bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental heterogeneity and biotic interactions mediate climate impacts on tropical forest regeneration
Authors: Uriarte María , Muscarella Robert , Zimmerman Jess K. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPredicting the fate of tropical forests under a changing climate requires understanding species responses to climatic variability and extremes. Seedlings may be particularly vulnerable to climatic stress given low stored resources and undeveloped roots; they also portend the potential effects of climate change on future forest composition. Here we use data for ca. 50,000 tropical seedlings representing 25 woody species to assess (i) the effects of interannual variation in rainfall and solar radiation between 2007 and 2016 on seedling survival over 9 years in a subtropical forest; and (ii) how spatial heterogeneity in three environmental factors—soil moisture, understory light, and conspecific neighborhood density—modulate these responses. Community‐wide seedling survival was not sensitive to interannual rainfall variability but interspecific variation in these responses was large, overwhelming the average community response. In contrast, community‐wide responses to solar radiation were predominantly positive. Spatial heterogeneity in soil moisture and conspecific density were the predominant and most consistent drivers of seedling survival, with the majority of species exhibiting greater survival at low conspecific densities and positive or nonlinear responses to soil moisture. This environmental heterogeneity modulated impacts of rainfall and solar radiation. Negative conspecific effects were amplified during rainy years and at dry sites, whereas the positive effects of radiation on survival were more pronounced for seedlings existing at high understory light levels. These results demonstrate that environmental heterogeneity is not only the main driver of seedling survival in this forest but also plays a central role in buffering or exacerbating impacts of climate fluctuations on forest regeneration. Since seedlings represent a key bottleneck in the demographic cycle of trees, efforts to predict the long‐term effects of a changing climate on tropical forests must take into account this environmental heterogeneity and how its effects on regeneration dynamics play out in long‐term stand dynamics.
Using calcium sulfate cement—Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose/sodium alginate composites as substitutes of bone wax
Authors: Zhou Huan , Yang Mengmeng , Ni Xinye , Yang Lei , Kutty Muralithran G. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDevelopment of alternatives of bone wax to stop blood transfusion occurred in cancellous bone injury is highly deserved clinically. An ideal candidate is supposed to be not only biodegradable, biocompatible, malleable, and cost‐effective, but also have comparable mechanical strength to cancellous bone. In the present work, calcium sulfate cement (CSC) based composites modified with hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) or sodium alginate (SA) were prepared. In brief, CSC was combined with 2, 4, 6 wt.% of HPMC or SA, respectively, followed by setting behavior evaluation, compressive strength and degradation testing, XRD, and SEM characterizations, as well as blood clotting induction study. Both additives improved the hemostatic performance of CSC, but CSC with 2% wt. SA exhibited the optimum setting time, mechanical strength, stability, and blood clotting ability. These results reveal the feasibility of using CSC–SA based composite as a substitute for bone wax.
Influence of yttria surface modification on high temperature corrosion of porous Ni22Cr alloy
Authors: Karczewski Jakub , Dunst Katarzyna , Jasinski Piotr , Molin Sebastian 
Published: November 2017

AbstractProtective coatings for porous alloys for high temperature use are relatively new materials. Their main drawback is high temperature corrosion. In this work protective coatings based the on Y‐precursor infiltrated into the sintered Ni22Cr alloys are studied at 700°C. Effects of the amount of the protective phase on the resulting corrosion properties are evaluated in air and humidified hydrogen. Weight gain of the samples, their open porosities and microstructures are analyzed and compared. Results show, that by the addition of even a minor amount of the Y‐precursor corrosion rates can be decreased by a factor of 50.
