bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial variation of fuel loading within varying aged stands of chaparral
Authors: Uyeda Kellie A. , Stow Douglas A. , O'Leary John F. , Schmidt Ian T. , Riggan Philip J. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractQuestionsHow do stand‐level biomass and percentage of dead material in chaparral vary as a function of stand age? How do the landscape properties of aggregation index and patch size vary in each of the dominant species groups as a function of stand age?LocationStands of 7‐, 28‐ and 68‐yr‐old chaparral, San Diego County, CA, US.MethodsWe sampled and estimated above‐ground biomass in 8 m × 8 m field plots. Each stand was classified into species groups using high‐resolution imagery. After establishing coefficients for the average biomass per area for each species group and stand age using field data, we estimated biomass in 30 random plots in each stand age using the classified map. We also estimated biomass using pooled coefficients (average of the 28‐ and 68‐yr‐old biomass per area). We calculated landscape metrics in six 60 m × 60 m study sites for each stand age.ResultsWhile we found a statistically significant pattern of higher biomass in the older chaparral stands when using age‐specific biomass coefficients, there was no statistical difference between the 28‐ and 68‐yr‐old stands using the more conservative pooled coefficients. Both approaches revealed a wide range in biomass in all age classes. We were not able to map dead biomass with sufficient accuracy to measure age‐related differences, but no differences in the two older stands were obvious in the field. There were no significant differences in landscape metrics between the two older stands, and the differences observed in the younger stand might have been partially due to aspect differences.ConclusionsOur approach of using a combination of field plots and classification of remote sensing imagery is a valuable method for enlarging the effective study area in chaparral, and allowed us to better measure how widely biomass varies across the study area. High spatial resolution measurements of fuel properties could help support more detailed models of fire behaviour.
Role of EP2 and EP4 receptors in airway microvascular leak induced by prostaglandin E2
Authors: Jones Victoria C , Birrell Mark A , Maher Sarah A , Griffiths Mark , Grace Megan , O'Donnell Valerie B , Clark Stephen R , Belvisi Maria G 
Published: December 2015

Background and PurposeAirway microvascular leak (MVL) involves the extravasation of proteins from post‐capillary venules into surrounding tissue. MVL is a cardinal sign of inflammation and an important feature of airway inflammatory diseases such as asthma. PGE2, a product of COX‐mediated metabolism of arachidonic acid, binds to four receptors, termed EP1–4. PGE2 has a wide variety of effects within the airway, including modulation of inflammation, sensory nerve activation and airway tone. However, the effect of PGE2 on airway MVL and the receptor/s that mediate this have not been described.Experimental ApproachEvans Blue dye was used as a marker of airway MVL, and selective EP receptor agonists and antagonists were used alongside EP receptor‐deficient mice to define the receptor subtype involved.Key ResultsPGE2 induced significant airway MVL in mice and guinea pigs. A significant reduction in PGE2‐induced MVL was demonstrated in Ptger2−/− and Ptger4−/− mice and in wild‐type mice pretreated simultaneously with EP2 (PF‐04418948) and EP4 (ER‐819762) receptor antagonists. In a model of allergic asthma, an increase in airway levels of PGE2 was associated with a rise in MVL; this change was absent in Ptger2−/− and Ptger4−/− mice.Conclusions and ImplicationsPGE2 is a key mediator produced by the lung and has widespread effects according to the EP receptor activated. Airway MVL represents a response to injury and under ‘disease’ conditions is a prominent feature of airway inflammation. The data presented highlight a key role for EP2 and EP4 receptors in MVL induced by PGE2.
Late Quaternary aggradation rates and stratigraphic architecture of the southern Po Plain, Italy
Authors: Bruno Luigi , Amorosi Alessandro , Severi Paolo , Costagli Bianca 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThePoRiverBasin, where accumulation and preservation of thick sedimentary packages are enhanced by high rates of tectonic subsidence, represents an ideal site to assess the relations between vertical changes in stratigraphic architecture and sediment accumulation rates. Based on a large stratigraphic database, a markedly contrasting stratigraphy ofLatePleistocene andHolocene deposits is reconstructed from the subsurface of the modern alluvial and coastal plains. Laterally extensive fluvial channel bodies and related pedogenically modified muds of latest Pleistocene age are unconformably overlain byHolocene overbank fines, grading seaward into paralic and nearshore facies associations. In the interfluvial areas, a stiff paleosol, dating at about 12.5–10 cal kyBP, marks thePleistocene–Holocene boundary. Across this paleosol, aggradation rates (ARs) from 16 radiocarbon‐dated cores invariably show a sharp increase, from 0.1–0.9 mm year−1to 0.9–2.9 mm year−1. Comparatively lowerPleistocene values are inferred to reflect fluvial activity under a low‐accommodation (lowstand and early transgressive) regime, whereas higherARs during theHolocene are related to increasing accommodation under late transgressive and highstand conditions. Holocene sediment accumulation patterns vary significantly from site to site, and do not exhibit common trends. Very high accumulation rates (20–60 mm year−1) are indicated by fluvial channel or progradational delta facies, suggesting that extremely variable spatial distribution ofHoloceneARs was primarily controlled by autogenic processes, such as fluvial channel avulsion or delta lobe switching. ContrastingARbetween uppermostPleistocene andHolocene deposits also are reported from the interfluves of several coeval, alluvial‐coastal plain systems worldwide, suggesting a key control by allogenic processes. Sediment accumulation curves from adjacent incised valley fills show, instead, variable shapes as a function of the complex mechanisms of valley formation and filling.
