bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of fetal hemodynamics on growth in fetuses with single ventricle or transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Alsaied T. , Tseng S. , King E. , Hahn E. , Divanovic A. , Habli M. , Cnota J. 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTObjectivesAs birth weight is a critical predictor of outcome in neonates with congenital heart defect (CHD), the common problem of poor fetal growth in this population is clinically important. However, it is not well understood and the impact of fetal hemodynamics on fetal growth and birth weight in those with CHD has not been assessed. In this study, we sought to evaluate the association between combined cardiac output (CCO) and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) and umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility indices (PIs) and fetal growth in different subgroups of CHD, and to study the effects of fetal hemodynamics on late gestational weight gain. We hypothesized that fetuses with CHD will have lower CCO and be smaller at birth.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of fetal echocardiograms from 67 fetuses diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS, n = 30), non‐HLHS single ventricle (SV) (n = 20) or dextrotransposition of the great arteries (d‐TGA, n = 17), compared with normal controls (n = 42). CCO was calculated using valvar area, velocity–time integral and heart rate and indexed to estimated fetal weight. MCA‐ and UA‐PI were calculated using systolic, diastolic and mean velocities. Fetal biometry was recorded. Regression models were used to study trends in CCO, MCA‐ and UA‐PI and fetal biometry over gestational age. To evaluate fetal weight gain in late gestation, Z‐scores of estimated fetal weight at 30 weeks and birth weight were compared. Regression analysis was used to determine the associations of CCO, indexed CCO and MCA‐ and UA‐PI at 30 weeks with birth weight, length and head circumference Z‐scores, in addition to weight gain late in gestation. The gestational age of 30 weeks was chosen based on previous studies that found evidence of poor weight gain in fetuses with CHD in late gestation, starting at around that time.ResultsCCO increased with gestation in all four groups but the rate was slower in fetuses with HLHS and in those with SV. MCA‐PI was lower in fetuses with HLHS compared with in those with non‐HLHS‐SV throughout gestation, suggesting different cerebral blood distribution. At the end of gestation, rate of fetal weight gain slowed in those with HLHS and in those with SV (similar to CCO curves), and head circumference growth rate slowed in all groups but controls. CCO, indexed CCO and MCA‐ and UA‐PI did not correlate with any of the birth measurements or with weight gain late in gestation in fetuses with CHD.ConclusionsWe found no associations of CCO or MCA‐ and UA‐PI with late gestational weight gain or biometry at birth in fetuses with CHD. This does not support fetal hemodynamics as the primary driver of suboptimal fetal growth in fetuses with SV. Future research could further explain genetic and placental abnormalities that may affect fetal growth in those with CHD. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The soil seed bank of a rehabilitated draw‐down zone and its similarity to standing vegetation in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area
Authors: Zhang Miao , Chen Fangqing , Chen Shaohua , Xie Zongqiang , Huang Yongwen , Liu Yangbin 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe reverse seasonal flooding that resulted from the construction of the Three Gorges Project has induced a drastic degradation of draw‐down zone vegetation and the seed bank in the reservoir. The composition and distribution of seed banks and their similarities to standing vegetation were determined through field investigations and germination experiments on the vegetation as well as soil seed bank data collected from three restoration sites in Zigui county, Wanzhou city, and Zhongxian county to uncover the effects of vegetation restoration on seed bank development in the Three Gorges Reservoir region. The results showed the soil seed banks were composed of 44, 43, and 50 herbaceous species, and an average seed density of 9418.79 ± 804.92, 4283.44 ± 427.89, 6539.28 ± 432.22 seeds/m2, respectively. The soil seed bank was mainly composed of annual and perennial herbaceous plants. Most of the dominant species of soil seed banks came from introduced species. Reverse seasonal flooding induced the spatial variation of species diversity and seed density of the soil seed bank. The species diversity in the upper part of the draw‐down zone was higher than that in the middle and lower parts. The highest seed density occurred in the middle upper parts of the draw‐down zone, followed by the lower part. The similarity coefficient between the soil seed bank and the extant vegetation community was 0.495, 0.526, and 0.550 at Zigui, Wanzhou, and Zhongxian restoration sites, respectively.
