bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of an expanded dulaglutide dose range: A phase 2, placebo‐controlled trial in patients with type 2 diabetes using metformin
Authors: Frias Juan P. , Wynne Alan G. , Matyjaszek‐Matuszek Beata , Bartaskova Dagmar , Cox David A. , Woodward Brad , Li Ying G. , Tham Lai S. , Milicevic Zvonko 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimsDulaglutide, a once weekly GLP‐1 receptor agonist, is approved at two doses (1.5 and 0.75 mg) for treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Two higher doses of dulaglutide (3.0 and 4.5 mg) were evaluated for safety and efficacy to determine whether these doses warrant further study for improved control of glucose and body weight.Materials and methodsThis 18‐week, double‐blind, phase 2 trial randomized 318 patients with T2D using ≥1500 mg metformin, to receive subcutaneous injection of placebo (n = 82), dulaglutide 1.5 mg (n = 81), dulaglutide 3.0 mg (n = 79) or dulaglutide 4.5 mg (n = 76). The primary objective was superiority of dulaglutide doses over placebo in reduction of HbA1c at 18 weeks. Secondary objectives included superiority of dulaglutide over placebo in change from baseline in body weight and fasting serum glucose (FSG) at 18 weeks. Investigational doses of dulaglutide were compared to the 1.5 mg dose as an exploratory objective.ResultsHbA1c reduction at 18 weeks was significantly greater with dulaglutide vs placebo (placebo, −0.44% ± 0.10% [−4.8 ± 1.1 mmol/mol]; dulaglutide 1.5 mg, −1.23% ± 0.10% [−13.5 ± 1.1 mmol/mol]; dulaglutide 3.0 mg, −1.31% ± 0.10% [−14.3 ± 1.1 mmol/mol]; dulaglutide 4.5 mg, −1.40% ± 0.10% [−15.3 ± 1.1 mmol/mol]; P < 0.001, each dose), as were changes in body weight (placebo, −1.6 ± 0.39 kg; dulaglutide 1.5 mg, −2.8 ± 0.39 kg; dulaglutide 3.0 mg, −3.9 ± 0.39 kg; dulaglutide 4.5 mg, −4.1 ± 0.41 kg; P < 0.001, each dose). All three dulaglutide doses significantly reduced FSG from baseline (1.5 mg, −36.2 ± 4.7 mg/dL [−2.0 ± 0.3 mmol/L]; 3.0 mg, −34.5 ± 4.5 mg/dL [−1.9 ± 0.3 mmol/L]; 4.5 mg, −38.0 ± 4.7 mg/dL [−2.1 ± 0.3 mmol/L]) vs placebo (−12.4 ± 4.5 mg/dL [−0.7 ± 0.3 mmol/L]) (P < 0.001, all). Safety profiles of the higher doses were consistent with the established safety profile for dulaglutide. Gastrointestinal events were mostly mild to moderate, and was dose‐related for nausea.ConclusionAll three dulaglutide doses were superior to placebo in improving glycaemic control and reducing body weight in participants with T2D using metformin. The potential for doses of dulaglutide of 3.0 and 4.5 mg to provide additional glycaemic benefit and weight reduction with an acceptable safety profile, compared with the 1.5 mg dose, warrants further study in a phase 3 trial.
Differential gene expression profiles of human periodontal ligament cells preserved in Hank's balanced salt solution and milk
Authors: Nam Ok Hyung , Oh Tae Jun , Lee Jae‐Hyung , Hwang Yu‐Shik , Choi Sung Chul 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackground/AimVarious types of storage media have been investigated to preserve avulsed teeth. However, the efficacies of storage media mainly focus on the aspect of cell viability. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the gene expression profiles of human periodontal ligament cells preserved in Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) and milk over different storage durations.Material and MethodsHuman periodontal ligament cells were cultured and preserved in HBSS and milk for 3 and 6 hours. Next, total RNA was isolated. QuantSeq 3′ mRNA‐Sequencing was used to examine differences in gene expression in HBSS‐ and milk‐grown periodontal ligament cells. Bioinformatics analysis was also performed to predict the function of the differentially expressed genes.ResultsThe number of differentially expressed genes shared among all groups was 101. In gene set enrichment analysis, the shared differentially expressed genes in HBSS and milk were associated with the TNF‐α signaling pathway (P = 1.07E−7). Seven hallmark gene sets were also identified in HBSS. Moreover, hallmark gene sets associated with hypoxia (P = 7.26E−5) and apoptosis (P = 4.06E−4) were identified in HBSS. In milk, 10 hallmark gene sets along with gene sets for inflammatory response (P = 6.87E−3) were identified.ConclusionsCompared to those in milk, genes in HBSS were differentially expressed with increasing storage duration, suggesting that diverse and different gene expression may be involved in HBSS and milk. However, a more detailed functional analysis of these differentially expressed genes in storage solutions should be performed in the future.
Does acoustically simulated predation risk affect settlement and reproduction of a migratory passerine?
Authors: Stelbrink Pablo , Grendelmeier Alex , Schabo Dana , Arlettaz Raphaël , Hillig Franziska , Pasinelli Gilberto 
Published: May 2019

