bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The presence of fragmented QRS may predict the recurrence of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation after successful electrical cardioversion
Authors: Eren Hayati , Kaya Ülker , Öcal Lütfi , Şenbaş Ahmet , Kalçık Macit 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectiveAtrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac rhythm disorder, affects approximately 2% of the general population and is associated with increased risk of stroke and mortality as well as reduced exercise capacity and quality of life. After restoring normal sinus rhythm, a portion of these patients develops recurrent AF despite optimal medical treatment. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between the presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS) and AF recurrence following successful electrical cardioversion (ECV).Material and MethodsA total of 306 patients with nonvalvular persistent AF achieving restoration of the sinus rhythm after successful ECV were included in this study. After ECV, patients were monitored at least 6 months for recurrence. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of fQRS and compared for AF recurrence during follow‐up.ResultsPatients were followed up for a mean time of 220 ± 113 days. AF recurred in 119 patients, corresponding to a recurrence rate of 38.8%. AF recurrence was found to be significantly increased in patients with fQRS as compared to those without fQRS (76.4% vs. 23.5%, p < .001). Furthermore, the presence of fQRS was higher in patients with recurrent AF as compared to others (57.1% vs. 11.2%, p < .001). In multiple regression analyses, the presence of fQRS was one of the independent predictors of AF recurrence (hazard ratio: 9.670, 95% CI: 4.714–19.837, p < .001).ConclusionThe presence of fQRS may be associated with the recurrence of AF after successful ECV in persistent nonvalvular AF patients.
Diffusion tensor imaging is associated with motor outcomes of very preterm born children at 11 years of age
Authors: Lahti Katri , Saunavaara Virva , Munck Petriina , Uusitalo Karoliina , Koivisto Mari , Parkkola Riitta , Haataja Leena ,   the PIPARI Study Group
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimVery preterm children born <32 weeks of gestation are at risk for motor difficulties such as cerebral palsy and developmental coordination disorder. This study explores the association between diffusion tensor imaging metrics at term and motor outcomes at 11 years of age.MethodsA cohort of 37 very preterm infants (mean gestational age 29 4/7, SD 2 0/7) born in 2004‐2006 in Turku University Hospital underwent diffusion tensor imaging at term. A region of interest analysis of fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity was performed. Motor outcomes at 11 years of age were measured with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children – Second Edition.ResultsThe diffusion metrics of the corpus callosum (genu P = .005, splenium P = .049), the left corona radiata (P = .035) and the right optic radiation (P = .017) were related to later motor performance. Mean diffusivity decreased and fractional anisotropy increased in proportion to the improving performance.ConclusionThe diffusion metrics of the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum, the left corona radiata and the right optic radiation at term were associated with motor skills at 11 years of age. Diffusion tensor imaging should be further studied as a potential tool in recognising children at risk for motor impairment.
Systematic review with network meta‐analysis: endoscopic techniques for dysplasia surveillance in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Iannone Andrea , Ruospo Marinella , Palmer Suetonia C. , Principi Mariabeatrice , Barone Michele , Di Leo Alfredo , Strippoli Giovanni F. M. 
Published: September 2019

SummaryBackgroundInternational guidelines recommend dysplasia surveillance in IBD.AimTo compare endoscopic techniques for dysplasia surveillanceMethodsWe searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL for randomised trials through May 2019. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) for binary and mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes, using frequentist random‐effects network meta‐analysis. We assessed study risk of bias and appraised evidence certainty using GRADE.ResultsEighteen trials (2638 participants) were included. Standard definition white‐light endoscopy (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26‐0.73; high certainty) and i‐SCAN (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.25‐0.90; moderate certainty) had lower odds of detecting neoplasia than chromoendoscopy. Fujinon intelligent colour enhancement (FICE), standard definition white‐light endoscopy and i‐SCAN had lower odds for this outcome than full spectrum high definition white‐light endoscopy (ORs 0.02 to 0.15; low certainty). Standard definition white‐light endoscopy had lower odds of detecting nonpolypoid neoplasia than full spectrum high definition white‐light endoscopy, narrow band imaging, chromoendoscopy and high definition white‐light endoscopy (ORs 0.01‐0.14; moderate certainty). Full spectrum high definition white‐light endoscopy ranked as the best technique for both outcomes (moderate certainty). Standard definition white‐light endoscopy had lower odds of detecting neoplasia by target biopsy (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.08‐0.91) and had shorter procedure time (MD −14.81 minutes, 95% CI −25.03, −4.06) than chromoendoscopy (moderate certainty).ConclusionsChromoendoscopy, high definition white‐light endoscopy, narrow band imaging, autofluorescence, FICE and full spectrum high definition white‐light endoscopy may be comparable for dysplasia surveillance. Standard definition white‐light endoscopy and i‐SCAN probably provide lower yields for neoplasia identification. Full spectrum high definition white‐light endoscopy may represent the first‐line approach.
