bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of education intervention on the quality and long‐term outcomes of root canal treatment in general practice
Authors: Koch M. , Wolf E. , Tegelberg Å. , Petersson K. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimTo compare the technical quality and long‐term outcomes of root canal treatment by general practitioners of a Swedish Public Dental Service, before and after an endodontic education including Ni–Ti rotary technique (NiTiR).MethodologyA random sample was compiled, comprising one root filled tooth from each of 830 patients, treated by 69 general practitioners participating in the education: 414 teeth root filled in 2002, pre‐education, using primarily stainless steel instrumentation and filling by lateral compaction, and 416 teeth root filled post‐education (2005), using mainly NiTiR and single‐cone obturation. Follow‐up radiographs taken in 2009 were evaluated alongside immediate post‐filling radiographs from 2002 to 2005. The density and length of the root fillings were registered. Periapical status was assessed by the Periapical Index (PAI), using two definitions of disease: apical periodontitis (AP) (PAI 3 + 4 + 5) and definite AP (PAI 4 + 5). Tooth survival was registered. Root fillings pre‐ and post‐education were compared using chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests. Crude extraction rates per 100 years were calculated for comparison of tooth survival. Explanatory variables (type of tooth, root filling quality, periapical status, marginal bone loss, type and quality of coronal restoration) in relation to the dependent variable (AP at follow‐up) were analysed by multivariable logistic regression.ResultsFollow‐up data were available for 229 (55%) of teeth treated pre‐ and 288 (69%) treated post‐education: both tooth survival (P < 0.001) and root filling quality were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the latter. However, there was no corresponding improvement in periapical status. Both pre‐ and post‐education, root fillings with definite AP on completion of treatment had significantly higher odds of AP or definite AP at follow‐up. For teeth treated post‐education, inadequate root filling quality was significantly associated with AP at follow‐up.ConclusionsDespite a higher tooth survival rate and a significant improvement in technical quality of root fillings after the education, there was no corresponding improvement in periapical status.
A comparison of four gutta‐percha filling techniques in simulated C‐shaped canals
Authors: Soo W. K. M. , Thong Y. L. , Gutmann J. L. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimTo compare four gutta‐percha filling techniques in simulated C‐shaped canals based on filling quality at three cross‐sectional levels, filling time and the apical extrusion of gutta‐percha.MethodologyForty resin simulated C‐shaped canals were constructed and filled using one of four techniques: cold lateral compaction (LC), ultrasonic compaction (UC), single cone with injectable gutta‐percha (Obtura II™) (IT) and core‐carrier (Thermafil®) (CC). Cross sections were made at 1 (L1), 3 (L3) and 6 (L6) mm from the canal terminus. Areas of gutta‐percha, sealer and voids in each cross section were measured using an image analysis system. Data were analysed using a univariate general linear model and post hoc test (Dunnett's T3). Data on time taken to fill canals was evaluated using the Bonferroni post hoc test.ResultsCC had more gutta‐percha and less sealer compared with IT at L1 (P < 0.05). LC had marginally significantly less gutta‐percha than CC at this level (P = 0.049). At level 3 mm, significantly more gutta‐percha and less sealer were present in IT compared with LC (P < 0.05). The techniques showed no difference in quality at L6. The time for LC (20.72 min) was three times longer than for both IT (6.11 min) and CC (6.67 min), whereas for UC (26.92 min), it was four times longer (P < 0.001). Finally, the four techniques were not different in the occurrence of apical extrusion of gutta‐percha.ConclusionsThe core‐carrier technique was the most effective technique when assessed by gutta‐percha area in this simulated C‐shaped canal.
The interrelationship between temporal and environmental orientation and pro‐environmental consumer behaviour
Authors: Polonsky Michael Jay , Vocino Andrea , Grimmer Martin , Miles Morgan P. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIt is proposed that consumers fail to make environmentally conscious choices because they do not consider the long‐term impact of their actions. This research examines the role of consumers' temporal orientation (past and future) in regard to their environmental orientation and pro‐environmental consumer behaviour (PECB), using a representative sample of 2566 Australian respondents. The results identify that both future and past orientations are related to environmental orientation, with future orientation leading to increased levels of PECB and past orientation leading to reduced levels of PECB. Further, environmental orientation mediates the relationship between temporal orientation and PECB, suppressing the negative impact of high levels of past orientation.
