bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing Forests for Increased Regional Water Yield in the Southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain
Authors: McLaughlin Daniel L. , Kaplan David A. , Cohen Matthew J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWith growing populations fueling increased groundwater abstraction and forecasts of greater water scarcity in the southeastern United States, identifying land management strategies that enhance water availability will be vital to maintaining hydrologic resources and protecting natural systems. Management of forested uplands for lower basal area, currently a priority for habitat improvement on public lands, may also increase water yield through decreased evapotranspiration (ET). To explore this hypothesis, we synthesized studies of precipitation andETin coastal plain pine stands to develop a statistical model of water yield as a function of management strategy, stand structure, and ecosystem water use. This model allowed us to estimate changes in water yield in response to varying management strategies across spatial scales from the individual stand to a regional watershed. Results suggest that slash pine stands managed at lower basal areas can have up to 64% more cumulative water yield over a 25‐year rotation compared to systems managed for high‐density timber production, with the greatest increases in stands also managed for recurrent understory fire. Although there are important uncertainties in the magnitude of additional water yield and its final destination (i.e., surface water bodiesvs. groundwater), this analysis highlights the potential for management activities on public and private timber lands to partially offset increasing demand on surface and groundwater resources.
Evaluation of Overtopping Riprap Design Relationships
Authors: Abt Steven R. , Thornton Christopher I. , Scholl Bryan A. , Bender Theodore R. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractRock riprap is one of the most widely used erosion control methods for protecting embankments, levees, spillways, and instream structures subjected to overtopping flow conditions. At least 21 stone‐sizing relationships exist to determine the median stone size of a protective riprap layer based on the results of 96 overtopping, laboratory experiments. Test parameters include median stone size, slope, unit discharge, coefficient of uniformity, and riprap layer thickness. A regression analysis was performed relating the observed median stone size to the predicted median stone size to each of the 21 relationships, yielding a coefficient of determination (R2) and percent error for the full spectrum of data. Zonal (partial spectrum of rock sizes) and complexity analyses were also conducted for each relationship. It was resolved that the Khan and Ahmad, and Chang relationships best aligned with the composite dataset. The predictive expressions by Olivier, Hartung and Scheuerlein, Knauss, Maynord, Abt and Johnson, and Siebel yield a noteworthy second tier of stone‐sizing relationships for overtopping conditions.
Water Stress Projections for the Northeastern and Midwestern United States in 2060: Anthropogenic and Ecological Consequences
Authors: Tavernia Brian G. , Nelson Mark D. , Caldwell Peter , Sun Ge 
Published: June 2013

AbstractFuture climate and land‐use changes and growing human populations may reduce the abundance of water resources relative to anthropogenic and ecological needs in the Northeast and Midwest (U.S.). We used output from WaSSI, a water accounting model, to assess potential changes between 2010 and 2060 in (1) anthropogenic water stress for watersheds throughout the Northeast and Midwest and (2) native fish species richness (i.e., number of species) for the Upper Mississippi water resource region (UMWRR). Six alternative scenarios of climate change, land‐use change, and human population growth indicated future water supplies will, on average across the region, be adequate to meet anthropogenic demands. Nevertheless, the number of individual watersheds experiencing severe stress (demand > supplies) was projected to increase for most scenarios, and some watersheds were projected to experience severe stress under multiple scenarios. Similarly, we projected declines in fish species richness for UMWRR watersheds and found the number of watersheds with projected declines and the average magnitude of declines varied across scenarios. All watersheds in the UMWRR were projected to experience declines in richness for at least two future scenarios. Many watersheds projected to experience declines in fish species richness were not projected to experience severe anthropogenic water stress, emphasizing the need for multidimensional impact assessments of changing water resources.
Orlistat improves endothelial function in obese adolescents: A randomised trial
Authors: Yu Clare CW , Li Albert M , Chan Karly OW , Chook Ping , Kam Jack TC , Au Chun T , So Raymond CH , Sung Rita YT , McManus Alison M 
Published: June 2013

AimTo investigate the effect of orlistat on endothelial function in obese adolescents.MethodsSingle‐blind 10‐week controlled trial of 67 normolipidaemic obese adolescents randomised into three groups. Group 1 (diet alone), Group 2 (diet and orlistat), Group 3 (diet, orlistat and exercise). Endothelial function measured by flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery, anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, fasting blood lipids, insulin and glucose levels were recorded at baseline and at 10 weeks.ResultsSixty four subjects completed the study. Groups were comparable at baseline. FMD increased significantly with orlistat (Groups 2 and 3) but not in Group 1. Orlistat treatment resulted in significantly reduced bodyweight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, total and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were unchanged. Triglyceride and insulin levels were significantly reduced in all three groups. The reduction in cholesterols did not correlate with reductions in weight and BMI. A slight reduction of body fat, both with and without orlistat treatment, correlated with reduction in BMI after adjustment for baseline values. Blood pressure was unaltered by orlistat. Calorie intake was reduced with orlistat, and the decrease noted in % fat and increase in % carbohydrate was significant only in those taking orlistat. The addition of exercise (Group 3 compared with Group 2) altered no parameter.ConclusionsOrlistat improves endothelial function and reduces bodyweight, BMI, fasting total and LDL‐cholesterol in obese adolescents when combined with dietary control. Improvement in endothelial function if maintained could reflect long‐term cardiovascular benefit.
