bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pollution‐induced community tolerance (PICT): towards an ecologically relevant risk assessment of chemicals in aquatic systems
Authors: Tlili Ahmed , Berard Annette , Blanck Hans , Bouchez Agnes , Cássio Fernanda , Eriksson Karl Martin , Morin Soizic , Montuelle Bernard , Navarro Enrique , Pascoal Cláudia , Pesce Stephane , Schmitt‐Jansen Mechthild , Behra Renata 
Published: April 2015

Summary

A major challenge in environmental risk assessment of pollutants is establishing a causal relationship between field exposure and community effects that integrates both structural and functional complexity within ecosystems.

Pollution‐induced community tolerance (PICT) is a concept that evaluates whether pollutants have exerted a selection pressure on natural communities. PICT detects whether a pollutant has eliminated sensitive species from a community and thereby increased its tolerance. PICT has the potential to link assessments of the ecological and chemical status of ecosystems by providing causal analysis for effect‐based monitoring of impacted field sites.

Using PICT measurements and microbial community endpoints in environmental assessment schemes could give more ecological relevance to the tools that are now used in environmental risk assessment. Here, we propose practical guidance and a list of research issues that should be further considered to apply the PICT concept in the field.
Global effects of soil and climate on leaf photosynthetic traits and rates
Authors: Maire Vincent , Wright Ian J. , Prentice I. Colin , Batjes Niels H. , Bhaskar Radika , van Bodegom Peter M. , Cornwell Will K. , Ellsworth David , Niinemets Ülo , Ordonez Alejandro , Reich Peter B. , Santiago Louis S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimThe influence of soil properties on photosynthetic traits in higher plants is poorly quantified in comparison with that of climate. We address this situation by quantifying the unique and joint contributions to global leaf‐trait variation from soils and climate.LocationTerrestrial ecosystems world‐wide.MethodsUsing a trait dataset comprising 1509 species from 288 sites, with climate and soil data derived from global datasets, we quantified the effects of 20 soil and 26 climate variables on light‐saturated photosynthetic rate (Aarea), stomatal conductance (gs), leaf nitrogen and phosphorus (Narea and Parea) and specific leaf area (SLA) using mixed regression models and multivariate analyses.ResultsSoil variables were stronger predictors of leaf traits than climatic variables, except for SLA. On average, Narea, Parea and Aarea increased and SLA decreased with increasing soil pH and with increasing site aridity. gs declined and Parea increased with soil available P (Pavail). Narea was unrelated to total soil N. Joint effects of soil and climate dominated over their unique effects on Narea and Parea, while unique effects of soils dominated for Aarea and gs. Path analysis indicated that variation in Aarea reflected the combined independent influences of Narea and gs, the former promoted by high pH and aridity and the latter by low Pavail.Main conclusionsThree environmental variables were key for explaining variation in leaf traits: soil pH and Pavail, and the climatic moisture index (the ratio of precipitation to potential evapotranspiration). Although the reliability of global soil datasets lags behind that of climate datasets, our results nonetheless provide compelling evidence that both can be jointly used in broad‐scale analyses, and that effects uniquely attributable to soil properties are important determinants of leaf photosynthetic traits and rates. A significant future challenge is to better disentangle the covarying physiological, ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that underpin trait–environment relationships.
Estimating global natural wetland methane emissions using process modelling: spatio‐temporal patterns and contributions to atmospheric methane fluctuations
Authors: Zhu Qiuan , Peng Changhui , Chen Huai , Fang Xiuqin , Liu Jinxun , Jiang Hong , Yang Yanzheng , Yang Gang 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimThe fluctuations of atmospheric methane (CH4) that have occurred in recent decades are not fully understood, particularly with regard to the contribution from wetlands. The application of spatially explicit parameters has been suggested as an effective method for reducing uncertainties in bottom‐up approaches to wetland CH4 emissions, but has not been included in recent studies. Our goal was to estimate spatio‐temporal patterns of global wetland CH4 emissions using a process model and then to identify the contribution of wetland emissions to atmospheric CH4 fluctuations.LocationGlobal.MethodsA process‐based model integrated with full descriptions of methanogenesis (TRIPLEX‐GHG) was used to simulate global wetland CH4 emissions.ResultsGlobal annual wetland CH4 emissions ranged from 209 to 245 Tg CH4 year−1 between 1901 and 2012, with peaks occurring in 1991 and 2012. There is a decreasing trend between 1990 and 2010 with a rate of approximately 0.48 Tg CH4 year−1, which was largely caused by emissions from tropical wetlands showing a decreasing trend of 0.44 Tg CH4 year−1 since the 1970s. Emissions from tropical, temperate and high‐latitude wetlands comprised 59, 26 and 15% of global emissions, respectively.Main conclusionGlobal wetland CH4 emissions, the interannual variability of which was primary controlled by tropical wetlands, partially drive the atmospheric CH4 burden. The stable to decreasing trend in wetland CH4 emissions, a result of a balance of emissions from tropical and extratropical wetlands, was a particular factor in slowing the atmospheric CH4 growth rate during the 1990s. The rapid decrease in tropical wetland CH4 emissions that began in 2000 was supposed to offset the increase in anthropogenic emissions and resulted in a relatively stable level of atmospheric CH4 from 2000 to 2006. Increasing wetland CH4 emissions, particularly after 2010, should be an important contributor to the growth in atmospheric CH4 seen since 2007.
Using quality indicators to compare outcomes of permanent cardiac pacemaker implantation among publicly and privately funded patients
Authors: Bradshaw P. J. , Stobie P. , Einarsdóttir K. , Briffa T. G. , Hobbs M. S. T. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundFunding source/insurance status has been associated with disparity in the management and outcomes of cardiovascular disease, with poorer outcomes among disadvantaged groups.AimUsing proposed quality indicators for permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation and administrative data, this study aimed to determine whether quality indicator‐based outcomes of PPM implantation were comparable for publicly and privately funded patients within Australia's two‐tier health system.MethodsA population‐based cohort study of adults implanted with a PPM between 1995 and 2009 in Western Australia. The association of funding outcomes derived from linked administrative data was tested in multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsThere were 9748 PPMs implanted, 48% being among privately funded patients. The mean age was 75 years for both public and private patients. Private patients had better health status (fewer with cardiac conditions and lower non‐cardiac comorbidity scores), were less likely to be an emergency admission (33% vs 60%, P < 0.001) and more likely to have dual‐ or triple‐chamber pacing. Mean length of stay was significantly greater for private patients (4.3 (standard deviation 6.3) vs 5.1 (6.8) days <0.001), related to longer elective admissions. Crude mortality was lower for private patients in‐hospital (0.7 vs 1.3%), 30‐day post‐procedure (1.3 vs 2.1%) and at 1 year (7.3 vs 9.5%). Emergency admission, comorbidity and other demographic and clinical factors, not funding source, were significant predictors of these outcomes.ConclusionsThere was no difference between publicly and privately funded patients in study outcomes, after adjustment for demographic and clinical factors. The exception was longer hospital stay for elective PPM among privately funded patients.
The Effectiveness of Regulatory Capital Requirements Prior to the Onset of the Financial Crisis
Authors: Abreu José Filipe , Gulamhussen Mohamed Azzim 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe extend the literature on the role of capital requirements as a regulatory tool by developing a continuous measure of the degree of regulatory pressure and by examining data on US commercial banks during the economic upturn that preceded the 2007–2009 financial crisis. Our findings indicate the inability of regulatory pressure to force banks to build capital buffers during the economic upturn that preceded the crisis. These findings are consistent with the view that banks entered the crisis with inadequate levels of capital. Our findings support the endeavors of regulators in explicitly demanding capital buffers in their new regulatory framework.
Efficacy of 1% acetic acid in the treatment of chronic wounds infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa: prospective randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Madhusudhan VL 
Published: April 2015