Ichnology of the Callovian-Oxfordian Rocks of the Katrol Hill Range, Kachchh, Western India
Authors: Solanki Paras M. , Bhatt Nishith Y. , Patel Satish J. , Patel Jagdish M. 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT
On the basis of distinct lithologic features such as composition, grain size, bedding characteristics and sedimentary structures, six facies were identified in Callovian to Oxfordian rocks exposed southwest of Bhuj, Kachchh. They are interbedded calcareous shale-siltstone (ICSSF), limestone (LF), ferruginous sandstone (FerSF), felspathic sandstone (FelSF), grey shale (GSF) and oolitic limestone (OLF) facies. The rich and highly diversified trace fossils reveal a wide range of animal behaviours represented by dwelling, feeding, crawling and resting structures. Horizontal feeding structures are found abundantly in all lithofacies indicating low wave and current energy and deposition of poorly sorted muddy to sandy sediments. A few coarse layers containing Arenicolites, Ophiomorpha and Skolithos indicate the presence of opportunistic animals (due to their first appearance under harsh conditions) under -intermittently moderate wave and current energy or storm wave conditions (due to coarse grain size and dominance/presence of only vertical trace fossils) in the shoreface zone. Taenidium occurs mainly in the lower shoreface to transitional zone suggesting low to moderate energy conditions. Thalassinoides occurs in middle to lower shoreface settings under relatively low-energy conditions. Zoophycos represents offshore environment, where it occupies the deepest bioturbation levels.
The characteristic lithofacies and assemblages of trace fossils in the rocks of the Chari/Jumara Formation indicate a depositional environment fluctuating from the upper shoreface to offshore zone.
Groundwater Contamination in Parts of Nalgonda District, Telangana, India as Revealed by Trace Elemental Studies
Authors: Purushotham D. , Linga D. , Sagar Netramani , Mishra Sibasish , Vinod G. Naga , Venkatesham K. , Saikrishna K. 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT
The present paper deals with major and trace elements geochemistry of the groundwater from Nalgonda district, Telangana. The study area is very important in terms of anthropogenic activity like rapid industrial, urban development, pesticides, pharmaceutical, granite polishing and agro based industries. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICPMS) was employed to determine the concentration of trace elements in collected groundwater samples (bore well). These probe elements were further categorized as toxic elements (Pb, As, Cd, and V), alkaline earths (Sr and Ba), alkali metals (Li, Rb), transition metals (Cr, Mo and Ni), metallic elements (Cu, Fe, Zn, Al, Co), and other non-metallic elements (Se and Si). The groundwater quality was examined in perspective of Indian as well as World Health Organization drinking water standards. Based on the analytical results, groundwater in the study area is found to be slightly alkaline in nature and very hard, the average abundance of the major cations and anions is in the order of Ca+&gt;Na+&gt;Mg+&gt;K+ and Cl−&gt;HCO3−&gt; CO3-&gt;SO4-&gt;NO3-&gt;F- respectively. The dominant hydro chemical facies of groundwater is Na+ - HCO3− – Cl- and Na+ - Cl- – HCO3− types.
The results of trace elements shows that concentration of Pb, As, Cd, V in collected samples exceeding the desirable limits, and in the case of alkaline, alkali, transition, non-metallic elements, seventy per cent of the samples crossed the desirable limits, but all metallic elements viz. Cu, Fe, Zn, Al, Co is within the limits as per Indian as well as World Health Organizations drinking water standards. Factor analysis results shows that seven factors emerged as a significant contributor to the groundwater contamination is about 65.32 per cent. The spatial variation maps decipher trace elemental concentrations both geogenic and anthropogenic origin, by three zones i.e. ‘low’, ‘moderate’ and ‘high’ of the study area based on environment using Arc-GIS. High concentrations of trace elements are indicative of phenomenal rise in chemical composition and likely to have its origin from silicate weathering reactions and dissolution/precipitation processes supported by rainfall and anthropogenic activities, indiscriminate use of fertilizers/pesticides, and disposal of waste and sewage, release of reactive pollutants into the atmosphere by industries. Hence, this work is of immense societal benefit in terms of prevailing human health hazards in the study area with a direct relevance to such industrially populated regions elsewhere.
