bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dielectric and ferroelectric properties of lanthanum‐modified lead zirconate stannate titanate (42/40/18) ceramics
Authors: Chen Xuefeng , Dong Xianlin , Wang Genshui , Cao Fei , Hu Fanting , Zhang Hongling 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe effect of lanthanum (La) content on the phase transformation of Pb1−3x/2Lax(Zr0.42Sn0.40Ti0.18)O3 (PLZST 100x/42/40/18, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.06) ceramics was investigated by the dielectric and ferroelectric properties. The base composition PLZST 0/42/40/18 located in the ferroelectric (FE) rhombohedral phase region. As x increased, the compositions showed successively FE and antiferroelectric (AFE) state at room temperature, and their peak temperatures (Tmax) decreased gradually in line as Tmax = 162.21‐1507x. Evidence was presented that there were two dielectric anomalies in PLZST 2/42/40/18, which were corresponding to the FE‐AFE and AFE‐paraelectric (PE) phase transformations, respectively. With increasing the dc bias fields, the two phases merged into one. PLZST 3/42/40/18 showed AFE characteristics with the first loop outside of the second loop and there was only one dielectric inflection. The critical lanthanum content occurred at x = 0.03 from the dielectric temperature spectra and hysteresis loops. Furthermore increase in La above 0.03, these compositions showed typical antiferroelectric behaviors with double hysteresis loops. The stored energy properties of the three compositions (PLZST 4/42/40/18, 5/42/40/18 and 6/42/40/18) displayed different temperature dependencies from room temperature to 140°C (over their respective Tmax). Comparing the above results with previous investigations on PLZSTs, some questions were discussed.
Grass diversification in Madagascar: In situ radiation of two large C3 shade clades and support for a Miocene to Pliocene origin of C4 grassy biomes
Authors: Hackel Jan , Vorontsova Maria S. , Nanjarisoa Olinirina P. , Hall Russell C. , Razanatsoa Jacqueline , Malakasi Panagiota , Besnard Guillaume 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimGrasses (Poaceae) are found in all major habitats of Madagascar and have a particular importance in C4 grasslands, whose origins are controversial. We aimed to estimate the number, age and origins of endemic grass lineages in the Madagascar region, and to compare the diversification of C3 and C4 taxa.LocationMadagascar and the surrounding Indian Ocean islands, integrated within a global dataset.MethodsWe estimated 11 time‐calibrated molecular phylogenies including 73% of Madagascar's known grass flora (65% of endemics), using two calibration scenarios. Integrating the available sequences from worldwide grass species, a total of 1928 accessions were analysed. We tested range evolution models, estimated ancestral ranges, and compared the patterns of lineage accumulation between endemic C3 and C4 grasses.ResultsWe recovered 69 lineages endemic to or with an estimated origin in the Madagascar region, 25 of them C3 and 44 C4. Range evolution analysis suggests widespread distance‐scaling of dispersal and strongest historical links to Africa. Extant grass diversity largely accumulated since the Miocene, with parallel increases in C3 and C4 taxa. Two large C3 groups in the “Forest shade clade” (Paniceae: Boivinellinae) and the bamboos (subtribe Hickeliinae) have an estimated origin in the Madagascar region. Divergences and crown ages of endemic C4 lineages largely coincide with the Miocene grassland expansion.Main conclusionsMadagascar's extant grass flora is the result of multiple overseas dispersals, predominantly from Africa, and diversified from the Miocene onwards. C3 grasses are characterized by two large presumed in situ radiations of shade grasses in the Paniceae and bamboos. Endemic C4 lineages result from twice as many immigration events, resulting in smaller clades. Ages of C4 lineages are consistent with a Pliocene or Late Miocene origin of grasslands in Madagascar, but estimating the nature and expanse of such early grasslands will require further research.
Hypertension in a resource‐limited setting: Is it associated with end organ damage in older adults in rural Tanzania?