AbstractChronic wounds are those wounds that are persistent and do not respond to any sort of treatment. The concept of using topical antiseptics on open wounds is to prevent and treat infections. They also help to shorten the time taken to heal the wounds. The use of topical agents on wounds to prevent infection is a minimal ability to develop resistance to the microorganisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram‐negative opportunistic pathogen with innate resistance to many antibiotics. In places that are economically backward, these problems get compounded by the inability of patients to afford newer expensive drugs. Topically applied dilute acetic acid, which is cheap and easily available, has been found to be effective in such chronic wounds. In the present study, an attempt has been made to use 1% acetic acid as the sole antimicrobial agent for the treatment of pseudomonal wound infections. A control limb was used in which the wounds were treated with normal saline. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of acetic acid in low concentration of 1% in chronic wounds infected with P. aeruginosa. This was a prospective study conducted over a period of 6 months. Inclusion criteria: All patients with chronic wounds infected with P. aeruginosa. Exclusion criteria: Wounds due to massive burns, suspected malignancy, immunocompromised individuals and individuals with sepsis. A total of 32 patients enrolled in the study. Subjects were randomised equally to the 1% acetic acid group and saline dressing group. None of the patients received any systemic antibiotics during the study period and received twice daily dressings. The endpoint of the treatment was wounds free of P. aeruginosa. The duration of treatment required to eliminate the Pseudomonas from the wounds in the acetic acid group was on an average 7 days less than that required by the saline group. P value was <0·001. In the 1% acetic acid group irrespective of the sensitivity of the organism to antibiotics, Pseudomonas organisms were eliminated within the same time period – 4·5 days. In the saline group, susceptible organisms were eliminated within 11·5 days and multidrug‐resistant organisms were eliminated by 15·5 days. 1% acetic acid is a simple, safe and effective topical antiseptic that can be used in the elimination of P. aeruginosa from chronic infected wounds.
Determination of 3‐D Alumina Grain Orientation, Size, Shape, and Growth Kinetics from 2‐D Data in Nextel™ 610 Fibers
Authors: Hay Randall S. , Fair Geoff E. , Keller Kristin A. , Tidball Travis 
Published: April 2015