AbstractNest predation is one of the most important drivers of avian life history evolution and population dynamics. Increasing evidence suggests that birds are able to assess nest predation risk and avoid settling in high‐risk areas to increase their reproductive performance. However, the cues used for settlement decisions are poorly known in most species. Population sizes of the migratory wood warblerPhylloscopus sibilatrixare characterized by strong annual fluctuations, which are negatively correlated with the number of forest rodents. Wood warblers might avoid rodent‐rich areas to reduce predation risk arising either from rodents, from rodent‐hunting predators attracted to such areas or from predators not linked to rodents. To evaluate these hypotheses, we conducted a large‐scale field experiment to test whether wood warblers avoided settling in plots with high predation risk simulated by broadcasting vocalizations of rodents or predators. Moreover, we tested whether reproductive performance varied in relation to simulated predation risk. Settlement patterns did not differ between plots with rodent, predator and noise control treatments. Likewise, measures of reproductive performance did not seem to differ across treatments. Thus, the broadcasted vocalizations of rodents and predators did not seem to be perceived as threat by wood warblers. Alternatively, the species might use other cues than those presented here, either other acoustic cues, visual and/or olfactory cues or a combination of cue types during settlement. Further experimental investigations to pin point cues and senses relevant for settlement decisions in wood warblers and birds in general are needed to better understand their life history and population dynamics.
Sliding wear and solid particle erosion response of aluminium reinforced with tungsten carbide nanoparticles and aluminide particles
Authors: Chantziara Ekaterini , Lentzaris Konstantinos , Lekatou Angeliki G. , Karantzalis Alexander E. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn the present effort, aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) were produced by the addition of submicron‐sized WC particles of low (up to 2.5 vol%) content into a melt of Al1050. Casting was assisted by the use of K2TiF6 as a wetting agent and mechanical stirring in order to limit particle clustering. Particle distribution was reasonably uniform comprising both clusters and isolated particles. Various different reinforcing particles' phases were identified, both in situ (Al‐W, Al‐Ti, and Al‐W‐Ti intermetallic phases) and ex situ (WC particles) of various morphologies shapes and sizes. Increase of the reinforcing particle content led to an increase of the tendency for clustering. The wear properties of the composite were examined by dry sliding wear. The worn surfaces and the produced debris were examined by SEM‐EDX, and an effort to correlate the wear response of the produced materials with the matrix and the reinforcing phase characteristics was attempted. In general, the increase of the reinforcing phase content led to an improvement of the sliding wear response. Solid particle erosion experiments were carried out for impact angles of 30°, 60°, and 90°. Τhe eroded surfaces were examined with SEM‐EDX, and possible erosion mechanisms were proposed based on morphological and other material characteristics. Intensive particle clustering seemed to deteriorate the erosion resistance of the systems. Medium concentrations of the reinforcing particles (1.0‐1.5 vol% WC) are proposed as a recipe for optimum sliding wear and solid particle erosion resistance behavior.
Experimental study on the whole‐life heterogeneous ratchetting and ratchetting‐fatigue interaction of SUS301L stainless steel butt‐welded joint
Authors: Luo Huiliang , Kang Guozheng , Kan Qianhua , Ma Chuanping 
Published: May 2019