Barriers to medication adherence and links to cardiovascular disease risk factor control: the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Hennein Rachel , Hwang Shih‐Jen , Au Rhoda , Levy Daniel , Muntner Paul , Fox Caroline S. , Ma Jiantao 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundIn the elderly, impaired cognition may weaken medication adherence and compromise treatment for cardiovascular disease (CVD).AimWe examined risk factors for medication adherence and the relationship between adherence and levels of CVD risk factors among older participants with hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes in the Framingham Heart Study.MethodsThe four‐item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was administered to 1559 participants, median age 70 years, 53% women. We created an adherence score, ranging from 0 to 4, with low adherence defined as a score ≥2. CVD risk factors were assessed using standard protocols. Cognition was measured using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies of Depression (CES‐D) scale.ResultsAmong participants who self‐reported taking antihypertensive, lipid‐lowering and/or hyperglycaemic medication(s), 12% (n = 191) had low medication adherence. The risk of low adherence increased by 45% (95% confidence interval (CI): 25–68%, P < 0.001) per five‐unit increase in CES‐D score. In participants taking antihypertensive medication (n = 1017), low adherence was associated with higher mean diastolic blood pressure (73 mmHg, 95% CI: 71–75 vs 71 mmHg, 95% CI: 70–71; P = 0.04) after adjusting for covariates. Among participants taking lipid‐lowering medication (n = 937), low adherence was associated with higher mean low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (92 mg/dL, 95% CI: 87–96 vs 86 mg/dL, 95% CI: 84–88; P = 0.03). Low adherence was not associated with fasting plasma glucose (P = 0.10) or haemoglobin A1c (P = 0.68) in the subgroup of participants (n = 192) taking hypoglycaemic medication.ConclusionsDepressive symptoms might act as a barrier for medication adherence, which exacerbates CVD risk factors in older‐aged adults.
Mobility transition at grain boundaries in two‐step sintered 8 mol% yttria‐stabilized zirconia
Authors: Dong Yanhao , Chen I‐Wei 
Published: November 2017

AbstractStagnation of grain growth is often attributed to impurity segregation, which becomes more severe as the grain size grows. In this respect, there is no evidence for segregation‐induced slowdown in the grain growth of yttria‐stabilized cubic zirconia, which obeys the parabolic law when the size increases by more than ten times. However, lowering the temperature below 1300°C triggers an abrupt slowdown, constraining the average grains to grow by less than 0.5 μm in 1000 hours despite a relatively large driving force imparted in the fine grains of ~0.5 μm. Yet isolated pockets of abnormally large grains, and even most remarkably, pockets of abnormally small grains, emerge in the same latter sample. Such extreme bifurcation of microstructure has never been observed before, and can be explained by an inhomogeneous distribution of immobile four‐grain junctions. The implications of these findings for two‐step sintering are discussed.
Acute inhibition of PMCA4, but not global ablation, reduces blood pressure and arterial contractility via a nNOS‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Lewis Sophronia , Little Robert , Baudoin Florence , Prehar Sukhpal , Neyses Ludwig , Cartwright Elizabeth J. , Austin Clare 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCardiovascular disease is the world's leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with high blood pressure (BP) contributing to increased severity and number of adverse outcomes. Plasma membrane calcium ATPase 4 (PMCA4) has been previously shown to modulate systemic BP. However, published data are conflicting, with both overexpression and inhibition of PMCA4 in vivo shown to increase arterial contractility. Hence, our objective was to determine the role of PMCA4 in the regulation of BP and to further understand how PMCA4 functionally regulates BP using a novel specific inhibitor to PMCA4, aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA). Our approach assessed conscious BP and contractility of resistance arteries from PMCA4 global knockout (PMCA4KO) mice compared to wild‐type animals. Global ablation of PMCA4 had no significant effect on BP, arterial structure or isolated arterial contractility. ATA treatment significantly reduced BP and arterial contractility in wild‐type mice but had no significant effect in PMCA4KO mice. The effect of ATAin vivo and ex vivo was abolished by the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor Vinyl‐l‐NIO. Thus, this highlights differences in the effects of PMCA4 ablation and acute inhibition on the vasculature. Importantly, for doses here used, we show the vascular effects of ATA to be specific for PMCA4 and that ATA may be a further experimental tool for elucidating the role of PMCA4.