Application of common wheat bran for the industrial production of high‐fibre pasta
Authors: Sobota Aldona , Rzedzicki Zbigniew , Zarzycki Piotr , Kuzawińska Ewelina 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThe study was conducted on the effect of the addition of common wheat bran on the chemical composition, physical properties, cooking quality and sensory traits of durum wheat pasta. The pasta was produced on an industrial scale, applying an addition of common wheat bran at doses ranging from 20 to 40%. The products obtained were compared to the pasta from whole‐grain durum wheat flour, produced under identical conditions and with commercially available whole‐grain durum wheat pasta. The increase in the content of wheat bran in the pasta caused a significant increase (Duncan test, P ≤ 0.05) of the content of protein, lipids, ash and total dietary fibre (TDF). The application of 25–30% addition of common wheat bran allowed obtaining the products which are as rich in dietary fibre as the pasta prepared at the same technological parameters from whole‐grain durum flour. The pasta containing up to 30% of bran was characterised with lower losses of dry mass and higher resistance to overcooking, in comparison with the pasta made of whole‐grain durum. Simultaneously, the products had very good sensory quality.
Lactate dehydrogenase and caspase activity in nasopharyngeal secretions are predictors of bronchiolitis severity
Authors: Mehta Reena , Scheffler Margaret , Tapia Lorena , Aideyan Letisha , Patel Kirtida D. , Jewell Alan M. , Avadhanula Vasanthi , Mei Minghua , Garofalo Roberto P. , Piedra Pedro A. 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundBronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants. Biomarkers of disease severity might help in clinical management.ObjectiveTo determine the clinical predictiveness of NW‐LDH, NW‐caspase 3/7, and NW‐LDH/NW‐caspase 3/7 ratio in bronchiolitis.MethodsPreviously healthy children less than 24 months of age with bronchiolitis were recruited from the Texas Children's emergency room and intensive care unit from October 2010 to April 2011. Demographic, clinical information, and NW samples were obtained at enrollment. NW samples were analyzed for respiratory viruses, caspase 3/7, and LDH.ResultsA viral pathogen was detected in 91·6% of 131 children, with the most common being respiratory syncytial virus and human rhinovirus. A single infection was found in 61·8% of subjects and co‐infection in 29·8%. Children admitted to ICU had significantly higher NW‐LDH than children sent home from the ER or admitted to the general floor (P = 0·02). Children infected with RSV had the highest NW‐LDH concentration (P = 0·03) compared with other viral infections. NW‐LDH and NW‐caspase were significantly correlated (r = 0·77, P < 0·0001). The univariate models showed NW‐LDH and NW‐LDH/NW‐ caspase 3/7 ratio were directly associated with hospitalization. Mutivariate regression analyses suggested a complex interaction between the biomarkers, demographics, and disposition.ConclusionsNW‐LDH, NW‐caspase 3/7 and NW‐LDH/NW‐caspase 3/7 ratio and their interactions with demographic factors are predictive of bronchiolitis severity and can help distinguish children requiring ICU‐level care from those admitted to the general floor, or discharged home from the emergency center.