Authors: Putnam Harry W. I. , Jones Rebecca , Rogathi Jane , Gray William K. , Swai Bernadetha , Dewhurst Matthew , Dewhurst Felicity , Walker Richard W. 
Published: February 2018

Few data from sub‐Saharan Africa exist on the effects of hypertension on the organs of the human body. We aimed to establish the prevalence of hypertensive end organ damage (EOD) in an elderly cohort of Tanzanians. The population aged 70 years and over of 2 villages in northern Tanzania (n = 246), had blood pressure (BP) data available from 2010 and 2013, and underwent in‐depth follow‐up for markers of hypertensive EOD in 2016. Assessment included ankle‐brachial pressure index, lying‐standing BP, electrocardiogram, and mid‐stream urine dip. Sustained hypertension (those with hypertension at all 3 assessments) was found in 129 (52.4% subjects). Of the entire cohort, 13.9% had left ventricular hypertrophy and 26.4% had peripheral arterial disease, both of which were associated with sustained hypertension, although orthostatic hypotension, stroke, proteinuria, and arterial stiffening were not. Further investigation, particularly in younger age groups, is merited if hypertension‐associated morbidity is to be controlled.
Asymmetric dimethylarginine levels are associated with augmentation index across naïve untreated patients with different hypertension phenotypes
Authors: Gkaliagkousi Eugenia , Gavriilaki Eleni , Triantafyllou Areti , Nikolaidou Barbara , Anyfanti Panagiota , Koletsos Nikolaos , Vamvakis Anastasios , Dipla Konstantina , Lazaridis Antonios , Douma Stella 
Published: February 2018

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a robust marker of endothelial dysfunction in patients with essential hypertension. We investigated ADMA levels and their association with vascular damage in untreated hypertension. We enrolled consecutive patients with untreated, recently diagnosed hypertension and age‐matched normotensive individuals. 24‐hour blood pressure, central hemodynamics, and arterial stiffness were recorded. A total of 311 individuals were studied: 165 with essential hypertension, 50 with masked hypertension, 25 with white‐coat hypertension, and 71 normotensive individuals. ADMA levels significantly correlated with aortic augmentation index (AIx75) (r = .156, P = .006), aortic pulse pressure (r = .153, P = .007) and marginally with carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (r = .110, P = .051), as well as with diastolic office BP. In the multivariate model, aortic AIx75 and age were the only statistically significant predictors of ADMA. This is the largest study to document an independent association between ADMA and aortic AIx75 but not with other indices of arterial stiffness.
Let them eat termites—prey‐baiting provides effective control of Argentine ants, Linepithema humile, in a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Buczkowski G. , Mothapo N. P. , Wossler T. C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractInvasive ants threaten biodiversity, ecosystem services and agricultural systems. This study evaluated a prey‐baiting approach for managing Argentine ants in natural habitat invaded by Argentine ants. Blackmound termites (Amitermes hastatus) were topically exposed to fipronil and presented to Argentine ants (Linepithema humile). In laboratory assays, L. humile colonies were offered fipronil‐treated termites within experimental arenas. The termites were readily consumed, and results demonstrate that a single termite topically treated with 590 ng fipronil is capable of killing at least 500 L. humile workers in 4 days. Field studies were conducted in natural areas invaded by L. humile. Fipronil‐treated termites scattered within experimental plots provided rapid control of L. humile and ant densities throughout the treated plots declined by 98 ± 5% within 21 days. Results demonstrate that the prey‐baiting approach is highly effective against L. humile and may offer an effective alternative to traditional bait treatments. Furthermore, prey‐baiting offers environmental benefits by delivering substantially less toxicant to the environment relative to current control methods which rely on commercial bait formulations and may offer greater target specificity.