Working in a storied way—Narrative‐based approaches to person‐centred care and practice development in older adult residential care settings
Authors: Buckley Catherine , McCormack Brendan , Ryan Assumpta 
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectivesTo evaluate the effects of the implementation of a methodological framework for a narrative‐based approach to practice development and person‐centred care in residential aged care settings.BackgroundCare in long‐term residential settings for older people is moving away from the biomedical approach and adopting a more person‐centred one. Narrative can help shape the way care is planned and organised. The provision of person‐centred care that is holistic and that takes account of resident's beliefs and values can be enhanced by incorporating narrative approaches to care within a practice development framework.DesignThe chosen methodology was participatory action research.MethodsBetween 2010–2014, a methodological framework of narrative practice was implemented in two residential care settings, comprising 37 residents and 38 staff, using an action research approach. Three action cycles: (i) narrative practice and culture identification, (ii) developing narrative practice and (iii) working in a storied way emerged during the implementation.ResultsKey outcomes emerged in relation to the findings. These were based on narrative being, knowing and doing and centred around the key outcomes of (i) how people responded to change (narrative being), (ii) the development of shared understandings (narrative knowing) and (iii) intentional action (narrative doing).ConclusionThe implementation of a framework of narrative practice demonstrated that how people respond to change, the development of shared understandings and intentional action were interrelated and interlinked. It illustrated the importance of ensuring that practice context is taken account of in the implementation of action research and the importance of ensuring that narrative being, knowing and doing are clear and understandable for change to occur.Relevance to clinical practiceImplementation of a narrative approach to care can develop new ways of working that value biography and promote the development of a co‐constructed plan of care.
Formalising the precepting process: A concept analysis of preceptorship
Authors: Ward Amanda E. , McComb Sara A. 
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectivesTo elucidate the terminology associated with preceptorships, articulate an operational description of preceptorship that may be useful in formalising the precepting process and provide guidance for constructing a clinical environment where precepting can thrive.BackgroundPrecepting facilitates the transition of nurses into new roles. Precepting may improve patient outcomes and safety, as well as enhance nursing satisfaction. Most research focuses on preceptor preparation and perceptions. A comprehensive operational description of what is required to formalise the precepting process is missing from the literature.DesignThis concept analysis was completed using a combination of Walker and Avant's and Rodger's methods.MethodsExisting literature relating to preceptorship was reviewed. Critical attributes, antecedents, consequences and empirical referents were identified. Model, contrary, related and borderline cases were developed.ResultsPreceptorships have the specific attributes of being (i) one‐on‐one relationships, (ii) embedded within formalised programmes, (iii) that evolve over set amounts of time, (iv) to systematically facilitate practical experiences. Antecedents include how precepting is triggered and organisational supporting activities that may facilitate effective precepting. Consequences include new hire preparedness, confidence and increased retention. Empirical referents are provided for assessing hands‐on clinical expertise, individualisation of precepting programmes and the preceptor–preceptee relationship.ConclusionsThis concept analysis provides a holistic view of the precepting process that shifts the focus from the people or checklist to formalised preceptorships.Relevance to clinical practiceContinuity throughout an organisation's system streamlines the process of hiring new employees and transitioning nursing students to practice. Organisational policies, dedicated resources and engagement in systematically improving the precepting process are critical. Nurse managers must promote and support formalised preceptorships by providing preceptors and preceptees the time and space needed and fostering a culture that supports preceptorships.
