bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of left atrial volume and function by real time three‐dimensional echocardiography in obese patients
Authors: Yagmur Julide , Cansel Mehmet , Kurtoglu Ertugrul , Hidayet Siho , Acıkgoz Nusret , Ermis Necip , Ozyalin Fatma 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate left atrial (LA) volume and functions in obese subjects using real time three‐dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) and also the relationship between LA mechanical functions and N‐terminal pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide (NT‐proANP).MethodsThis study included 40 obese (26 females and 14 males, mean age 51.9 years) and 40 normal weight subjects (23 females and 16 males, mean age 53.5 years) with normal coronary angiograms. All the study participants underwent RT3DE to assess LA volume and mechanical function. Plasma NT‐proANP was determined by ELISA method.ResultsThere was no significant difference between groups in left ventricular (LV) diameters and ejection fraction, which reflect LV systolic function. However, transmitral deceleration time, isovolumetric relaxation time, and peak late diastolic tissue Doppler velocity values, which reflect LV diastolic function, were found to be significantly higher in obese subjects when compared with controls. LA maximum volume (LAVmax), LAVmax index (LAVI), LA minimal volume (LAVmin), before atrial contraction volume (LAVpreA), LA active emptying volume, LA total emptying volume, and LA active emptying fraction, which reflect LA reservoir and pump functions, were also higher in obese subjects when compared with controls. LA passive emptying fraction was significantly lower in obese subjects than in controls. NT‐proANP levels were similar between groups. There were positive correlations between NT‐proANP level and LAVI, LAVmax, LAVmin, LAVpreA, and LA total and active emptying volumes.ConclusionsLeft atrial mechanical functions and volumes are impaired in obese subjects. These findings may be regarded as early markers of subclinical cardiac failure in obese subjects who have not yet exhibited any clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease.
Quantifying rates of random mating in western corn rootworm emerging from Cry3Bb1‐expressing and refuge maize in field cages
Authors: Taylor Sally V. , Smith Steven J. , Krupke Christian H. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is the most significant pest of field maize, Zea mays L. (Poaceae), in the USA. Maize plants expressing Bt toxins targeting the corn rootworm complex have been widely adopted and are the primary insecticidal control measure for this pest in North America. Insect resistance management tactics using various refuge structures have been adopted to ensure Bt products will retain durability. An assumption of the refuge strategy is that males and females emerging from Bt and refuge plantings mate randomly; this has not been tested in the field. We conducted cage studies using field populations of WCR in Indiana, USA, to generate empirical field data on mating rates between beetles emerging from Cry3Bb1‐expressing Bt and refuge maize plants. Two refuge configurations were tested; all refuge plants were labeled using the stable isotope 15N. This mark persists in adult beetles after eclosion, allowing for collection and analysis of isotopic ratios of all beetles. Additional data collected included adult emergence rates, timing and sex ratios for each of the treatments, and head capsule size and dry weights of beetles collected. Treatment had a significant effect on dry weight; mean dry weight decreased in Bt‐only treatments. Fisher's exact test of proportions of mating pairs of refuge and Bt insects indicated that mating was not random in 20% strip refuges and 5% seed blend treatments. We found high percentages of beetles that fed on Bt‐expressing plants as larvae, suggesting that mating between resistant beetles may not be rare even if random mating did occur.
Why Should We Care About Nietzsche's ‘Higher Men’?
Authors: Ben‐Zvi Omri 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThis paper offers a new interpretation of Nietzsche's ‘higher men’ doctrine, which explains how he can simultaneously hold the following two positions: first, that higher types are especially important or valuable; and second, that all moral claims are false (i.e. a crude error theory regarding morality). Nietzsche can coherently subscribe to both views by arguing that higher types have wide inter‐subjective (prudential) value to lower types. More specifically, higher men, who are mainly characterized by their strong, commanding nature, fulfill a psychological need, common in most humans—the need to obey. The paper develops this conception of higher types and shows how it relates to Nietzsche's insights on culture, nihilism, and becoming.
