bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Derivation and predictive performance of pedotransfer functions: an empirical investigation
Authors: Rab M. A. , Chandra S. , Imhof M. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryThe development of pedotransfer functions (PTFs) needs to recognize and account appropriately for the underlying structure in data that is imposed by the sampling design adopted to ensure that the data support any scientific inferences. We fitted several potential PTFs for field capacity (FC) and permanent wilting point (PWP), with and without taking account of the sampling design, to data collected with a nested spatial sampling design. Leave‐one‐paddock‐out cross‐validation (LOPOCV) and the Akaike information criterion (AIC) were used to identify PTFs with strong predictive performance. The results suggest that cross‐validation statistics appear to provide no additional useful information on the predictive performance of PTFs beyond that provided by the AIC and other model fitting statistics that, in contrast to LOPOCV, are based on the entire dataset. Results further suggest that PTFs derived with the sampling design accounted for had consistently smaller AICs and potentially better predictive performance than when no account was taken. We identified eight PTFs for FC and six PTFs for PWP with strong predictive performance for soil used for dryland cropping in Victoria that were derived from routinely measured soil data with the sampling design taken into account.Highlights
Derivation of PTFs should be based on appropriate analysis of data that accounts for the underlying structure in data.
A linear mixed effects modelling approach to derive PTFs is proposed that takes account of a nested sampling design.
The PTFs derived with sampling design accounted for had consistently stronger predictive performance.
Derivation of PTFs should account for the underlying structure in data with appropriate linear mixed effects models.
Microbialite response to an anthropogenic salinity gradient in Great Salt Lake, Utah
Authors: Lindsay M. R. , Anderson C. , Fox N. , Scofield G. , Allen J. , Anderson E. , Bueter L. , Poudel S. , Sutherland K. , Munson‐McGee J. H. , Van Nostrand J. D. , Zhou J. , Spear J. R. , Baxter B. K. , Lageson D. R. , Boyd E. S. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractA railroad causeway across Great Salt Lake, Utah (GSL), has restricted water flow since its construction in 1959, resulting in a more saline North Arm (NA; 24%–31% salinity) and a less saline South Arm (SA; 11%–14% salinity). Here, we characterized microbial carbonates collected from the SA and the NA to evaluate the effect of increased salinity on community composition and abundance and to determine whether the communities present in the NA are still actively precipitating carbonate or if they are remnant features from prior to causeway construction. SSU rRNA gene abundances associated with the NA microbialite were three orders of magnitude lower than those associated with the SA microbialite, indicating that the latter community is more productive. SSU rRNA gene sequencing and functional gene microarray analyses indicated that SA and NA microbialite communities are distinct. In particular, abundant sequences affiliated with photoautotrophic taxa including cyanobacteria and diatoms that may drive carbonate precipitation and thus still actively form microbialites were identified in the SA microbialite; sequences affiliated with photoautotrophic taxa were in low abundance in the NA microbialite. SA and NA microbialites comprise smooth prismatic aragonite crystals. However, the SA microbialite also contained micritic aragonite, which can be formed as a result of biological activity. Collectively, these observations suggest that NA microbialites are likely to be remnant features from prior to causeway construction and indicate a strong decrease in the ability of NA microbialite communities to actively precipitate carbonate minerals. Moreover, the results suggest a role for cyanobacteria and diatoms in carbonate precipitation and microbialite formation in the SA of GSL.
Promiscuously Partisan? Public Service Impartiality and Responsiveness in Westminster Systems
Authors: Grube Dennis C. , Howard Cosmo 
Published: July 2016

Public servants in Westminster countries are being drawn into the limelight by demands from their political masters that they publicly defend policies. Critics suggest these conditions undermine the capacity and willingness of senior public servants to manage the enduring Westminster tension between serving elected governments and remaining nonpartisan. Interviews with senior officials from Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom challenge this pessimistic view, showing that officials consistently stress the importance of not “crossing the line” when dealing with their elected masters. Two exploratory case studies are presented—one of an Australian ministerial department (Treasury) and another of a Canadian quasi‐autonomous agency (Statistics Canada)—in which public servants faced pressure to defend controversial government policies. These cases show how contemporary public servants actively interpret, establish, and defend the line between appropriate responsiveness and inappropriate partisanship in Westminster systems.
