bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contribution of soil moisture to seasonal and annual variations of soil CO2 efflux in a humid cool‐temperate oak‐birch forest in central Japan
Authors: Kishimoto‐Mo Ayaka Wenhong , Yonemura Seiichiro , Uchida Masaki , Kondo Miyuki , Murayama Shohei , Koizumi Hiroshi 
Published: March 2015

AbstractTo quantify the contribution of soil moisture to seasonal and annual variations in soil CO2 efflux in a cool‐humid deciduous broadleaf forest, we measured soil CO2 efflux during the snow‐free seasons of 2005–2008 using an automated chamber technique. This worked much better than manual chambers employing the same steady‐state through‐flow method. Soil CO2 efflux (g C m−2 period−1) during the snow‐free season ranged from 979.8 ± 49.0 in 2005 to 1131.2 ± 56.6 in 2008 with a coefficient variation of 6.4 % among the 4 years. We established two‐parameter (soil temperature and moisture) empirical models, finding that while soil temperature and moisture explained 69–86 % and 10–13 % of the temporal variability, respectively. Soil moisture had the effect of modifying the temporal variability of soil CO2 efflux, particularly during summer and early fall after episodic rainfall events; greater soil moisture enhanced soil CO2 efflux in the surface soil layers. High soil moisture conditions did not suppress soil CO2 efflux, leading to a positive correlation between normalized soil CO2 efflux (ratio of the measured to predicted efflux using a temperature‐dependent Q10 function) and soil moisture. Therefore, enhanced daily soil CO2 efflux following heavy rainfall events could significantly reduce net ecosystem exchange (i.e. daily net ecosystem production) by 32 % on some days. Our results highlight the importance of precisely estimating the response of soil CO2 efflux to changes in soil moisture following rainfall events when modeling seasonal carbon dynamics in response to climate change, even in humid monsoon regions.
Tibetan women's perspectives and satisfaction with delivery care in a rural birth center
Authors: Gipson Jessica D. , Gyaltsen (Gongque Jianzan) Kunchok , Gyal (Li Xianjia) Lhusham , Kyi (Cai Rangji) Tsering , Hicks Andrew L. , Pebley Anne R. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo identify sociodemographic characteristics and factors involved in Tibetan women's decisions to deliver at the Tibetan Birth and Training Center (TBTC) in rural western China.MethodsIn the present mixed‐methods study, a random sample of married women who delivered at the TBTC between June 2011 and June 2012 were surveyed. Additionally, four focus group discussions were conducted among married women living in the TBTC catchment area. Descriptive analyses were conducted, and dominant themes were identified.ResultsIn focus group discussions, women (n = 33) reported that improved roads and transportation meant that access to health facilities was easier than in the past. Although some of the 114 survey participants voiced negative perceptions of healthcare facilities and providers, 99 (86.8%) indicated that they chose to deliver at the TBTC because they preferred to have a doctor present. Most women (75 [65.8%]) said their mother/mother‐in‐law made the final decision about delivery location. Women valued logistic and cultural aspects of the TBTC, and 108 (94.7%) said that they would recommend the TBTC to a friend.ConclusionStudy participants preferred delivery care that combines safety and comfort. The findings highlight avenues for further promotion of facility delivery among populations with lower rates of skilled deliveries.