Understanding the Immediacy of Other Minds
Authors: Gangopadhyay Nivedita , Pichler Alois 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn this paper we address the epistemological debate between emerging perceptual accounts (PA) of knowing other minds and traditional theory of mind (ToM) approaches to the problem of other minds. We argue that the current formulations of the debate are conceptually misleading and empirically unfounded. Rather, the real contribution of PA is to point out a certain ‘immediacy’ that characterizes episodes of mindreading. We claim that while the intuition of immediacy should be preserved for explaining the nature and function of some cognitive processes of mindreading, the notion of immediacy should apply for describing a particular epistemic attitude and not a particular type of epistemic access. We draw on Wittgenstein's discussions of one's relation to other minds to elaborate our claims and to move the epistemological discussions beyond stalling debates between ToM and PA.
Preferential changes of skeletal muscle echogenicity in myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Takamatsu N. , Sogawa K. , Nodera H. , Hashiguchi S. , Osaki Y. , Saito M. , Mori A. , Izumi Y. , Kaji R. 
Published: December 2016

Background and purposeIn myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), weakness of distal limb muscles affects quality of life. Non‐invasive evaluation of muscular involvement by muscle sonography could be useful for characterizing muscle‐specific involvement.MethodsSonography of the lower leg and forearm was performed in 19 patients with DM1 and 10 control subjects. The mean echo intensities (EIs) of seven limb muscles were obtained by computer‐assisted histogram analysis and compared within DM1 according to the overall clinical severity.ResultsThe EIs of the muscles were significantly higher in DM1 than in the controls (P < 0.01), except for the soleus (P = 0.4). Comparison of adjacent muscles showed the following: (i) greater EIs in flexor digitorum profundus than flexor carpi ulnaris (P < 0.01) and flexor digitorum superficialis (P = 0.02), and (ii) greater EIs in the medial head of the gastrocnemius than the soleus (P < 0.00001). In a subgroup analysis of DM1 according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), the more severe subgroup (mRS = 4−5) had lower mean EIs than the less severe subgroup (mRS from 1−3) (P = 0.01) in the flexor digitorum superficialis but not in other muscles.ConclusionsPreferential high echogenicity in the medial gastrocnemius and deep finger flexors is suggestive of DM1. Muscle echogenicity is not generally related to functional dysfunction in DM1.
Idiopathic eosinophilic colitis lesions of the equine small (descending) colon
Authors: de Bont M. P. , Malbon A. J. , Blundell R. , Archer D. C. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryFive horses with a primary surgical lesion of the small (descending) colon were diagnosed with eosinophilic colitis based on visual and histopathological examination. These were evident as visibly striking, hyperaemic, focal lesions of the small colon, with serosal petechiation, oedema and marked thickening of the intestinal wall at the site. Areas of focal necrosis were also evident. The gross appearance of the lesions were considered to be sufficiently severe in all cases to merit resection, due to concerns about intestinal necrosis and septic peritonitis. An inability to fully exteriorise the affected portion of intestine to perform a resection and anastomosis necessitated intraoperative euthanasia of one horse. A total of three horses survived to hospital discharge. Eosinophilic colitis lesions are a rare cause of severe small colon disease, but should be considered in cases with similar visual characteristics.
Simple additive simulation overestimates real influence: altered nitrogen and rainfall modulate the effect of warming on soil carbon fluxes
Authors: Ni Xiangyin , Yang Wanqin , Qi Zemin , Liao Shu , Xu Zhenfeng , Tan Bo , Wang Bin , Wu Qinggui , Fu Changkun , You Chengming , Wu Fuzhong 
Published: December 2016

AbstractExperiments and models have led to a consensus that there is positive feedback between carbon (C) fluxes and climate warming. However, the effect of warming may be altered by regional and global changes in nitrogen (N) and rainfall levels, but the current understanding is limited. Through synthesizing global data on soil C pool, input and loss from experiments simulating N deposition, drought and increased precipitation, we quantified the responses of soil C fluxes and equilibrium to the three single factors and their interactions with warming. We found that warming slightly increased the soil C input and loss by 5% and 9%, respectively, but had no significant effect on the soil C pool. Nitrogen deposition alone increased the soil C input (+20%), but the interaction of warming and N deposition greatly increased the soil C input by 49%. Drought alone decreased the soil C input by 17%, while the interaction of warming and drought decreased the soil C input to a greater extent (−22%). Increased precipitation stimulated the soil C input by 15%, but the interaction of warming and increased precipitation had no significant effect on the soil C input. However, the soil C loss was not significantly affected by any of the interactions, although it was constrained by drought (−18%). These results implied that the positive C fluxes–climate warming feedback was modulated by the changing N and rainfall regimes. Further, we found that the additive effects of [warming × N deposition] and [warming × drought] on the soil C input and of [warming × increased precipitation] on the soil C loss were greater than their interactions, suggesting that simple additive simulation using single‐factor manipulations may overestimate the effects on soil C fluxes in the real world. Therefore, we propose that more multifactorial experiments should be considered in studying Earth systems.
