bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
African crop yield reductions due to increasingly unbalanced Nitrogen and Phosphorus consumption
Authors: van der Velde Marijn , Folberth Christian , Balkovič Juraj , Ciais Philippe , Fritz Steffen , Janssens Ivan A. , Obersteiner Michael , See Linda , Skalský Rastislav , Xiong Wei , Peñuelas Josep 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe impact of soil nutrient depletion on crop production has been known for decades, but robust assessments of the impact of increasingly unbalanced nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) application rates on crop production are lacking. Here, we use crop response functions based on 741 FAO maize crop trials and EPIC crop modeling across Africa to examine maize yield deficits resulting from unbalanced N : P applications under low, medium, and high input scenarios, for past (1975), current, and future N : P mass ratios of respectively, 1 : 0.29, 1 : 0.15, and 1 : 0.05. At low N inputs (10 kg ha−1), current yield deficits amount to 10% but will increase up to 27% under the assumed future N : P ratio, while at medium N inputs (50 kg N ha−1), future yield losses could amount to over 40%. The EPIC crop model was then used to simulate maize yields across Africa. The model results showed relative median future yield reductions at low N inputs of 40%, and 50% at medium and high inputs, albeit with large spatial variability. Dominant low‐quality soils such as Ferralsols, which are strongly adsorbing P, and Arenosols with a low nutrient retention capacity, are associated with a strong yield decline, although Arenosols show very variable crop yield losses at low inputs. Optimal N : P ratios, i.e. those where the lowest amount of applied P produces the highest yield (given N input) where calculated with EPIC to be as low as 1 : 0.5. Finally, we estimated the additional P required given current N inputs, and given N inputs that would allow Africa to close yield gaps (ca. 70%). At current N inputs, P consumption would have to increase 2.3‐fold to be optimal, and to increase 11.7‐fold to close yield gaps. The P demand to overcome these yield deficits would provide a significant additional pressure on current global extraction of P resources.
Big eucalypts grow more slowly in a warm climate: evidence of an interaction between tree size and temperature
Authors: Prior Lynda D. , Bowman David M.J.S. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractLarge trees are critical components of forest ecosystems, but are declining in many forests worldwide. We predicted that growth of large trees is more vulnerable than that of small trees to high temperatures, because respiration and tissue maintenance costs increase with temperature more rapidly than does photosynthesis and these costs may be disproportionately greater in large trees. Using 5 00 000 measurements of eucalypt growth across temperate Australia, we found that high temperatures do appear to impose a larger growth penalty on large trees than on small ones. Average stem diameter growth rates at 21 °C compared with 11 °C mean annual temperature were 57% lower for large trees (58 cm stem diameter), but only 29% lower for small trees (18 cm diameter). While our results are consistent with an impaired carbon budget for large trees at warmer sites, we cannot discount causes such as hydraulic stress. We conclude that slower growth rates will impede recovery from extreme events, exacerbating the effects of higher temperatures, increased drought stress and more frequent fire on the tall eucalypt forests of southern Australia.
Intradialytic hypotension: Frequency, sources of variation and correlation with clinical outcome
Authors: Sands Jeffrey J. , Usvyat Len A. , Sullivan Terry , Segal Jonathan H. , Zabetakis Paul , Kotanko Peter , Maddux Franklin W. , Diaz‐Buxo Jose A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIntradialytic hypotension (IH) is a frequent complication of hemodialysis (HD) and is associated with increased patient mortality and cardiovascular events. We studied IH to determine its variability, correlates, and clinical impact in 13 outpatient HD facilities. Blood pressure was captured by machine download. IH was defined as >30 mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure to <90 mmHg. Risk factors were assessed by logistic regression and hospitalization by Poisson regression. Time to death and first hospitalization were assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis in patients completing >20 HD treatments. We studied IH in 44,801 treatments (Tx) in 1137 patients. IH was frequent (17.2% of treatments) and highly variable by patient (0–100% Tx) and dialysis facility (11.1–25.8% Tx). 25.1% of patients had no IH (0% Tx) and 16.2% had IH on >35% Tx. Increased IH frequency was associated with age, female gender, diabetes, Hispanic origin, longer end stage renal disease vintage, higher body mass index, higher ultrafiltration volume, the second and third weekly Tx, lower pre‐HD systolic blood pressure, higher difference between prescribed and achieved post‐HD weight, and higher dialysate temperature. Dialysis facility was an independent predictor of IH frequency. Patients with >35% IH treatments had poorer survival (P = 0.036), and more frequent and longer hospitalization (P = 0.04, P = 0.002, respectively) than patients without IH. In conclusion, IH frequency was highly variable, associated with individual facilities, patient and treatment characteristics, and correlated with mortality and hospitalization. Identifying practice patterns associated with IH coupled with routine reporting of IH will facilitate medical management and may result in the prevention of IH, decreased mortality, and decreased hospitalization.
