bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exercise stress echocardiography: Impact on clinical decision‐making in pediatric patients
Authors: Dasgupta Soham , Friedman Heather , Allen Nicole , Stark Megan , Ferguson Eric , Sachdeva Ritu , Border William L. 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundThe role of exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) in the pediatric population is less well defined as compared to adults. We aimed to determine the utility and impact of ESE on clinical decision‐making in pediatric patients.MethodsWe identified patients who underwent an ESE at our center from 2011 to 2015. Test indications were categorized into symptoms with exercise; sports/activity clearance; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or suspected HCM; coronary anomalies; or abnormal electrocardiogram (EKG). Change in clinical management was assessed by comparing pre‐ and post‐test activity restrictions, which were categorized into unrestricted from exercise or activity; restricted from exercise or activity; and surgical referral.ResultsDuring the study period, 353 ESEs met inclusion criteria. Of all ESEs performed, 263 (75%) were normal. Clinical management changed as a result of ESE in 144 (40%). Of the abnormal ESEs, 44 were restricted from activity, including 25 (56.8%) restricted from competitive or varsity athletics, 14 (31.8%) restricted from recreational sports, and 5 (11.4%) restricted from all activity. Surgical referrals included valve repair/replacement in 7 (50%), ICD placement in 5 (35.8%), coronary re‐implantation in 1 (7.1%), and atrial septal defect repair in 1 (7.1%).ConclusionExercise stress echocardiography provides the pediatric cardiologist with useful information that impacts management in a wide variety of cardiac disorders. Clinical management changed in nearly half the patients that were subjected to an ESE at our center. This supports the value of ESE for informing clinical decision‐making. Future studies should aim to refine patient selection and examine its impact on patient outcomes.
BDNF increases associated with constant troponin T levels and may protect against poor cognitive interference control: The SABPA prospective study
Authors: Jansen van Vuren Esmé , Malan Leoné , von Känel Roland , Magnusson Martin , Lammertyn Leandi , Malan Nicolaas T. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundBrain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulates brain health and cognition, which can interfere with executive cognitive function. BDNF was implicated with microcirculatory ischaemia and may reflect cardiomyocyte injury. We aimed to determine whether prospective changes (%Δ) in BDNF and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) will be associated with executive cognitive function in a bi‐ethnic cohort.DesignA prospective investigation was conducted over a three‐year period in a bi‐ethnic sex cohort (N = 338; aged 20‐65 years) from South Africa. Fasting serum samples for BDNF and cTnT were obtained. The STROOP‐color‐word conflict test (CWT) was applied to assess executive cognitive function at baseline.ResultsIn Blacks, BDNF (P < 0.001) increased over the three‐year period while cTnT did not change. In contrast, in Whites, BDNF and cTnT decreased over three years. In Black men, no change in cTnT was associated with increased ΔBDNF (β = 0.25; 95% CI 0.05‐0.45;P = 0.02). In the Black men, constant cTnT levels were inversely associated with executive cognitive function (β = −0.33; 95% CI −0.53 to −0.12;P = 0.003). Three‐year increases in BDNF increased the likelihood for chronic lower cTnT levels at a pre‐established cut‐point of <4.2 ng/L [OR = 2.35 (1.12‐4.94),P = 0.02]. The above associations were not found in the White sex groups.ConclusionsCentral neural control mechanisms may have upregulated BDNF in Black men as a way to protect against myocardial stress progression and to possibly improve processes related to cognitive interference control. High‐sensitive cTnT levels may act as an early predictor of disturbed neural control mechanisms.
Comparative evaluation of fracture resistance using two rehydration protocols for fragment reattachment in uncomplicated crown fractures
Authors: Madhubala Aripirala , Tewari Nitesh , Mathur Vijay Prakash , Bansal Kalpana 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackground/AimsUncomplicated crown fracture is the most common traumatic dental injury. The International Association of Dental Traumatology has recommended fragment reattachment as the best method for restoring uncomplicated crown fractures of permanent teeth. Dehydration can affect fracture resistance after reattachment. However, a standard protocol for rehydration is still lacking. Hence, the aim of this study was to design a humidification chamber and assess its efficacy for improving the rehydration of tooth fragments and increasing fracture resistance after reattachment.Materials and MethodsSixty mandibular bovine incisors with similar dimensions and free of any structural deformities were fractured and randomized into five groups: Group I, Control Group (sound teeth); Group II (dehydrated for 24 hours); Group III (rehydrated in distilled water for 15 minutes); Group IV (rehydrated in a humidification chamber for 15 minutes); and Group V (restored with composite). A humidification chamber was designed and used for rehydration for 15 minutes in Group IV. Fragments in Group III were immersed in distilled water for 15 minutes. Reattachment procedures and materials remained the same in all groups. Fracture resistance was tested in a universal testing machine, and statistical analysis was done by Stata‐14.ResultsThe Control Group with sound teeth (Group I) exhibited a maximum value of 282 ± 10.32 N, while Group II (fragment reattached without rehydration) had the least fracture resistance, 49.75 ± 5.2 N. Rehydration by means of the humidification chamber protocol (Group IV) resulted in significantly higher fracture resistance (150.54 ± 6.49 N) than in Group III (rehydration by means of immersion).ConclusionsFracture resistance after fragment reattachment was significantly affected by the rehydration of fragments for 15 minutes in the humidification chamber. Fragment reattachment after rehydration showed better fracture resistance than the composite restorations.