Impact of nonintrusive clinical decision support systems on laboratory test utilization in a large academic centre
Authors: Eaton Kevin P. , Chida Natasha , Apfel Ariella , Feldman Leonard , Greenbaum Adena , Tuddenham Susan , Kendall Emily A. , Pahwa Amit 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe near‐universal prevalence of electronic health records (EHRs) has made the utilization of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) an integral strategy for improving the value of laboratory ordering. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of nonintrusive CDSS on inpatient laboratory utilization in large academic centres.MethodsRed blood cell folate, hepatitis C virus viral loads and genotypes, and type and screens were selected for study. We incorporated the appropriate indications for these labs into text that accompanied the laboratory orders in our hospital's EHR. Providers could proceed with the order without additional clicks. An interrupted time‐series analysis was performed, and the primary outcome was the rate of tests ordered on all inpatient medicine floors.ResultsThe rate of folate tests ordered per monthly admissions showed no significant level change at the time of the intervention with only a slight decrease in rate of 0.0109 (P = .07). There was a 43% decrease in the rate of hepatitis C virus tests per monthly admissions immediately after the intervention with a decrease of 0.0135 tests per monthly admissions (P = .02). The rate of type and screens orders per patient days each month had a significant downward trend by 0.114 before the intervention (P = .04) but no significant level change at the time of the intervention or significant change in rate after the intervention.DiscussionOur study suggests that nonintrusive CDSS should be evaluated for individual laboratory tests to ensure only effective alerts continue to be used so as to avoid increasing EHR fatigue.
Contamination sources, biofilm‐forming ability and biocide resistance of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and non‐O157 isolated from tilapia‐processing facilities
Authors: Vázquez‐Sánchez Daniel , Antunes Galvão Juliana , Oetterer Marília 
Published: February 2018

AbstractContamination sources, biofilm‐forming ability and biocide resistance of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and non‐O157 from two tilapia‐processing plants were assessed. The application of unsuitable handling and sanitizing procedures caused a wide contamination by thermotolerant coliforms in Factories A (51.2% of points) and B (66.7%), exceeding the legal limits for frozen tilapia fillets. E. coli was also detected in both factories, but at low concentrations. RAPD‐PCR using primers DAF4, GEN15001, and M13 characterized seven E. coli strains. Biofilm‐forming ability of stx2d‐carriers and E. coli O157:H7 strains (E3, E4, E5, E6, E7) was higher than nonvirulent strains (E2, E8). Biofilm formation was correlated with the type of origin surface (abiotic or biotic) and with the presence of fliC H7. Biofilms resisted doses of peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite higher than those recommended by manufacturers. E. coli was more susceptible to peracetic acid than sodium hypochlorite, but their similar mechanisms of action could increase the risk of crossresistance.Practical applicationsCase‐by‐case approaches are recommended to determine the sources and degree of contamination present in food‐processing facilities, which would allow applying precise responses that avoid, or at least reduce, the persistence of bacterial pathogens and the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Data obtained in this study showed that current strategies to control thermotolerant coliforms and E. coli in tilapia‐processing facilities are ineffective and the application of sublethal doses have allowed the emergence of antimicrobial resistant strains. Therefore, novel working‐safe, environmentally friendly and cost‐effective biocides, and the development of innovative sanitizing procedures are required to control biofilms formed by bacterial pathogens in food‐processing environments.
