bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use and application of range mapping in assessing extinction risk in Canada
Authors: Loehle Craig , Sleep Darren J. H. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTWhen a species potentially at risk of extinction is considered for legally protected status, changes in geographic range over time are often evaluated and utilized in listing decisions. Range changes are also used to guide conservation management decisions. Although changes in geographic range may provide information relevant to conservation decisions, many factors affect estimates of geographic range. We investigated how geographic range change is estimated and used in the listing process. We evaluated all terrestrial vertebrates in Canada whose assessment as threatened or endangered was based at least partially on small range or range reduction. The 39 cases of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians (including 2 populations of 1 species) used a variety of historical and recent data, including natural history archives, special surveys, and standardized surveys. Little mention was made in the reports of the methods used for range delineation or the limitations of geographic range maps. Of the 39 cases listed by the reports as being threatened or endangered in Canada at least in part due to geographic range, 32 (82%) had ≤10% of their current global range in Canada (i.e., most had wide ranges in the United States), resulting in the listing of species with marginal and sometimes nonviable populations within Canada even when the global population was not at risk. We identify several ways that listing decisions could be improved. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Evaluation of a reproductive index for estimating songbird productivity: Case study of the golden‐cheeked warbler
Authors: Reidy Jennifer L. , O'Donnell Lisa , Thompson Frank R. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTIt is critically important to determine and understand relationships between endangered species populations and landscape and habitat features to effectively manage and conserve populations and the habitats they rely on. Several recent studies focused on the golden‐cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia), an endangered songbird that breeds exclusively in central Texas, USA, have used a reproductive index to link pairing and breeding success to various factors of interest. However, no field test has evaluated the performance of a reproductive index at estimating productivity of golden‐cheeked warblers or similar forest songbirds. We computed reproductive index ranks for 5 observers from multiple plots during 2013 and 2014 and compared these ranks with actual reproductive success determined from territory mapping and nest monitoring of color‐banded adults. At the territory level, we found no significant correlation between 84 matched territories delineated by the reproductive index and territories delineated by intensive monitoring. At the plot level, index monitoring underestimated the total number of territorial males, but density from index monitoring was weakly correlated with actual density. We found no significant relationship for pairing success estimated from the reproductive index and actual pairing success, or with breeding success from the reproductive index with nest survival or actual breeding success, when controlling for observer. The reproductive index did not produce reliable estimates of reproductive performance at either the territory or plot level and we recommend intensive monitoring of color‐banded individuals when absolute estimates of reproductive success rates or other demographic measures are required, such as in species viability or threat assessments. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Ca4Au10Zn3 – A Substitution Variant of AlB2 by Incorporation of Zn3 Triangles
Authors: Gerke Birgit , Hoffmann Rolf‐Dieter , Pöttgen Rainer 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe gold‐rich intermetallic phase Ca4Au10Zn3 was synthesized from the elements by high‐frequency melting in sealed tantalum ampoules. Analyses of the sample by X‐ray powder and single crystal diffraction indicated a new structure type with a small homogeneity range resulting from Au/Zn mixing: C2/c, a = 1598.4(2), b = 819.7(1), c = 1188.2(2) pm, β = 120.93(1)°, wR2 = 0.0397, 2292 F2 values, 83 variables for Ca4Au9.66(1)Zn3.34(1), and a = 1596.6(2), b = 818.8(2), c = 1187.1(2) pm, β = 120.91(2)°, wR2 = 0.0280, 2296 F2 values, 83 variables for Ca4Au9.98(1)Zn3.02(1). The gold atoms built up a three‐dimensional distorted tetrahedral network with Au–Au distances ranging from 274–294 pm. The cavities within this network are filled by calcium atoms and Zn3 triangles (272–279 pm Zn–Zn) in an ordered manner. The small homogeneity range Ca4Au10–xZn3+x concerns Au/Zn mixing within the triangles and the tetrahedral network as well. The crystal chemical relationship with the aristotype AlB2 is discussed on the basis of a group‐subgroup scheme.
Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS) Uganda: Update for Household Survey
Authors: Fuller Anthony T. , Butler Elissa K. , Tran Tu M. , Makumbi Fredrick , Luboga Samuel , Muhumza Christine , Chipman Jeffrey G. , Groen Reinou S. , Gupta Shailvi , Kushner Adam L. , Galukande Moses , Haglund Michael M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe first step in improving surgical care delivery in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) is quantifying surgical need. The Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS) is a validated household survey that has been previously implemented in three LMICs with great success. We implemented the SOSAS survey in Uganda, a medium‐sized country with comparatively more language and ethnic group diversity.MethodsThe investigators partnered with the Performance Monitoring and Accountability 2020 (PMA2020) Uganda to access a data collection platform sampling 2520 households in 105 randomly selected enumeration areas. Due to geographic size consideration and language diversity, SOSAS’s methodology was updated in three significant dimensions (1) technology, (2) staff management, and (3) questionnaire adaptations.ResultsThe SOSAS survey was successfully implemented with non‐medically trained but field proven research assistants. We sampled 2315 of 2402 eligible households (response rate 96.4 %) and 4248 of 4374 eligible individual respondents (response rate 97.1 %). The female‐to‐male ratio was 51.1–48.9 %. Total survey cost was USD 73,145 and data collection occurred in 14 days.DiscussionSOSAS Uganda has demonstrated that non‐medically trained, but university‐educated, experienced researchers supervised by academic surgeons can successfully perform accurate data collection of SOSAS. SOSAS can be successfully implemented within larger and more diverse LMICs using existing national survey platforms, and SOSAS Uganda provides insights on how SOSAS can be executed specifically within other PMA2020 program countries.
Feasibility of Catheter Placement Under Ultrasound Guidance for Progressive Preoperative Pneumoperitoneum for Large Incisional Hernia with Loss of Domain
Authors: Alyami M. , Passot G. , Voiglio E. , Lundberg P. W. , Valette P. J. , Muller A. , Caillot J. L. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIntroduction
Large incisional hernias with loss of domain (LIHLD) of the abdominal wall remain a therapeutic challenge due to the difficulty of replacing the contents of the hernia sac into the peritoneal cavity. Preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP) is a valuable option. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of peritoneal catheter insertion under ultrasound guidance for PPP and to compare the morbidity and mortality of this new technique to previously used techniques in our department.
MethodsMedical records were reviewed retrospectively from February 1989 to April 2013 in a single institution. Three different techniques of PPP were evaluated: surgical subcutaneous implantable port (SIP), surgical peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC), and radiologic multipurpose drainage catheter (MDC). Collected data included patients’ age, sex, body mass index, medical and surgical history, hernia location, PPP technique, length of hospitalization, volume of air injected, morbidity and mortality linked to PPP, and the procedure of hernia repair.ResultsThirty‐seven patients with a mean age of 63.1 years were evaluated. Progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum was performed using SIP, PDC, and MDC for 14, 11, and 12 patients, respectively. Overall morbidity related to the technique was seen in 36 % of SIP, 27 % of PDC, and 0 % of MDC. One patient from the SIP group died on the 3rd postoperative day due to septic shock following aspiration pneumonia. No postoperative mortality in the other groups was observed.ConclusionThe MDC is an interesting modification of the original technique and is a safe procedure. It is a minimally invasive technique with a very low risk of perforation of the viscera. Therefore, the use of a non‐absorbable prosthesis with MDC technique can be offered for all patients undergoing PPP without increasing the risk of infection.