Habitat loss over six decades accelerates regional and local biodiversity loss via changing landscape connectance
Authors: Horváth Zsófia , Ptacnik Robert , Vad Csaba F. , Chase Jonathan M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWhen habitats are lost, species are lost in the region as a result of the sampling process. However, it is less clear what happens to biodiversity in the habitats that remain. Some have argued that the main influence of habitat loss on biodiversity is simply due to the total amount of habitat being reduced, while others have argued that fragmentation leads to fewer species per site because of altered spatial connectance among extant habitats. Here, we use a unique data set on invertebrate species in ponds spanning six decades of habitat loss to show that both regional and local species richness declined, indicating that species loss is compounded by habitat loss via connectivity loss, and not a result of a sampling process or changes in local environmental conditions. Overall, our work provides some of the clearest evidence to date from a longitudinal study that habitat loss translates into species loss, even within the remaining habitats.
Aging effect on combined mode fracture resistance of bitumen
Authors: Shaker Saied , Aliha Mohammad reza M. , Keymanesh Mahmoud reza 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCrack growth behaviour of aged and unaged 30/40 asphalt binder at subzero temperature was studied both experimentally and theoretically using a test sample called inclined notched bend beam specimen. A series of fracture tests were conducted on this specimen at two subzero temperatures and different combinations of modes I and II. The fracture toughness of tested asphalt binder was significantly dependent on the aging condition such that the load‐carrying capacity of aged bitumen was up to 60% less than the corresponding fracture resistance of unaged bitumen. Moreover, the effective fracture resistance value of tested binder was reduced by increasing the contribution of mode II and also decreasing the test temperature. The obtained experimental results for both binder types were also evaluated theoretically using a stress base crack growth theory.
The effects of land use disturbance vary with trophic position in littoral cichlid fish communities from Lake Tanganyika
Authors: Britton Adam W. , Murrell David J. , McGill Rona A. R. , Doble Christopher J. , Ramage Calum I. , Day Julia J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractImpacts of anthropogenic disturbance are especially severe in freshwater ecosystems. In particular, land use disturbance can lead to increased levels of pollution, including elevated nutrient and sediment loads whose negative impacts range from the community to the individual level. However, few studies have investigated if these impacts are uniform across species represented by multiple trophic levels. To address this knowledge gap, we focused on Lake Tanganyika cichlid fishes, which comprise hundreds of species representing a wide range of feeding strategies. Cichlids are at their most diverse within the near‐shore environment; however, land use disturbance of this environment has led to decreasing diversity, particularly in herbivores. We therefore tested if there is a uniform effect of pollution across species and trophic groups within the hyper‐diverse rocky shore cichlid fish community.We selected three sites with differing levels of human impact along the Tanzanian coastline and 10 cichlid species, comprising varying taxonomic and trophic groups, common to these sites. Nitrogen and carbon stable isotope values for 528 samples were generated and analysed using generalised linear mixed models. We also estimated stomach contents including sediment proportions.Our study highlights that multiple sources of pollution are having differing effects across species within a diverse fish community. We found that nitrogen stable isotope values were significantly higher at the most disturbed (urbanised) site for benthic feeding species, whereas there was no difference in these isotopes between sites for the water column feeding trophic group. Stomach contents revealed that the elevated δ15N values were unlikely to have been caused by differences in diet between sites. However, at the most disturbed site, higher proportions of sediment were present in most herbivores, irrespective of foraging behaviour.It is likely that anthropogenic nitrogen loading is the cause of higher nitrogen stable isotope values since there was no evidence of species shifting trophic levels between sites. Results support our previous study showing herbivore species to be most affected by human disturbance and make the link to pollution much more explicit. As lower diversity of consumers can negatively affect ecosystem processes such as stability, alleviating environmental impact through sewage treatment and afforestation programmes should continue to be a global priority for the conservation of aquatic ecosystems, as well as human health.