Left atrial thrombus formation and resolution during dabigatran therapy: A Japanese Heart Rhythm Society report
Authors: Mitamura Hideo , Nagai Takayuki , Watanabe Atsuyuki , Takatsuki Seiji , Okumura Ken 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundProtocols on the use of novel oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing electrical cardioversion (ECV) are lacking.AimThe study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of dabigatran (Dabi) treatment in preventing peri‐ECV stroke.MethodsA retrospective survey of the incidence and fate of left atrial (LA) thrombus during Dabi therapy in patients with AF was conducted between December 2012 and January 2013 by the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society.ResultsA total of 198 patients from 299 institutions underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to rule out LA thrombus before ECV. Of these, LA thrombus was found in eight patients (4%), who tended to be older (67.3 vs. 61.3 years, p=0.175), had higher CHADS2 scores (1.88 vs. 0.95, p=0.058), and a higher prevalence of prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (22.2% vs. 2.6%, p=0.034) than those without LA thrombus. Of the eight patients with LA thrombus, one had LA thrombus during a Dabi 150 mg b.i.d treatment, whereas the remaining seven were receiving 110 mg b.i.d for 3 weeks or longer. In 6 of the 8 patients with LA thrombus, a second TEE was performed, revealing complete resolution of LA thrombus in five; among these five patients, one received Dabi dosage of 150 mg b.i.d unchanged, two received an increased dosage from 110 mg to 150 mg b.i.d, and two were switched to warfarin. Two patients had a stroke 3 and 15 days after ECV, and one had a major large intestine bleeding episode during Dabi therapy.ConclusionsLA thrombus developed in 4% of patients with AF receiving Dabi. Older patients with a higher CHADS2 score receiving a lower Dabi dosage were more likely to develop LA thrombus, which was resolved with a prolonged or increased dosage. A higher Dabi dosage may be more beneficial before ECV but prospective randomized studies would be needed to confirm these results.
Decreased expression of ABAT and STC2 hallmarks ER‐positive inflammatory breast cancer and endocrine therapy resistance in advanced disease
Authors: Jansen Maurice P.H.M. , Sas Leen , Sieuwerts Anieta M. , Van Cauwenberghe Caroline , Ramirez-Ardila Diana , Look Maxime , Ruigrok-Ritstier Kirsten , Finetti Pascal , Bertucci François , Timmermans Mieke M. , van Deurzen Carolien H.M. , Martens John W.M. , Simon Iris , Roepman Paul , Linn Sabine C. , van Dam Peter , Kok Marleen , Lardon Filip , Vermeulen Peter B. , Foekens John A. , Dirix Luc , Berns Els M.J.J. , Van Laere Steven 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundPatients with Estrogen Receptor α‐positive (ER+) Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) are less responsive to endocrine therapy compared with ER+ non‐IBC (nIBC) patients. The study of ER+ IBC samples might reveal biomarkers for endocrine resistant breast cancer.Materials & methodsGene expression profiles of ER+ samples from 201 patients were explored for genes that discriminated between IBC and nIBC. Classifier genes were applied onto clinically annotated expression data from 947 patients with ER+ breast cancer and validated with RT‐qPCR for 231 patients treated with first‐line tamoxifen. Relationships with metastasis‐free survival (MFS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) following adjuvant and first‐line endocrine treatment, respectively, were investigated using Cox regression analysis.ResultsA metagene of six genes including the genes encoding for 4‐aminobutyrate aminotransferase (ABAT) and Stanniocalcin‐2 (STC2) were identified to distinguish 22 ER+ IBC from 43 ER+ nIBC patients and remained discriminatory in an independent series of 136 patients. The metagene and two genes were not prognostic in 517 (neo)adjuvant untreated lymph node‐negative ER+ nIBC breast cancer patients. Only ABAT was related to outcome in 250 patients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen. Three independent series of in total 411 patients with advanced disease showed increased metagene scores and decreased expression of ABAT and STC2 to be correlated with poor first‐line endocrine therapy outcome. The biomarkers remained predictive for first‐line tamoxifen treatment outcome in multivariate analysis including traditional factors or published signatures. In an exploratory analysis, ABAT and STC2 protein expression levels had no relation with PFS after first‐line tamoxifen.ConclusionsThis study utilized ER+ IBC to identify a metagene including ABAT and STC2 as predictive biomarkers for endocrine therapy resistance.