AbstractUniaxial fatigue tests of butt‐welded joint, made from SUS301L stainless steel, were carried out under asymmetric stress‐controlled cyclic loading conditions in this work. The effects of stress amplitude and mean stress on the whole‐life heterogeneous ratchetting and fatigue life of the butt‐welded joint were investigated, respectively, for the specified subzones. The experimental observations show that the whole‐life inhomogeneous ratchetting strain concentrating in a specific fusion zone (denoted as the FZ‐1 subzone) of the welded joint becomes more significant as the stress level increases; the fatigue failure also occurs in the FZ‐1 subzone, and the fatigue life depends on both the applied mean stress and stress amplitude and is determined by the combination of ratchetting damage and fatigue one in the localized FZ‐1 subzone.
Anemochory of diapausing stages of microinvertebrates in North American drylands
Authors: Rivas Jose A. , Schröder Thomas , Gill Thomas E. , Wallace Robert L. , Walsh Elizabeth J. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Dry, ephemeral, desert wetlands are major sources of windblown sediment, as well as repositories for diapausing stages (propagules) of aquatic invertebrates. Zooplankton propagules are of the same size range as sand and dust grains. They can be deflated and transported in windstorm events. This study provides evidence that dust storms aid in dispersal of microinvertebrate propagules via anemochory (aeolian transport).

We monitored 91 windstorms at six sites in the southwestern U.S.A. over a 17‐year period. The primary study site was located in El Paso, Texas in the northern Chihuahuan Desert. Additional samples were collected from the Southern High Plains region. Dust carried by these events was collected and rehydrated to hatch viable propagules transported with it.

Using samples collected over a 6‐year period, 21 m above the ground, which included 59 storm events, we tested the hypothesis that transport of propagules is correlated with storm intensity by monitoring meteorological conditions such as storm duration, wind direction, wind speed, and particulate matter (PM10; fine dust concentration). An air quality monitoring site located adjacent to the dust samplers provided quantitative hourly measurements.

Rehydration results from all events showed that ciliates were found in 92% of the samples, rotifers in 81%, branchiopods in 29%, ostracods in 4%, nematodes in 13%, gastrotrichs in 16%, and tardigrades in 3%. Overall, four bdelloid and 11 monogonont rotifer species were identified from rehydrated windblown dust samples.

Principal component analysis indicated gastrotrichs, branchiopods, nematodes, tardigrades, and monogonont rotifer occurrence positively correlated with PM10 and dust event duration. Bdelloid rotifers were correlated with amount of sediment deposited. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling showed a significant relationship between PM10 and occurrence of some taxa. Zero‐inflated, general linear models with mixed‐effects indicated significant relationships with bdelloid and nematode transport and PM10.

Thus, windstorms with high PM10 concentration and long duration are more likely to transport microinvertebrate diapausing stages in drylands.
Integrating mechanistic and correlative niche models to unravel range‐limiting processes in a temperate amphibian
Authors: Enriquez‐Urzelai Urtzi , Kearney Michael R. , Nicieza Alfredo G. , Tingley Reid 
Published: May 2019

