bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of left ventricle energy loss in healthy adults using vector flow mapping: Preliminary results
Authors: Xu Lei , Sun Chao , Zhu Xiaoli , Liu Weihua , Ta Shengjun , Zhao Dan , Wang Feifei , Liu Liwen 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundEnergy loss (EL) is a new quantitative hemodynamic index based on vector flow mapping (VFM). This study aimed to characterize EL of the left ventricle (LV) in healthy adults.MethodsFifty‐one healthy adults were enrolled in this study. EL of LV was analyzed frame by frame using color Doppler images of a standard apical three‐chamber dynamic view on an offline VFM workstation. The average EL of systole and diastole was calculated, and the results were averaged over three cardiac cycles.ResultsThe average EL for systole and diastole was 11.07±5.82J/m/s and 11.58±5.54 J/m/s, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the aortic velocity time integral (AOVTI), A‐wave peak velocity, and isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT) were independently associated with the average systolic EL. E‐wave peak velocity, height, and IVCT were independently associated with the average diastolic EL. For females, the average systolic and diastolic EL was 12.66±7.06J/m/s and 13.90±5.37J/m/s, respectively. For males, the systolic and diastolic EL was 9.29±3.33J/m/s and 8.97±4.55J/m/s, respectively.ConclusionsEnergy loss in LV changes regularly during the cardiac cycle. The average systolic EL has a high positive correlation with AOVTI, whereas the average diastolic EL has with E‐wave peak velocity. Women have higher average EL than men in both systole and diastole. By recognizing the EL characterization of healthy adults, the variation in EL may reflect cardiac dysfunction. These were preliminary results, and thus, the clinical implications of EL warrant further investigation.
Host‐associated differentiation in a pecan and water hickory Aphidomorpha community
Authors: Medina R.F. , Dickey A.M. , Harrison K. , Miller G.L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHost‐associated differentiation (HAD) is the formation of genetically distinct, host‐associated populations created and maintained by ecologically mediated reproductive isolation. HAD potentially accounts for species origins in parasites, including herbivorous insects. Although case studies testing the occurrence of HAD are accumulating, it is still unclear how common HAD is and which specific ecological traits explain its occurrence. To address these issues, studies are needed that include negative results (i.e., instances in which parasite populations do not exhibit HAD) and test for HAD across communities (i.e., several parasite species on the same set of host species). In this study, HAD was tested in a community of six species of Aphidomorpha (Hemiptera) that share a host‐plant pair: pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K.Koch] and water hickory [Carya aquatica (F.Michx) Nutt., both Juglandaceae] trees. All six species are parthenogenetic and three species are endophagous, traits that can exacerbate host‐specific selection. AFLP markers were employed to detect the presence of genetically distinct, host‐associated populations for each insect species. Strict HAD (i.e., the occurrence of genetically distinct pecan‐associated and water hickory‐associated genotypes) was found in Phylloxera notabilis Pergande (Phylloxeridae), Phylloxera devastatrix Pergande, and Monelliopsis pecanis Bissel (Aphididae). Monellia caryella Fitch (Aphididae) displayed a pattern of partial HAD (i.e., the occurrence of only a genetically distinct pecan‐associated genotype). No HAD was found in Melanocallis caryaefoliae Davis (Aphididae) or Phylloxera texana Stoetzel. The pattern of HAD occurrence in the pecan and water hickory Aphidomorpha community indicated that neither parthenogenesis nor endophagy sufficiently explain the occurrence of HAD in this system.
Disentangling individual movement between populations from effective dispersal in the facultative anadromous Salmo trutta L.
Authors: Masson Séverine , Lepais Olivier , Manicki Aurélie , Prévost Etienne , Chat Joelle 
Published: March 2017

AbstractGathering information on both individual movement and gene flow is rarely possible when studying dispersal among populations in fish species. It is, however, possible to assess both at a reasonable cost in Salmo trutta L. on the Atlantic coast of Europe where the facultative anadromous species is composed of discrete populations of brown trout residents occupying distinct river systems, but exchanging phenotypically distinguishable sea trout migrants. We performed two kinds of genetic analyses using individual microsatellite genotypes: the stock identification of sea trout entering each corridor and the estimates of effective dispersal through each corridor. We observed that individual movement (nonlocal individuals of each source population ranging from 4% to 35% of the sea trout run) never translates into effective dispersal except in one of four migratory corridors examined. The likely origin of this uniquely detected gene flow event is discussed in the light of well‐documented migratory fish management actions undertaken in the past in the studied area.
How Useful Is Basel III's Liquidity Coverage Ratio? Evidence From US Bank Holding Companies
Authors: Du Brian 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis paper approximates a construction of Basel III's Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) for US bank holding companies. This study examines (i) the LCR's marginal contribution to a firm's systemic risk and (ii) whether the LCR can predict ex ante which banks are most exposed to systemic losses in a true systemic event. Panel regressions from 2002 to 2015 show that the LCR is associated with lower relative systemic risk, measured by ΔCoVaR. The LCR may be used conjunctively with marginal expected shortfall to predict a firm's systemic losses during the crisis of 2007–2008.