TheBritish Hitman: 1974–2013
Authors: MacIntyre Donal , Wilson David , Yardley Elizabeth , Brolan Liam 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis exploratory article presents a typology ofBritish ‘hitmen’ as identified within newspaper reports about contract killing. Demographic and criminological data related to these hitmen and their victims are analysed and, on the basis of this analysis, a typology ofBritish hitmen is developed. Our typology suggests thatBritish hitmen are: ‘Novices’; ‘Dilettantes’; ‘Journeymen’; or ‘Masters’. It is hoped that this typology will be of use to law enforcement.
New Learning Foundations for Building Water Knowledge Bridges
Authors: Camkin Jeff , Neto Susana 
Published: January 2014

AbstractFive regional meetings promoted by UNESCO in 2009 addressed the growing need for transdisciplinary approaches, holistic vision, incorporation of non‐formal knowledge and views, effective participation and bottom‐up action for identification of water problems and solutions. There is, however, a general context of tension and competition between specializations within different disciplines, and without specialization it is difficult to obtain formal and academic recognition. This paper presents insights into new co‐learning methodologies centred in the experience of participants, inspired by and adapting the pedagogic approach developed by Paulo Freire, to the context of water management educational needs. This innovative approach has been applied as part of the Erasmus Mundus Master in Ecohydrology. The courses utilized the network of the UNESCO Hydrology for the Environment, Life and Policy (HELP) Programme to access experts with practical and academic experience. Drawing on their experiences and those of their colleagues, guest presenters and course leaders, the participants reflected on their practical IWRM challenges and reconsidered their options from new perspectives. Participants were encouraged to think “outside the water box” and focus on the role of IWRM in delivering society's broader policy objectives.
Body composition at birth in preterm infants between 30 and 36 weeks gestation
Authors: Ramel S. E. , Gray H. L. , Davern B. A. , Demerath E. W. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryBackgroundThe American Academy of Pediatrics calls for aggressive management of preterm infants to achieve body composition approximating that of the healthy infant in utero. Air displacement plethysmography (ADP) has been validated for assessment of body composition in preterm infants and could be used to monitor their nutritional status during hospitalization. Comparative datasets on body composition at birth among healthy, live‐born preterm infants are lacking.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to provide the first descriptive fat mass (FM) and fat‐free mass (FFM) data from healthy newborn preterm infants at birth as a proxy for healthy in utero body composition.MethodsBody mass and volume were obtained using ADP within 72 h of birth in 98 singleton, appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age preterm infants. FM and FFM were calculated using the Fomon equation.ResultsMeasurement with ADP was feasible and well tolerated by infants as young as 30 weeks gestation and <72 h of age. FFM and FM increased linearly over the gestational age range period at rates of 171 and 46 g week−1, respectively. Mean values obtained by ADP by gestational week were similar to the previously published reference data from chemical analysis on stillbirths.ConclusionsBody composition assessment using ADP is feasible in newborn preterm infants and provides group estimates similar to that of the reference fetus. In the future, integrating body composition information into the nutritional management of preterm infants may help to identify new strategies to optimize growth and development in this vulnerable population.