Pharmacological evaluation of pioglitazone and candesartan cilexetil in a novel mouse model of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, modified choline‐deficient, amino acid‐defined diet fed low‐density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice
Authors: Tsuchiya Shuntarou , Amano Yuichiro , Isono Osamu , Imai Mayumi , Shimizu Fumi , Asada Mari , Imai Shigemitsu , Harada Ayako , Yasuhara Yoshitaka , Tozawa Ryuichi , Nagabukuro Hiroshi 
Published: July 2016

AimLow‐density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR‐KO) mice fed a modified choline‐deficient and amino acid‐defined (mCDAA) diet show non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)‐like pathophysiology. In order to pharmacologically benchmark this model, effects of pioglitazone (a thiazolidinedione) and candesartan cilexetil (an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker) on steatosis and liver fibrosis were examined.MethodsPioglitazone (10 mg/kg) and candesartan cilexetil (3 mg/kg) were given orally once daily to LDLR‐KO mice under mCDAA diet for 7 weeks. Blood biochemistry and hepatic histology were assessed, and hepatic gene expression levels and triglyceride content were measured.ResultsPioglitazone suppressed hepatic COL1A1 gene expression by 43% and attenuated hepatic fibrosis areas by 49%. Pioglitazone also decreased plasma alanine aminotransferase levels, liver weight, hepatic triglyceride content, and hepatic expression of other fibrosis‐related genes such as TGFB1, SPP1, TIMP1, and IL6. Candesartan cilexetil suppressed hepatic COL1A1 gene expression by 33%, whereas the other end‐points including hepatic fibrosis areas were not affected.ConclusionsPioglitazone showed anti‐fibrotic effects accompanied by improving hepatic transaminase activity and hepatic lipid accumulation, but the effect of candesartan cilexetil was only limited, unlike previous reports for angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers. As the pharmacological effects of pioglitazone in the current animal model are similar to those reported in patients with NASH, this model may represent some aspects of the pathophysiology of NASH. Further profiling using other agents or mechanisms that have been tested in the clinic will better clarify the utility of the animal model.
Range of pathologies diagnosed using a minimally invasive capsule sponge to evaluate patients with reflux symptoms
Authors: Paterson Anna L , Lao‐Sirieix Pierre , O'Donovan Maria , Debiram‐Beecham Irene , di Pietro Massimiliano , Miremadi Ahmad , Attwood Stephen E , Walter Fiona M , Sasieni Peter D , Fitzgerald Rebecca C ,   the BEST and BEST2 study groups
Published: July 2016

AimsReflux symptoms are highly prevalent and non‐specific; hence, in the absence of alarm symptoms, endoscopy referral decisions are challenging. This study evaluated whether a non‐endoscopic Cytosponge could detect benign oesophageal pathologies and thus have future potential in triaging patients with persistent symptoms.Methods and resultsTwo complementary cohorts were recruited: (i) patients with reflux symptoms and no prior endoscopy (n = 409), and (ii) patients with reflux symptoms referred for endoscopy (n = 411). All patients were investigated using the Cytosponge and endoscopy. Significant epithelial inflammation was present in 130 (16%) Cytosponge samples, 32 of which had ulcer slough. Candida and significant inflammation was detected in a further 22 (2.3%) cases; epithelial infiltration with >15 eosinophils/high‐power field reflecting possible eosinophilic oesophagitis (EOE) in five (0.6%); and viral inclusions suggestive of herpes oesophagitis in one (0.1%). No significant pathology was detected in the majority, 662 (81%), of Cytosponge samples. Cytosponge and endoscopy findings were in agreement in 574 (70%) cases, in 165 (67%) of the discordant cases one investigation showed mild inflammation while the other was negative, with an additional 22 (8.9%) differing on the extent of inflammation. Eighteen cases with severe inflammation, six with candida and two with EOE were detected only at endoscopy, while 18 with candida and significant inflammation, 13 with ulcer slough, one probable EOE and one viral oesophagitis were identified on the Cytosponge only.ConclusionsThe Cytosponge detects a range of benign oesophageal pathologies, and therefore has potential clinical utility in the triaging of patients with troublesome reflux symptoms. This warrants further investigation.