Detailed analysis of paternal knockoutGrb10mice suggests effects on stability of social behavior, rather than social dominance
Authors: Rienecker Kira D. A. , Chavasse Alexander T. , Moorwood Kim , Ward Andrew , Isles Anthony R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractImprinted genes are highly expressed in monoaminergic regions of the midbrain and their functions in this area are thought to have an impact on mammalian social behaviors. One such imprinted gene isGrb10, of which the paternal allele is generally recognized as mediating social dominance behavior. However, there has been no detailed study of social dominance inGrb10+/pmice. Moreover, the original study examined tube‐test behavior in isolated mice 10 months of age. Isolation testing favors more territorial and aggressive behaviors, and does not address social dominance strategies employed in group housing contexts. Furthermore, isolation stress impacts midbrain function and dominance related behavior, often through alterations in monoaminergic signaling. Thus, we undertook a systematic study ofGrb10+/psocial rank and dominance behavior within the cage group, using a number of convergent behavioral tests. We examined both male and female mice to account for sex differences and tested cohorts aged 2, 6 and 10 months to examine any developments related to age. We found group‐housedGrb10+/pmice do not show evidence of enhanced social dominance, but cages containingGrb10+/pand wild‐type mice lacked the normal correlation between three different measures of social rank. Moreover, a separate study indicated isolation stress induced inconsistent changes in tube test behavior. Taken together, these data suggest future research onGrb10+/pmice should focus on the stability of social behaviors, rather than dominance per se.
Connectivity in coastal systems: Barrier island vegetation influences upland migration in a changing climate
Authors: Zinnert Julie C. , Via Stephen M. , Nettleton Benjamin P. , Tuley Philip A. , Moore Laura J. , Stallins Jon Anthony 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDue to their position at the land–sea interface, barrier islands are vulnerable to both oceanic and atmospheric climate change‐related drivers. In response to relative sea‐level rise, barrier islands tend to migrate landward via overwash processes which deposit sediment onto the backbarrier marsh, thus maintaining elevation above sea level. In this paper, we assess the importance of interior upland vegetation and sediment transport (from upland to marsh) on the movement of the marsh–upland boundary in a transgressive barrier system along the mid‐Atlantic Coast. We hypothesize that recent woody expansion is altering the rate of marsh to upland conversion. Using Landsat imagery over a 32 year time period (1984–2016), we quantify transitions between land cover (bare, grassland, woody vegetation, and marsh) and the marsh–upland boundary. We find that the Virginia Barrier Islands have both gains and losses in backbarrier marsh and upland, with 19% net loss from the system during the timeframe of the study and increased variance in marsh to upland conversion. This is consistent with recent work indicating a shift toward increasing rates of landward barrier island migration. Despite a net loss of upland area, macroclimatic winter warming resulted in 41% increase in woody vegetation in protected, low‐elevation areas, introducing new ecological scenarios that increase resistance to sediment movement from upland to marsh. Our analysis demonstrates how the interplay between elevation and interior island vegetative cover influences landward migration of the boundary between upland and marsh (a previously underappreciated indicator that an island is migrating), and thus, the importance of including ecological processes in the island interior into coastal modeling of barrier island migration and sediment movement across the barrier landscape.
Experimental evidence of gradual size‐dependent shifts in body size and growth of fish in response to warming
Authors: Huss Magnus , Lindmark Max , Jacobson Philip , van Dorst Renee M. , Gårdmark Anna 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA challenge facing ecologists trying to predict responses to climate change is the few recent analogous conditions to use for comparison. For example, negative relationships between ectotherm body size and temperature are common both across natural thermal gradients and in small‐scale experiments. However, it is unknown if short‐term body size responses are representative of long‐term responses. Moreover, to understand population responses to warming, we must recognize that individual responses to temperature may vary over ontogeny. To enable predictions of how climate warming may affect natural populations, we therefore ask how body size and growth may shift in response to increased temperature over life history, and whether short‐ and long‐term growth responses differ. We addressed these questions using a unique setup with multidecadal artificial heating of an enclosed coastal bay in the Baltic Sea and an adjacent reference area (both with unexploited populations), using before‐after control‐impact paired time‐series analyses. We assembled individual growth trajectories of ~13,000 unique individuals of Eurasian perch and found that body growth increased substantially after warming, but the extent depended on body size: Only among small‐bodied perch did growth increase with temperature. Moreover, the strength of this response gradually increased over the 24 year warming period. Our study offers a unique example of how warming can affect fish populations over multiple generations, resulting in gradual changes in body growth, varying as organisms develop. Although increased juvenile growth rates are in line with predictions of the temperature–size rule, the fact that a larger body size at age was maintained over life history contrasts to that same rule. Because the artificially heated area is a contemporary system mimicking a warmer sea, our findings can aid predictions of fish responses to further warming, taking into account that growth responses may vary both over an individual's life history and over time.
