bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What drives riparian vegetation encroachment in braided river channels at patch to reach scales? Insights from annual airborne surveys (Drôme River, SE France, 2005–2011)
Authors: Räpple Bianca , Piégay Hervé , Stella John C. , Mercier Dimitri 
Published: June 2017

AbstractUnderstanding riparian vegetation encroachment and its drivers is crucial for predicting alluvial river channel morphodynamics in different hydro‐climatic contexts. We investigated fine‐scale vegetation encroachment patterns and underlying physical controls along the Drôme River, France, following a 50‐year flood in 2003. Our study addressed the following questions: (a) What is the relative timing and the respective importance of vegetation patch recruitment versus patch expansion? (b) How well do regional/climatic factors explain the spatio‐temporal patterns of recruitment and expansion versus local and reach‐scale variation in geomorphic position and habitat? Along a 3‐km reach, we analysed a chronosequence of high‐resolution aerial images acquired yearly between 2005 and 2011. From each image series, we digitized patches of newly recruited vegetation and their lateral extent in following years to determine their expansion. This was complemented by elevation and plant structure data from airborne LiDAR data and field observations. The initial post‐flood vegetated area doubled within 6 years, with a pronounced recruitment peak in 2006–2007. Patch expansion showed a positive linear relationship to growing season temperature. Vegetation encroachment was greatest in a slightly aggrading sub‐reach compared to an incising sub‐reach. Initially, it occurred principally along low flow channel margins and on bar surfaces, later in intermittent channels. Our results confirmed that extensive recruitment can succeed floods with recurrence intervals smaller than 1‐in‐5 to 10 years, when the flood history resets the geomorphic framework. Recruitment extent depends in part on local hydrological connectivity, whereas higher temperatures can boost plant growth where there is a perennial water supply.
Timing of stressors alters interactive effects on a coastal foundation species
Authors: Bible Jillian M. , Cheng Brian S. , Chang Andrew L. , Ferner Matthew C. , Wasson Kerstin , Zabin Chela J. , Latta Marilyn , Sanford Eric , Deck Anna , Grosholz Edwin D. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe effects of climate‐driven stressors on organismal performance and ecosystem functioning have been investigated across many systems; however, manipulative experiments generally apply stressors as constant and simultaneous treatments, rather than accurately reflecting temporal patterns in the natural environment. Here, we assessed the effects of temporal patterns of high aerial temperature and low salinity on survival of Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida), a foundation species of conservation and restoration concern. As single stressors, low salinity (5 and 10 psu) and the highest air temperature (40°C) resulted in oyster mortality of 55.8, 11.3, and 23.5%, respectively. When applied on the same day, low salinity and high air temperature had synergistic negative effects that increased oyster mortality. This was true even for stressor levels that were relatively mild when applied alone (10 psu and 35°C). However, recovery times of two or four weeks between stressors eliminated the synergistic effects. Given that most natural systems threatened by climate change are subject to multiple stressors that vary in the timing of their occurrence, our results suggest that it is important to examine temporal variation of stressors in order to more accurately understand the possible biological responses to global change.
Perceived weight discrimination and high‐risk health‐related behaviors
Authors: Sutin Angelina R. , Terracciano Antonio 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivePerceived weight discrimination has been associated with several health‐risk behaviors related to eating and physical activity. The purpose of this research is to test whether weight discrimination is associated with nonweight‐related high‐risk behaviors that put the individual's health at risk.MethodsAs part of a larger survey on health and well‐being, participants (N = 5,163) reported on their experiences with weight discrimination and their engagement in four high‐risk behaviors: current cigarette smoking, driving while intoxicated, risky sexual/drug use behaviors, and seat belt use. Logistic regression was used to test the association between weight discrimination and each behavior, controlling for relevant demographics and BMI.ResultsPerceived weight discrimination was associated with increased risk of cigarette smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36‐1.99), driving while intoxicated (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.60‐2.54), risky sexual/drug use behaviors (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.69‐2.80), and not using a seat belt (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.15‐2.03). With the exception of seat belt use, all associations remained significant controlling for depressive symptoms.ConclusionsThe results of this research indicate that the harmful associations between weight discrimination and health‐risk behaviors are not limited to behaviors related to eating and physical activity but extend to high‐risk behaviors that may contribute to the association between weight discrimination and poor health.