Evaluation of effects of the dry‐heat‐processed sweet potato waste as broiler feed
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Zhang Yukun , Ijiri Daichi , Ohtsuka Akira 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis study was conducted to examine the effects of feeding dry‐processed sweet potato waste on the growth of broilers. Sweet potato waste was air‐dried (A‐SPW) or heat‐dried (D‐SPW). Twenty‐four 14‐d‐old chicks were assigned to the following groups (14–28 days): control, fed a corn‐soybean meal‐based diet; A‐SPW, fed the basal diet with 55% of the corn replaced with A‐SPW meal; D‐SPW, fed the basal diet with 50% of the corn replaced with D‐SPW meal. The feed conversion ratio (feed/gain) of the D‐SPW group was greater than that of the A‐SPW group. The relative weight of abdominal fat and the muscle lipid content of the D‐SPW group were increased compared with those of the A‐SPW group. The metabolizabilities of crude protein and gross energy of the D‐SPW group were increased compared with those of the A‐SPW group. The plasma α‐tocopherol concentrations of the A‐SPW and D‐SPW groups were greater than that of the control group. Plasma malondialdehyde was decreased in the A‐SPW and D‐SPW groups, and muscle malondialdehyde was decreased in the D‐SPW group, compared with the control group. Our results demonstrate that dry‐heat processing improves the nutrient metabolizability of sweet potato waste and makes it into available feed for broilers.
New optimization method based on energy management in microgrids based on energy storage systems and combined heat and power
Authors: Zeng Xiangyu , Berti Stephen 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMicrogrids can be assumed as a solution model for green energy sources, energy storage systems, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. In this work, the cost and emission minimization based on a demand response (DR) program is considered an optimization problem. To solve the mentioned problem a new multiobjective optimization algorithm (improved particle swarm optimization) is proposed based on a fuzzy mechanism to select the optimal value. The microgrid system includes two CHP units, fuel cell and battery systems, and the heat buffer tank. In this problem, two different feasible operating regions have been assumed in CHPs. Accordingly, to decrease the operational cost, time‐of‐use, and real‐time pricing DR programs have been simulated, and the impacts of the mentioned models are evaluated overload profiles. The effectiveness of proposed models has been applied on different cases studies by different scenarios. The proposed model solved the DR program, time of use‐DR and real‐time pricing‐DR problems. The proposed model could reduce the cost about 10%.