Sleep-Related Painful Erections—A Case Series of 24 Patients Regarding Diagnostics and Treatment Options
Authors: Vreugdenhil Sanne , Weidenaar Alida Cornelia , de Jong Igle Jan , van Driel Mels Frank 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Background
Patients with sleep-related painful erections (SRPEs) have deep penile pain during nocturnal erection that wakes them up and disturbs their nights of sleep. This rare parasomnia is poorly recognized by general practitioners and by urologists and sexologists.

Aim
To gain more insight into diagnostics and therapeutic options.

Methods
Data from a series of 24 consecutive patients who presented with SRPEs at the outpatient clinic from 1996 to 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Additional questionnaires were completed to complement data and to obtain information about follow-up. Long-term treatment efficacy of baclofen was assessed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Outcomes
SRPEs were not associated with urologic, surgical, or psychiatric history or with serum testosterone levels. The mean doctors’ delay was 3.5 years. 14 of the 24 patients were treated with baclofen (10–75 mg). In 11 of them, complete remission was observed within a few weeks. 2 of the 3 remaining patients noticed a slight improvement of SPRE symptoms and only 1 patient experienced no effect at all. After an average follow-up of 4.5 years, only 41.6% of patients who had used baclofen were satisfied with their SRPEs. The others (58.4%) were dissatisfied, mostly owing to relapse of symptoms after the discontinuation of baclofen. Other treatment forms were applied sporadically, with strongly varying results.

Clinical Implications
This overview of SRPE contributes to a better clinical understanding and recognition of the phenomenon and provides new, more constructed advice about therapeutic implications, especially concerning the use of baclofen.

Strengths and Limitations
This study provides a systematic overview of a relatively large series of patients with SRPE, which provides substantiated treatment advice. However, treatment efficacy was based mainly on the patients’ subjective perception and it was not possible to compare the results of baclofen with other forms of pharmacologic treatment, because these alternative drugs were applied only sporadically. Nevertheless, this study is directional for future research.

Conclusions
This study confirmed a long doctors’ delay in patients with SRPE. There was no association between SRPEs and comorbidity and total serum testosterone levels. Treatment with baclofen proved successful and safe in the short term. Long-term feasibility needs further investigation.
Bayesian estimation of the lethargy coefficient for probabilistic fatigue life model
Authors: Doh Jaehyeok , Lee Jongsoo 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn this study, a model for probabilistic fatigue life that is based on the Zhurkov model is suggested using stochastically and statistically estimated lethargy coefficients. The fatigue life model was derived using the Zhurkov life model, and it was deterministically validated using real fatigue life data as a reference. For this process, firstly, a lethargy coefficient that is related to the failure of materials must be obtained with rupture time and stress from a quasi-static tensile test. These experiments are performed using HS40R steel. However, the lethargy coefficient has discrepancies due to the inherent uncertainty and the variation of material properties in the experiments. The Bayesian approach was employed for estimating the lethargy coefficient of the fatigue life model using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling method and considering its uncertainties. Once the samples are obtained, one can proceed to the posterior predictive inference of the fatigue life. This life model was shown to be reasonable when compared with experimental fatigue life data. As a result, predicted fatigue life was observed to significantly decrease in accordance with increasing relative stress conditions.Highlights Zhurkov fatigue life model is deterministically validated with experiments. Prediction of the S-N curve using Zhurkov fatigue model and lethargy coefficients. Lethargy coefficients of Zhurkov fatigue model are estimated by Bayesian updating. Bayesian updating is useful for quantifying the uncertainty of unknown parameters.