Modeling Long‐Term Trends of Chlorinated Ethene Contamination at a Public Supply Well
Authors: Chapelle Francis H. , Kauffman Leon J. , Widdowson Mark A. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractA mass‐balance solute‐transport modeling approach was used to investigate the effects of dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) volume, composition, and generation of daughter products on simulated and measured long‐term trends of chlorinated ethene (CE) concentrations at a public supply well. The model was built by telescoping a calibrated regional three‐dimensional MODFLOW model to the capture zone of a public supply well that has a history of CE contamination. The local model was then used to simulate the interactions between naturally occurring organic carbon that acts as an electron donor, and dissolved oxygen (DO), CEs, ferric iron, and sulfate that act as electron acceptors using the Sequential Electron Acceptor Model in three dimensions (SEAM3D) code. The modeling results indicate that asymmetry between rapidly rising and more gradual falling concentration trends over time suggests a DNAPL rather than a dissolved source of CEs. Peak concentrations of CEs are proportional to the volume and composition of the DNAPL source. The persistence of contamination, which can vary from a few years to centuries, is proportional to DNAPL volume, but is unaffected by DNAPL composition. These results show that monitoring CE concentrations in raw water produced by impacted public supply wells over time can provide useful information concerning the nature of contaminant sources and the likely future persistence of contamination.
Evaluating the Impacts of Environmental Flow Alternatives on Reservoir and Recreational Operations Using System Dynamics Modeling
Authors: Morrison Ryan R. , Stone Mark C. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractProviding environmental flows is increasingly a management obligation in many water resource systems. Evaluating the impacts of environmental flow alternatives on other water uses in a basin can be a challenge, especially when collaborating with stakeholders. We demonstrate the use of system dynamics (SD) modeling to assess the impacts of four environmental flow alternatives in the Rio Chama, New Mexico. The model was developed to examine impacts of each alternative on reservoir storage and releases, hydropower production and revenue, and whitewater boating access. We simulated each alternative within a stochastic framework in order to explicitly incorporate hydrologic uncertainty into the analyses. The environmental flow alternatives were developed at a collaborative workshop of geomorphology, hydrology, and ecology experts. Results from the model indicate that the proposed flow recommendations on the Rio Chama will generally decrease annual reservoir storage, increase median flows, and have minimal impacts on hydropower production and whitewater rafting on the system. The Rio Chama case study is a promising example of how SD modeling can be used in the early stages of environmental flow studies and why it is compatible with collaborative modeling.
Hydrological Responses to Climate and Land‐Use Changes along the North American East Coast: A 110‐Year Historical Reconstruction
Authors: Yang Qichun , Tian Hanqin , Friedrichs Marjorie A.M. , Liu Mingliang , Li Xia , Yang Jia 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe North American east coast (NAEC) region experienced significant climate and land‐use changes in the past century. To explore how these changes have affected land water cycling, the Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model (DLEM 2.0) was used to investigate the spatial and temporal variability of runoff and river discharge during 1901‐2010 in the study area. Annual runoff over the NAEC was 420 ± 61 mm/yr (average ± standard deviation). Runoff increased in parts of the northern NAEC but decreased in some areas of the southern NAEC. Annual freshwater discharge from the study area was 378 ± 61 km3/yr (average ± standard deviation). Factorial simulation experiments suggested that climate change and variability explained 97.5% of the interannual variability of runoff and also resulted in the opposite changes in runoff in northern and southern regions of the NAEC. Land‐use change reduced runoff by 5‐22 mm/yr from 1931 to 2010, but the impacts were divergent over the Piedmont region and Coastal Plain areas of the southern NAEC. Land‐use change impacts were more significant at local and watershed spatial scales rather than at regional scales. Different responses of runoff to changing climate and land‐use should be noted in future water resource management. Hydrological impacts of afforestation and deforestation as well as urbanization should also be noted by land‐use policy makers.
Evaluating the Eco‐Geomorphological Condition of Restored Streams Using Visual Assessment and Macroinvertebrate Metrics
Authors: Doll Barbara A. , Jennings Gregory D. , Spooner Jean , Penrose David L. , Usset Joseph L. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe Stream Performance Assessment (SPA), a new rapid assessment method, was applied to 93 restored, 21 impaired, 29 reference, and 13 reference streams with some incision throughout North Carolina. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated restored streams align more closely with reference streams rather than impaired streams. Further, PCA‐based factor analysis revealed restored streams were similar to reference streams in terms of morphologic condition, but exhibited a greater range of scores relative to aquatic habitat and bedform. Macroinvertebrate sampling and GIS watershed analyses were conducted on 84 restored streams. SPA and watershed data were compared to Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) taxa to determine which factors indicate stream health. SPA and watershed factors were used in least squares, ridge, and principal component regression (PCR) to develop a prediction model for EPT taxa. All three methods produced reasonable predictions for EPT taxa. Cross‐validation indicated ridge regression resulted in the lowest prediction error. The ridge model was then used to predict EPT taxa numbers for 21 impaired and 25 reference streams in addition to the 84 restored streams. Statistical comparisons of the predicted scores indicated urban streams (>10% impervious watershed cover) have lower expected numbers of EPT taxa. Rural restored streams have macroinvertebrate metric scores similar to those predicted for rural reference streams.