AbstractInsights into the causal mechanisms that limit species distributions are likely to improve our ability to anticipate species range shifts in response to climate change. For species with complex life histories, a mechanistic understanding of how climate affects different lifecycle stages may be crucial for making accurate forecasts. Here, we use mechanistic niche modeling (NicheMapR) to derive “proximate” (mechanistic) variables for tadpole, juvenile, and adultRana temporaria. We modeled the hydroperiod, and maximum and minimum temperatures of shallow (30 cm) ponds, as well as activity windows for juveniles and adults. We then used those (“proximate”) variables in correlative ecological niche models (Maxent) to assess their role in limiting the species’ current distribution, and to investigate the potential effects of climate change onR. temporariaacross Europe. We further compared the results with a model based on commonly used macroclimatic (“distal”) layers (i.e., bioclimatic layers from WorldClim). The maximum temperature of the warmest month (a macroclimatic variable) and maximum pond temperatures (a mechanistic variable) were the most important range‐limiting factors, and maximum temperature thresholds were consistent with the observed upper thermal limit ofR. temporariatadpoles. We found that range shift forecasts in central Europe are far more pessimistic when using distal macroclimatic variables, compared to projections based on proximate mechanistic variables. However, both approaches predicted extensive decreases in climatic suitability in southern Europe, which harbors a significant fraction of the species’ genetic diversity. We show how mechanistic modeling provides ways to depict gridded layers that directly reflect the microenvironments experienced by organisms at continental scales, and to reconstruct those predictors without extrapolation under novel future conditions. Furthermore, incorporating those predictors in correlative ecological niche models can help shed light on range‐limiting processes, and can have substantial impacts on predictions of climate‐induced range shifts.
Global patterns in the biocontrol efficacy of spiders: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Michalko Radek , Pekár Stano , Dul'a Martin , Entling Martin H. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimTo investigate the overall effect of spiders on pest suppression and crop performance, and to explore the extent to which the biocontrol efficacy of spiders depends on the characteristics of spiders, pests, agroecosystems, climate and geography.LocationGlobal.Time period1970–2017.Major taxa studiedSpiders.MethodsWe performed a meta‐analysis of 58 published studies where we investigated (a) the overall effect of spiders on pest density and crop performance; (b) the extent to which the biocontrol efficacy of spiders depends on the taxonomy of pests (aphids, leafhoppers, beetles, and lepidopteran larvae), the hunting strategy of spiders (hunters, web‐weavers), crop type (vine, cabbage, wheat, rice), climate, and geography.ResultsSpiders suppressed agricultural pest insects in 79% of cases. The mean effect size of increased spider density on pest suppression was large (Hedge's d = 0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI95 )= 0.66–1.12). Spider pest suppression efficacy slightly increased also with taxonomic diversity (d = 0.33; CI95 = 0.05–0.61). The effects of spiders cascaded down and improved crop performance (d = 2.3, CI95 = 0.70–3.84). The effects of spiders seemed to escalate rather than attenuate down through the agricultural food‐chains (regression slopes > 1). The biocontrol efficacy of spiders was highest in rice followed by grape, cabbage and wheat. The pest suppression efficacy of spiders and the positive effect of spiders on crop yield slightly increased towards the tropics and with mean annual temperature. Spiders suppressed the four pest groups with similar efficacy.Main conclusionsThe meta‐analysis provides strong evidence that spiders are effective in natural pest control and improve crop performance. However, the efficacy of spiders differed among crops. Our study substantiates the few earlier findings that predation pressure and the intensity of trophic cascades in terrestrial ecosystems intensify towards the tropics.
The factor VIII:C/VWF:Ag ratio as a useful tool to predict relapse in patients with acquired haemophilia A: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Trossaert Marc , Graveleau Julie , Thiercelin‐Legrand Marie‐Françoise , Sigaud Marianne , Guerrero Felipe , Neel Antoine , Fouassier Marc , Sailler Laurent , Chauveau Dominique , Ternisien Catherine , Huart Antoine , Gillet Benjamin , Hamidou Mohamed , Bene Marie C. , Voisin Sophie 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionAcquired haemophilia A (AHA) is a rare autoimmune bleeding disorder caused by the presence of autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). The mortality rate remains high. International recommendations define complete remission as undetectable inhibitor (<0.6 Bethesda Units [BU]) and normal FVIII activity (FVIII:C) that persists after immunosuppressive therapy stopped. For patients achieving remission, the risk of relapse reaches 20%. The risk factors for this relapse are not well known.AimIn this study, we examined the accuracy of the FVIII/W ratio (FVIII:C/von Willebrand Factor Antigen (VWF:Ag) ratio) to predict relapse in 64 consecutive patients with AHA.ResultsIn this cohort, all patients had a very low FVIII/W ratio at the time of diagnosis, and this value progressively increased in the first weeks of immunosuppressive treatment. In our study, 9/55 (14%) did not achieve complete remission. Twenty‐seven patients were followed long enough (more than a year) to show that in the 22 patients who did not relapse, the FVIII/W ratio remained durably normalized. By contrast, in the five patients who relapsed during follow‐up, we noted either no normalization of the FVIII/W ratio, or a secondary decrease to an abnormal value of <0.7 after initial normalization. In all patients who relapsed, the ratio was the first abnormal biological result to be observed, always preceding changes in the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), FVIII:C and anti‐FVIII reappearance.ConclusionThese data suggest that the FVIII/W ratio could be considered a sensitive biological marker to predict recovery and/or relapse in AHA.
The effects of preoperative blood pressure on early failure rate of distal arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis access
Authors: Pandey Siddharth , Kumar Manoj , Agrawal Manav , Singh Manmeet , Aggarwal Ajay , Garg Gaurav , Agarwal Samarth , Sankhwar Satyanarayan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe first choice of vascular access for hemodialysis in patients with end‐stage renal disease is a distal radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Early failure rates for these AVFs vary from 10% to 53%. The effects of predialysis hypotension on failure of AVFs have been described in the literature. Weather lower blood pressures affect early AVF failure has not been extensively studied. We conducted this study to evaluate the effects of preoperative blood pressures on early AVF failure.MethodsOurs was a prospective observational study over a period of 2 years that included 224 patients who underwent distal radiocephalic AVF creation. Only those patients were included whose fistulas were made by surgeons with an experience of greater than five cases. The systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures (MAPs) were recorded preoperatively. Early failure was defined as failure to achieve vascular access from the fistula within first 4 months of its creation.FindingsThe overall early failure rate was 27.7%. Early failure was more common in females and diabetic patients. The systolic, diastolic, and MAPs were significantly lower in patients with early failure (P < 0.05). In a multivariable adjusted analysis, lower preoperative diastolic and MAPs were predictors for early failure of distal radiocephalic AVF.DiscussionOur study shows that patients with early failure of AVFs have lower preoperative blood pressure. A larger study is required to substantiate our findings and define target preoperative blood pressure for AVF creation.
The nursery'sIronCurtain: Children, childhood, and the globalColdWar
Authors: Fieldston Sara 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis essay surveys recent literature on children, childhood, and the Cold War. Over the past decade or so, numerous studies have explored the complex ways in which children and young people both bolstered and challenged the Cold War order. In doing so, they have shed new light on the social and cultural dynamics of the Cold War, encouraged historians to recover formerly marginalized voices, and expanded our definition of politics to include arenas far removed from the formal halls of power. Moreover, looking at youth has revealed striking similarities between the two superpowers whose rivalry defined the latter half of the 20th century.
EWSR1 translocation in primary hyalinising clear cell carcinoma of the thymus
Authors: Porubsky Stefan , Rudolph Birgit , Rückert Jens‐Carsten , Küffer Stefan , Ströbel Philipp , Roden Anja C , Jain Deepali , Tousseyn Thomas , Van Veer Hans , Huang James , Antonicelli Alberto , Kuo Tseng‐tong , Rosai Juan , Marx Alexander ,   The International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group (ITMIG)
Published: May 2019