A Comparison of Laparoscopy and Laparotomy for the Management of Abdominal Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Yueli , Xiang Ying , Wu Na , Wu Long , Yu Zubin , Zhang Mengxuan , Wang Minghao , Jiang Jun , Li Yafei 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to systematically review and compare the perioperative outcomes of laparoscopy with laparotomy for abdominal trauma patients.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis comparing the perioperative outcomes of laparoscopy with laparotomy for abdominal trauma patients. Clinical endpoints included length of hospital stay, operation time, amount of intraoperative blood loss, time to postoperative exhaust, time to regular diet, time to out of bed, duration of postoperative pain, postoperative complications, perioperative mortality rate, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, missed injuries, conversions to laparotomy, and cure rate.ResultsSixty‐four studies including 9058 patients with abdominal trauma were included. In these studies, laparoscopy was used as a screening, diagnostic, or therapeutic tool. Meta‐analysis showed significant reductions in the incidence of postoperative complications (relative risk [RR] [95 % confidence interval (CI)] 0.37 [0.29–0.46]), perioperative mortality rate (RR 0.64; 95 % CI 0.52–0.80), operation time (mean difference [MD] [95 % CI] −19.93 min [−34.43 to 5.43]), length of hospital stay (MD −5.15 days; 95 % CI −6.80 to 3.50), amount of intraoperative blood loss (MD −141.33 ml; 95 % CI −260.99 to 21.67), time to postoperative exhaust (MD −5.32 h; 95 % CI −8.60 to 2.05), time to regular diet (MD −3.46 h; 95 % CI −6.31 to 0.61), time to out of bed (MD −23.51 h; 95 % CI −24.85 to 22.16), duration of postoperative pain (MD −21.34 h; 95 % CI −22.65 to 20.03), length of ICU stay (MD −1.89 days; 95 % CI −4.05 to 0.27) in patients with abdominal trauma treated with laparoscopy compared with laparotomy. The pooled incidence of postoperative complications, missed injuries, conversions, and perioperative mortality rate of laparoscopy among the case reports were 0.04 (95 % CI 0.03–0.06), 0.01 (95 % CI 0.01–0.02), 0.24 (95 % CI 0.20–0.28), 0.01(95 % CI 0.01–0.02), respectively. Cure rate of laparoscopy ranged from 46 to 95 % and the pooled rate was 0.76 (95 % CI 0.71–0.81).ConclusionsLaparoscopy is an effective way to improve perioperative outcomes and reduce the complications of hemodynamically stable patients with abdominal trauma. It is worth further popularization in clinical practice.
Aminotic Fluid Index and its Correlation with Fetal Growth and Perinatal Outcome
Authors: Madaan Sonia , Mendiratta Suman Lata , Jain Pawan Kumar , Mittal Meenakshi 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe present study aimed to measure amniotic fluid index (AFI) in high-risk pregnancies at ≥30 weeks of gestation and its correlation with fetal growth and perinatal outcome. The Study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi. Ultrasound examination was done on women with high-risk pregnancy (pregnancy-induced hypertension, intrauterine growth restriction, diabetes, and postdated pregnancy etc.) attending the antenatal OPD and maternity ward at ≥30 weeks of gestation. AFI was measured by the four quadrant technique. The study included 48 (48 %) primigravida and 52 (52 %) multigravida. Sixteen patients with a history of previous abortion had mean AFI of 9.97 cm which was lower than patients with no history of previous abortion i.e., 11.87 cm (P ≥ 0.1 insignificant). The mean AFI was maximum between 34–36 weeks, i.e., 13.1 cm, after which, it gradually decreased to 9.08 cm beyond 40 weeks. Mean AFI of patients with <40 weeks of gestation gradually decreased from 12.2 cm to 8.0 cm after 42 weeks (P value <0.05). Patients with IUGR had low mean AFI i.e., 9.8 cm whereas mean AFI in patients without IUGR was 12.1 cm (P value <0.01). Congenital anomalies were found in 4 % patients in the present study. Out of seven cases of perinatal mortality encountered, four (57 %) had abnormal AFI values, of which, two had low AFI (i.e., <8 cm) and two had abnormally-high AFI values i.e., >18 cm. Serious congenital malformations were present in three neonates, which resulted in early neonatal death. Out of these three, one patient had low AFI i.e., <8 cm and one had abnormally-high AFI value i.e., >24 cm. The study supports the view that AFI is a quick, noninvasive, and good indicator of fetal outcome in high-risk pregnancy.