Controls on Temperature in Salmonid‐Bearing Headwater Streams in Two Common Hydrogeologic Settings, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Authors: Callahan Michael K. , Rains Mark C. , Bellino Jason C. , Walker Coowe M. , Baird Steven J. , Whigham Dennis F. , King Ryan S. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractHeadwater streams are the most numerous in terms of both number and length in the conterminous United States and play important roles as spawning and rearing grounds for numerous species of anadromous fish. Stream temperature is a controlling variable for many physical, chemical, and biological processes and plays a critical role in the overall health and integrity of a stream. We investigated the controls on stream temperature in salmon‐bearing headwater streams in two common hydrogeologic settings on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska: (1) drainage‐ways, which are low‐gradient streams that flow through broad valleys; and (2) discharge‐slopes, which are high gradient streams that flow through narrow valleys. We hypothesize local geomorphology strongly influences surface‐water and groundwater interactions, which control streamflow at the network scale and stream temperatures at the reach scale. The results of this study showed significant differences in stream temperatures between the two hydrogeologic settings. Observed stream temperatures were higher in drainage‐way sites than in discharge‐slope sites, and showed strong correlations as a continuous function with the calculated topographic metric flow‐weighted slope. Additionally, modeling results indicated the potential for groundwater discharge to moderate stream temperature is not equal between the two hydrogeologic settings, with groundwater having a greater moderating effect on stream temperature at the drainage‐way sites.
Estimating Current and Future Groundwater Resources of the Maldives
Authors: Bailey Ryan T. , Khalil Abedalrazq , Chatikavanij Vansa 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe water resources of the atolls of the Republic of Maldives are under continual threat from climatic and anthropogenic stresses, including land surface pollution, increasing population, drought, and sea‐level rise (SLR). These threats are particularly acute for groundwater resources due to the small land surface area and low elevation of each island. In this study, the groundwater resources, in terms of freshwater lens thickness, total volume of fresh groundwater, and safe yield are estimated for the 52 most populous islands of the Maldives for current conditions and for the year 2030, with the latter accounting for projected SLR and associated shoreline recession. An algebraic model, designed in previous studies to estimate the lens thickness of atoll islands, is expanded in this study to also estimate volume of groundwater. Results indicate that average current lens thickness, groundwater volume, and per capita safe yield are approximately 4.6 m, 1,300 million liters, and 300 l/day, and that these values will decrease by approximately 10, 11, and 34%, respectively, by the year 2030. Based on results, it is demonstrated that groundwater, in terms of quantity, is a viable source of water for the islands of the Maldives both now and in coming decades, particularly for islands with large surface area and low population. Study results can provide water resource managers and government officials with valuable data for consideration in water security measures.