A lower left atrial appendage peak emptying velocity in the acute phase of cryptogenic stroke predicts atrial fibrillation occurrence during follow‐up
Authors: Farinha José Maria , Parreira Leonor , Marinheiro Rita , Fonseca Marta , Mesquita Dinis , Gonçalves Sara , Miranda Carla , Silvestre Isabel , Caria Rui 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundSilent atrial fibrillation is a frequent etiology of cryptogenic stroke. Spontaneous conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm results in atrial stunning.ObjectiveTo evaluate if the presence of a lower left atrial appendage peak emptying velocity (LAAV) after a cryptogenic stroke is associated with the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsWe retrospectively selected consecutive patients with an acute ischemic stroke that had a transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) performed in the first 30 days of the acute event. Documented AF or potential cardioembolic sources in the TEE were considered exclusion criteria. We assessed the LAAV. During follow‐up, we evaluated the occurrence of new‐onset AF and the combined endpoint of death or new ischemic stroke.ResultsWe studied 73 consecutive patients, during a mean follow‐up period of 54.9 ± 19.3 months. Seven developed AF, and 13 had the combined endpoint. LAAV was independently associated with AF occurrence (HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88–0.99; P = .016). Patients with a LAAV ≤ 46.5 cm/s (AUC: 0.766, 95% CI: 0.579–0.954; P = .021) had a lower survival rate free from AF occurrence (Log‐rank, P < .001) and free from the combined endpoint of death or ischemic stroke (Log‐rank, P = .010).ConclusionA lower LAAV was associated with AF occurrence and the combined endpoint of death or ischemic stroke after an initial episode of cryptogenic stroke. Patients with this finding could eventually benefit from long‐term cardiac rhythm monitoring.
Lack of prey switching and strong preference for mosquito prey by a temporary pond specialist predator
Authors: Cuthbert Ross N. , Dalu Tatenda , Wasserman Ryan J. , Weyl Olaf L. F. , Froneman P. William , Callaghan Amanda , Dick Jaimie T. A. 
Published: September 2019

1. The strengths of trophic interactions within ecosystems can be mediated by complex mechanisms that require elucidation if researchers are to understand and predict population‐ and community‐level stabilities. Where multiple prey types co‐occur, prey switching (i.e. frequency‐dependent predation) by predators may facilitate low‐density prey refuge effects which promote coexistence. On the other hand, lack of switching and strong preferences by predators can strongly suppress prey populations, which is especially important considering vector species such as mosquitoes.2. The present study quantifies prey switching and preference patterns of the temporary pond specialist copepod Lovenula raynerae towards larvae of the medically important Culex pipiens mosquito complex in the presence of different proportions of alternative Daphnia pulex prey. Further, it examines whether prey switching and preferences are contingent on the sex of the predator.3. Lovenula raynerae exhibited a lack of prey switching and strong preference for larval mosquito prey overall, irrespective of predator sex. Also, when larval mosquitoes were available in higher proportions over daphniids, the strength of this positive selectivity increased. There was very little low‐density refuge for mosquitoes where they were rare.4. Lack of prey switching and strong preferences towards mosquitoes by predatory paradiaptomid copepods may enhance population‐level regulation of disease vector mosquitoes that exploit temporary pond‐style habitats. Accordingly, the conservation and promotion of these predators might enable better management of medically important species across landscapes.
A national surveillance study of childhood epilepsy mortality in the UK and Ireland
Authors: Abdel‐Mannan O. , Sutcliffe A. G. 
Published: September 2019

Background and purposePatients with epilepsy are significantly more likely to die prematurely than the general population, with causes ranging from associated comorbidities to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The aim was to estimate the UK and Ireland incidence of childhood epilepsy deaths and to describe case demographics and clinical characteristics.MethodsThis was a prospective, population‐based surveillance study using established active surveillance methodology designed by the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit.ResultsEighty‐eight confirmed cases were reported with an overall annual incidence of 0.65 per 100 000 children aged <16 years (95% confidence interval 0.52–0.81). More cases were male (65%) and cases fell across all age groups, with more deaths reported in older children. Twenty‐five per cent of deaths were epilepsy‐related (including SUDEP); 75% of deaths were non‐epilepsy‐related. SUDEP was the most common cause of seizure‐related deaths, accounting for 13 out of 17 children (76%). An underlying epilepsy syndrome was present in 36% of deaths, and 88% had global developmental delay. In addition, 90% of the children had comorbid conditions in addition to epilepsy.ConclusionsIn this study, it has been demonstrated that death in children diagnosed with epilepsy occurs mainly in ‘complicated epilepsy’ secondary to factors associated with neurodisability, consolidating previous data. SUDEP is also a significant cause of paediatric epilepsy mortality that needs further attention. There is a clear need to better understand and reduce the number of epilepsy deaths in children in the UK, and national surveillance of SUDEP is warranted to better understand this entity in paediatric populations.