Survival of male‐specific coliphage (MS2) as a surrogate for enteric viruses in the production process of traditional ice cream
Authors: Ghadirzad Sheila , Yavarmanesh Masoud , Habibi Najafi Mohammad B. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate the survival of coliphage MS2 as a surrogate for enteric viruses under different process conditions in the production of traditional ice cream. The results showed that heat treatment (73 °C, 10 min) decreased the recovery of coliphage MS2 to 1.33, 1.11, and 0.97 log10 (pfu/ml) in nonfrozen ice cream samples with 15%, 10%, and 5% fat, respectively. Also the homogenization process (22,000 rpm in 1 min) decreased the recovery of coliphage MS2 in nonfrozen ice cream samples with 15%, 10%, and 5% fat, to 2.33, 2.20, and 2.10 log10 (pfu/ml), respectively. All data in frozen ice cream samples was less than that of nonfrozen. Pasteurization along with homogenization decreased the recovery of MS2 coliphage to 0.85 and 0.66 (pfu/ml) in nonfrozen and frozen ice cream samples, respectively. However, these processes cannot totally eliminate all of the MS2 coliphages. During the storage time (6 weeks), ice cream samples showed the lowest recovery of coliphage MS2 in the sixth week, and highest recovery of coliphage MS2 on the first day. It was then concluded that pasteurization along with homogenization has the most marked effect on the elimination of coliphage MS2 in frozen ice cream.Practical applicationsEnteric viruses have been reported among outbreaks in which a pasteurized dairy product, such as pasteurized milk, yogurt, and cheese, was involved. Since enteric viruses cause acute diseases and are of major public health concern, together with the fact that overall global dairy production and consumption have increased, a more comprehensive analysis of dairy products with a risk of contamination with enteric viruses seems essential. Ice cream is a dairy product for which there is considerable demand in the dairy market. However, there has been a paucity of research on the survival of enteric viruses in ice cream. Therefore, we performed the current study to understand the effects of different treatments on the survival of enteric viruses in traditional ice‐cream.
Randomised clinical trial of patient satisfaction with traditional and simplified complete dentures
Authors: Lira‐Oetiker M. , Seguel‐Galdames F. , Quero‐Vallejos I. , Uribe S. E. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryTo clinically evaluate the patient satisfaction and associated costs of dentures made using a simplified procedure that eliminates assembly on the articulator and dentures made with the conventional technique. Single‐blind randomised clinical trial. Forty edentulous patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. One group received dentures made using the conventional method (CG), and the other using a simplified technique (SG) that omits the use of functional impressions (with modelling compound andZOEimpression paste) and an articulator to assemble the models. Overall patient satisfaction was assessed at 3 and 6 months by means of a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The comparisons were made using a repeated measuresANOVA(P = .05). No significant differences were found in terms of the satisfaction stated by the patients or the quality of the prosthesis evaluated by a professional among the dentures made using the traditional (n = 17) and simplified (n = 21) techniques. The rehabilitation of an edentulous patient with a simplified technique for the preparation of a total prosthesis is a feasible, more economical alternative and accepted by most patients.
Topical application of glycyrrhetinic acid in the gingival sulcus inhibits attachment loss in lipopolysaccharide‐induced experimental periodontitis in rats
Authors: Takamori A. , Yoshinaga Y. , Ukai T. , Nakamura H. , Takamori Y. , Izumi S. , Shiraishi C. , Hara Y. 
Published: February 2018

Background and ObjectiveAttachment loss of the junctional epithelium and alveolar bone destruction are signs of periodontitis, which is mainly caused by an inflammatory response to dental plaque. Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), a component of the licorice herb, has been shown to have important anti‐inflammatory activities; however, there are no previous reports on the ability of its inhibitory effects to prevent periodontal diseases. Hence, in this study, using our experimental periodontitis model, we attempted to evaluate whether GA had an effect on the prevention of attachment loss and alveolar bone loss.Material and MethodsRats were intraperitoneally immunized with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The LPS group (n = 5) received 3 topical applications of 50 μg/μL of LPS followed by one application of the vehicle (propylene glycol:ethyl alcohol:phosphate‐buffered saline [PBS] = 8:1:1) into the gingival sulcus. This protocol was repeated twice per day for 10 days. The low (n = 5) and high (n = 5) groups received topical application of LPS and 0.03% or 0.3% GA, respectively. The control group received topical application of PBS and vehicle. The rats were killed on the 10th day. Attachment loss, alveolar bone level and inflammatory cell infiltration were investigated histometrically. The formation of immune complexes and infiltration of LPS were evaluated immunohistologically.ResultsAttachment loss, formation of immune complexes and infiltration of inflammatory cells were increased in the LPS group compared with the control group, and were completely inhibited in the low and high groups compared with the LPS group. The LPS group showed greater alveolar bone destruction compared with the control group and GA‐treated groups. In addition, invasion of LPS was detected in the LPS group, was absent in the control group and was weaker in the GA‐treated groups than in the LPS group.ConclusionIn the present study, we showed that GA inhibits periodontal destruction in the rat experimental periodontitis model.
