bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supraoptimal temperatures influence the range dynamics of a non‐native insect
Authors: Tobin Patrick C. , Gray David R. , Liebhold Andrew M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimTo examine the relationship between the range dynamics of the non‐native species Lymantria dispar (L.) and supraoptimal temperatures during its larval and pupal period.LocationWest Virginia and Virginia, United States, North America.MethodsWe linked the annual frequency of supraoptimal temperatures during the larval and pupal period of L. dispar with annual changes in its range dynamics based upon a spatially robust 20‐year dataset. Correlation analyses were used to estimate the association between exposure time above the optimal temperature for L. dispar larval and pupal development, and the rate of invasion spread when adjusted for spatial autocorrelation.ResultsWe documented L. dispar range expansion, stasis, and retraction across a fairly narrow latitudinal region. We also observed differences in the amount of exposure above the optimal temperature for L. dispar larval and pupal development across this region. Temperature regimes in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions of Virginia, where the L. dispar range has retracted or remained static, were warmer than those in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and West Virginia, where L. dispar has expanded its range. Our analyses at a smaller spatial scale confirmed a statistically negative association between exposure time above the optimal temperature for L. dispar larvae and pupae, and the rate of L. dispar invasion spread over the 20‐year period.Main conclusionsThe shifting, expansion and retraction of species distributional ranges holds critical implications to both invasion ecology and conservation biology. This work provides novel empirical evidence of the importance of supraoptimal temperatures on the range dynamics of a non‐native invasive insect with application to both non‐native and native species whose physiological processes are strongly regulated by temperature.
Correlation of Echocardiographic Epicardial Fat Thickness with Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wang Tao , Liu Qiang , Liu Cuixia , Sun Ling , Li Daixu , Liu Aihua , Jia Ruyi 
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to test the hypotheses that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) can be a marker of severe coronary artery disease in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Overall, 373 cases who underwent coronary angiography were classified into 2 groups by SYNTAX score: low‐score and high‐score group. EAT was measured by transthoracic echocardiography. Obtained data were compared using Pearson correlation analyses and univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis. The results showed that EAT in the high‐score group was significantly greater than in the normal group (5.6 ± 1.1 vs. 4.1 ± 1.0 mm, P < 0.01). EAT had a positive correlation with SYNTAX score (r = 0.61, P < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses showed that EAT could reliably discriminate patients with high SYNTAX score (≥33) [AUC: 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.822–0.898, P < 0.01]. Multivariate regression analyses showed that EAT was an independent predictor for major in‐hospital events. These data showed an association between EAT and SYNTAX score.
Associations of Tissue Doppler Imaging with NT‐proBNP and hs‐TnT: A Pilot Study in End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Dubin Ruth F. , Beatty Alexis L. , Teerlink John R. , Schiller Nelson B. , Alokozai Dean , Johansen Kirsten L. 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundDiastolic dysfunction is common and associated with higher mortality in the end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) population. E/E′, a measure derived from tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), is a correlate of left ventricular (LV) filling pressures. E/E′ may be viewed as a confirmatory marker of diastolic dysfunction, but it is not routinely used to quantify diastolic dysfunction. Whether E/E′ is associated with N‐terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) or high sensitivity troponin T (hs‐TnT) in this population is not known.MethodsWe performed echocardiograms and serology prior to the 2nd or 3rd dialysis session of the week on 35 chronic hemodialysis patients. We compared TDI parameters (E/E′ and E′ alone), traditional categories of diastolic function (normal, impaired, pseudonormal or restrictive), and ejection fraction (EF) as potential predictors of the outcomes NT‐proBNP and hs‐TnT.ResultsHigher E/E′ was associated with higher NT‐proBNP (rho 0.48, P = 0.004) and hs‐TnT (rho 0.37, P = 0.03). EF did not have statistically significant associations with NT‐proBNP (rho −0.2, P = 0.4) or hs‐TnT (rho −0.24, P = 0.16). As compared to patients with normal diastolic function, those with impaired or pseudonormal filling patterns did not have significantly different levels of NT‐proBNP (P = 0.46); patients in traditional categories of worsened diastolic function actually had lower hs‐TnT (P = 0.02). The associations of E/E′ with higher NT‐proBNP and hs‐TnT persisted after multivariate adjustment for EF, LV mass, and volume status.ConclusionsTissue Doppler imaging may be more useful in evaluating cardiac function than traditional measures of diastolic dysfunction in the ESRD population.