Metabotyping for the development of tailored dietary advice solutions in a European population: the Food4Me study
Authors: O’Donovan Clare B. , Walsh Marianne C. , Woolhead Clara , Forster Hannah , Celis-Morales Carlos , Fallaize Rosalind , Macready Anna L. , Marsaux Cyril F. M. , Navas-Carretero Santiago , Rodrigo San-Cristobal S. , Kolossa Silvia , Tsirigoti Lydia , Mvrogianni Christina , Lambrinou Christina P. , Moschonis George , Godlewska Magdalena , Surwillo Agnieszka , Traczyk Iwona , Drevon Christian A. , Daniel Hannelore , Manios Yannis , Martinez J. Alfredo , Saris Wim H. M. , Lovegrove Julie A. , Mathers John C. , Gibney Michael J. , Gibney Eileen R. , Brennan Lorraine 
Published: October 2017

AbstractTraditionally, personalised nutrition was delivered at an individual level. However, the concept of delivering tailored dietary advice at a group level through the identification of metabotypes or groups of metabolically similar individuals has emerged. Although this approach to personalised nutrition looks promising, further work is needed to examine this concept across a wider population group. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to: (1) identify metabotypes in a European population and (2) develop targeted dietary advice solutions for these metabotypes. Using data from the Food4Me study (n 1607), k-means cluster analysis revealed the presence of three metabolically distinct clusters based on twenty-seven metabolic markers including cholesterol, individual fatty acids and carotenoids. Cluster 2 was identified as a metabolically healthy metabotype as these individuals had the highest Omega-3 Index (6·56 (sd 1·29) %), carotenoids (2·15 (sd 0·71) µm) and lowest total saturated fat levels. On the basis of its fatty acid profile, cluster 1 was characterised as a metabolically unhealthy cluster. Targeted dietary advice solutions were developed per cluster using a decision tree approach. Testing of the approach was performed by comparison with the personalised dietary advice, delivered by nutritionists to Food4Me study participants (n 180). Excellent agreement was observed between the targeted and individualised approaches with an average match of 82 % at the level of delivery of the same dietary message. Future work should ascertain whether this proposed method could be utilised in a healthcare setting, for the rapid and efficient delivery of tailored dietary advice solutions.
Colonic and systemic effects of extruded whole-grain sorghum consumption in growing Wistar rats
Authors: Llopart Emilce E. , Cian Raúl E. , López-Oliva Muñoz María Elvira , Zuleta Ángela , Weisstaub Adriana , Drago Silvina R. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractColonic effects of extruded whole-grain sorghum diets were evaluated using a model of growing rats. In all, twenty-four male Wistar rats were fed control (C), extruded white sorghum (EWS) or red sorghum (ERS). Consumption of sorghum diets showed satiety properties, with reduction of caecal pH, and lower activity ofβ-glucosidase andβ-glucuronidase enzymes. Decreased copper zinc superoxide dismutase and manganese superoxide dismutase and increased catalase and glutathione peroxidase levels were observed in colonic mucosa. The induction of antioxidant enzymes occurred through the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 protein and its subsequent translocation into the nucleus. ERS was able to decrease the proliferation of proximal mucosa of colon, demonstrating a possible effect against colorectal tumourigenesis. EWS increased proliferation and also apoptosis, ensuring the re-establishment of homoeostasis of the colonic mucosa. No antioxidant systemic effect (serum or hepatic level) was observed. It is likely that despite the extrusion the low bioavailability of the phenolic compounds of sorghum diets caused them to exert mainly acute effects at the colon level. Extruded whole-grain sorghum is a good functional ingredient that might be promising in dietary prevention of intestinal diseases.