Diabetes in young people in the Top End of the Northern Territory
Authors: Stone Monique , Baker Alice , Maple Brown Louise 
Published: June 2013

AimThere is an increasing prevalence and burden of diabetes in young people, particularly Indigenous Australians. There have been no previous reports of the prevalence or burden of diabetes in young people in the Top End of the Northern Territory, a region of many risk factors for diabetes.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of cases of diabetes in children and adults aged less than 25 years who were seen at Royal Darwin Hospital as inpatients or outpatients between 2007 and 2011.ResultsFrom a population base of approximately 75 000 young people living north of Tenant Creek, there were 70 young people with type 1 diabetes (12 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians) and 37 young people with type 2 diabetes (31 Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australians). The median body mass index of those with type 2 diabetes was 28 kg/m2, and only 29% had a body mass index >30 kg/m2. Overall, glycaemic control was poor.ConclusionsRates of diabetes in young people in the Top End appear high. Case ascertainment and data collection were difficult for this study, highlighting the need for better database and systems for diabetes management.
JAK2/STAT3 activation by melatonin attenuates the mitochondrial oxidative damage induced by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Yang Yang , Duan Weixun , Jin Zhenxiao , Yi Wei , Yan Juanjuan , Zhang Song , Wang Ning , Liang Zhenxing , Li Yue , Chen Wensheng , Yi Dinghua , Yu Shiqiang 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIschemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is harmful to the cardiovascular system and causes mitochondrial oxidative stress. Numerous data indicate that the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway is specifically involved in preventing myocardial IRI. Melatonin has potent activity against IRI and may regulate JAK2/STAT3 signaling. This study investigated the protective effect of melatonin pretreatment on myocardial IRI and elucidated its potential mechanism. Perfused isolated rat hearts and cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were exposed to melatonin in the absence or presence of the JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor AG490 or JAK2 siRNA and then subjected to IR. Melatonin conferred a cardio‐protective effect, as shown by improved postischemic cardiac function, decreased infarct size, reduced apoptotic index, diminished lactate dehydrogenase release, up‐regulation of the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl2, and down‐regulation of the pro‐apoptotic protein Bax. AG490 or JAK2 siRNA blocked melatonin‐mediated cardio‐protection by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Melatonin exposure also resulted in a well‐preserved mitochondrial redox potential, significantly elevated mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and decreased formation of mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA), which indicates that the IR‐induced mitochondrial oxidative damage was significantly attenuated. However, this melatonin‐induced effect on mitochondrial function was reversed by AG490 or JAK2 siRNA treatment. In summary, our results demonstrate that melatonin pretreatment can attenuate IRI by reducing IR‐induced mitochondrial oxidative damage via the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Whole genome comparison of six Crocosphaera watsonii strains with differing phenotypes
Authors: Bench Shellie R. , Heller Philip , Frank Ildiko , Arciniega Martha , Shilova Irina N. , Zehr Jonathan P. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractCrocosphaera watsonii, a unicellular nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium found in oligotrophic oceans, is important in marine carbon and nitrogen cycles. Isolates of C. watsonii can be separated into at least two phenotypes with environmentally important differences, indicating possibly distinct ecological roles and niches. To better understand the evolutionary history and variation in metabolic capabilities among strains and phenotypes, this study compared the genomes of six C. watsonii strains, three from each phenotypic group, which had been isolated over several decades from multiple ocean basins. While a substantial portion of each genome was nearly identical to sequences in the other strains, a few regions were identified as specific to each strain and phenotype, some of which help explain observed phenotypic features. Overall, the small‐cell type strains had smaller genomes and a relative loss of genetic capabilities, while the large‐cell type strains were characterized by larger genomes, some genetic redundancy, and potentially increased adaptations to iron and phosphorus limitation. As such, strains with shared phenotypes were evolutionarily more closely related than those with the opposite phenotype, regardless of isolation location or date. Unexpectedly, the genome of the type‐strain for the species, C. watsonii WH8501, was quite unusual even among strains with a shared phenotype, indicating it may not be an ideal representative of the species. The genome sequences and analyses reported in this study will be important for future investigations of the proposed differences in adaptation of the two phenotypes to nutrient limitation, and to identify phenotype‐specific distributions in natural Crocosphaera populations.