Predicting academic success by using context variables and probabilistic classification
Authors: Bahritidinov Bakhtiyor , Sánchez Eduardo 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe aim of the study reported here was to predict students' grades based on context and personal state variables. Motivation for the study derives from the need to provide accurate recommendations about both educational resources and activities that match students' requirements and expectations. The proposed prediction method takes advantage of information associated with the context variables of the students, proposes the identification of clusters that group students with similar attributes, and estimates the final grade based on a probabilistic model. The findings show that the proposed model outperforms other existing models in terms of error accuracy.
Determining the critical plant test potassium concentration for annual and Italian ryegrass on dairy pastures in south‐western Australia
Authors: McDonnell R. P. , Staines M. vH. , Bolland M. D. A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPotassium fertilization in intensive grassland systems is particularly important on sandy soils with limited K storage capacity. A 3‐year plot experiment was conducted in south‐western Australia to determine the critical K concentration in herbage dry matter (DM) of annual and Italian ryegrass required to achieve 0.95 of the maximum yield, under best‐practice grassland management. A factorial design was employed with eight fertilizer K rates (range 0–360 kg ha−1 year−1) and two ryegrass species replicated four times, on a sandy soil site managed over 7 years to deplete mean soil Colwell K concentration to 42 mg/kg. Herbage was defoliated six times per year at the 3‐leaf stage of regrowth. Herbage DM yield, macronutrient and micronutrient concentrations were measured at each defoliation. Dry‐matter yield increased significantly (p < .001) with increasing levels of K fertilizer in all 3 years and the effect was curvilinear, while 0.95 of the maximum herbage DM yield was achieved at an annual K fertilizer application rate of 96, 96 and 79 kg/ha respectively. At these K fertilizer application levels, the mean K concentration of herbage DM over the 3 years was derived to be 11.4, 12.7 and 11.2 g/kg respectively. Sodium, magnesium and calcium concentrations of herbage DM all declined significantly (p < .001) as the K concentration increased. Grassland producers on sandy soils should target a K concentration in herbage DM of 16 g/kg for annual ryegrass and Italian ryegrass‐dominant swards to ensure K availability is not limiting herbage production.
Growth of hybrids between the common and early ecotypes of Imperata cylindrica
Authors: Miyoshi Ikuya , Tominaga Tohru 
Published: March 2017

AbstractGrowth of hybrids between the common‐ (C‐) and early‐ (E‐) ecotypes of cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch.) was compared with their parents to clarify their potential invasiveness. Six ramets of each artificial hybrid and their parents, a total of 276 ramets (6 ramets × 22 hybrids between C‐ and E‐type (CE‐hybrids), 6 ramets × 22 hybrids between E‐ and C‐type (EC‐hybrids), six ramets of C‐type parent and six ramets of E‐type parent) were transplanted individually into clay pots (21‐cm diameter × 16‐cm depth, 3300 cm3) in May. Half of the clay pots planted with CE‐hybrids, EC‐hybrids, C‐type parents and E‐type parents, three ramets of each clone, were placed in wet conditions (wet plot), in which all of the clay pots were kept in water 9.5 cm deep from the bottom of the pot. As controls, the remaining clay pots were placed on the ground. All ramets were harvested in November and their dry weights were measured. The E‐type grew better than C‐type in the wet plot. CE‐hybrids and EC‐hybrids showed a broad range of growth response to groundwater level and some hybrids were superior to their parents under both control and wet conditions. In the Tohoku region, the hybrids are commonly distributed, hybridization can cause the two parent types to fuse into a single population and would result in their extinction.
Safety of arteriovenous fistulae and grafts for continuous renal replacement therapy: The Michigan experience
Authors: Al Rifai Anas , Sukul Nidhi , Wonnacott Robert , Heung Michael 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntroduction: Arteriovenous fistula or graft (AVF/AVG) use is widely considered contraindicated for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), yet insertion of hemodialysis (HD) catheters can carry high complication risk in critically ill end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.Methods: Single‐center analysis of 48 consecutive hospitalized ESRD patients on maintenance HD who underwent CRRT using AVF/AVG from 2012 to 2013. Primary outcome was access‐related complications.Findings: Mean age was 60 years, 48% were male, and 88% required vasopressor support. Median duration of AVF/AVG use for CRRT was 4 days (range 1–34). Ten (21%) patients had access complications (5 bleeding, 5 infiltration, 1 thrombosis); 5 (10.4%) required catheter placement. Overall 31 (65%) patients survived to hospital discharge and AVF/AVG access was functional at the time of discharge in 29 (94%) patients.Discussion: In our experience, use of AVF/AVG for CRRT can be performed with a low serious complication rate and low risk of access loss, potentially avoiding catheter‐related complications.