Baseline Evaluation With a Sweating Thermal Manikin of Personal Protective Ensembles Recommended for Use in West Africa
Authors: Coca Aitor , DiLeo Travis , Kim Jung-Hyun , Roberge Raymond , Shaffer Ronald 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectiveExperience with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) ensembles by health care workers responding to the Ebola outbreak in the hot, humid conditions of West Africa has prompted reports of significant issues with heat stress that has resulted in shortened work periods.MethodsA sweating thermal manikin was used to ascertain the time to achievement of a critical core temperature of 39°C while wearing 4 different PPE ensembles similar to those recommended by the World Health Organization and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) at 2 different ambient conditions (32°C/92% relative humidity and 26°C/80% relative humidity) compared with a control ensemble.ResultsPPE ensembles that utilized coveralls with moderate to high degrees of impermeability attained the critical core temperature in significantly shorter times than did other ensembles. Encapsulation of the head and neck region resulted in higher model-predicted subjective impressions of heat sensation.ConclusionsTo maximize work capacity and to protect health care workers in the challenging ambient conditions of West Africa, consideration should be given to adjustment of work and rest schedules, improvement of PPE (e.g., using less impermeable and more breathable fabrics that provide the same protection), and the possible use of cooling devices worn simultaneously with PPE. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:536–542)
Skin and Environmental Contamination in Patients Diagnosed With Clostridium difficile Infection but Not Meeting Clinical Criteria for Testing
Authors: Kundrapu Sirisha , Sunkesula Venkata , Tomas Myreen , Donskey Curtis J. 
Published: August 2015

Of 134 patients diagnosed with Clostridium difficile infection, 30 (22%) did not meet clinical criteria for testing because they lacked significant diarrhea or had alternative explanations for diarrhea and no recent antibiotic exposure. For these patients, skin and/or environmental contamination was common only in those with prior antibiotic exposure.Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(11):1348–1350
The Use of a Combination Antibiogram to Assist with the Selection of Appropriate Antimicrobial Therapy for Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Infections
Authors: Hsu Alice J. , Carroll Karen C. , Milstone Aaron M. , Avdic Edina , Cosgrove Sara E. , Vilasoa Mercedes , Tamma Pranita D. 
Published: August 2015

Combination antibiograms can be used to evaluate organism cross-resistance among multiple antibiotics. As combination therapy is generally favored for the treatment of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), combination antibiograms provide valuable information about the combination of antibiotics that achieve the highest likelihood of adequate antibiotic coverage against CPE.Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(12):1458–1460
Nut consumption is inversely associated with both cancer and total mortality in a Mediterranean population: prospective results from the Moli-sani study
Authors: Bonaccio Marialaura , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , De Curtis Amalia , Costanzo Simona , Bracone Francesca , Persichillo Mariarosaria , Donati Maria Benedetta , de Gaetano Giovanni , Iacoviello Licia 
Published: August 2015

AbstractNut intake has been associated with reduced inflammatory status and lower risk of CVD and mortality. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between nut consumption and mortality and the role of inflammation. We conducted a population-based prospective investigation on 19 386 subjects enrolled in the Moli-sani study. Food intake was recorded by the Italian version of the European Project Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition FFQ. C-reactive protein, leucocyte and platelet counts and the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio were used as biomarkers of low-grade inflammation. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. During a median follow-up of 4·3 years, 334 all-cause deaths occurred. As compared with subjects who never ate nuts, rare intake (≤2 times/month) was inversely associated with mortality (multivariable HR=0·68; 95 % CI 0·54, 0·87). At intake ≥8 times/month, a greater protection was observed (HR=0·53; 0·32, 0·90). Nut intake (v. no intake) conveyed a higher protection to individuals poorly adhering to the Mediterranean diet (MD). A significant reduction in cancer deaths (HR=0·64; 95 % CI 0·44, 0·94) was also observed, whereas the impact on CVD deaths was limited to an inverse, but not significant, trend. Biomarkers of low-grade inflammation were reduced in nut consumers but did not account for the association with mortality. In conclusion, nut intake was associated with reduced cancer and total mortality. The protection was stronger in individuals with lower adherence to MD, whereas it was similar in high-risk groups (diabetics, obese, smokers or those with the metabolic syndrome), as compared with low-risk subjects. Inflammation did not explain the observed relationship.