Winter monsoon promotes the transport of Japanese temperate bass Lateolabrax japonicus eggs and larvae toward the innermost part of Tango Bay, the Sea of Japan
Authors: Suzuki Keita W. , Fuji Taiki , Kasai Akihide , Itoh Sachihiko , Kimura Shingo , Yamashita Yoh 
Published: September 2019

AbstractNorthwesterly cold winds characteristic of the East Asian Winter Monsoon (EAWM) dictate winter climatic conditions over the Japanese Archipelago. Japanese temperate bass Lateolabrax japonicus is a commercially important coastal fish that spawns offshore in winter and uses shallow waters as nursery habitats. To investigate the effects of EAWM on the planktonic period of L. japonicus, eggs, larvae, and juveniles were quantitatively collected in Tango Bay on the Sea of Japan side in winter and spring from 2007 to 2017. Although eggs occurred close to the mouth of the bay, planktonic larvae occurred further inside as they developed. The horizontal distribution of planktonic larvae, combined with water velocity data obtained from mooring observations, indicated that planktonic larvae are transported south‐ to westward through Ekman current and an anticyclonic circulation, which are driven by northwesterly winds. To evaluate survival during the planktonic period in each year class, the abundance of benthic larvae/juveniles was divided by winter total landings of Lateolabrax spp. (proxy of the spawning stock size). This survival index exhibited a positive correlation with the northwesterly component of winter winds, and a negative correlation with winter air temperature (average from December to February, Spearman's correlation, p < .05). There was, however, no significant correlation with winter water temperature or winter freshwater discharge in the bay. We conclude that northwesterly cold winds of EAWM play a critical role in transporting L. japonicus eggs and larvae toward nursery habitats, specifically beaches and estuaries fringing the innermost part of Tango Bay.
Effects of climate warming on Sphagnum photosynthesis in peatlands depend on peat moisture and species‐specific anatomical traits
Authors: Jassey Vincent E. J. , Signarbieux Constant 
Published: September 2019

AbstractClimate change will influence plant photosynthesis by altering patterns of temperature and precipitation, including their variability and seasonality. Both effects may be important for peatlands as the carbon (C) sink potential of these ecosystems depends on the balance between plant C uptake through photosynthesis and microbial decomposition. Here, we show that the effect of climate warming on Sphagnum community photosynthesis toggles from positive to negative as the peatland goes from rainy to dry periods during summer. More particularly, we show that mechanisms of compensation among the dominant Sphagnum species (Sphagnum fallax and Sphagnum medium) stabilize the average photosynthesis and productivity of the Sphagnum community during summer despite rising temperatures and frequent droughts. While warming had a negligible effect on S. medium photosynthetic capacity (Amax) during rainy periods, Amax of S. fallax increased by 40%. On the opposite, warming exacerbated the negative effects of droughts on S. fallax with an even sharper decrease of its Amax while S. medium Amax remained unchanged. S. medium showed a remarkable resistance to droughts due to anatomical traits favouring its water holding capacity. Our results show that different phenotypic plasticity among dominant Sphagnum species allow the community to cope with rising temperatures and repeated droughts, maintaining similar photosynthesis and productivity over summer in warmed and control conditions. These results are important because they provide information on how soil water content may modulate the effects of climate warming on Sphagnum productivity in boreal peatlands. It further confirms the transitory nature of warming‐induced photosynthesis benefits in boreal systems and highlights the vulnerability of the ecosystem to excess warming and drying.