Asymmetrical intraguild predation between natural enemies of the citrus mealybug
Authors: Gkounti Vasiliki T. , Savopoulou‐Soultani Matilda , Milonas Panagiotis G. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe ability of a predator to discriminate against parasitized prey determines the extent of asymmetrical intraguild predation, which is often crucial for the outcome of biological control. Anagyrus nr. pseudococci (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), suffers from intraguild predation by coccinellids occurring in the same habitat. The level of intraguild predation on A. nr. pseudococci by Nephus includens (Kirsch) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) at different immature stages has been investigated with and without simultaneous offer of extraguild prey. Larvae of A. nr. pseudococci appeared to face increased intraguild predation at early developmental stages, whereas mummification provided adequate protection against the predatory coccinellid. Different predation levels on unparasitized vs. parasitized hosts at various developmental stages in choice assays indicated that N. includens preferences might be determined not solely by palatability of the prey but also by its ability to protect itself.
Detection of clade 2 equine influenza virus in an adult horse recently imported to the USA
Authors: Pusterla N. , Estell K. , Mapes S. , Wademan C. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryA 4‐year‐old Warmblood mare presented to the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis with bilateral mucoid nasal discharge and pyrexia. The mare had recently been imported from Germany, arriving at a quarantine holding facility 72 h prior to presentation. Based on clinical presentation and culture results of tracheal fluid, the mare was diagnosed with bacterial bronchopneumonia secondary to equine influenza. The equine influenza virus (EIV) identified in the imported mare displayed 99.1% nucleotide homology of the HA1 gene to the prototype Florida sublineage clade 2 isolate A/equine/Richmond/1/2007 (H3N8). This case illustrates the risk of introducing a clade 2 EIV in North America.
Topical E6005, a novel phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, attenuates spontaneous itch‐related responses in mice with chronic atopy‐like dermatitis
Authors: Andoh Tsugunobu , Yoshida Tetsuro , Kuraishi Yasushi 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAtopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous disease with difficult‐to‐treat pruritus. Although phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 inhibitors have an anti‐inflammatory effect on inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, their acute antipruritic activities remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we examined whether E6005, a novel PDE4 inhibitor, has antipruritic activity in dermatitis, using a mouse model of atopic dermatitis (NC/Nga mice). A single topical application of E6005 inhibited spontaneous hind‐paw scratching, an itch‐associated response and spontaneous activity of the cutaneous nerve in mice with chronic dermatitis. The cutaneous concentration of cAMP was significantly decreased in mice with chronic dermatitis, and this decrease was reversed by topical E6005 application. These results suggest that E6005 increases the cutaneous concentration of cAMP to relieve dermatitis‐associated itching. Thus, E6005 may be a useful therapy for pruritic dermatitis such as atopic dermatitis.
Prediction of short fatigue crack growth of Ti‐6Al‐4V
Authors: Wang K. , Wang F. , Cui W. , Hayat T. , Ahmad B. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTIt is observed that the short fatigue cracks grow faster than long fatigue cracks at the same nominal driving force and even grow at stress intensity factor range below the threshold value for long cracks in titanium alloy materials. The anomalous behaviours of short cracks have a great influence on the accurate fatigue life prediction of submersible pressure hulls. Based on the unified fatigue life prediction method developed in the authors' group, a modified model for short crack propagation is proposed in this paper. The elastic–plastic behaviour of short cracks in the vicinity of crack tips is considered in the modified model. The model shows that the rate of crack propagation for very short cracks is determined by the range of cyclic stress rather than the range of the stress intensity factor controlling the long crack propagation and the threshold stress intensity factor range of short fatigue cracks is a function of crack length. The proposed model is used to calculate short crack propagation rate of different titanium alloys. The short crack propagation rates of Ti‐6Al‐4V and its corresponding fatigue lives are predicted under different stress ratios and different stress levels. The model is validated by comparing model prediction results with the experimental data.
Variable amplitude loading of spray‐formed hypereutectic aluminium silicon alloy DISPAL® S232 in the VHCF regime
Authors: Fitzka M. , Mayer H. , Schuller R. , Stanzl‐Tschegg S. E. , Przeorski T. , Krug P. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTSpray‐formed hypereutectic aluminium silicon alloy DISPAL® S232–T6x is cycled with variable amplitude at ultrasonic frequency up to the very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) regime under fully reversed tension–compression loading. The Powder Metallurgy alloy is tested using a Gaussian cumulative frequency distribution of load cycles, and lifetimes are compared with constant amplitude data. Miner calculation delivers mean damage sums between 0.5 and 0.9 for mean lifetimes between 8 × 107 and 1.6 × 1010 cycles, respectively. Cracks are initiated at voids, at inclusions or at distributed inhomogeneities (porous areas or oxides) at the surface or in the interior. In situ analysis of vibration properties indicates that cracks are formed and start growing from the beginning of fatigue cycling, even if failure occurs in the very high cycle fatigue regime. Crack initiation stage is negligible. Lifetime prediction calculation is performed using an adapted Paris‐law and considering lifetime as cycles necessary to propagate an initial crack to failure. Measured and predicted mean lifetimes differ by factor 0.4–1.0. Large crack‐initiating defects strongly reduce the fatigue lifetimes, which is successfully covered in the crack propagation model.