Making National Identity Salient: Impact on Attitudes toward Immigration and Multiculturalism
Authors: Breton Charles 
Published: August 2015

AbstractDoes national identity necessarily have exclusionary effects when it comes to immigration attitudes or is it possible that some national identities act as inclusive forces? While research in Europe and in the US points to the former, one of the long-standing explanations for Canada's success with immigration has been the central place played by immigration and multiculturalism in its national identity. Using the Canadian case, this research tests the possibility that some national identities might represent an inclusive force. It does so through a nationally representative survey experiment (N = 1500) where respondents' national identity was primed before answering questions on immigration and multiculturalism. The analysis shows that contrary to previous results obtained in the Netherlands, priming Canadian identity does not increase anti-immigration attitudes. A new prime designed to isolate the effect of national identity even decreased these exclusionary attitudes.
Why Should Oil Rich Nigeria Make A Law for the Promotion of Renewable Energy in the Power Sector?
Authors: Oniemola Peter Kayode 
Published: August 2015

AbstractNigeria is an oil rich country, endowed with both conventional and renewable energy sources. Electricity generation in Nigeria is dominated by oil and gas. The use of renewable energy in the power sector has not been promoted, despite Nigeria's abundant renewable energy potential. Using the law to integrate renewable energy into the Nigerian power sector will promote energy security and access, a clean environment and economic development. This article argues that the benefits of renewable energy outweigh its negative environmental and social impacts, also when compared to oil and gas. It posits that creating a law for the promotion of renewable energy in the power sector will enhance the benefits of renewable energy. Therefore, there should be affirmative law to support renewable energy and provide for a framework for ensuring that other laws do not constitute barriers to the deployment of renewable energy in the power sector.
On the Method of Typical Bounded Differences
Authors: WARNKE LUTZ 
Published: August 2015

Concentration inequalities are fundamental tools in probabilistic combinatorics and theoretical computer science for proving that functions of random variables are typically near their means. Of particular importance is the case wheref(X) is a function of independent random variablesX= (X1, . . .,Xn). Here the well-knownbounded differences inequality(also called McDiarmid's inequality or the Hoeffding–Azuma inequality) establishes sharp concentration if the functionfdoes not depend too much on any of the variables. One attractive feature is that it relies on a very simple Lipschitz condition (L): it suffices to show that |f(X) −f(X′)| ⩽ckwheneverX, X′differ only inXk. While this is easy to check, the main disadvantage is that it considersworst-casechangesck, which often makes the resulting bounds too weak to be useful.In this paper we prove a variant of the bounded differences inequality which can be used to establish concentration of functionsf(X) where (i) thetypicalchanges are small, although (ii) the worst case changes might be very large. One key aspect of this inequality is that it relies on a simple condition that (a) is easy to check and (b) coincides with heuristic considerations as to why concentration should hold. Indeed, given an event Γ that holds with very high probability, we essentially relax the Lipschitz condition (L) to situations where Γ occurs. The point is that the resultingtypicalchangesckare often much smaller than the worst case ones.To illustrate its application we consider the reverseH-free process, whereHis 2-balanced. We prove that the final number of edges in this process is concentrated, and also determine its likely value up to constant factors. This answers a question of Bollobás and Erdős.
Electron Probe Microanalysis of REE in Eudialyte Group Minerals: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Atanasova Petya , Krause Joachim , Möckel Robert , Osbahr Inga , Gutzmer Jens 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAccurate quantification of the chemical composition of eudialyte group minerals (EGM) with the electron probe microanalyzer is complicated by both mineralogical and X-ray-specific challenges. These include structural and chemical variability, mutual interferences of X-ray lines, in particular of the rare earth elements, diffusive volatility of light anions and cations, and instability of EGM under the electron beam. A novel analytical approach has been developed to overcome these analytical challenges. The effect of diffusive volatility and beam damage is shown to be minimal when a square of 20×20µm is scanned with a beam diameter of 6µm at the fastest possible speed, while measuring elements critical to electron beam exposure early in the measurement sequence. Appropriate reference materials are selected for calibration considering their volatile content and composition, and supplementary offline overlap correction is performed using individual calibration factors. Preliminary results indicate good agreement with data from laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry demonstrating that a quantitative mineral chemical analysis of EGM by electron probe microanalysis is possible once all the parameters mentioned above are accounted for.