Sustainable intensification of crop residue exploitation for bioenergy: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Mouratiadou Ioanna , Stella Tommaso , Gaiser Thomas , Wicke Birka , Nendel Claas , Ewert Frank , van der Hilst Floor 
Published: September 2019

AbstractCrop residue exploitation for bioenergy can play an important role in climate change mitigation without jeopardizing food security, but it may be constrained by impacts on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, and market, logistic and conversion challenges. We explore opportunities to increase bioenergy potentials from residues while reducing environmental impacts, in line with sustainable intensification. Using the case study of North Rhine‐Westphalia in Germany, we employ a spatiotemporally explicit approach combined with stakeholder interviews. First, the interviews identify agronomic and environmental impacts due to the potential reduction in SOC as the most critical challenge associated with enhanced crop residue exploitation. Market and technological challenges and competition with other residue uses are also identified as significant barriers. Second, with the use of agroecosystem modelling and estimations of bioenergy potentials and greenhouse gas emissions till mid‐century, we evaluate the ability of agricultural management to tackle the identified agronomic and environmental challenges. Integrated site‐specific management based on (a) humus balancing, (b) optimized fertilization and (c) winter soil cover performs better than our reference scenario with respect to all investigated variables. At the regional level, we estimate (a) a 5% increase in technical residue potentials and displaced emissions from substituting fossil fuels by bioethanol, (b) an 8% decrease in SOC losses and associated emissions, (c) an 18% decrease in nitrous oxide emissions, (d) a 37% decrease in mineral fertilizer requirements and emissions from their production and (e) a 16% decrease in nitrate leaching. Results are spatially variable and, despite improvements induced by management, limited amounts of crop residues are exploitable for bioenergy in areas prone to SOC decline. In order to sustainably intensify crop residue exploitation for bioenergy and reconcile climate change mitigation with other sustainability objectives, such as those on soil and water quality, residue management needs to be designed in an integrated and site‐specific manner.
The digital economy and the future of European welfare states
Authors: Greve Bent 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAs a consequence of new technology, labour markets are changing. This article’s central aim is to discuss variations among welfare states in Europe to adjust to changing labour markets. These variations in adjustment suggest that some welfare states are more prepared than others, including their capacity to ensure their sustainable financing. In the years to come, the predicted impact of technological development on labour markets will be huge. Impacts will include stronger “dualization” and new cleavages between “insiders” and “outsiders”. Fewer industrial jobs are to be expected, and service‐sector employment faces a risk of decline due to automation. While the creation of new jobs is likely, it remains to be seen whether these will replace the number of jobs destroyed, leaving the risk that many people whose skills become obsolete will become unemployed in the short as well as the longer term. Furthermore, even if the same number of jobs are eventually created, there will be a period of transition. In the light of this, welfare states will be challenged, not only in how they can finance their activities but also in terms of the threat posed to social cohesion by emerging labour market “winners” and “losers”, with an accompanying higher risk of increasing inequality. The article offers suggestions as to how welfare states may cope with the changes related to the financing of welfare states, and how active labour market policy can be part of the response to help alleviate the expected dramatic changes. Also required is a discussion on the annual average number of hours people will work and how this might be a factor in lower future levels of unemployment.
The mechanical roles of the clasping leaf sheath in cereals: Two case studies from oat and wheat plants
Authors: Wu Wei , Ma Bao–Luo 
Published: September 2019

AbstractStem lodging is a common problem in cereal crop production and a main constraint for grain yield improvement. The leaf sheath that surrounds and protects the hollow internodes of stem could provide the plants with a great physical support. However, this biomechanical function has been ignored for several decades in cereal crops. This study aimed to examine the biomechanical properties of basal stem internodes and lodging susceptibility of the whole plants with or without the clasping leaf sheath in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.) among different genotypes and agronomic practices (including planting densities and nitrogen application rates). The main objective was to quantify the mechanical role of the leaf sheath in oat and wheat crops by a “safety factor” method. On average, the leaf sheath contributed 40%, 68% and 38% of the overall stem bending strength, flexural rigidity and safety factor, in oat, while it accounted for 11%, 24% and 10%, respectively, in wheat plants. The significant contribution of the leaf sheath is due to its vital role in enlarging the peripheral position (i.e., second moment of area) and stiffness (i.e., Young's modulus). The contribution ratios (%) were found to be higher in oat than in wheat plants, due to the greater mass density of leaf sheath and more proficient/prevailing stay‐green capability in oat genotypes. This study emphasizes the important mechanical role of clasping leaf sheath on stem internodes of cereals and indicates that the stay‐green trait of the leaf sheath can be exploited to design appropriate varieties with improved lodging resistance and great yield potential.