Impact response of polyethylene sandwich panel obtained by rotational moulding
Authors: Casavola C. , Moramarco V. , Pappalettere C. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTSandwich panels are more and more used in load bearing structures because of their high specific stiffness and high specific strength. Impact energy absorption is a characteristic required for some specific application, that is, in high‐speed transportations. In this article, the impact response of a new sandwich panel made up of two polyethylene skins separated by lightweight polyethylene foam, built with an innovative manufacturing process called rotational moulding, is investigated by both the impact test and the finite element analysis. To characterize the low‐velocity impact response of this new material, three homogenous polyethylene sandwich panels, 44 ± 1 mm thick, are studied under seven impact test energy levels, from 5 to 70 J. Experimental tests have allowed obtaining absorbed energy and the load–time plot for each impact energy level. Furthermore, a quantitative analysis of the damage is presented. Finally, a finite element model was implemented to evaluate the damping effect of the core.
Hypomagnesemia, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular mortality: Pronounced association but unproven causation
Authors: Dousdampanis Periklis , Trigka Konstantina , Fourtounas Costas 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMagnesium is as an essential metal implicated in numerous physiological functions of human cells. The kidney plays a crucial role in magnesium homeostasis. In advanced chronic kidney disease, serum magnesium levels are increased. Data from experimental and observational studies suggest that low levels of magnesium are associated with several factors, such as insulin resistance, diabetes, oxidative stress, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and inflammation which are implicated in the progression of chronic kidney disease. Moreover, low levels of magnesium have been correlated with cardiovascular disease and all‐cause mortality in end‐stage renal disease patients. Hypomagnesemia has also been associated with poorer renal allograft and transplant recipients' outcomes. The causality of these relationships has not been completely elucidated. A thorough review of the current literature indicates that low magnesium levels in dialysis patients may reflect a poorer nutritional status and/or are the result of systemic inflammation. Further studies in chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients are needed in order to clarify the causality of these associations.
Costs of adverse events among patients with HIV infection treated with nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Authors: Simpson KN , Chen S‐Y , Wu AW , Boulanger L , Chambers R , Nedrow K , Tawadrous M , Pashos CL , Haider S 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the incidence and costs of adverse events (AEs) among patients with HIV infection treated with nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) from the health care system perspective.MethodsUS medical and pharmacy claims during 2004−2009 were examined to select adult new NNRTI users with HIV infection. The incidence of selected AEs and time to occurrence were assessed during the first year. Episodes of care for each AE were identified using claims associated with AE management. For each AE, a propensity score model was used to match patients with an AE to those without (1:4) based on the propensity of having an AE. Mean total health care costs, AE‐associated costs and incremental costs per episode, and annual total health care costs per patient were calculated.ResultsOf the 2548 NNRTI‐treated patients, 29.3% experienced AEs. The incidence ranged from 0.4 episodes/1000 person‐years for suicide/self‐injury to 14.9 episodes/1000 person‐years for dizziness, 49.8 episodes/1000 person‐years for depression and 150.3 episodes/1000 person‐years for lipid disorder. The mean AE‐associated cost (duration) per episode ranged from $586 (88 days) for lipid disorder to $975 (33 days) for rash, $2760 (73 days) for sleep‐related symptoms and $4434 (41 days) for nausea/vomiting. The mean incremental cost per episode ranged from $1580 for rash to $2032 for lipid disorder, $8307 for sleep‐related symptoms and $12 833 for nausea/vomiting. During the 12 months following NNRTI initiation, the mean annual total health care cost was $27 299 (efavirenz: $26 185; other NNRTIs: $34 993) and AE‐associated costs were $608 (efavirenz: $554; other NNRTIs: $979) among all NNRTI users.ConclusionsWith treatment increasing patient survival, comparisons of therapeutic regimens should consider treatment‐associated AEs. Findings from this study could be informative for clinicians and payers in managing HIV infection with NNRTIs.