Importance of Pain Acceptance in Relation to Headache Disability and Pain Interference in Women With Migraine and Overweight/Obesity
Authors: Lillis Jason , Graham Thomas J. , Seng Elizabeth K. , Lipton Richard B. , Pavlović Jelena M. , Rathier Lucille , Roth Julie , O'Leary Kevin C. , Bond Dale S. 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundPain acceptance involves willingness to experience pain and engaging in valued activities while pain is present. Though pain acceptance could limit both headache‐related disability and pain interference in individuals with migraine, few studies have addressed this issue. This study evaluated whether higher levels of total pain acceptance and its two subcomponents, pain willingness and activity engagement, were associated with lower levels of headache‐related impairment in women who had both migraine and overweight/obesity.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, participants seeking weight loss and headache relief in the Women's Health and Migraine trial completed baseline measures of pain acceptance (Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire [CPAQ]), headache‐related disability (Headache Impact Test‐6), and pain interference (Brief Pain Inventory). Migraine headache frequency and pain intensity were assessed daily via smartphone diary. Using CPAQ total and subcomponent (pain willingness and activity engagement) scores, headache frequency, pain intensity, and body mass index (BMI) as predictors in linear regression, headache‐related disability, and pain interference were modeled as outcomes.ResultsOn average, participants (n = 126; age = 38.5 ± 8.2 years; BMI = 35.3 ± 6.6 kg/m2) reported 8.4 ± 4.7 migraine days/month and pain intensity of 6.0 ± 1.5 on a 0‐10 scale on headache days. After correcting for multiple comparisons (adjusted α = .008), pain willingness was independently associated with both lower headache‐related disability (P < .001; β = −0.233) and pain interference (P < .001; β = −0.261). Activity engagement was not associated with headache‐related disability (P = .128; β = −0.138) and pain interference (P = .042; β = −0.154). CPAQ total score was not associated with headache‐related disability (P = .439; β = 0.066) and pain interference (P = .305; β = 0.074). Pain intensity was significantly associated with outcomes in all analyses (Ps < .001; βs 0.343‐0.615).ConclusionsHigher pain willingness, independent of degree of both migraine severity and overweight, is associated with lower headache‐related disability and general pain interference in treatment‐seeking women with migraine and overweight/obesity. Future studies are needed to clarify direction of causality and test whether strategies designed to help women increase pain willingness, or relinquish ineffective efforts to control pain, can improve functional outcomes in women who have migraine and overweight/obesity.
Implementation of a youth‐adult partnership model in youth mental health systems research: Challenges and successes
Authors: Heffernan Olivia S. , Herzog Tyson M. , Schiralli Jordana E. , Hawke Lisa D. , Chaim Gloria , Henderson Joanna L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundBy integrating Youth–Adult Partnerships (Y‐APs) in organizational decision making and programming in health‐care settings, youth can be engaged in decisions that affect them in a way that draws on their unique skills and expertise. Despite challenges, Y‐APs can have many benefits for youth and adults alike, as well as for the programmes and initiatives that they undertake together.ObjectiveThis article describes the development, implementation and success of a Y‐AP initiative at the McCain Centre at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, a large urban hospital.MethodThe McCain Y‐AP implementation model was developed based on the existing literature, guided by the team's progressive experience. The development and implementation procedure is described, with indicators of the model's success and recommendations for organizations interested integrating youth engagement.ResultsThe McCain Y‐AP has integrated youth into a wide range of mental health and substance use‐related initiatives, including research projects, conferences and educational presentations. The model of youth engagement is flexible to include varying degrees of involvement, allowing youth to contribute in ways that fit their availability, interest and skills. Youth satisfaction has been strong and both the youth and adult partners have learned from the experience.DiscussionThrough the McCain Y‐AP initiative, youth engagement has helped advance numerous initiatives in a variety of ways. Flexible engagement, multifaceted mentorship, reciprocal learning and authentic decision making have led to a successful partnership that has provided opportunities for growth for all those involved. Health‐care organizations interested in engaging youth can learn from the McCain Y‐AP experience to guide their engagement initiatives and maximize success.
Determinants of Attitudes towards Immigration: Testing the Influence of Interculturalism, Group Threat Theory and National Contexts in Time of Crisis
Authors: García‐Faroldi Livia 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSince 2008 a profound crisis, not only economic but also political, has been affecting the EU. The Eurobarometers carried out by the European Commision show an increased percentage of people who see their country as not having benefitted from being an EU member. In addition, the presence of extreme‐right parties has grown recently in several democracies. These parties adopt not only an anti‐European but also an anti‐immigrant stance. It is precisely the growing strength and visibility of this link between anti‐Europeanism and anti‐immigration in ideological positions that has prompted our research. Using data from the Eurobarometer 71.3 (2009) for eleven countries, we confirm a correlation between intercultural dialogue – measured using a proxy variable: European identification – and tolerance. Results also corroborate group threat theory. However, the best model takes into account national contexts. These findings show the relevance of studying national historical and cultural traditions to understand how prejudices develop.