A comparative study of MMP‐1, MMP‐2, and TNF‐α expression in different acne vulgaris lesions
Authors: Ozkanli Seyma , Karadag Ayse Serap , Ozlu Emin , Uzuncakmak Tugba Kevser , Takci Zennure , Zemheri Ebru , Zindancı Ilkin , Akdeniz Necmettin 
Published: July 2016

AbstractMany inflammatory mediators and cytokines play important roles in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris (AV). Information about the roles of these factors in the pathogenesis of the disease is limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), MMP‐2, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in AV lesions. We selected 80 patients who presented at our dermatology department with AV. Their lesions included papules, pustules, nodules, and comedones. Each specimen was evaluated by histopathology with hematoxylin and eosin staining, and subsequently by immunohistochemical analysis for MMP‐1, MMP‐2, and TNF‐α antibodies. A statistically significant difference between lesion groups emerged for MMP‐1 (P = 0.012) and TNF‐α (P = 0.029) scores. The MMP‐1 score was highest in nodules and lowest in comedones. The TNF‐α score was also highest in nodules but lowest in papules. We conclude that different levels of MMP expression can contribute to the development of different types of acne lesion and that the amount of TNF‐α released may contribute to lesion development. Further studies of novel treatment modalities might evaluate the different clinical types of AV.
Evaluation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels in serum and lesional skin of patients with alopecia areata
Authors: Salem Samar A. , Asaad Marwa K. , Elsayed Sherin B. , Sehsah Hend M. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundAlopecia areata (AA) is a non‐scarring hair loss condition, the pathogenesis of which is not fully understood. Genetic predisposition, autoimmunity, and stress may each play a role. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine that plays a role in the regulation of macrophage function. It also initiates inflammation and immune response by regulating a number of proinflammatory cytokines.ObjectivesThis study was designed to study serum and lesional skin biopsy MIF levels in AA patients and to assess their associations with disease severity.MethodsThis study included 30 patients with AA and 15 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control subjects. Quantitative measurements of MIF concentrations in sera and skin samples were obtained in both patients and control subjects. Associations with disease severity (assessed using the Severity of Alopecia Tool) were evaluated.ResultsMean ± standard deviation (SD) MIF levels in serum and skin were significantly higher in AA patients (45.03 ± 26.98 ng/ml and 73.83 ± 29.81 ng/ml, respectively) than in controls (7.73 ± 1.62 ng/ml and 0.40 ± 1.12 ng/ml, respectively) (P < 0.01). Mean ± SD serum and skin MIF levels were also found to be higher in severe AA (69.93 ± 11.51 ng/ml and 100.80 ± 13.77 ng/ml, respectively) than in mild AA (20.13 ± 6.84 ng/ml and 46.87 ± 9.65 ng/ml, respectively) (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe finding that MIF is increased in serum and lesional skin of AA patients indicates its possible involvement in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Histopathological study of six types of adverse cutaneous drug reactions using granulysin expression
Authors: Weinborn Marie , Barbaud Annick , Truchetet Francois , Beurey Philippe , Germain Lucie , Cribier Bernard 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have been published on the histopathology of cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADR), and most of these lack information on skin allergological tests. The histopathology of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is also seldom described. The purpose of our study was to examine six types of well‐documentedCADR(maculopapular exanthema,DRESS, fixed drug eruption, Stevens–Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis [TEN], and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis) using histopathology and immunohistochemistry to evaluate the expression of granulysin, a key molecule inTEN.MethodsWe retrospectively included 106 skin biopsies performed in proven cases ofCADR(by chronological investigation, single attributable drug, or/and skin tests). All slides were reviewed, and microscopic changes were analyzed using a standardized form. Granulysin expression was studied by immunohistochemistry.ResultsInDRESS, we observed spongiosis, edema, and basal vacuolization, with rare necrotic keratinocytes and constant lymphocytic infiltrate in the superficial dermis. Eosinophils were often present, and pustules were found in 15% of cases. Necrotic keratinocytes are often absent in maculopapular exanthema. Granulysin was expressed in six types ofCADRwith a trend toward more intense expression inDRESSandTEN.ConclusionWe detailed further about the histopathology ofDRESS. Granulysin expression was observed in allCADRwith a marked overlap of expression pattern between the six types.