Evaluation of an Unplanned School Closure in a Colorado School District: Implications for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
Authors: Epson Erin E. , Zheteyeva Yenlik A. , Rainey Jeanette J. , Gao Hongjiang , Shi Jianrong , Uzicanin Amra , Miller Lisa 
Published: March 2015

AbstractObjectiveFrom January 29 through February 5, 2013, a school district outside metropolitan Denver, Colorado, was closed because of absenteeism related to influenza-like illness (ILI) among students and staff. We evaluated the consequences and acceptability of the closure among affected households.MethodsWe conducted a household survey regarding parent or guardian employment and income interruptions, alternative child care arrangements, interruption of noneducational school services, ILI symptoms, student re-congregation, and communication preferences during the closure.ResultsOf the 35 (31%) of 113 households surveyed, the majority (28 [80%]) reported that the closure was not challenging. Seven (20%) households reported challenges: 5 (14%) reported that 1 or more adults missed work, 3 (9%) reported lost pay, and 1 (3%) reported challenges because of missed subsidized school meals. The majority (22 [63%]) of households reported that a hypothetical 1-month closure would not represent a problem; 6 of 8 households that did anticipate challenges reported that all adults worked outside the home. The majority (58%) of students visited at least 1 outside venue during the closure.ConclusionsA brief school closure did not pose a major problem for the majority of the affected households surveyed. School and public health officials should consider the needs of families in which all adults work outside the home when creating school closure contingency plans. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:4-8)
The Low-Frequency Environment of the Murchison Widefield Array: Radio-Frequency Interference Analysis and Mitigation
Authors: Offringa A. R. , Wayth R. B. , Hurley-Walker N. , Kaplan D. L. , Barry N. , Beardsley A. P. , Bell M. E. , Bernardi G. , Bowman J. D. , Briggs F. , Callingham J. R. , Cappallo R. J. , Carroll P. , Deshpande A. A. , Dillon J. S. , Dwarakanath K. S. , Ewall-Wice A. , Feng L. , For B.-Q. , Gaensler B. M. , Greenhill L. J. , Hancock P. , Hazelton B. J. , Hewitt J. N. , Hindson L. , Jacobs D. C. , Johnston-Hollitt M. , Kapińska A. D. , Kim H.-S. , Kittiwisit P. , Lenc E. , Line J. , Loeb A. , Lonsdale C. J. , McKinley B. , McWhirter S. R. , Mitchell D. A. , Morales M. F. , Morgan E. , Morgan J. , Neben A. R. , Oberoi D. , Ord S. M. , Paul S. , Pindor B. , Pober J. C. , Prabu T. , Procopio P. , Riding J. , Udaya Shankar N. , Sethi S. , Srivani K. S. , Staveley-Smith L. , Subrahmanyan R. , Sullivan I. S. , Tegmark M. , Thyagarajan N. , Tingay S. J. , Trott C. M. , Webster R. L. , Williams A. , Williams C. L. , Wu C. , Wyithe J. S. , Zheng Q. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe Murchison Widefield Array is a new low-frequency interferometric radio telescope built in Western Australia at one of the locations of the future Square Kilometre Array. We describe the automated radio-frequency interference detection strategy implemented for the Murchison Widefield Array, which is based on the aoflagger platform, and present 72–231 MHz radio-frequency interference statistics from 10 observing nights. Radio-frequency interference detection removes 1.1% of the data. Radio-frequency interference from digital TV is observed 3% of the time due to occasional ionospheric or atmospheric propagation. After radio-frequency interference detection and excision, almost all data can be calibrated and imaged without further radio-frequency interference mitigation efforts, including observations within the FM and digital TV bands. The results are compared to a previously published Low-Frequency Array radio-frequency interference survey. The remote location of the Murchison Widefield Array results in a substantially cleaner radio-frequency interference environment compared to Low-Frequency Array’s radio environment, but adequate detection of radio-frequency interference is still required before data can be analysed. We include specific recommendations designed to make the Square Kilometre Array more robust to radio-frequency interference, including: the availability of sufficient computing power for radio-frequency interference detection; accounting for radio-frequency interference in the receiver design; a smooth band-pass response; and the capability of radio-frequency interference detection at high time and frequency resolution (second and kHz-scale respectively).