The influence of habitat structure on juvenile fish in a New Zealand estuary
Authors: Parsons Darren M. , Morrison Mark A. , Thrush Simon F. , Middleton Crispin , Smith Matt , Spong Keren T. , Buckthought Dane 
Published: June 2013

AbstractEstuarine and sheltered coastal habitats that contain physical structure are potentially important nurseries for juvenile fish. Many of these structured habitats, however, are potentially vulnerable to stressors such as elevated turbidity. Quantifying the benefits that structured habitats provide to juvenile fish may therefore be an important step in the management process. We investigated the value of structured habitat for juvenile fishes in northeastern New Zealand, using artificial seagrass units (ASUs) with varying blade density. ASUs were predominantly settled by juvenile snapper (Pagrus auratus) and spotty (Notolabrus celidotus). The density of both snapper and spotty was greatest on ASUs with the highest blade density. For snapper, a gradient in abundance was present (with higher abundance closer to the harbour mouth), suggesting either a gradient in the supply of recruits or a potential recruitment shadow effect. The size distribution of juvenile snapper (12–70 mm fork length) was very similar on both sampling trips, despite the 2‐month interim period, suggesting an ontogenetic habitat shift dependent on size. The condition of juvenile snapper from ASUs with the highest blade density was also greater than the other ASU treatments. Overall, these results provide new empirical evidence that habitats with physical structure within shallow estuarine systems are important to early stage juvenile fishes such as snapper, and indicate that the location‐specific context of that habitat is also likely important.
Multiplex PCR assay for the detection of common dermatophyte nail infections
Authors: Dhib I. , Fathallah A. , Yaacoub A. , Hadj Slama F. , Said M. B. , Zemni R. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryOnychomycosis is one of the most prevalent dermatophytic diseases. Mycological methods used in the conventional diagnosis may not be optimal. Multiplex (MX) PCR was reported as a reliable alternative. Dermatophyte gene sequence records were used to design a MX PCR for detection and identification of dermatophytes in nail specimens. A MX PCR method based on the amplification of the chitin synthase 1 and internal transcribed spacer genes was developed. The study included 93 strains of dermatophytes and non‐dermatophytic fungi, six dermatophytic reference strains and 201 nail specimens from patients with dermatophytic onyxis. DNA extraction directly from nail samples was carried out by using the QIAamp DNA extraction kit (Quiagen). A set of primers was designed and their specificity was assessed. MX PCR detected the causal agent in specimens from which Trichophyton rubrum and T. interdigitale grew in culture and also identified a dermatophyte species in an additional 32 specimens that were negative in microscopy and culture. None of the investigated non‐dermatophytic strains was positive. Sensitivity of MX PCR was higher as compared to mycological examination (97% vs. 81.1%). MX PCR for direct detection of dermatophytes from nail samples yielded mixed flora in 32.8% of samples. MX PCR proved sensitive and adequate for the diagnosis of dermatophytic onychomycosis. It is much adapted to cases where culture is negative or contaminated by overgrowing moulds, which makes the identification of the causal agent problematic.
Clinical evaluation of a novel commercial multiplex‐based PCR diagnostic test for differential diagnosis of dermatomycoses
Authors: Mehlig L. , Garve C. , Ritschel A. , Zeiler A. , Brabetz W. , Weber C. , Bauer A. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryDermatomycoses are very common worldwide with increasing prevalence. An accurate and rapid detection of fungi is most important for the choice of antimycotics and the success of treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new commercial multiplex‐based PCR which allows the detection and differentiation of the most relevant human pathogen fungi causing dermatomycoses in Europe. The accuracy and reproducibility of this application were verified in a clinical performance assessment in comparison to direct microscopy and culture using DNA isolates from 253 clinical samples. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 87.3%, 94.3%, 87.3% and 94.3%, respectively, were calculated for dermatophytes when confirmed by direct microscopy, culture or both. The corresponding values for Candida spp. were 62.7%, 93.5%, 77.8%, and 87.4%, respectively. Furthermore, in comparison to culture, the multiplex PCR was able to detect additional 38 Trichophytum rubrum and 12 Trichophytum interdigitale infections. These results were confirmed by independent PCR analysis. From DNA isolation to diagnosis the multiparameter diagnostic kit gives rise to a 1‐day workflow, enables fast clarification of disease aetiology and, thus, contributes to specific therapy selection. The latter is particularly important in light of growing resistance to antimycotics.