Evolution of Strong Red Upconversion Luminescence in Er3+‐Containing Oxy‐Fluoride Glass and Glass‐Ceramics
Authors: Zhang Jihong , Liu Chao , Heo Jong 
Published: January 2014

The Er3+ concentration dependencies of upconversion luminescence in oxy‐fluoride glass and glass‐ceramics containing PbF2 nanocrystals were investigated. Strong red emission from the 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 transition was observed with the addition of ~0.8 mol% Er3+ ions, whereas ~10 mol% of Er3+ is required to achieve such emission in several other crystalline hosts. Intensities of red emission further increased with the formation of nanocrystals through heat treatment. The Er3+ ions enriched in glass and segregated preferentially inside the PbF2 nanocrystals that decreased the distance among Er3+ ions and thereby facilitated energy transfer.
Electrophysiology of human cardiac atrial and ventricular telocytes
Authors: Sheng Jingwei , Shim Winston , Lu Jun , Lim Sze Yun , Ong Boon Hean , Lim Tien Siang , Liew Reginald , Chua Yeow Leng , Wong Philip 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTelocytes (TCs) with exceptionally long cellular processes of telopodes have been described in human epicardium to act as structural supporting cells in the heart. We examined myocardial chamber‐specific TCs identified in atrial and ventricular fibroblast culture using immunocytochemistry and studied their electrophysiological property by whole‐cell patch clamp. Atrial and ventricular TCs with extended telopodes and alternating podoms and podomers that expressed CD34, c‐Kit and PDGFR‐β were identified. These cells expressed large conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ current (BKCa) and inwardly rectifying K+ current (IKir), but not transient outward K+ current (Ito) and ATP‐sensitive potassium current (KATP). The active channels were functionally competent with demonstrated modulatory response to H2S and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 whereby H2S significantly inhibited the stimulatory effect of TGF‐β1 on current density of both BKCa and IKir. Furthermore, H2S attenuated TGF‐β1‐stimulated KCa1.1/Kv1.1 (encode BKCa) and Kir2.1 (encode IKir) expression in TCs. Our results show that functionally competent K+ channels are present in human atrial and ventricular TCs and their modulation may have significant implications in myocardial physiopathology.
Subgingival microbiota of Sri Lankan tea labourers naïve to oral hygiene measures
Authors: Zhuang Long‐Fei , Watt Rory M. , Steiner Sarah , Lang‐Hua Bich Hue , Wang Ren , Ramseier Christoph A. , Lang Niklaus P. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimTo characterize the subgingival microbiota within a cohort of adult males (n = 32) naïve to oral hygiene practices, and to compare the composition of bacterial taxa present in periodontal sites with various probing depths.Material and MethodsSubgingival plaque samples were collected from single shallow pocket [pocket probing depth (PPD)≤3 mm] and deep pocket (PPD≥6 mm) sites from each subject. A polymerase chain reaction based strategy was used to construct a clone library of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes for each site. The sequences of ca. 30–60 plasmid clones were determined for each site to identify resident taxa. Microbial composition was compared using a variety of statistical and bioinformatics approaches.ResultsA total of 1887 cloned 16S rRNA gene sequences were analysed, which were assigned to 318 operational taxonomic units (98% identity cut‐off). The subgingival microbiota was dominated by Firmicutes (69.8%), Proteobacteria (16.3%), and Fusobacteria (8.0%). The overall composition of microbial communities in shallow sites was significantly different from those within deep sites (∫‐Libshuff, p < 0.001).ConclusionsA taxonomically diverse subgingival microbiota was present within this cohort; however, the structures of the microbial communities present in the respective subjects exhibited limited variation. Deep and shallow sites contained notably different microbial compositions, but this was not correlated with the rate of periodontal progression.