Tryptophan Supplementation and Postoperative Delirium—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Robinson Thomas N. , Dunn Christina L. , Adams Jill C. , Hawkins Carrie L. , Tran Zung V. , Raeburn Christopher D. , Moss Marc 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesTo determine whether the postoperative administration of tryptophan would be beneficial for elderly adults undergoing surgery who are at risk of developing postoperative delirium.DesignRandomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.SettingDenver Veterans Affairs Medical Center.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 60 and older undergoing major elective operations requiring a postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission (n = 325).InterventionL‐tryptophan, 1 g orally three times a day or placebo was started after surgery and continued for up to 3 days postoperatively.MeasurementsDelirium and its motor subtypes were measured using the Confusion Assessment Method–Intensive Care Unit (CAM‐ICU) and the Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale. The primary outcome for between‐group comparison was the incidence of excitatory (mixed and hyperactive) postoperative delirium. The secondary outcomes for comparison were the incidence and duration of overall postoperative delirium.ResultsThe overall incidence of postoperative delirium was 39% (95% confidence interval = 34–44%) (n = 116). Seventeen percent of participants in the tryptophan group and 9% in the placebo group had excitatory delirium (P = .18), and the duration of excitatory delirium was 3.3 ± 1.7 days for tryptophan and 3.1 ± 1.9 days for placebo (P = .74). Forty percent of participants in the tryptophan group and 37% in the placebo group had overall delirium (P = .60), and the duration of overall delirium was 2.9 ± 1.8 days for tryptophan and 2.4 ± 1.6 days for placebo (P = .17).ConclusionPostoperative tryptophan supplementation in older adults undergoing major elective operations requiring postoperative ICU admission did not reduce the incidence or duration of postoperative excitatory delirium or overall delirium.
Low Levels of 25‐Hydroxy Vitamin D and Active 1,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D Independently Associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Older Australian Men: The Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project
Authors: Hirani Vasant , Cumming Robert G. , Le Couteur David G. , Naganathan Vasikaran , Blyth Fiona , Handelsman David J. , Waite Louise M. , Seibel Markus J. 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesTo examine the associations between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels and the active vitamin D metabolite, 1,25‐hydroxyvitamin D (1,25OHD), with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in community‐living men aged 70 and older.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingA population‐based, cross‐sectional analysis of the baseline phase of the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP), a large epidemiological study conducted in Sydney between January 2005 and May 2007.ParticipantsCommunity dwelling men aged 70 and older taking part in CHAMP (N = 1,659).MeasurementsSerum 25OHD and 1,25OHD levels, presence of DM, age, country of birth, season of blood collection, sun exposure, body mass index, vitamin D supplement use, statin use, income, measures of health, depression, activity of daily living disabilities, parathyroid hormone, estimated glomerular filtration rate, phosphate, and calcium.ResultsThe prevalence of DM was 20.0%. There was a significant association between low 25OHD and 1,25OHD levels and DM that remained after adjustment for a wide range of confounders and covariates of clinical significance such as comorbidity, renal function, calciotropic hormones, and medications.Conclusion25OHD and 1,25OHD levels were associated with DM. The independent association between serum 25OHD and 1,25OHD concentrations and DM raises the question of whether each of the two vitamin D metabolites may influence DM through different biological mechanisms and pathways.
Role of Physical Activity in Reducing Cognitive Decline in Older Mexican‐American Adults
Authors: Ottenbacher Allison J. , Snih Soham Al , Bindawas Saad M. , Markides Kyriakos S. , Graham James E. , Samper‐Ternent Rafael , Raji Mukaila , Ottenbacher Kenneth J. 
Published: August 2014

The effect of physical activity on cognitive function in older adults from minority and disadvantaged populations is not well understood. This study examined the longitudinal association between physical activity and cognition in older Mexican Americans. The study methodology included a prospective cohort with longitudinal analysis of data from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly. General linear mixed models were used to assess the associations and interactions between physical activity and cognitive function over 14 years. Community‐based assessments were performed in participants' homes. Physical activity was recorded for 1,669 older Mexican Americans using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Cognition was measured using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and separated into memory and nonmemory components. A statistically significant positive association was observed between levels of physical activity and cognitive function after adjusting for age, sex, marital status, education, and comorbid health conditions. There was a statistically significant difference in MMSE scores over time between participants in the third (β = 0.11, standard error (SE) = 0.05) and fourth (β = 0.10, SE = 0.2) quartiles of physical activity and those in the first. The protective effect of physical activity on cognitive decline was evident for the memory component of the MMSE but not the nonmemory component after adjusting for covariates. Greater physical activity at baseline was associated with less cognitive decline over 14 years in older Mexican Americans. The reduction in cognitive decline appeared to be related to the memory components of cognitive function.