Effects of school‐based interventions for direct delivery of physical activity on fitness and cardiometabolic markers in children and adolescents: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sun C. , Pezic A. , Tikellis G. , Ponsonby A‐L. , Wake M. , Carlin J. B. , Cleland V. , Dwyer T. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryTo evaluate the effectiveness of school‐based physical activity interventions on fitness, adiposity and cardiometabolic outcomes among schoolchildren.Medline,Embase,EBSCOhost CINAHLandERICdatabases were searched up toOctober 2012. Inclusion criteria: intervention delivered at school with controls having no intervention or usual physical education classes; participants aged 5–18 years; outcomes spanning some or all of the above. We assessed levels of evidence for identified trials based on methodological quality and sample size. Dose of the interventions (a total summary measure of intensity, frequency and duration) were considered. Eighteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs, total participants = 6,207) were included, of which six were large, higher quality trials with high dose of the intervention. The intervention was consistent in increasing fitness with large, higher quality studies and high dose of intervention providing strong evidence. Dose of school‐based physical activity is an important determinant of trial efficiency. Some large, higher qualityRCTsprovided strong evidence for interventions to decrease skin‐fold thickness, increase fitness and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Evidence for body mass index, body fat and waist circumference, blood pressure and triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol remain inconclusive and require additional higher quality studies with high dose of interventions to provide conclusive evidence.
A retrospective audit to examine the effectiveness of preoperative warming on hypothermia in spine deformity surgery patients
Authors: Görges Matthias , Ansermino J. Mark , Whyte Simon D. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryBackgroundHypothermia (core body temperature <36°C) during surgery has been associated with surgical site infection, a major risk in all spine deformity surgeries. Forced air warming is an important method of intraoperative temperature maintenance in children. In mid‐2010, we empirically introduced preoperative warming as a strategy to reduce intraoperative hypothermia.ObjectiveWe report the prevalence and extent of hypothermia during spine deformity surgeries at our institution and evaluate the effect of the introduction of preoperative warming.MethodsWe performed a retrospective audit of temperature data in children who underwent spine deformity surgeries during two‐seven‐month periods: November 2011 to June 2012 and 2 years prior to this period (before preoperative warming implementation). Specifically, the following data were obtained: (i) case duration; (ii) first measured temperature; (iii) last measured temperature; (iv) percentage of case spent hypothermic; (v) number of hypothermic episodes per case, and (vi) delay between case start and time of first temperature measured. Data were compared visually and using the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Confidence intervals (CI) were obtained using the Hodges–Lehmann estimator.ResultsPreoperative warming reduced the percentage of case duration spent hypothermic by a median of 111.1 min (P < 0.001, 95% CI 77.1–139.9 min). Additionally, it increased the first measured temperature by a median of 0.5°C (P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.3–0.7°C). The last temperature at the end of the case remained unchanged (P = 0.57, 95% CI −0.2–0.1°C).ConclusionPreoperative warming of children undergoing spine deformity surgery significantly reduces the percentage of case spent hypothermic, thereby potentially reducing risk of perioperative complications.
A Child with Interstitial Granulomatous Dermatitis and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Moon Hye‐Rim , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Won Chong Hyun , Chang Sung Eun , Lee Mi Woo , Choi Jee Ho , Moon Kee Chan 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWe describe a case of interstitial granulomatous dermatitis (IGD) with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in an 11‐year‐old girl. She complained of erythematous plaques on her thighs and polyarthritis for 1 year. Histopathologic examination revealed the features of IGD. This case indicates that IGD with arthritis can occur in children and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous lesions associated with arthritis in children.
Within‐population variation in resistance of Digitaria sanguinalis to Ustilago syntherismae resulting from different modes of seed germination and environment
Authors: Mas M. T. , Verdú A. M. C. 
Published: June 2013

In annual plants affected by inflorescence‐invading smut pathogens, avoidance of infection is crucial, while in the event of infection, the existence of different degrees of tolerance could also affect the interaction dynamics. Two experiments were performed with Digitaria sanguinalis spikelets vacuum inoculated with ustilospores of Ustilago syntherismae. In the first experiment, they were sown in pots and mature plants were checked to detect internal hyphae. Observations revealed the presence of symptomless mycelium in a few plants. In the second experiment the spikelets, from two different lots, were grown in a chamber. The objective was to explore the importance of two factors in the degree of seedling infection, one genotypic – type of germination (TG; radicular or coleoptilar) and one environmental – 48 h dark treatment (DT) applied just after germination. Analysis of the infection frequency showed that all the main effects (seed lot origin, TG and DT) were significant, while interactions were not. For TG, the estimated least square mean infection percentages were 66% for radicular germination and 46% for coleoptilar germination. Darkness increased seedling infection by 25%. Differences between TG, DT and their relationship with mesocotyl length exposed to the germinating spores are discussed.