Nextel™ 610 alumina fibers were heat‐treated at 1100°C–1500°C for 1–100 h in air. Grain size distributions (GSDs) and grain orientation distributions (ODs) with respect to the fiber axis were characterized by analysis of TEM images from longitudinal fiber sections. The 2‐D GSDs and ODs were characterized as ellipses. 3‐D GSDs and ODs were calculated by fitting distributions of oriented oblate ellipsoids to 2‐D GSDs and ODs formed by ellipsoid–section‐plane intersections. The standard deviations (SDs) of log‐normal GSDs consistently increased with grain size, which is not diagnostic of normal grain growth. The grain aspect ratio (α) and the tendency of the short grain axis to orient perpendicular to the fiber axis also increased with grain size, resulting in more textured fibers at larger grain sizes. Average 3‐D grain sizes were larger than 2‐D sizes for GSDs with small SDs, but smaller for GSDs with large SDs because of under sampling of small grains. 3‐D grain growth kinetics had the same 815 kJ/mol activation energy as that found by 2‐D analysis, but the grain growth exponent m of 6.0 was larger and the pre‐exponential factor much smaller. Expressions for 3‐D log‐normal GSDs as a function of heat treatment temperature and time were determined. α‐distributions and ODs were determined as a function of grain size. Methods for determining 3‐D GSDs are discussed.
Factors Influencing the Use of Psychotropic Medication for Challenging Behaviour in the United Kingdom: A Q Method Investigation
Authors: Wastell Sarah , Skirrow Paul , Hare Dougal Julian 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesThe use of pharmacological interventions to manage challenging behaviour displayed by adults with intellectual disabilities remains controversial, with current clinical guidelines in the United Kingdom advocating the use of less invasive psychological interventions. This exploratory study aimed to discover what views and beliefs are held by a sample of NHS professionals who provided care and treatment to adults with learning disabilities, about the factors that are influential in the clinical decision‐making process, surrounding the prescription of psychotropic medication, to manage challenging behaviour.MethodsQ methodology was used to elucidate the factors considered influential in the clinical decision‐making process, surrounding the prescription of medication to manage challenging behaviour. 55 participants from a range of services across the north–west of England performed a 104 statement Q‐sort task.ResultsPrinciple component factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed on the 55 completed Q sorts. This revealed a four factor solution, accounting for 44% of the variance in the data. The factors were interpreted and discussed under the following headings: ‘High‐quality safe ethical practice’, Risk is a rationale for reactive prescribing’, ‘Pragmatic management’ and ‘Contextual issues’.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated that Q methodology is a useful tool for identifying subjective viewpoints held by a range of professionals, with regard to the factors that influence the clinical decision‐making process surrounding the prescription of medication. The study suggests that services need to identify the wider contextual factors, which are barriers, to the use of less invasive psychological interventions.
National Parliaments and Transposition of EU Law: A Matter of Coalition Conflict?
Authors: Dörrenbächer Nora , Mastenbroek Ellen , Toshkov Dimiter D. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis article analyses to what extent the mechanism of the coalition conflict model of executive‐legislative relations can account for the extent and policy direction of parliamentary control over domestic transposition, focusing on EU migration law. Our empirical approach is based on an in‐depth cross‐country comparison of the transposition of the Returns Directive in Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. We find that in all four countries the legislatures left their marks on the final laws, and the policy direction of amendments was largely in line with the predictions of the model. Yet, the policy adjustments were not always triggered by coalition partners correcting ministerial drift, but also by factions within the ministerial party, and by opposition parties.
Ultrasound as a Pretreatment Method to Improve Drying Kinetics and Sensory Properties of Dried Apple
Authors: Fijalkowska Aleksandra , Nowacka Małgorzata , Wiktor Artur , Sledz Magdalena , Witrowa‐Rajchert Dorota 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe effect of ultrasound pretreatment on drying kinetics and physical properties as color and rehydration rate of dried apple slices was investigated. Apple samples var. Idared were submitted to ultrasonic treatment using 21 and 35 kHz for 30 min in an ultrasound bath securing sound intensity of 3 and 4 W/cm2, respectively. After pretreatment, the material was dried in a convective oven at 70C and at an air velocity of 2 m/s. The sonication reduced drying time by 13–17% in comparison with the untreated sample. Ultrasound treatment changed the color of apples tissue by decreasing the value of a* parameter and increasing the dried material lightness, chromaticity and the value of b* coefficient. Moreover, obtained results showed that there was a significant effect of pretreatment on rehydration properties as compared with untreated apple tissue.Practical ApplicationsThe most energy‐consuming processes existing in the food technologies are the processes based on heat and/or mass transfer, for instance drying. Thus, a lot of attention is paid by researchers to conserve the energy and minimally change the physicochemical properties of food, which shape its quality. Additionally, increasing growth of consumers' expectations and their nutritional knowledge stimulate to seek some new solutions even more. Aforementioned is a reason why nonthermal technologies as ultrasound seem to be the one of the most interesting propositions.
Improving Access to Noninstitutional Long‐Term Care for American Indian Veterans
Authors: Kramer Betty Jo (Josea) , Creekmur Beth , Cote Sarah , Saliba Debra 
Published: April 2015