Effect of experimental change in children's sleep duration on television viewing and physical activity
Authors: Hart C. N. , Hawley N. , Davey A. , Carskadon M. , Raynor H. , Jelalian E. , Owens J. , Considine R. , Wing R. R. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryBackgroundPaediatric observational studies demonstrate associations between sleep, television viewing and potential changes in daytime activity levels.Objective(s)To determine whether experimental changes in sleep lead to changes in children's sedentary and physical activities.MethodsUsing a within‐subject counterbalanced design, 37 children 8–11 years old completed a 3‐week study. Children slept their typical amount during a baseline week and were then randomized to increase or decrease mean time in bed by 1.5 h/night for 1 week; the alternate schedule was completed the final week. Children wore actigraphs on their non‐dominant wrist and completed 3‐d physical activity recalls each week.ResultsChildren reported watching more television (p < 0.001) and demonstrated lower daytime actigraph‐measured activity counts per epoch (p = 0.03) when sleep was decreased (compared with increased). However, total actigraph‐measured activity counts accrued throughout the entire waking period were higher when sleep was decreased (and children were awake for longer) than when it was increased (p < 0.001).Conclusion(s)Short sleep during childhood may lead to increased television viewing and decreased mean activity levels. Although additional time awake may help to counteract negative effects of short sleep, increases in reported sedentary activities could contribute to weight gain over time.
Body mass index and adiposity indicators associated with cardiovascular biomarkers in youth with type 1 diabetes followed prospectively
Authors: Lipsky LM , Gee B , Liu A , Nansel TR 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of excess weight on cardiovascular disease risk in type 1 diabetes patients is unclear.ObjectiveThis study examined associations of BMI and body composition with cardiovascular risk factors in youth followed prospectively for 18 months.MethodsThe sample includes youth with type 1 diabetes (N = 136, baseline age = 12.3 ± 2.5y, glycated hemoglobin = 8.1 ± 1.1%) participating in an 18‐month behavioral nutrition intervention trial. BMI, body composition (by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry), total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C); triglycerides (TG), c‐reactive protein (CRP), 8‐iso‐prostaglandin‐F2alpha (8‐iso‐PGF2α), adiponectin and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively) were assessed at clinic visits every 6 months. Random effects regression models for repeated measures estimated associations of time‐varying BMI and body composition with time‐varying cardiovascular risk factors, adjusted for treatment assignment and covariates.ResultsThere was no intervention effect on cardiovascular risk factors. Percent body fat was positively associated with TG, LDL‐C, CRP, SBP and DBP, while trunk fat mass and trunk %fat were associated positively with TG, LDL‐C, CRP, SBP and DBP, and inversely with HDL‐C. Higher BMI was associated with greater TG, CRP, SBP and DBP and lower HDL‐C. BMI and body composition indicators were unrelated to 8‐iso‐PGF2α and adiponectin.ConclusionsExcess adiposity is associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors in this sample of youth with type 1 diabetes. Non‐significant associations with adiponectin and 8‐iso‐PGF2α suggest potential differences from the general population in the role of adiposity in cardiovascular health.