The Caries Management System: are preventive effects sustained postclinical trial?
Authors: Evans R. Wendell , Clark Paula , Jia Nan 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo report, at two and 4 years post‐trial, on the potential legacy of a 3‐year randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) of the Caries Management System (CMS) at private general dental practices. The CMS was designed to reduce caries risk and need for restorative care.MethodsNineteen dental practices located in city, urban, and rural locations in both fluoridated and nonfluoridated communities participated in the RCT. Eight practices were lost to follow‐up post‐trial; however, baseline mean DMFT balance between CMS and control practices was maintained. At the control practices, caries management following usual practice continued to be delivered. The patient outcome measure was the cumulative increment in the DMFT index score, and the practice outcome measures included the practice‐mean and practice‐median increments of patient DMFT index scores. In covariable analysis (patient‐level unit of analysis), as the patients were clustered by practices, mean DMFT increments were determined through multilevel modeling analysis. Practice‐mean DMFT increments (practice‐level unit of analysis) and practice‐median DMFT increments (also practice level) were determined through general linear modeling analysis of covariance. In addition, a multiple variable logistic regression analysis of caries risk status was conducted.ResultsThe overall 4‐year post‐trial result (years 4–7) for CMS patients was a DMFT increment of 2.44 compared with 3.39 for control patients (P < 0.01), a difference equivalent to 28%. From the clinical trial baseline to the end of the post‐trial follow‐up period, the CMS and control increments were 6.13 and 8.66, respectively, a difference of 29% (P < 0.0001). Over the post‐trial period, the CMS and control practice‐mean DMFT increments were 2.16 and 3.10 (P = 0.055) and the respective increments from baseline to year 7 were 4.38 and 6.55 (P = 0.029), difference of 33%. The practice‐median DMFT increments during the 4‐year post‐trial period for CMS and control practices were 1.25 and 2.36 (P = 0.039), and the respective increments during the period from baseline to year 7 were 2.87 and 5.36 (P < 0.01), difference of 47%. Minimally elevated odds of being high risk were associated with baseline DMFT (OR = 1.17). Patients attending the CMS practices had lower odds of being high risk than those attending control practices (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.06, 0.88).ConclusionIn practices where adherence to the CMS protocols was maintained during the 4‐year post‐trial follow‐up period, patients continued to benefit from a reduced risk of caries and, therefore, experienced lower needs for restorative treatment.
Flatfoot and obesity in school‐age children: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sadeghi‐Demneh E. , Azadinia F. , Jafarian F. , Shamsi F. , Melvin J. M. A. , Jafarpishe M. , Rezaeian Z. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryChildhood obesity exerts abnormally high stresses on developing foot structures which can lead to structural deformity of the foot. Screening for foot problems in children with overweight helps detect interior risks restricting normal lifestyle in these individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of excess weight on the structure and function of the developing foot in students aged 7–14 years. A total of 667 participants were recruited for this cross‐sectional study via a multi‐level cluster sampling method (randomization was used within each cluster). All subjects (340 boys and 327 girls) attended primary and secondary schools in Isfahan City, Iran. The children's feet were evaluated using clinical assessments and footprint‐based measures whilst fully weight bearing. Significant differences were observed in the frequency of flatfoot between normal weight, overweight and obese groups (P < 0.001); participants who were more overweight had flatter feet. Children with higher weight also had a more pronated heel, less dorsiflexion range and higher reported pain within physical activity. This study indicated that childhood obesity is associated with structural foot and ankle deformities and activity‐related foot pain.
