera and Hymenoptera, with Diptera and Hemiptera having the highest numbers ofWolbachia-positive families. They included potential human disease vectors whose infection status has never been reported before. Our study further shows the importance of using quantitative polymerase chain reaction for high-throughput and sensitiveWolbachiascreening.