Home‐based primary care (HBPC) is an effective model of noninstitutional long‐term care developed in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide ongoing care to homebound persons. Significant rural populations of American Indians have limited access to services designed for frail older adults. Fourteen Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs) initiated efforts to expand access to HBPC in concert with local tribes and Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities. This study characterizes the resulting emerging models of HBPC and co‐management. Using an observational design, key respondent telephone interviews (n = 37) were conducted with stakeholders representing the 14 VAMCs to describe these HBPC programs, and HBPC models were evaluated in relation to VAMC organizational culture as revealed on the annual VA All Employee Survey. Twelve VAMCs independently developed HBPC expansion programs for American Indian veterans, and six different program models were implemented. Two models were unique to collaborations between VAMCs and tribes; in these collaborations, the tribes retained primary care responsibilities. VAMC used the other four models for delivery of care in remote rural areas to all veteran populations, American Indians and non‐Indians alike. Strategies to improve access by reducing geographic barriers occur in all models. Comparing mean VAMC organizational culture ratings, as defined in the Competing Values Framework, revealed significant group differences for one of these six models. Findings from this study illustrate the flexibility of the HBPC program and opportunities for co‐management and expansion of healthcare access for American Indians and non‐Indians, particularly in rural areas.
Is There an Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Cognitive Function in Very Old Adults? The Newcastle 85+ Study
Authors: Harrison Stephanie L. , Stephan Blossom C. M. , Siervo Mario , Granic Antoneta , Davies Karen , Wesnes Keith A. , Kirkwood Thomas B. L. , Robinson Louise , Jagger Carol 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo determine, using data from the Newcastle 85+ Study, whether there is an association between modern diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cognitive function in very old adults (≥85) and whether inflammation, physical activity, or diabetes mellitus status affects this association.DesignLongitudinal, population‐based cohort study.SettingNewcastle and North Tyneside, United Kingdom.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling and institutionalized men and women recruited through general practices (N = 845).MeasurementsMetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. Cross‐sectional and prospective (up to 5 years of follow‐up) associations between MetS and global cognitive function (assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE)) and between MetS and attention and episodic memory (assessed using the Cognitive Drug Research battery) were performed.ResultsMetS was not associated with cognitive function at baseline or cognitive change over time. Lack of association was not because MetS was predictive of subsequent mortality. Of the individual components of the MetS criteria, high blood pressure was associated with better cognitive function at baseline (MMSE: β (standard error (SE)) = −0.716 (0.152), P < .001), and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was associated with poorer global cognitive function at baseline (MMSE: 0.436 (0.131), P = .001).ConclusionThe association between MetS and cognitive decline, which has been described in younger populations (<75), was not apparent in this population of individuals aged 85 and older at baseline.
Using Nested Average Electricity Allocation Protocols to Characterize Electrical Grids in Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Colett Joseph S. , Kelly Jarod C. , Keoleian Gregory A. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThis study explored the impacts of electricity allocation protocols on the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of electricity consumption. The selection of appropriate electricity allocation protocols, methodologies that assign pools of electricity generators to electricity consumers, has not been well standardized. This can lead to very different environmental profiles of similar, electricity‐intensive processes. In an effort to better represent the interconnected nature of the U.S. electrical grid, we propose two new protocols that utilize inter‐regional trade information and localized emission factors to combine generating pools that are sub‐ or supersets of one another. This new nested approach increases the likelihood of capturing important inter‐regional electricity trading and the appropriate assignment of generator emissions to consumers of local and regional electricity. We applied the new and existing protocols to the U.S. primary aluminum industry, an industry whose environmental impact is heavily tied to its electricity consumption. Our analysis found GHG emission factors that were dramatically different than those reported in previous literature. We calculated production‐weighted average emission factors of 19.0 and 19.9 kilograms carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of primary aluminum ingot produced when using our two nested electricity allocation protocols. Previous studies reported values of 10.5 and 11.0, at least 42% lower than those found by our study.