Exercise's effect on mobility disability in older adults with and without obesity: The LIFE study randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Lovato Laura , Handing Elizabeth P. , Blair Steven , Botoseneanu Anda , Guralnik Jack M. , Liu Christine , King Abby , Marsh Anthony P. , Pahor Marco , Rejeski W. Jack , Spring Bonnie , Manini Todd 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveSome data suggest that obesity blunts the benefits of exercise on mobility in older adults. This study tested the homogeneity of the effect of a physical activity intervention on major mobility disability (MMD) across baseline obesity classifications in the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study. LIFE randomized 1,635 sedentary men and women aged 70 to 89 years to a moderate‐intensity physical activity (PA) or health education program.MethodsMMD, defined as the inability to walk 400 m, was determined over an average follow‐up of 2.6 years. Participants were divided into four subgroups: (1) nonobese (BMI < 30 kg/m2; n = 437); (2) nonobese with high waist circumference (WC > 102 cm [men], > 88 cm [women]; n = 434); (3) class 1 obesity (30 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 35 kg/m2; n = 430); and (4) class 2 + obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2; n = 312). Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to test an obesity by intervention interaction.ResultsThe PA intervention had the largest benefit in participants with class 2 + obesity (hazard ratio 0.69, 95% confidence interval 0.48, 0.98). However, there was no statistically significant difference in benefit across obesity categories.ConclusionsA structured PA program reduced the risk of MMD even in older adults with extreme obesity.
Change in Use of Sleep Medications After Gastric Bypass Surgery or Intensive Lifestyle Treatment in Adults with Obesity
Authors: Ng Winda L. , Peeters Anna , Näslund Ingmar , Ottosson Johan , Johansson Kari , Marcus Claude , Shaw Jonathan E. , Bruze Gustaf , Sundström Johan , Neovius Martin 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveTo examine the change in use of hypnotics and/or sedatives after gastric bypass surgery or intensive lifestyle modification in adults with obesity.MethodsAdults with obesity who underwent gastric bypass surgery or initiated intensive lifestyle modification between 2007 and 2012 were identified through the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry and a Swedish commercial weight loss database. The two cohorts were matched on BMI, age, sex, education, history of hypnotics and/or sedatives use, and treatment year (surgery n = 20,626; lifestyle n = 11,973; 77% women, mean age 41 years, mean BMI 41 kg/m2). The proportion of participants with filled hypnotics and/or sedatives prescriptions was compared yearly for 3 years.ResultsIn the matched treatment cohorts, 4% had filled prescriptions for hypnotics and/or sedatives during the year before treatment. At 1 year follow‐up, following an average weight loss of 37 kg and 18 kg in the surgery and intensive lifestyle cohorts, respectively, this proportion had increased to 7% in the surgery cohort but remained at 4% in the intensive lifestyle cohort (risk ratio 1.7; 95% CI: 1.4‐2.1); at 2 years, the proportion had increased to 11% versus 5% (risk ratio 2.0; 95% CI: 1.7‐2.4); and at 3 years, it had increased to 14% versus 6% (risk ratio 2.2; 95% CI: 1.9‐2.6).ConclusionsGastric bypass surgery was associated with increased use of hypnotics and/or sedatives compared with intensive lifestyle modification.
Human‐robot collaborative site‐specific sprayer
Authors: Berenstein Ron , Edan Yael 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSpraying pesticides is a key element of agriculture worldwide, since 30% to 35% of crop losses can be prevented when harmful insects and diseases are eliminated by applying pesticides. Site‐specific spraying can help reduce pesticide application; however, target detection is limited due to the complex agricultural environment. This paper presents a human‐robot collaborative sprayer designed for site‐specific targeted spraying. The robotic sprayer platform, the framework, and tools for the robotic sprayer to collaborate with a remote human operator for the target detection and spraying tasks are detailed. An experiment to evaluate the elements of the collaborative human‐robot framework working in sync was designed, implemented, and evaluated. The collaborative spraying system shows a 50% reduction of sprayed material. The experiment also proves the feasibility of human‐robot collaboration for the complex task of spraying specific targets considering both the True Positive (TP) and False Positive (FP) rates.
Probability distributions of rain attenuation obtainable with linear combining techniques in space‐to‐Earth links using time diversity
Authors: Matricciani Emilio 
Published: June 2017

SummaryThe purpose of this paper is to show how the complementary probability distribution of rain attenuation is drastically changed in the lower rain attenuation range by applying linear combining techniques, namely, equal‐gain combining and the maximal‐ratio combining, discussed in the historical paper by Brennan in 1959. These combing techniques can also be applied to the Automatic Repeat Request techniques. Defined the instantaneous processing gain and the equivalent attenuation in the 3 cases, we show examples of time series of the various parameters, based on the experimental rain attenuation time series recorded with the ITALSAT 18.7 GHz beacon, in a 37.8° slant path in Spino d'Adda (Italy). Then, we report long‐term complementary probability distribution functions of the instantaneous gain and equivalent attenuation, by simulating rain attenuation time series at 19.7 and 39.4 GHz, path elevation angle 35.5°, with the Synthetic Storm Technique, using on‐site measured rain rate time series of 10 years, by simulating the ALPHASAT link at Spino d'Adda. Similar results are also found at different frequencies and elevation angles in Tampa (Advanced Communications Technology Satellite, ACTS result test), the Isle of Guam, and Prague. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) As expected, the instantaneous time diversity gain can be large when the delay time is large and rain attenuation is large; (2) scintillation affects time diversity links as the direct links; (3) equal‐gain and maximal‐ratio combining can add up to 3 dB to the selection diversity gain when the time diversity gain is very small; and (4) equal‐gain and maximal‐ratio combining reduce the fraction of time of rain attenuation in an average year to a value less than the probability of exceeding 3 dB in the link without diversity.