Participation as a leader in immersion weight loss treatment: a 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Anderson L. M. , Schaumberg K. , Anderson D. A. , Kirschenbaum D. S. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryNon‐overweight individuals may follow aggressive weight management approaches alongside overweight/obese friends or family members; thus, research has begun to evaluate subsequent effects among non‐overweight populations. A prior study evaluated the short‐term effects of an immersion weight loss programme on healthy young adult staff leaders. Results indicated that participation seemed to benefit, not harm, the young adults. The current investigation examined 1‐year eating disorder and weight trajectories in this sample. The total sample (N = 244) consisted of staff leaders (44.3%) and demographically similar comparison participants who completed eating disorder and weight assessments across four time points: baseline, end of summer, 6‐week follow‐up and 1‐year follow‐up. Forty‐seven per cent of the original sample responded to all time points (staff leaders n = 60; comparison n = 55). Over the course of 1 year, risk trajectories did not differ between groups. Staff leaders did not report significant changes in body mass index, suggesting that they maintained healthy weight over the course of 1 year. Participation as an immersion weight loss programme leader appeared to be protective against weight gain, without increasing eating disorder risk, for healthy young adults. This provides further support for using weight management interventions across a wide range of individuals.
Eating behaviours are different in youth with obesity and severe obesity
Authors: Gross A. C. , Fox C. K. , Rudser K. D. , Foy A. M. H. , Kelly A. S. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThe study purposes were to: (i) Investigate eating behaviours among patients in a paediatric weight management clinical practice and (ii) Compare eating behaviour phenotypes between children with severe obesity and obesity. This was a retrospective cross‐sectional study using data collected during clinical encounters. Participants were included if they were 2–12 years old, had a body mass index ≥95th percentile and if a parent or guardian completed the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ). Participants (n = 149) were children with severe obesity (n = 108) and obesity (n = 41). The mean Satiety Responsiveness score was significantly lower for children with severe obesity than for children with obesity. Girls with severe obesity had significantly higher Enjoyment of Food and significantly lower Satiety Responsiveness and Slowness in Eating than girls with obesity. The findings demonstrate the potential clinical utility of the CEBQ for informing tailored treatment strategies through identifying eating behaviour phenotypes.
High subcortical sacrectomy: a novel approach to facilitate complete resection of locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer with high (S1–S2) sacral extension
Authors: Shaikh I. , Holloway I. , Aston W. , Littler S. , Burling D. , Antoniou A. , Jenkins J. T. ,   Complex Cancer Clinic St Mark's Hospital London
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimR0 resection of locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer is the key determinant of outcome. Disease extension high on the sacrum has been considered a contraindication to surgery because of associated morbidity and difficulty in achieving complete pathological resection. Total sacrectomy has a high morbidity with poor function.MethodWe describe a novel technique of high subcortical sacrectomy (HiSS) to facilitate complete resection of disease extending to the upper sacrum at S1 and S2 to avoid high or total sacrectomy or a nonoperative approach to management. Details of patient demographics, radiology, operative details, postoperative histology, length of hospital stay and complications were entered into a prospectively maintained electronic patient database. All patients had had preoperative chemoradiotherapy.ResultsDuring 2013–2014, five patients, including three with advanced primary cancer and two with recurrent rectal cancer, underwent excision using this approach. All patients had an R0 resection. Four patients had a minor postoperative complication (Clavien–Dindo Grades I and II) and one had a major complication (Clavien–Dindo Grade IIIb). There was no mortality at 90 days, and four patients were disease free at a median of 18 months.ConclusionPatients with locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer involving the upper sacrum may be rendered suitable for potentially curative radical resection with a modified approach to sacral resection. This pilot series suggests that this novel technique results in a high rate of complete pathological resection with acceptable morbidity in patients for whom the alternatives would have been an incomplete resection, a total sacrectomy or nonoperative management.
Transanal rectal resection: an initial experience of 20 cases
Authors: Buchs N. C. , Nicholson G. A. , Yeung T. , Mortensen N. J. , Cunningham C. , Jones O. M. , Guy R. , Hompes R. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimLow anterior resection (LAR) can present a formidable surgical challenge, particularly for tumours located in the distal third of the rectum. Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) aims to overcome some of these difficulties. We report our initial experience with this technique.MethodFrom June 2013 to September 2014, 20 selected patients underwent transanal rectal resection for various malignant and benign low rectal pathologies. All patients with rectal cancer were discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting. Data were entered into a prospective managed international database.ResultsOf the 20 patients (14 male), seventeen (85%) had rectal cancer lying at a median distance of 2 cm (range 0–7) from the anorectal junction. The operations performed included LAR (16). Abdominoperineal excision (2) and completion proctectomy (2), all of which were performed by a minimally invasive approach with three conversions. The mean operation time was 315.3 min. There were six postoperative complications of which two (10%) were Clavien–Dindo Grade IIIb (pelvic haematoma and a late contained anastomotic leakage). The median length of stay was 7 days. The TME specimen was intact in 94.1% of cancer cases. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 23.2. There was only one positive circumferential resection margin (tumour deposit; R1 rate 5.9%). One patient developed a distant recurrence (median follow‐up 10 months, range 6–21).ConclusionTaTME was safe in this small series of patients. It is especially attractive in patients with a narrow and irradiated pelvis and a tumour in the lower third of the rectum. TaTME is technically demanding, but the good outcomes should prompt randomized studies and prospective registration of all taTME cases in an international registry.