A randomized clinical trial comparing guided implant surgery (bone‐ or mucosa‐supported) with mental navigation or the use of a pilot‐drill template
Authors: Vercruyssen Marjolein , Cox Catherine , Coucke Wim , Naert Ignace , Jacobs Reinhilde , Quirynen Marc 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimTo assess the accuracy of guided surgery (mucosa and bone‐supported) compared to mental navigation or the use of a surgical template, in fully edentulous jaws, in a randomized controlled study.Material and MethodsFifty‐nine patients (72 jaws), requiring four to six implants (maxilla or mandible), were consecutively recruited and randomly assigned to one of the following treatment groups; guidance via Materialise Universal®/mucosa, Materialise Universal®/bone, Facilitate™/mucosa, Facilitate™/bone, or mental navigation or a pilot‐drill template. The precision was assessed by matching the planning computed tomography (CT) with a post‐operative cone beam CT.ResultsA significant lower mean deviation at the entry point (1.4 mm, range: 0.3–3.7), at the apex (1.6 mm, range: 0.2–3.7) and angular deviation (3.0°, range: 0.2–16°) was observed for the guiding systems when compared to mental navigation (2.7 mm, range: 0.3–8.3; 2.9 mm, range: 0.5–7.4 and 9.9°, range: 1.5–27.8) and to the surgical template group (3.0 mm, range: 0.6–6.6; 3.4 mm, range: 0.3–7.5 and 8.4°, range: 0.6–21.3°). Differences between bone and mucosa support or type of guidance were negligible. Jaw and implant location (posterior–anterior, left–right), however, had a significant influence on the accuracy when guided.ConclusionBased on these findings, guided implant placement appears to offer clear accuracy benefits.
Circulating undercarboxylated osteocalcin and gingival crevicular fluid tumour necrosis factor‐α in children
Authors: Kâ Khady , Rousseau Marie‐Claude , Tran Simon D. , Kaartinen Mari T. , Myneni Vamsee D. , Henderson Mélanie , Nicolau Belinda 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundOsteocalcin, a protein secreted by osteoblasts during bone formation, is negatively associated with adult periodontal disease. Little is known about this association in children.AimTo examine the extent to which plasma undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) is associated with gingival crevicular fluid tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (GCF TNF‐α) – a potential marker of gingival inflammation – in children.MethodsWe used data from the Quebec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth cohort, an ongoing longitudinal study on the natural history of obesity among Caucasian children with a family history of obesity in Quebec, Canada. This cross‐sectional analysis from the baseline visit includes 120 children aged 8–10 years. Plasma ucOC and GCF TNF‐α levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Linear regression analyses, adjusting for age, gender, family income, sexual maturity stage, daily physical activity, obesity, and fasting glucose were conducted, with TNF‐α level as the dependent variable.ResultsA 1‐ng/ml increase in ucOC was associated with a 0.96% decrease (95% confidence interval (CI): −1.69, −0.23) in GCF TNF‐α level.ConclusionA negative association between a marker of bone formation and a marker of gingival inflammation was observed as early as childhood among Caucasian children with a family history of obesity.
The effect of the thermal diode laser (wavelength 808–980 nm) in non‐surgical periodontal therapy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Slot Dagmar E. , Jorritsma Kirsten H. , Cobb Charles M. , Van der Weijden Fridus A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractFocused questionWhat is the adjunctive effect of a diode laser (DL) following non‐surgical periodontal debridement (SRP) during the initial phase of periodontal therapy on the clinical parameters of periodontal inflammation.Material and MethodsThe MEDLINE‐PubMed, Cochrane‐Central Register of Controlled Trials and EMBASE databases were searched up to September 2013. Probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were selected as outcome variables. Also plaque scores (PS), bleeding scores (BS) and the Gingival Index (GI) were considered outcome measures. Data were extracted and a meta‐analysis (MA) was performed where appropriate.ResultsIndependent screening of 416 unique papers resulted in nine eligible publications. The MA evaluating PPD, CAL and PS showed no significant effect. The only significance favouring adjunctive use of the DL was observed for the outcome parameters GI and BS.ConclusionThe collective evidence regarding adjunctive use of the DL with SRP indicates that the combined treatment provides an effect comparable to that of SRP alone. That is for PPD and CAL. The body of evidence considering the adjunctive use of the DL is judged to be “moderate“ for changes in PPD and CAL. With respect to BS, the results showed a small but significant effect favouring the DL, however, the clinical relevance of this difference remains a question. This systematic review questions the adjunctive use of DL with traditional mechanical modalities of periodontal therapy in patients with periodontitis.