Role of routine computed tomography scan in the oncological follow up of patients treated by radical cystectomy for bladder cancer
Authors: Alimi Quentin , Verhoest Grégory , Kammerer‐Jacquet Solene‐Florence , Mathieu Romain , Rioux‐Leclercq Nathalie , Manunta Andréa , Laguerre Brigitte , Guille François , Bensalah Karim , Peyronnet Benoit 
Published: July 2016

ObjectivesTo assess the impact of a prolonged follow‐up schedule using computed tomography scan on oncological outcomes after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.MethodsA single‐center retrospective study was carried out. All patients who underwent a radical cystectomy for bladder cancer between 1992 and 2012 were included. The protocol for postoperative oncological follow up included a thoracoabdominal computed tomography scan twice per year for 2 years and then annually for life. The patients with tumor recurrence were divided into two groups: asymptomatic recurrences and recurrences diagnosed because of symptoms. Cancer‐specific survivals were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared with the log–rank test. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine the predictive factors of cancer‐specific survival.ResultsOverall, 331 patients were included in this analysis, and, of them, 48.5% had a cancer recurrence after a median follow up of 52.6 months. A total of 30 of these recurrences were diagnosed at routine follow up among asymptomatic patients (18.8%). A total of 50% of recurrences occurred during the first 6 months and 75% during the first year. Just 10 of the recurrences (6.3%) appeared more than 3 years after radical cystectomy. The 5‐year cancer‐specific survival was higher in patients with asymptomatic recurrences (15.7% vs 32.1%), but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.10). On multivariate analysis, detection of asymptomatic recurrence reached statistical significance (HR 0.55; P = 0.04).ConclusionRoutine computed tomography scan surveillance after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer might provide a survival benefit. The risk of recurrence beyond 3 years seems to be low, and further studies are required to determine the role of routine computed tomography scan in the follow up beyond this timeframe.
The chasm of care: Where does the mental health nursing responsibility lie for the physical health care of people with severe mental illness?
Authors: Wynaden Dianne , Heslop Brett , Heslop Karen , Barr Lesley , Lim Eric , Chee Gin‐Liang , Porter James , Murdock Jane 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe poor physical health of people with a severe mental illness is well documented and health professionals' attitudes, knowledge and skills are identified factors that impact on clients' access to care for their physical health needs. An evaluation was conducted to determine: (i) mental health nurses' attitudes and beliefs about providing physical health care; and, (ii) the effect that participant demographics may have on attitudes to providing physical health care. It was hypothesized that workplace culture would have the largest effect on attitudes. Nurses at three health services completed the “Mental health nurses' attitude towards the physical health care of people with severe and enduring mental illness survey” developed by Robson and Haddad (2012). The 28‐item survey measured: nurses' attitudes, confidence, identified barriers to providing care and attitudes towards clients smoking cigarettes. The findings demonstrated that workplace culture did influence the level of physical health care provided to clients. However, at the individual level, nurses remain divided and uncertain where their responsibilities lie. Nursing leadership can have a significant impact on improving clients' physical health outcomes. Education is required to raise awareness of the need to reduce cigarette smoking in this client population.
Reconnecting with oneself while struggling between life and death: The phenomenon of recovery as experienced by persons at risk of suicide
Authors: Sellin Linda , Asp Margareta , Wallsten Tuula , Wiklund Gustin Lena 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe body of knowledge regarding health and recovery as experienced by patients at risk of suicide is limited. More research is needed into the meaning of recovery and what strengthens the desire to live. The aim of this study was to describe the phenomenon of recovery in a context of nursing care as experienced by persons at risk of suicide. In line with a reflective lifeworld research approach, 14 patients from a psychiatric clinic in Sweden participated in phenomenon‐oriented interviews. Data were analyzed to describe the essence of the phenomenon. The results reveal that the phenomenon of recovery means ‘reconnecting with oneself while struggling between life and death’. Three meaning constituents emerged: being in an expressive space and giving voice to oneself, regaining dignity through nurturing connectedness, and finding a balance in the tension between life and death. In conclusion, the meaning of recovery is to experience the ability to manage one's own life. Professional caregivers need to acknowledge patients' lifeworlds, in a way that enable patients to experience themselves as capable of managing their own lives. Professional caregivers should also facilitate the involvement of supportive relatives.