Effects of Toceranib Phosphate on the Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Thyroid Axis in Tumor‐Bearing Dogs
Authors: Hume K.R. , Rizzo V.L. , Cawley J.R. , Balkman C.E. 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundThyroid dysfunction is associated with the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in people.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo determine whether dysfunction in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐thyroid axis occurs in dogs receiving theTKI, toceranib phosphate.AnimalsForty‐three client‐owned dogs with cancer.MethodsProspective, observational study. Concentrations of total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (FT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) were evaluated on day 0, 30, and 90. Dogs also were evaluated for the presence of thyroglobulin autoantibodies.ResultsThe proportion of dogs with lowTT4, lowFT4, lowTT3, highTSH, or primary hypothyroidism (increasedTSHand decreasedTT4,FT4 or both) did not change over 90 days. Hormone concentrations remained within laboratory reference intervals, butFT4 (P= 0.0032) andTSH(P< 0.0001) changed over time. MeanFT4 was 1.22 ng/dL(95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–1.34) on day 0 and 1.00 ng/dL(95%CI, 0.86–1.16) on day 90. MeanTSHwas 0.17 ng/mL(95%CI, 0.13–0.23) on day 0 and 0.34 ng/mL(95%CI, 0.24–0.48) on day 90. Furthermore,TT4/TT3 ratio also changed over time (P= 0.0086). MeanTT4/TT3 ratio was 2.57 (95%CI, 2.26–2.88) on day 0 and 2.02 on day 90 (95%CI, 1.61–2.44). Thyroglobulin autoantibodies were not detected in any dog.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceToceranib phosphate can disrupt the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐thyroid axis in dogs. Periodic evaluation ofTT4,FT4,TT3, andTSHshould be carried out in dogs receiving long‐term treatment with this medication.
Comparison of Multiplate, Platelet Function Analyzer‐200, and Plateletworks in Healthy Dogs Treated with Aspirin and Clopidogrel
Authors: Saati S. , Abrams‐Ogg A.C.G. , Blois S.L. , Wood R.D. 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundPlatelet function testing may be warranted to assess response to aspirin and clopidogrel.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of aspirin, clopidogrel, or combination therapy using 3 platelet function tests: Multiplate Analyzer (MP), Platelet Function Analyzer‐200 (PFA), and Plateletworks (PW).AnimalsSix healthy laboratory Beagles.MethodsRandomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study (crossover design). Dogs were given aspirin 1 mg/kg, clopidogrel 2 mg/kg, or combination therapy for 1 week each, with a washout period of 2 weeks. Platelet function was assessed on days 0 and 7 of each phase using MP (adenosine diphosphate [ADP], arachidonic acid [AA], collagen [COL] agonists), PFA (P2Y, COL‐ADP [CADP], COL‐Epinephrine [CEPI] cartridges), and PW (ADP, AA, COL agonists). Platelet counts were obtained with impedance and optical counters.ResultsFor MP, mean aggregation was decreased for COL and AA with combination therapy and for ADP with all treatments. For PFA, mean CT was increased for the CEPI cartridge with aspirin; and for the P2Y and CADP cartridges with clopidogrel or combination therapy. More dogs receiving clopidogrel showed an increase in PFA CT using the P2Y than the CADP cartridge. For PW, mean aggregation was decreased for AA with all treatments; for ADP with clopidogrel or combination therapy; and for COL with clopidogrel. The PW results with the 2 hematology counters showed almost perfect agreement.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceAll platelet function tests detected treatment effects in some dogs and may have utility for monitoring therapy.
Differences in Epidural Pathology between Cervical and Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disk Extrusions in Dogs
Authors: Züger L. , Fadda A. , Oevermann A. , Forterre F. , Vandevelde M. , Henke D. 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundAlthough the basic pathophysiology is the same in both cervical and thoracolumbar intervertebral disk (IVD) extrusions, there are considerable clinical differences that have only been partially explained.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe epidural inflammatory response differs between cervical and thoracolumbar IVD extrusions.AnimalsFifty‐five dogs with cervical and 80 dogs with thoracolumbar IVD extrusions.MethodsClinical data and histopathologic variables were investigated. Associations between severity of epidural inflammation and clinical and pathologic variables, impact of chondrodystrophic phenotype, and localization (cervical versus thoracolumbar) were evaluated statistically.ResultsDogs with cervical IVD extrusion were significantly older (P < 0.001), had less severe and longer duration of neurologic signs (both P < 0.001), were more painful (P = 0.038), and had a better outcome (P = 0.005) than dogs with a thoracolumbar IVD extrusion. On histopathology, cervical epidural material had less severe calcification (P = 0.002) and inflammation (P < 0.001). No significant differences regarding chondrodystrophic phenotype were found.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceThere was significantly less intensive inflammatory response in the cervical epidural space. This observation correlated positively with less nucleus pulposus calcification in cervical extrusions indicating biochemical, metabolic, and biomechanical differences between the 2 locations, which remain to be characterized in future studies.