The rate of recovery in renal function when patients with HIV infection discontinue treatment with tenofovir
Authors: Young J , Wang Q , Fux CA , Bernasconi E , Furrer H , Vernazza P , Calmy A , Cavassini M , Weber R , Battegay M , Bucher HC ,   Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesTenofovir is associated with reduced renal function. It is not clear whether patients can be expected to fully recover their renal function if tenofovir is discontinued.MethodsWe calculated the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for patients in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study remaining on tenofovir for at least 1 year after starting a first antiretroviral therapy regimen with tenofovir and either efavirenz or the ritonavir‐boosted protease inhibitor lopinavir, atazanavir or darunavir. We estimated the difference in eGFR slope between those who discontinued tenofovir after 1 year and those who remained on tenofovir.ResultsA total of 1049 patients on tenofovir for at least 1 year were then followed for a median of 26 months, during which time 259 patients (25%) discontinued tenofovir. After 1 year on tenofovir, the difference in eGFR between those starting with efavirenz and those starting with lopinavir, atazanavir and darunavir was – 0.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) −2.3 to 0.8], −1.4 (95% CI −3.2 to 0.3) and 0.0 (95% CI −1.7 to 1.7) mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. The estimated linear rate of decline in eGFR on tenofovir was −1.1 (95% CI −1.5 to −0.8) mL/min/1.73 m2 per year and its recovery after discontinuing tenofovir was 2.1 (95% CI 1.3 to 2.9) mL/min/1.73 m2 per year. Patients starting tenofovir with either lopinavir or atazanavir appeared to have the same rates of decline and recovery as those starting tenofovir with efavirenz.ConclusionsIf patients discontinue tenofovir, clinicians can expect renal function to recover more rapidly than it declined.
Influence of kidney bean, field pea and amaranth protein isolates on the characteristics of starch‐based gluten‐free muffins
Authors: Shevkani Khetan , Singh Narpinder 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThis study was undertaken to see the effect of kidney bean (KB), field pea (FP) and amaranth (AM) protein isolates on the viscoelasticity and gluten‐free muffin‐making properties of starch‐based batter. The characteristics of gluten‐free muffins were also compared to those prepared with wheat gluten (WG). The incorporation of different protein isolates enhanced batter viscoelasticity (increased storage and loss modulus and decreased tan δ) and resulted in muffins with higher specific volume, springiness and cohesiveness. Firmness of the muffins varied with the source of protein isolate. KB protein isolates resulted in firmer muffins compared to those made from FP, AM and WG. The crust colour became more reddish‐brown on incorporation of protein isolates, while crumb colour varied with the source of protein. Overall, the results revealed that KB, FP and AM protein isolates can be successfully used to prepare gluten‐free muffins with characteristics comparable to those made from wheat gluten.
Restoring the glycosaminoglycans layer in recurrent cystitis: Experimental and clinical foundations
Authors: Cicione Antonio , Cantiello Francesco , Ucciero Giuseppe , Salonia Andrea , Madeo Immacolata , Bava Ilaria , Aliberti Antonio , Damiano Rocco 
Published: March 2014

AbstractRestoring the bladder glycosaminoglycans layer has recently been introduced as prophylactic treatment for recurrent urinary tract infections. Herein, we analyze the latest main clinical and experimental studies to support this therapeutic option. An electronic research was carried out in the most common databases in order to identify any published studies. Retrieved studies were categorized as experimental or clinical according to their setting. For the clinical studies, the evidence level was assigned. A total of 13 laboratory studies showed how bladder glycosaminoglycans instillations act: attenuation of the inflammation process, reduction of bladder contraction amplitude and frequency, reduction of epithelium damage, and lower bacterial growth in urine and tissue samples. Likewise, two randomized clinical trials with grade 2 evidence level and two case series with grade 4 evidence level reported glycosaminoglycans as an alternative to reduce episodes and to prolong recurrence time in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections. At least 12 months of follow up was completed. No serious adverse events were reported. Compared with a placebo, in one randomized study a significantly higher maximum cystometric capacity was obtained, whereas in the other study a significant increase in quality of life scores was reported too. An improvement in the urinary symptoms score was reported by the two randomized trials. Although the clinical use of glycosaminoglycans replacement therapy for recurrent urinary tract infections is supported by a small number of clinical studies with different evidence levels, the laboratory studies show that glycosaminoglycans could have a protective role against inflammatory factors, supporting the idea “to restore the glycosaminoglycans bladder layer to prevent chronic disease course”.