Sugar-sweetened beverages and risk of hypertension and CVD: a dose–response meta-analysis
Authors: Xi Bo , Huang Yubei , Reilly Kathleen Heather , Li Shuangshuang , Zheng Ruolong , Barrio-Lopez Maria T. , Martinez-Gonzalez Miguel A. , Zhou Donghao 
Published: March 2015

A number of prospective cohort studies have investigated the associations between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and the risk of hypertension, CHD and stroke, but revealed mixed results. In the present study, we aimed to perform a dose–response meta-analysis of these prospective studies to clarify these associations. A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Embase databases up to 5 May 2014. Random- or fixed-effects models were used to calculate the pooled relative risks (RR) with 95 % CI for the highest compared with the lowest category of SSB consumption, and to conduct a dose–response analysis. A total of six prospective studies (240 726 participants and 80 411 incident cases of hypertension) from four publications on hypertension were identified. A total of four prospective studies (194 664 participants and 7396 incident cases of CHD) from four publications on CHD were identified. A total of four prospective studies (259 176 participants and 10 011 incident cases of stroke) from four publications on stroke were identified. The summary RR for incident hypertension was 1·08 (95 % CI 1·04, 1·12) for every additional one serving/d increase in SSB consumption. The summary RR for incident CHD was 1·17 (95 % CI 1·10, 1·24) for every serving/d increase in SSB consumption. There was no significant association between SSB consumption and total stroke (summary RR 1·06, 95 % CI 0·97, 1·15) for every serving/d increase in SSB consumption. The present meta-analysis suggested that a higher consumption of SSB was associated with a higher risk of hypertension and CHD, but not with a higher risk of stroke.
Amodiaquine–Ciprofloxacin: a potential combination therapy against drug resistant malaria
Authors: FALAJIKI Y. F. , AKINOLA O. , ABIODUN O. O. , HAPPI C. T. , SOWUNMI A. , GBOTOSHO G. O. 
Published: March 2015

SUMMARYEmergence of malaria parasites resistant to artemisinin necessitates the need for development of new antimalarial therapies. Ciprofloxacin (CFX) a second generation quinolone antibiotic possesses some antimalarial activities. We investigated the in vivo antimalarial activities of CFX in combination with amodiaquine in mice infected with chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium berghei ANKA. Animals were treated orally with 80 or 160 mg kg−1 body weight of CFX alone given twice daily or in combination with amodiaquine (AQ) 10 mg kg−1 body weight. Parasitological activity and survival of the animals were assessed over 21 days. Peak parasitaemia in the untreated control group was 72·51%. Treatment with AQ alone resulted in clearance of parasitaemia by day 4 while treatment with CFX 80 and 160 mg kg−1 alone suppressed parasitaemia by 13·94–54·64% and 35·6–92·7%, respectively. However, the combination of CFX with AQ significantly enhanced response of infection in the animals to treatment (P < 0·05) resulting in complete resolution of parasitaemia throughout follow up period with CFX 160 mg kg−1, delayed recrudescence time with CFX 80 mg kg−1 and significant increase in survival rate of the animals. The results demonstrate beneficial interaction between AQ and CFX which may provide a clinically relevant antimalarial/antibiotic therapeutic option in the management of malaria.
Older men and social activity: a scoping review of Men's Sheds and other gendered interventions
Authors: MILLIGAN CHRISTINE , NEARY DAVID , PAYNE SHEILA , HANRATTY BARBARA , IRWIN PAMELA , DOWRICK CHRISTOPHER 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTFinding ways of improving the health and wellbeing of older men is an important challenge for public health. This review aimed to assess evidence for the effects of Men's Sheds and other gendered social activities on the health and wellbeing of older men, and to consider their effective components and theoretical frameworks. A scoping review using standardised search criteria and terms identified 31 relevant papers of sufficient quality for inclusion. Analysis was informed by guidance on interpretative and narrative synthesis and a quality assessment tool designed for reviewing disparate data from different disciplines and research paradigms applied. The review found some limited evidence that Men's Sheds and other gendered social activities may have impact on the mental health and wellbeing of older men, but little evidence of the impact on physical health. Qualitative data provided valuable insights into how and why complex psycho-social activities can affect participants, but there was a lack of longitudinal evidence drawing on validated health and wellbeing measures. Key components of successful interventions included accessibility, range of activities, local support and skilled co-ordination. A variety of theoretical frameworks were employed. As yet, there is no conclusive evidence that Men's Sheds and other gendered interventions confer health and wellbeing benefits on older men. Studies in this field to date are few and of variable quality. Larger and more robust mixed-methods studies, including randomised designs, are needed.