AimsIn thymic carcinomas, focal clear cell change is a frequent finding. In addition to a prominent, diffuse clear cell morphology, some of these carcinomas show an exuberant hyalinised extracellular matrix, and therefore probably represent a separate entity. However, a characteristic genomic alteration remains elusive. We hypothesised that, analogous to hyalinising clear cell carcinomas of the salivary gland, hyalinising clear cell carcinomas of the thymus might also harbour EWSR1 translocations.Methods and resultsWe identified nine archived cases of thymic carcinoma with focal clear cell features and two cases that showed remarkable hyalinised stroma and prominent, diffuse clear cell morphology. These two cases expressed p40 and were negative for Pax8, CD5, and CD117. Programmed death‐ligand 1 was highly positive in one case (70%), and negative in the other one. EWSR1 translocation was identified in both cases of hyalinising clear cell carcinoma, and was absent in all nine carcinomas that showed clear cell features without substantial hyalinisation. In one of the EWSR1‐translocated cases, a fusion between exon 13 and exon 6 of EWSR1 and ATF1, respectively was identified by next‐generation sequencing.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the EWSR1 translocation and possibly the EWSR1–ATF1 fusion might be unifying genomic alterations for thymic clear cell carcinomas with prominent hyalinised stroma, for which we propose the term ‘hyalinising clear cell carcinoma of the thymus’. Because the immunophenotype is unspecific, testing for the EWSR1 translocation might be helpful in discriminating this entity from other thymic neoplasms or metastases, in particular those with clear cell change.