Salivary biomarkers of bacterial burden, inflammatory response, and tissue destruction in periodontitis
Authors: Salminen Aino , Gursoy Ulvi K. , Paju Susanna , Hyvärinen Kati , Mäntylä Päivi , Buhlin Kåre , Könönen Eija , Nieminen Markku S. , Sorsa Timo , Sinisalo Juha , Pussinen Pirkko J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimChronic periodontitis has an episodic and multifactorial character, with fluctuations in bacterial burden, inflammatory response, and tissue destruction. We investigated the association of selected salivary biomarkers with periodontal parameters and validated the use of a novel salivary diagnostic approach, the cumulative risk score (CRS), in detection of periodontitis in subjects with angiographically verified coronary artery disease diagnosis.Materials and MethodsThe concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and Porphyromonas gingivalis were analysed from saliva of 493 subjects. The subjects participated in a detailed clinical and radiographic oral examination. The CRS index, combining the three salivary biomarkers, was calculated for each subject.ResultsHigh salivary concentrations of MMP‐8, IL‐1β, and P. gingivalis were associated with deepened periodontal pockets and alveolar bone loss, and MMP‐8 and IL‐1β with bleeding on probing. The CRS index had a stronger association with moderate to severe periodontitis (OR 6.13; 95% CI 3.11–12.09) than any of the markers alone.ConclusionsSalivary concentrations of MMP‐8, IL‐1β, and P. gingivalis are associated with various clinical and radiographic measures of periodontitis. The CRS index, combining the three salivary biomarkers, is associated with periodontitis more strongly than any of the markers alone regardless of the coronary artery disease status of the patients.
The interaction between beta‐3 adrenergic receptor polymorphism and obesity to periodontal disease in community‐dwelling elderly Japanese
Authors: Yoshihara Akihiro , Sugita Noriko , Iwasaki Masanori , Miyazaki Hideo , Nakamura Kazutoshi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to elucidate whether the association between beta‐3 adrenergic receptor polymorphism and periodontal disease is modified by body weight.Material and MethodsWe enrolled 332 postmenopausal women and determined their HbA1C levels (%) and beta‐3 adrenergic receptor (rs4994) genotypes. Periodontal parameters including clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured. After selecting subjects for each body mass index (BMI) level, the prevalence rate ratio (PRR) by multiple Poisson regression analysis was calculated to evaluate the relationship between periodontal disease and beta‐3 adrenergic receptor polymorphism. The number of sites with CAL≥6 mm was used as a dependent variable, and beta‐3 adrenergic receptor genotype [categorized as Arg non‐carriers (reference) or Arg carriers], age (y) and HbA1C (%) were adopted as independent variables. We converted the number of probing sites (n) to an offset variable.ResultsThe PRR of the beta‐3 adrenergic receptor genotype for the number of sites of CAL≥6 mm showed a positive association in subjects with BMI≥25.0 and increased markedly with BMI. The PRR in subjects with BMI≥30 was 3.10 (p < 0.0001).ConclusionThis study indicates a positive association between periodontal disease and the beta‐3 adrenergic receptor genotype in obese individuals.
The Copper Balance of Cities
Authors: Kral Ulrich , Lin Chih‐Yi , Kellner Katharina , Ma Hwong‐wen , Brunner Paul H. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryMaterial management faces a dual challenge: on the one hand satisfying large and increasing demands for goods and on the other hand accommodating wastes and emissions in sinks. Hence, the characterization of material flows and stocks is relevant for both improving resource efficiency and environmental protection. This article focuses on the urban scale, a dimension rarely investigated in past metal flow studies. We compare the copper (Cu) metabolism of two cities in different economic states, namely, Vienna (Europe) and Taipei (Asia). Substance flow analysis is used to calculate urban Cu balances in a comprehensive and transparent form. The main difference between Cu in the two cities appears to be the stock: Vienna seems close to saturation with 180 kilograms per capita (kg/cap) and a growth rate of 2% per year. In contrast, the Taipei stock of 30 kg/cap grows rapidly by 26% per year. Even though most Cu is recycled in both cities, bottom ash from municipal solid waste incineration represents an unused Cu potential accounting for 1% to 5% of annual demand. Nonpoint emissions are predominant; up to 50% of the loadings into the sewer system are from nonpoint sources. The results of this research are instrumental for the design of the Cu metabolism in each city. The outcomes serve as a base for identification and recovery of recyclables as well as for directing nonrecyclables to appropriate sinks, avoiding sensitive environmental pathways. The methodology applied is well suited for city benchmarking if sufficient data are available.