Elevational species richness gradients in a hyperdiverse insect taxon: a global meta‐study on geometrid moths
Authors: Beck Jan , McCain Christy M. , Axmacher Jan C. , Ashton Louise A. , Bärtschi Florian , Brehm Gunnar , Choi Sei‐Woong , Cizek Oldrich , Colwell Robert K. , Fiedler Konrad , Francois Cristina L. , Highland Steven , Holloway Jeremy D. , Intachat Jurie , Kadlec Tomas , Kitching Roger L. , Maunsell Sarah C. , Merckx Thomas , Nakamura Akihiro , Odell Erica , Sang Weiguo , Toko Pagi S. , Zamecnik Jaroslav , Zou Yi , Novotny Vojtech 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimsWe aim to document elevational richness patterns of geometrid moths in a globally replicated, multi‐gradient setting, and to test general hypotheses on environmental and spatial effects (i.e. productivity, temperature, precipitation, area, mid‐domain effect and human habitat disturbance) on these richness patterns.LocationTwenty‐six elevational gradients world‐wide (latitudes 28° S to 51° N).MethodsWe compiled field datasets on elevational gradients for geometrid moths, a lepidopteran family, and documented richness patterns across each gradient while accounting for local undersampling of richness. Environmental and spatial predictor variables as well as habitat disturbance were used to test various hypotheses. Our analyses comprised two pathways: univariate correlations within gradients, and multivariate modelling on pooled data after correcting for overall variation in richness among different gradients.ResultsThe majority of gradients showed midpeak patterns of richness, irrespective of climate and geographical location. The exclusion of human‐affected sampling plots did not change these patterns. Support for univariate main drivers of richness was generally low, although there was idiosyncratic support for particular predictors on single gradients. Multivariate models, in agreement with univariate results, provided the strongest support for an effect of area‐integrated productivity, or alternatively for an elevational area effect. Temperature and the mid‐domain effect received support as weaker, modulating covariates, while precipitation‐related variables had no explanatory potential.Main conclusionsDespite the predicted decreasing diversity–temperature relationship in ectotherms, geometrid moths are similar to ants and salamanders as well as small mammals and ferns in having predominantly their highest diversity at mid‐elevations. As in those comparative analyses, single or clear sets of drivers are elusive, but both productivity and area appear to be influential. More comparative elevational studies for various insect taxa are necessary for a more comprehensive understanding of elevational diversity and productivity.
Effect of galantamine on attention in patients with Alzheimer's disease combined with cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Park Jeong Jin , Choi Seong Hye , Kim SangYun , Lee Ae Young , Moon So Young , Lee Jun Hong , Kwon Jae Cheol , Park Kyung Won , Ku Bon D. , Han Hyun Jeong , Kim Eun‐Joo , Shim Yong S. 