Loneliness among older persons in Uganda: examining social, economic and demographic risk factors
Authors: NZABONA ABEL , NTOZI JAMES , RUTAREMWA GIDEON 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTLater-life loneliness is becoming an area of great concern in Uganda in light of gradual weakening of extended family as a source of old-age human support. Although information about the effects of feeling lonely exists, little is known about the associated risk factors within the country's social and cultural setting. This paper discusses prevalence and correlates of feeling lonely among older persons. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on 605 older persons in a 2012 cross-sectional study. Respondents were asked to evaluate how they felt in terms of loneliness during the administration of the questionnaire. A total of ten focus group discussions and 12 key informant interviews were also conducted to collect qualitative data. Binary logistic regression was used to predict factors affecting loneliness. Findings indicate that approximately seven in ten older persons felt lonely. Elderly people residing in the urban area were more likely to be lonely than their counterparts staying in the rural environment. In comparison with married older persons, elderly people who were widowed were more likely to be lonely. Absence of a television and pension benefits and prevalence of limb joint ill-health predicted loneliness. The findings have several implications, including developing age-friendly urban centres, encouraging old-age social organisations, decentralising the elderly health-care system and establishing a special old-age fund.
Electron acceleration by surface plasma waves in the presence of static magnetic field
Authors: Chauhan Prashant , Anshu Varshney Deepika , Sajal Vivek 
Published: March 2015

AbstractElectron acceleration is studied during the resonant interaction of launched electron beam with the surface plasma wave (SPW) in the presence of static magnetic field. A configuration of two parallel metal sheets separated by a vacuum region supports the SPW of amplitude maximum on the two parallel interfaces and minimum in the middle. Kretschmann geometry is used to excite surface plasma mode by shinning laser on a glass prism. Dispersion relation of SPW is established in the presence of magnetic field and smaller cut-off frequencies are observed as compared with that of without magnetic field. An electron beam launched in the middle region, experiences a longitudinal ponderomotive force due to SPWs and gets accelerated to the velocity of the order of phase velocity of the surface wave. The energy gained by electron is higher in the presence of magnetic field as compared with zero magnetic field. The electron energy and trajectory are also presented for varying parameters such as amplitude of SPW and magnetic field strength. In the present scheme, electron beams can achieve maximum 550 KeV energy for the SPW amplitude ESP = 1.2 × 1011 V/m, plasma frequency ωp = 1.3 × 1016 rad/s, and cyclotron frequency ωc/ωp = 0.05.
Form and function in early clause-combining
Authors: LUSTIGMAN LYLE , BERMAN RUTH A. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTThe study characterizes developmental trends in early Hebrew clause-combining (CC) by analyzing the interplay between linguistic form and communicative function in different interactional settings. Analysis applied to all utterances produced by three children aged 2;0–3;0 who combined two or more clauses, either self-initiated or on the basis of adult input. Ten types of CC were analyzed for marking by connectives (e.g. the Hebrew equivalents of ‘and’, ‘that’, ‘so’). Four shared consecutive developmental phases emerged: non-marking; partial marking by ‘and’ and ‘that’; use of ‘but’ and ‘because’, favored significantly in interlocutor-supported contexts; marking of adverbial relations and more varied use ofše-‘that’. These CC processes are interpreted as reflecting general properties of language development, in the form of gradually increasing specification of form–function relations under the impact of interlocutor–child interactive support combined with Hebrew-particular typological factors.
From remote control to remote management, and onwards to remote encouragement? The evolution of MSF's operational models in Somalia and Afghanistan
Authors: Hofman Michiel , Pérache Andre Heller 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis Opinion Note continues the discussion started in Antonio Donini and Daniel Maxwell's “From Face-to-Face to Face-to-Screen: Remote Management, Effectiveness and Accountability of Humanitarian Action in Insecure Environments”, published previously in the Review, by exposing the realities of Médecins Sans Frontières' (MSF) struggle with the issue of remote management. By reviewing MSF's experience with remote management in Somalia and Afghanistan, the authors explore how operational compromise evolves over time, based on specific contextual factors, and highlight the challenges that this form of compromised action poses to MSF's identity and principles.