Evidence for a widely expanded humpback whale calving range along the Western Australian coast
Authors: Irvine Lyn G. , Thums Michele , Hanson Christine E. , McMahon Clive R. , Hindell Mark A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe recognized calving grounds of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) that breed along the Western Australian coast (Breeding Stock D) extend along the Kimberley coast between Camden Sound and Broome (15°–18°S). However, there are reports of neonates further south, suggesting that the calving areas may be poorly defined. During aerial photogrammetric research in 2013 and 2015, we sighted large numbers of humpback whale calves along North West Cape (21°47′–22°43′S). We estimated the minimum relative calf abundance to be 463–603 in 2013 and 557–725 in 2015. We categorized the calves as either neonate or post neonate according to their color and size. The majority of calves sighted in both years (85% in 2013; 94% in 2015) were neonates. Our observations indicate that a minimum of approximately 20% (17.1%–24.3%) of the expected number of calves of this population are born near, or south of, North West Cape. We thus demonstrate that the calving grounds for the Breeding Stock D population extend south from Camden Sound in the Kimberley (15°S) to at least North West Cape (22°43′S), 1,000 km southwest of the currently recognized calving area.
Isotopic niche width differentiation between common bottlenose dolphin ecotypes and sperm whales in the Gulf of California
Authors: Díaz‐Gamboa Raúl E. , Gendron Diane , Busquets‐Vass Geraldine 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWorld populations or stock distinction of Tursiops truncatus has been difficult to assess, because of large variations in morphology, habitat, feeding habits, and social structure among areas, which may reflect phylogenetic segregation or ecological plasticity. In the Gulf of California, Mexico, two common bottlenose dolphin ecotypes (inshore and offshore) have been reported. The offshore ecotype is frequently observed in association with sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) but the reason for this is still unknown. To explore the degree of resource partitioning/overlap between these species and stocks, we used skin stable isotope values (δ13C, δ15N) to estimate quantitative metrics of isotopic niche width (Bayesian standard ellipse areas, SEAB) and estimated their diet composition using Bayesian isotopic mixing models. The inshore ecotype in different regions (north, central, and south) of the Gulf of California exhibited distinct δ15N values and SEAB, suggesting a latitudinal gradient in nitrogen sources of coastal localities. The SEAB of inshore and offshore bottlenose dolphin ecotypes was completely distinct, indicating resource partitioning. Associated offshore ecotype and sperm whales had overlapping SEAB. The isotopic mixing model indicates that a considerable proportion of both species’ diet is large Humbolt squid. Our results suggest that resource partitioning and species association are two strategies that bottlenose dolphin ecotypes use in this zone.
Living with dolphins: Local ecological knowledge and perceptions of small cetaceans along the Sindhudurg coastline of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Jog Ketki , Sule Mihir , Bopardikar Isha , Patankar Vardhan , Sutaria Dipani 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTwo near shore small cetaceans occur commonly along the Maharashtra coast, the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin and Indo Pacific finless porpoise. These cetaceans frequently interact with fisheries in this region due to overlap in space and resource use. Besides stranding records, little ecological information is available about these species from Maharashtra. We conducted 143 semistructured interviews to document local ecological knowledge and community perceptions of small cetaceans in 30 coastal fishing villages in Sindhudurg. Perceptions of finless porpoises were largely neutral, whereas humpback dolphins were negative. A classification regression tree (CART) analysis (root node error: 60%) showed that the annual cost of gear damage was an important predictor variable of humpback dolphin perceptions, followed by occupation (gear type) and age. Entanglements were reported for both species in large and small gill nets, and shore seines. Perceived net damage and catch loss due to humpback dolphins was six times greater than that of finless porpoises. However, finless porpoises were reportedly more frequently entangled in gear than humpback dolphins. We provide an insight into the perceptions of cetaceans in the local community and the fisheries‐cetacean interactions that shape them.