Published: December 2016

AimPatients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) show greater attentional deficits compared with AD patients without CVD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of galantamine on attention in AD patients with CVD.MethodsIn this open trial, 1512 patients with AD and CVD were recruited from 71 nationwide hospitals. The patients were given galantamine for 16 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the score on the Attention Questionnaire Scale (AQS), which measures the patients’ attention in their daily lives. The secondary outcome measures were the scores on the Korean Mini‐Mental State Examination, the Clinical Dementia Rating scale and the Global Deterioration Scale. Efficacy measures were calculated both at baseline and at the end of the treatment (week 16).ResultsThe responders rate on the AQS (change of the AQS from baseline >0) was 60.6% in AD patients with CVD. At the end of the treatment, both the AQS (15.0 ± 5.7 vs 16.3 ± 5.8, P < 0.001) and the Korean Mini‐Mental State Examination scores (17.8 ± 4.8 vs 18.1 ± 5.1, P < 0.001) showed a significant improvement relative to the baseline performance. The Clinical Dementia Rating (1.25 ± 0.59 vs 1.22 ± 0.63 P = 0.025) and Global Deterioration Scale (3.82 ± 0.94 vs 3.76 ± 0.96, P = 0.002) scores also showed a significant decrease at the end of the treatment.ConclusionsGalantamine is effective in improving attention in the daily lives of AD patients with CVD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1661–1668.
Characteristics of physical prefrailty among Japanese healthy older adults
Authors: Matsushita Eiji , Okada Kiwako , Ito Yui , Satake Shosuke , Shiraishi Nariaki , Hirose Takahisa , Kuzuya Masafumi 
Published: December 2016

AimThe purpose of the present study was to clarify the characteristics of frailty at an early stage (prefrailty) in a healthy elderly Japanese population.MethodsThe participants were 620 healthy older adults (age range 60–89 years) who were current students or graduates of a community college for older adults in Japan. All participants were evaluated using the Kihon Checklist, a tool developed to screen for frailty in Japan. The participants were categorized by the Fried criteria (lost weight, handgrip strength, walking speed, exhaustion, physical activity) into either a prefrailty (1–2 criteria) or a non‐frailty (0 criterion) group.ResultsIn the logistic regression model for the prevalence of prefrailty, significant and independent determinants were chronic constipation (odds ratio [OR] 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–3.90, P = 0.016), occurrence of incontinence (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.39–2.82, P < 0.001), unable to climb stairs (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.26–7.02, P = 0.013), dry mouth (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.04–2.22, P = 0.029), a lack of fulfillment (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.26–7.93, P = 0.015), found easy tasks difficult (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.30–5.85, P = 0.008) and felt helpless (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.02–4.39, P = 0.044).ConclusionsThese results suggest that the appearance of autonomic failure, oral malfunction and some psychological factors in relation to depressed mood, but not anthropometric measurements, are characteristic of prefrailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1568–1574.
Place Marketing, Place Branding, and Social Media: Perspectives of Municipal Practitioners
Authors: Cleave Evan , Arku Godwin , Sadler Richard , Kyeremeh Emmanuel 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to examine how social media is used as a promotional tool for economic development at the municipal level through place marketing and branding, to identify and explore what specific tools are being used, and to discuss the strengths and limitations of use. Primary data was collected through in‐depth interviews with 16 municipal economic development practitioners in the Province of Ontario, Canada. Additional data collected from municipal social media accounts was used to further reinforce the qualitative data and allow for triangulation and greater breadth of analysis. The findings suggest that social media is being used as a tool to promote local services and political information rather than communicate a brand position. Additionally, limited interaction with the audience reduces not only the effectiveness of place marketing efforts but also enhancement of place brands. While some findings are place specific (as study design limited research participants to municipalities in Ontario), these findings can be shared with other locales in advanced economies to provide them with information to make improvements in the way communication technology is utilised. This research paper provides a better understanding of how social media is being used by municipalities and how it fits into place marketing and place branding.
The importance of mRNA structure in determining the pathogenicity of synonymous and non‐synonymous mutations in haemophilia
Authors: Hamasaki‐Katagiri N. , Lin B. C. , Simon J. , Hunt R. C. , Schiller T. , Russek‐Cohen E. , Komar A. A. , Bar H. , Kimchi‐Sarfaty C. 