The influence of dietary and supplemental calcium on postprandial effects of a high-fat meal on lipaemia, glycaemia, C-reactive protein and adiponectin in obese women
Authors: Ferreira Thaís da S. , Antunes Vanessa P. , Leal Priscila M. , Sanjuliani Antonio F. , Klein Márcia R. S. T. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNon-fasting hypertriacylglycerolaemia is a risk factor for CVD and the amount of fat in a meal seems to be the main factor influencing postprandial lipaemia. Although several studies suggest that Ca can increase faecal fat excretion, it is not known whether Ca can decrease postprandial TAG. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of dietary Ca (DC) and supplemental Ca (SC) on lipaemia, glucose metabolism, C-reactive protein (CRP) and adiponectin during postprandial period in obese women challenged with a high-fat meal. In this cross-over controlled trial, sixteen obese women aged 20–50 years were randomly assigned to receive three test meals (approximately 2900 kJ; 48 % fat): high DC (547 mg DC), high SC (HSCM; 500 mg SC-calcium carbonate) and low Ca (42 mg DC). Blood samples were collected in the fasting period and at minutes 120 and 240 after meals to evaluate total cholesterol and fractions, TAG, glucose, insulin, high-sensitivity CRP and adiponectin. Serum levels of TAG and insulin increased significantly after all test meals. Only after HSCM total cholesterol did not present a significant increase and LDL-cholesterol had a significant decrease. Postprandial glucose, HDL-cholesterol, CRP and adiponectin did not present significant changes after the three test meals. The comparative analysis of the effects of the three test meals on serum lipids, glucose, insulin, CRP and adiponectin revealed no significant meal-by-time interaction. These results suggest that in obese women challenged with a high-fat meal DC and SC do not interfere with postprandial lipaemia, glucose metabolism, CRP and adiponectin.
Morphological awareness and visual processing of derivational morphology in high-functioning adults with dyslexia: An avenue to compensation?
Authors: LAW JEREMY M. , VEISPAK ANNELI , VANDERAUWERA JOLIJN , GHESQUIÈRE POL 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTThis study examined the processing of derivational morphology and its association with measures of morphological awareness and literacy outcomes in 30 Dutch-speaking high-functioning dyslexics, and 30 controls, matched for age and reading comprehension. A masked priming experiment was conducted where the semantic overlap between morphologically related pairs was manipulated as part of a lexical decision task. Measures of morphological awareness were assessed using a specifically designed sentence completion task. Significant priming effects were found in each group, yet adults with dyslexia were found to benefit more from the morphological structure than the controls. Adults with dyslexia were found to be influenced by both form (morpho-orthographic) and meaning (morphosemantic) properties of morphemes while controls were mainly influenced by morphosemantic properties. The reports suggest that morphological processing is intact in high-functioning dyslexics and a strength when compared to controls matched for reading comprehension and age. Thus, reports support morphological processing as a potential factor in the reading compensation of adults with dyslexia. However, adults with dyslexia performed significantly worse than controls on morphological awareness measures.
Sustainable intensification amongst Ghana's pineapple farmers: the complexity of an innovation determines the effectiveness of its training
Authors: Wuepper David , Sauer Johannes , Kleemann Linda 
Published: October 2017

AbstractTo foster the adoption of sustainable intensification practices amongst Ghana's farmers, they are widely promoted through training sessions provided by development organizations, companies, and the public extension service. We investigate whether these training sessions are effective and find that they are effective only for the diffusion of organic fertilizers but not for mulching. We suggest that this comes from the complexity of the innovations. Mulching is one of the simplest sustainable intensification technologies. It diffuses easily through peer learning and, after an initial training delivered to a critical mass of farmers, does not require training anymore. The use of organic fertilizers, in contrast, requires more specific knowledge and adaptation, which limits the effectiveness of peer learning and increases the effectiveness of training. This suggests that to achieve a widespread diffusion of sustainable intensification amongst Ghana's farmers, training sessions should focus on those practices that are complex and thus difficult to learn from peers.
Anti-imperialism: The Leninist Legacy and the Fate of World Revolution
Authors: Friedman Jeremy , Rutland Peter 
Published: October 2017

The most important of Lenin's writings was, arguably,Imperialism: the Highest Stage of Capitalism.That work shifted the focus from workers’ struggles within one country to the dynamics of capitalism as a global system. The Leninist project thereby inextricably linked the causes of economic justice and national liberation, a fateful step in light of the transformation of the world wrought by decolonization. As capitalism stumbles through yet another global crisis today, what parts of Lenin's fevered vision remain relevant 100 years later?