Endochondral Ossification in Critical-Sized Bone Defects via Readily Implantable Scaffold-Free Stem Cell Constructs
Authors: Dang Phuong N. , Herberg Samuel , Varghai Davood , Riazi Hooman , Varghai Daniel , McMillan Alexandra , Awadallah Amad , Phillips Lauren M. , Jeon Oju , Nguyen Minh K. , Dwivedi Neha , Yu Xiaohua , Murphy William L. , Alsberg Eben 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The growing socioeconomic burden of musculoskeletal injuries and limitations of current therapies have motivated tissue engineering approaches to generate functional tissues to aid in defect healing. A readily implantable scaffold-free system comprised of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells embedded with bioactive microparticles capable of controlled delivery of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) was engineered to guide endochondral bone formation. The microparticles were formulated to release TGF-β1 early to induce cartilage formation and BMP-2 in a more sustained manner to promote remodeling into bone. Cell constructs containing microparticles, empty or loaded with one or both growth factors, were implanted into rat critical-sized calvarial defects. Micro-computed tomography and histological analyses after 4 weeks showed that microparticle-incorporated constructs with or without growth factor promoted greater bone formation compared to sham controls, with the greatest degree of healing with bony bridging resulting from constructs loaded with BMP-2 and TGF-β1. Importantly, bone volume fraction increased significantly from 4 to 8 weeks in defects treated with both growth factors. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of types I, II, and X collagen, suggesting defect healing via endochondral ossification in all experimental groups. The presence of vascularized red bone marrow provided strong evidence for the ability of these constructs to stimulate angiogenesis. This system has great translational potential as a readily implantable combination therapy that can initiate and accelerate endochondral ossification in vivo. Importantly, construct implantation does not require prior lengthy in vitro culture for chondrogenic cell priming with growth factors that is necessary for current scaffold-free combination therapies.
Development of toxic bait to control invasive wild pigs and reduce damage
Authors: Snow Nathan P. , Foster Justin A. , Kinsey John C. , Humphrys Simon T. , Staples Linton D. , Hewitt David G. , Vercauteren Kurt C. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTPopulations of invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are increasing in many regions of the world, in particular the United States and Australia. Invasive wild pigs cause extensive damage to ecological resources and agriculture. Development and registration of a safe and humane toxic bait offers a practical and cost‐effective tool to control invasive species. Currently, no toxicants are approved for use on invasive wild pigs in the United States and those approved in Australia are under scrutiny because of concerns regarding humaneness and effects on nontarget species. We tested a newly formulated bait containing the micro‐encapsulated active ingredient, sodium nitrite (HOGGONE®; Animal Control Technologies Australia P/L, Victoria, Australia), that is considered humane and safer for nontarget species because it does not bioaccumulate. We examined palatability, lethality, and stability of the bait (i.e., fresh compared to 8‐month‐old bait) on groups of captive invasive wild pigs. We found HOGGONE® was a preferred food item, averaging 475 g of toxic bait consumed per animal during the first night offered. Consumption of HOGGONE® resulted in 95% mortality (53 of 56) in the treatment groups across 2 treatment nights. Most mortalities (98%) occurred during the first night the toxic bait was offered. Camera evidence suggested that deaths occurred within 3 hr post‐offering. The toxic bait was stable and effective up to 8 months post manufacture. Our results support current applications to register HOGGONE® for reducing damage from invasive wild pigs in the United States and Australia. Further research is required to evaluate HOGGONE® on free‐ranging invasive wild pigs using bait stations that exclude nontarget species. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Genetische Risiken und Therapieentwicklung bei Netzhautdegenerationen
Authors: Grassmann Felix , Weber Bernhard 
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung
Das Wissen um die genetischen Ursachen von Netzhautdegenerationen, ob monogen oder komplex, ist eine wichtige Voraussetzung, um grundlegende physiologische Prozesse der Krankheitsentwicklung zu verstehen und darauf aufbauend eine individualisierte, präzise auf den Patienten zugeschnittene Therapie entwickeln zu können. Diese Übersicht fasst zunächst den gegenwärtigen Wissensstand der Genetik von erblichen Netzhautdystrophien und von komplexen retinalen Degenerationen zusammen. Hieraus lassen sich ursächliche Mechanismen und molekulare Pathologien des klinisch und genetisch heterogenen Krankheitsbildes der Netzhautdegenerationen ableiten. Aufbauend auf diesen Kenntnissen lässt sich schließlich die Rolle der Genetik in der Therapieentwicklung beleuchten, die wesentlich die große Vielfalt von therapeutischen Strategien in diesem Bereich begründet. In weiteren Artikeln dieses Schwerpunktheftes werden solche Therapiestrategien an ausgewählten Beispielen veranschaulicht.