Published: December 2016

IntroductionMutational analysis is commonly used to support the diagnosis and management of haemophilia. This has allowed for the generation of large mutation databases which provide unparalleled insight into genotype–phenotype relationships. Haemophilia is associated with inversions, deletions, insertions, nonsense and missense mutations. Both synonymous and non‐synonymous mutations influence the base pairing of messenger RNA (mRNA), which can alter mRNA structure, cellular half‐life and ribosome processivity/elongation. However, the role of mRNA structure in determining the pathogenicity of point mutations in haemophilia has not been evaluated.AimTo evaluate mRNA thermodynamic stability and associated RNA prediction software as a means to distinguish between neutral and disease‐associated mutations in haemophilia.MethodsFive mRNA structure prediction software programs were used to assess the thermodynamic stability of mRNA fragments carrying neutral vs. disease‐associated and synonymous vs. non‐synonymous point mutations in F8, F9 and a third X‐linked gene, DMD (dystrophin).ResultsIn F8 and DMD, disease‐associated mutations tend to occur in more structurally stable mRNA regions, represented by lower MFE (minimum free energy) levels. In comparing multiple software packages for mRNA structure prediction, a 101–151 nucleotide fragment length appears to be a feasible range for structuring future studies.ConclusionmRNA thermodynamic stability is one predictive characteristic, which when combined with other RNA and protein features, may offer significant insight when screening sequencing data for novel disease‐associated mutations. Our results also suggest potential utility in evaluating the mRNA thermodynamic stability profile of a gene when determining the viability of interchanging codons for biological and therapeutic applications.
Primary Headaches in an Elderly Population Seeking Medical Care for Cognitive Decline
Authors: Feleppa Michele , Fucci Silvia , Bigal Marcelo E. 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of specific headache disorders in a population older than 65 years seeking consultation due to memory problems or cognitive impairment.MethodsWe verified the occurrence of headache symptoms and the impact of headaches on daily life. Headaches were classified as per the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition (ICHD‐2). All patients were screened with the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), followed by the Selective Reminding Test and neuroimaging. Participants with severe cognitive impairment or dementia were excluded.ResultsA total of 1,237 patients (51.6% women), with mean age of 75.6 years (SD = 6.9) were screened from January 2006 to December 2014. Of them, 302 (24.4%) patients suffered from headaches. Most common individual diagnoses were probable migraine (13.8%), episodic tension‐type headache (3.4%), and episodic migraine (3.0%). Chronic migraine or probable chronic migraine happened in 3.5%, while chronic tension‐type headache affected 0.6%. Most patients with headaches routinely used symptomatic medications (55.6%). Mean MMSE scores were similar in patients with or without headaches, or with different headache diagnoses.ConclusionsHeadache disorders overall, frequent headaches, and headaches requiring treatment are commonly seen in the elderly seeking care for cognitive decline and should be properly assessed and managed.
Expectancy‐value theory contributes to understanding consumer attitudes towards cow's milk alternatives and variants
Authors: Kempen Elizabeth , Kasambala Josephine , Christie Lorna , Symington Elize , Jooste Lizette , Van Eeden Tertia 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAlthough South Africans mostly consume cow's milk, cow's milk alternatives/variants are increasingly becoming popular and this could be attributed to higher demand and changing consumer attitudes. Using expectancy‐value theory approach, this study aimed to explore consumers' beliefs that exist to influence their attitude towards cow's milk alternatives/variants and consequently the acceptance or non‐acceptance thereof. Thirteen focus groups, each with four to eight participants, were conducted at the University of South Africa (Unisa) Science Campus in Florida, Gauteng, South Africa. Genders were separated to improve the facilitation of the discussion. The semi‐structured discussions explored and gave an insight into consumer attitudes and perceptions that influence acceptance of cow's milk alternatives/variants. The recorded discussions were transcribed and the content was analyzed for emerging themes and categories by two independent parties, who then compared these emerging themes and categories. Results showed that the primary factors that influence consumers' beliefs and, ultimately, attitude formation and predisposition to accept or reject cow's milk alternatives/variants are acquired through knowledge and perceptions coming from (1) direct experiences, such asfamiliaritywith the products' internal and external attributes,conditional willingnessandcausal factors, (2) indirect experiences ingrained from childhood and (3) association, where consumers had no reference to the product to attach attributes for belief formation, leading to beingastonishedat the thought, being curious about the product or having no interest in it. This study demonstrated that consumers' acceptance of cow's milk alternatives/variants will ultimately depend on product‐related expectations.