Study of the refractory used in a submerged arc furnace in the copper‐making industry
Authors: Pérez Ismael , Moreno‐Ventas Ignacio , Ríos Guillermo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA cost driver in the copper‐making industry is the periodical relining of the furnaces because of wear. This paper presents thermochemical calculations (using the FactSage™ database) focused on the evaluation of the slag‐refractory chemical interaction in a submerged arc furnace (SAF) used for slag‐cleaning operations. This evaluation was made under different conditions: slag‐refractory volume ratio, oxygen partial pressure, and different types of slag. The new phases formed as a consequence of the slag‐refractory chemical interaction were identified and quantified. To support the theoretical calculations based on thermochemistry, a postmortem study was carried out on a SAF used at the Atlantic Copper Smelter (Spain) after a 6‐year campaign (4.5 mill. t. slag processed). Refractory samples were taken from different locations on the wall and analyzed using a scanning electron microscope equipped with an Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy system.
Superfine grinding of Dendrobium officinale: the finer the better?
Authors: Meng Qingran , Chen Feng , Xiao Tiancun , Zhang Lianfu 
Published: April 2019

SummaryIn this study, Dendrobium officinale powders with different particle size were prepared, and the functional components solubility, phenolic compounds contents and antioxidant activities were determined and compared. Results showed that powders with smaller particle size usually showed better physicochemical properties compared with coarse ones; however, finer particles were not necessarily better. The nutritional ingredients solubility, antioxidant components contents and antioxidant activities increased with an initial decrease in particle size and then plateaued, indicating that rational processing can meet its objectives. The obtained results indicated that particle size of ~30 μm was suitable for D. officinale powder processing considering the nutritional ingredients solubilities and the antioxidants contents; while from the point of view of antioxidant activities, ~20 μm could meet the requirements. An understanding of the influences of micronization on physicochemical properties of D. officinale was expected to provide new insights in guiding the development of micronized food powders in practice.
The experiences of patients in using sensory rooms in psychiatric inpatient care
Authors: Hedlund Lindberg Mathilde , Samuelsson Mats , Perseius Kent‐Inge , Björkdahl Anna 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe use of sensory rooms and similar sensory approaches in psychiatric inpatient settings is becoming increasingly common. In sensory rooms, patients can choose different sensory stimulating items that may help regulate distress and enhance well‐being. Outcomes are often measured as effects on patients’ self‐rated distress and rates of seclusion and restraint. The subjective experiences of patients using sensory rooms have been less explored. This paper presents a qualitative study of the experiences of 28 patients who chose to use sensory rooms on seven different types of psychiatric inpatient wards. Data were collected by individual patient interviews and by texts written by patients. A qualitative content analysis resulted in four categories: emotional calm, bodily calm, empowerment, and unexpected effects. A majority of the participants described several positive experiences, such as enhanced well‐being, reduced anxiety, increased self‐management, and enhanced self‐esteem. Our findings align with previous research that has shown similar positive patient experiences, and support the use of sensory rooms as part of person‐centred care.
Latitudinal variation in mycorrhizal diversity associated with a European orchid
Authors: Duffy Karl J. , Waud Michael , Schatz Bertrand , Petanidou Theodora , Jacquemyn Hans 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimBiodiversity is known to be unevenly distributed along latitudinal gradients. While this pattern has been observed for many different organisms, it is unclear whether the distributions of ecologically important belowground mutualists, such as orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF), also vary according to latitude.LocationEurope.TaxonSpiranthes spiralis(L. Chevall) Orchidaceae.MethodsWe sampled 37 populations over a >3,000 km latitudinal gradient of the European orchidSpiranthes spiralisto test whether the diversity and community composition ofOMFare influenced by latitude. For this, we sequenced the broad spectrumITS3/4OFregion to identifyOMFand quantified environmental variables that may influence their occurrence. To assess whether seed germination was affected by suitableOMFin different regions, we performed a reciprocal translocation germination experiment at the northern, central and southern part of its range.ResultsIn total, 75OMFtaxa were associated withS. spiralis, the majority belonging to the Ceratobasidiaceae and Thelephoraceae. Both taxonomic and phylogeneticOMFdiversity decreased with increasing latitude. Three Ceratobasidiaceae taxa were widespread, but the number of sequences of two of these taxa decreased with increasing latitude. Reciprocal translocation germination experiments revealed thatS. spiralisseeds germinated in each region regardless of seed provenance, but germination rates were highest in the southern part of its range where mycorrhizal diversity was highest.Main conclusionsOMFdiversity decreased with increasing latitude, indicating that communities ofOMFmay be shaped by latitudinal gradients. These results highlight the need to understand the factors that determine the distribution of belowground mutualists, which are essential to predict how plant distributions will shift under future environmental change.