Degradation pattern of a porcine collagen membrane in an in vivo model of guided bone regeneration
Authors: Calciolari E. , Ravanetti F. , Strange A. , Mardas N. , Bozec L. , Cacchioli A. , Kostomitsopoulos N. , Donos N. 
Published: February 2018

Background and ObjectiveAlthough collagen membranes have been clinically applied for guided tissue/bone regeneration for more than 30 years, their in vivo degradation pattern has never been fully clarified. A better understanding of the different stages of in vivo degradation of collagen membranes is extremely important, considering that the biology of bone regeneration requires the presence of a stable and cell/tissue‐occlusive barrier during the healing stages in order to ensure a predictable result. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the degradation pattern of a porcine non‐cross‐linked collagen membrane in an in vivo model of guided bone regeneration (GBR).Material and MethodsDecalcified and paraffin‐embedded specimens from calvarial defects of 18, 10‐month‐old Wistar rats were used. The defects were treated with a double layer of collagen membrane and a deproteinized bovine bone mineral particulate graft. At 7, 14 and 30 days of healing, qualitative evaluation with scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, and histomorphometric measurements were performed. Markers of collagenase activity and bone formation were investigated using an immunofluorescence technique.ResultsA significant reduction of membrane thickness was observed from 7 to 30 days of healing, which was associated with progressive loss of collagen alignment, increased collagen remodeling and progressive invasion of woven bone inside the membranes. A limited inflammatory infiltrate was observed at all time points of healing.ConclusionThe collagen membrane investigated was biocompatible and able to promote bone regeneration. However, pronounced signs of degradation were observed starting from day 30. Since successful regeneration is obtained only when cell occlusion and space maintenance exist for the healing time needed by the bone progenitor cells to repopulate the defect, the suitability of collagen membranes in cases where long‐lasting barriers are needed needs to be further reviewed.
Importance of the canopy in determining on‐going regeneration and stand successional development in lodgepole pine forests
Authors: Gendreau‐Berthiaume Benoit , Macdonald S. Ellen , Stadt Jacob John 
Published: February 2018

AbstractQuestionWhat are the processes driving regeneration and successional pathways inPinus contortasubsp.latifoliaDouglas ex Loudon forests?LocationCanadian Rockies, Alberta, Canada.MethodsWe used five 1‐ha long‐term permanent plots, dendrochronological stand reconstruction and detailed spatial analysis of stem‐mapped data.ResultsEstablishment of shade‐intolerant species mainly occurred within 20 years post‐fire but important later recruitment of these species was observed in the drier plots, primarily in gaps in stands that had more open canopies. Shade‐tolerant species established quickly following fires on moister sites but, despite apparent seed source availability after the stand‐initiating fire, their establishment was delayed in the drier sites, most likely due to moisture limitations. Shade‐tolerant regeneration was clustered around shade‐tolerant trees that had established immediately post‐disturbance; this suggests the latter served as seed sources and perhaps created favourable microsites for establishment.ConclusionCompetition for light, dispersal limitation and moisture limitations were all processes influencing regeneration and successional pathways in theseP. contortastands. Although initial studies in these stands had suggested some of the stands could potentially be self‐perpetuatingP. contortaforests, our results suggest that all plots studied will likely transition towards dominance of shade‐tolerant species. However the rate of this transition will likely be slower in the drier sites compared to the moister sites since the density of shade‐tolerant regeneration was much lower in these sites and took longer to establish (ca. 70–90 years) post‐disturbance.