ASSESSING THE EFFICIENCY OF SWEET POTATO PRODUCERS IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF ETHIOPIA
Authors: JOTE ADUGNA , FELEKE SHIFERAW , TUFA ADANE , MANYONG VICTOR , LEMMA THOMAS 
Published: June 2017

SUMMARYApplying stochastic frontier Cobb–Douglas production function, the study assessed the efficiency of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) producers in the Southern region of Ethiopia. The study revealed the existence of fairly large technical inefficiency in sweet potato production. The technical efficiency ranged from 12.6 to 93.7%, with more than half of the producers above the mean efficiency level (66.1%). This suggests that there is room for output gains through technical efficiency improvement. If the average producers in the study region are to achieve the technical efficiency level of the most efficient producer in the sample (93.7%), they can realize nearly 30% output gains. The analysis of allocative efficiency also revealed that sweet potato producers were producing sweet potato with sub-optimal utilization of production inputs, suggesting that potential for output gains remains to be exploited through reconfiguration of the existing resource use. They can make more value out of their sweet potato production by reconfiguring their current utilization of production inputs in favour of more land and manure but less seed rate. Furthermore, age and education are important determinants of the efficiency of sweet potato production. In view of these findings, it is advisable to put in place appropriate extension intervention programmes that enable sweet potato producers to exploit the potential gains in sweet potato output through technical and allocative efficiency improvement.
Influences of long-term changes in land cover on mammal populations: an example from Mexico
Authors: Lorenzo Consuelo , Sántiz Eugenia C. , Bolaños-Citalán Jorge , Navarrete-Gutiérrez Darío 
Published: June 2017

AbstractChanges in vegetative cover and land use in the southern part of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca, Mexico, were identified by analysing satellite images from 2001 and 2014. Fluctuations in population density of mammal species during 2001–2016 in response to these changes were analysed. During 2001–2014 the types of land use that increased in area (per year) were prescribed burning (uncontrolled burning caused by humans) by 105.11 ha, seasonal agricultural plots by 58.14 ha, areas without vegetation by 24.54 ha, and human settlements by 4.13 ha. In the same period, savannahs decreased by 103.94 ha, tropical dry forest by 39.5 ha, secondary forests by 14.46 ha, and human-induced grassland by 0.13 ha per year. The loss of these habitats resulted in low population densities of mammals, including the eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus and the Tehuantepec jackrabbit Lepus flavigularis, which is categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. We recommend establishing a communal ecological reserve in the study area to implement appropriate management strategies for grassland communities and develop a programme of semi-captive breeding to conserve L. flavigularis.
East-West Divide: temperature and land cover drive spatial variation of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) from England and Wales
Authors: SMALLBONE WILLOW A. , CHADWICK ELIZABETH A. , FRANCIS JANET , GUY EDWARD , PERKINS SARAH E. , SHERRARD-SMITH ELLIE , CABLE JOANNE 
Published: June 2017

SUMMARYToxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic parasite of global importance, infects all endothermic vertebrates, with extensive health implications. The prevalence of this parasite is seldom monitored in wildlife. Here, a semi-aquatic species, the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) was used as a model to assess the potential effect of climate, land cover and biotic factors on T. gondii seroprevalence in British wildlife. The Sabin–Feldman cytoplasm-modifying dye test identified T. gondii antibodies in 25·5% of blood samples from otters found dead, mainly as road kill, in England and Wales, between 2004 and 2010. Otters in the east of England were more likely to be infected with T. gondii than those in western regions. Land cover and temperature are key determinants of T. gondii infection risk, with more infection in arable areas and lower infection where temperatures are higher. The probability of T. gondii infection increased with host age, reflecting cumulative exposure with time, but there was no association between T. gondii seroprevalence and cause of host death.
Sudden improvement in ventricular repolarization abnormality after a short detraining period in an athlete
Authors: Motoki Noriko , Akazawa Yohei , Hachiya Akira , Inaba Yuji 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe describe the case of a 17-year-old male soccer player with T-wave inversion in precordial leads in resting electrocardiography, which also disclosed sinus bradycardia, early repolarization, and increased QRS voltage. These findings strongly suggested cardiomyopathy. The patient’s T-wave inversion disappeared during only 2 weeks of detraining, and it re-appeared 2 weeks after resumption of intensive training. This sudden change in electrocardiographic parameters over a short period helped in identifying the adolescent as having athlete’s heart.