Species richness representation within protected areas is associated with multiple interacting spatial features
Authors: Durán América Paz , Inger Richard , Cantú‐Salazar Lisette , Gaston Kevin J. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimTo assess the relative effects of the spatial features of protected areas (PAs), and their interactions, on species richness representation.LocationContinental America and associated islands.MethodsWe used a novel dataset comprising species richness estimates for amphibians, birds and mammals for more than 400 PAs in the Western Hemisphere. Using spatial tools and remote sensing imagery, we calculated four spatial features for each PA: size, shape index, fragmentation level and proximity to the closest PA. The relative effect size of both PA spatial features and environmental covariates on levels of species richness, and how they interact, were assessed using generalized mixed effect models.ResultsSpatial features and environmental covariates explained about 61% of the variation in species richness within PAs, with the magnitude of the effect remaining similar among spatial features and taxonomic groups. While area had a positive effect on species richness, shape index and fragmentation had negative effects. Proximity had a significant positive effect only for mammals and a negative effect for all the taxa combined. PA spatial features showed significant interactions between them and with environmental covariates.Main conclusionsWe provide the first empirical evidence for the combined and interactive effects of terrestrial PA spatial features on predicting species richness. Our results suggest that the spatial features of PAs have an important effect on species richness and while the magnitude of this effect varies across taxonomic groups, its direction is consistent. Additionally, we show that the effect of one spatial design feature can be amplified or attenuated by that of another. These findings contribute towards a better understanding of the effect of spatial features on the performance of PAs and therefore how best to enhance the spatial configuration of existing and future PAs.
Towards an inpatient diabetes curriculum: medical student‐generated aims, objectives and methods for ward‐based learning of non‐critical, non‐perioperative inpatient diabetes care
Authors: Taylor C. G. , Atherley A. , Murphy M. M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimsTo create a summative document containing aims, objectives and methods that can be used for the training of healthcare professionals in inpatient diabetes care.MethodsA four‐stage approach was introduced for the ward‐based teaching of inpatient diabetes care at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill over the 2014–2015 academic year. Within this approach, 55 students (100%) submitted aims, objectives and methods to support two 2‐h, ward‐based sessions. This was guided by brief instructions and access to a copy of the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline on the management of non‐critical, non‐perioperative inpatient diabetes. Conceptual content analysis was used to convert submissions into a unifying document.ResultsSix themes emerged from students’ submissions: diagnosis; assessment and investigation of diabetes and its complications; planning individualized care and pharmacological management; hypoglycaemia management, including severe hypoglycaemia; patient education; discharge planning; and multidisciplinary teamwork. Students were primarily interested in patient management and treatment using higher‐level objectives and active learning methods.ConclusionsThis study produced comprehensive, student‐generated, and hence student‐centred, aims, objectives and methods for inpatient diabetes care with objectives appropriately set for higher cognitive levels of learning. This material can be used to guide teaching or for further development into a curriculum. This is the first known publication of content that could be used in a ward‐based inpatient diabetes curriculum.
Saxagliptin co‐therapy in C‐peptide negative Type 1 diabetes does not improve counter‐regulatory responses to hypoglycaemia
Authors: George P. S. , McCrimmon R. J. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimsTo test the hypothesis that dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibition in C‐peptide negative Type 1 diabetes would reduce glucose variability and exposure to hypoglycaemia and therefore may indirectly enhance counter‐regulatory responses to subsequent hypoglycaemia.MethodsWe conducted a 12‐week double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled crossover study. The study was conducted in a tertiary hospital outpatient clinic, with additional studies performed in a clinical research centre. After obtaining informed consent, we recruited 14 subjects with moderately well controlled Type 1 diabetes (HbA1c 64 ± 2 mmol/mol) of long duration (20.5 ± 2.7 years). The subjects received 12 weeks' therapy with oral saxagliptin (5 mg) or placebo. Glucose variability, assessed via continuous glucose monitoring, together with frequency of hypoglycaemia, hypoglycaemia awareness and symptomatic, cognitive and counter‐regulatory hormone responses to experimental hypoglycaemia, were assessed. Additional outcome measures included HbA1c level, weight, total daily insulin dose and adverse events.ResultsSaxagliptin co‐therapy did not reduce glucose variability (low blood glucose index, average daily risk range), hypoglycaemia frequency or awareness and did not improve counter‐regulatory hormonal responses during experimental hypoglycaemia (area under the curve for adrenaline 25 775 vs. 24 454, for placebo vs saxagliptin, respectively; P = 0.76).ConclusionsNo additional benefit of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibition co‐therapy with saxagliptin in the management of Type 1 diabetes was observed.