Intergenerational mentoring at Men's Sheds: A feasibility study
Authors: Wilson Nathan J , Cordier Reinie , Ciccarelli Marina , MacCallum Judith , Milbourn Benjamin , Vaz Sharmila , Joosten Annette , Buchanan Angus , McAuliffe Tomomi , Stancliffe Roger J 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundThis study reports on the feasibility of an intergenerational mentoring programme for youth with intellectual disability (ID) aimed at developing skills and building networks.MethodsYouth with ID were paired with older male mentors who were trained to support the mentees participate in activities and social interactions during weekly sessions. We interviewed the mentees and mentors, and assessed them on a range of outcomes using standardized measures.ResultsInterviews highlighted that the programme presented a great “opportunity” for the mentees and mentors. The participants described facilitators and challenges to the acquisition of practical skills by mentees and the development of relationships between mentors and mentees, including communication, transportation and mentor training. The youth with ID had difficulty completing the self‐report measures.ConclusionsMentoring programmes are viable to support youth with ID during the transition to adulthood; however, refinement is required in the rollout out of a pilot intervention.
Plasma soluble leptin receptor levels are associated with pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Morioka Tomoaki , Emoto Masanori , Yamazaki Yuko , Kurajoh Masafumi , Motoyama Koka , Mori Katsuhito , Fukumoto Shinya , Shioi Atsushi , Shoji Tetsuo , Inaba Masaaki 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionA soluble form of the leptin receptor (soluble Ob‐R) in the circulation regulates leptin's bioactivity, and is inversely associated with body adiposity and circulating leptin levels. However, no study has examined the clinical impact of soluble Ob‐R on glucose metabolism in diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the association of plasma soluble Ob‐R levels with insulin resistance and pancreatic β‐cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsA total of 289 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes were included in the present study. Fasting plasma soluble Ob‐R levels and plasma leptin levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Insulin resistance and pancreatic β‐cell function were estimated by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function and fasting C‐peptide index.ResultsThe median plasma soluble Ob‐R level and plasma leptin level were 3.4 ng/mL and 23.6 ng/mL, respectively. Plasma soluble Ob‐R levels were negatively correlated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function and the C‐peptide index, whereas plasma leptin levels were positively correlated with each index in univariate analyses. Multivariate analyses including plasma soluble Ob‐R levels, plasma leptin levels and use of sulfonylureas, along with age, sex, body mass index and other covariates, showed that soluble Ob‐R levels were independently and negatively associated with homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function and the C‐peptide index, but not significantly associated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance.ConclusionsPlasma soluble Ob‐R levels are independently associated with pancreatic β‐cell function, but not with insulin resistance, in patients with type 2 diabetes. The present study implicates the role of soluble Ob‐R in pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.
A critical review of improvement rates for laser therapy used to treat toenail onychomycosis
Authors: Gupta A.K. , Versteeg S.G. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractOnychomycosis is a nail infection that is primary caused by dermatophytes. Alternative treatments are needed as current therapies (oral and topical antifungals) have limited effectiveness. Lasers are currently approved by the FDA to temporarily increase the amount of clear nail in onychomycosis patients. Lasers can theoretically elicit fungicidal effects but in practice produce mixed results. This review compared laser‐induced improvement rates to FDA‐approved indications and traditional onychomycosis treatments. A review of the literature (PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov, Medline and Embase) was used to locate articles for this review. RCTs, non‐randomized, uncontrolled and retrospective studies that included at least one of the following measures were eligible; complete cure, mycological cure, clinical improvement and clinical cure. Mycological cure (negative culture and negative microscopy) was evaluated in two studies using patients as the unit of analysis with an average rate of 11%, increasing to 63% when nails were used as the unit of analysis (three studies). Clinical cure (100% clear nail) was evaluated in six studies with a rate of 13% using nails as the unit of analysis and 13% when patients were used as the unit of analysis (two studies). Clinical improvement (at any time point) was found in 36% of patients (five studies) and 67% of nails (nine studies). Nail clarity as measured by clear nail growth and/or nail plate/bed clearance at 12 weeks was found to be 2.6 mm across onychomycotic nails. Laser studies, to date, provide preliminary evidence of clinical improvement and clear nail growth in toenail onychomycosis, consistent with the FDA clearance for aesthetic endpoints. Laser studies however do not provide efficacy rates for medical endpoints that equate or exceed those found with traditional therapies (oral and topical treatments).