bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temperature effect onChalara fraxinea: heat treatment of saplings as a possible disease control method
Authors: Hauptman T. , Piškur B. , de Groot M. , Ogris N. , Ferlan M. , Jurc D. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryAsh dieback is an emerging disease caused by the fungusChalara fraxineathat severely affectsFraxinus excelsiorandF. angustifoliastands inEurope. Previous studies have shown that this pathogen prefers temperatures around 20°C, while its growth in pure cultures at 30°C proved to be very limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of temperature on the development and growth ofC. fraxineain pure cultures and in plant tissues, as well as to test the heat tolerance ofF. excelsiorsaplings. The sensitivity of fungus to heat in ash tissues was higher than in pure cultures. Low isolation success rate from diseased ash tissue after a five‐hour hot water treatment at 36°C and the relatively high survival rate of ash saplings after hot water treatments at 36°C and 40°C indicate possibilities for the development of aC. fraxineaeradication method in ash saplings. Field monitoring showed that in hot weather periods, thermal conditions inside the ash tissues can be extreme enough to markedly decrease the viability ofC. fraxineain infected plant tissues.
Determination of lattice level energy efficiency for fatigue crack initiation
Authors: Voothaluru R. , Richard Liu C. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTFatigue crack initiation life prediction is a fundamentally challenging problem that is of prime importance as a significant portion of the fatigue life is spent in the initiation phase. In spite of the extensive efforts of research over the past two decades, the concept of crack initiation still remains as an enigma in science. The major challenges in predicting crack initiation life in industry are the evaluation of the crack initiation parameters such as the maximum resolved shear stress range, maximum slip band width and the energy efficiency coefficient. In this paper, we show that the energy efficiency can be successfully estimated with good accuracy by performing lattice level crystal plasticity‐based computational simulations on representative models. The lattice level plasticity‐based finite element computations are reported for the case of single crystal copper in this work, and the results show that this strategy leads to higher accuracy than the existing idea of approximating the efficiency factor. The results show that this strategy could be of great use in improving the reliability in prediction of crack initiation life. The effectiveness of this computational procedure would greatly reduce the financial investments necessary to perform experimental analysis of all structures to determine the crack initiation parameters, as it would require just a single measurement to quantify the measurement of efficiency.
Thermal niches are more conserved at cold than warm limits in arctic‐alpine plant species
Authors: Pellissier Loïc , Bråthen Kari Anne , Vittoz Pascal , Yoccoz Nigel G. , Dubuis Anne , Meier Eliane S. , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Randin Christophe F. , Thuiller Wilfried , Garraud Luc , Van Es Jérémie , Guisan Antoine 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimUnderstanding the stability of realized niches is crucial for predicting the responses of species to climate change. One approach is to evaluate the niche differences of populations of the same species that occupy regions that are geographically disconnected. Here, we assess niche conservatism along thermal gradients for 26 plant species with a disjunct distribution between the Alps and the Arctic.LocationEuropean Alps and Norwegian Finnmark.MethodsWe collected a comprehensive dataset of 26 arctic‐alpine plant occurrences in two regions. We assessed niche conservatism through a multispecies comparison and analysed species rankings at cold and warm thermal limits along two distinct gradients corresponding to (1) air temperatures at 2 m above ground level and (2) elevation distances to the tree line (TLD) for the two regions. We assessed whether observed relationships were close to those predicted under thermal limit conservatism.ResultsWe found a weak similarity in species ranking at the warm thermal limits. The range of warm thermal limits for the 26 species was much larger in the Alps than in Finnmark. We found a stronger similarity in species ranking and correspondence at the cold thermal limit along the gradients of 2‐m temperature and TLD. Yet along the 2‐m temperature gradient the cold thermal limits of species in the Alps were lower on average than those in Finnmark.Main conclusionWe found low conservatism of the warm thermal limits but a stronger conservatism of the cold thermal limits. We suggest that biotic interactions at the warm thermal limit are likely to modulate species responses more strongly than at the cold limit. The differing biotic context between the two regions is probably responsible for the observed differences in realized niches.
Dual Antiplatelets Reduce Microembolic Signals in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack and Minor Stroke: Subgroup Analysis of CLAIR Study
Authors: Lau Alexander Y. , Zhao Yudong , Chen Christopher , Leung Thomas W. , Fu Jianhui , Huang Yining , Suwanwela Nijasri C. , Han Zhao , Tan Kay Sin , Ratanakorn Disya , Markus Hugh S. , Wong Ka Sing ,   for the CLAIR Study Investigators
Published: March 2013

Background Short course of dual antiplatelet therapy for early secondary prevention is a promising treatment for patients with minor stroke or transient ischemic attack at high risk of recurrence. Methods We examined the efficacy and safety of dual antiplatelets in patients with transient ischemic attack or minor stroke, defined as National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores 0–3, in a subgroup analysis of Clopidogrel plus aspirin versus Aspirin alone for Reducing embolization in patients with acute symptomatic cerebral or carotid artery stenosis (CLAIR) study. Microembolic signals on transcranial Doppler monitoring was used as surrogate marker for recurrent stroke risk. Patients with ≥1 microembolic signals at baseline were randomized to receive dual therapy (aspirin 75–160 mg daily and clopidogrel 300 mg day 1 then 75 mg daily) or monotherapy (aspirin 75–160 mg daily) for seven-days. Results Sixty-five of 100 patients recruited had transient ischemic attack or minor stroke: 30 received dual therapy and 35 received monotherapy. Mean onset-to-randomization was 2·3 days in dual therapy group and 3·2 days in monotherapy group ( P = 0·03). At day 7, the proportion of patients with ≥1 microembolic signals was 9 of 29 patients in dual therapy group and 18 of 34 patients in monotherapy group (adjusted relative risk reduction 41·4%, 95% CI 29·8–51·1, P < 0·001). The median number of microembolic signals on day 7 was 0 in dual therapy group and 1·0 in monotherapy group ( P = 0·046). No patients had intracranial or severe systemic hemorrhage. Conclusions Early dual therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin reduces microembolic signals in patients with minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, without causing significant bleeding complications.
Referral and Triage of Patients with Transient Ischemic Attacks to an Acute Access Clinic: Risk Stratification in an Australian Setting
Authors: Magin Parker , Lasserson Daniel , Parsons Mark , Spratt Neil , Evans Malcolm , Russell Michelle , Royan Angela , Goode Susan , McElduff Patrick , Levi Christopher 
Published: March 2013

Background Transient ischemic attacks and minor stroke entail considerable risk of completed stroke but this risk is reduced by prompt assessment and treatment. Risk can be stratified according to the ABCD2 prediction score. Current guidelines suggest specialist assessment and treatment within 24 h for high-risk event (ABCD2 score 4–7) and seven-days for low-risk event (ABCD2 score ≤ 3). Aims The study aims to establish paths to care and outcomes for patients referred by general practitioners and emergency departments to an Australian acute access transient ischemic attack service. Methods This is a prospective audit. Primary outcomes were time from event to referral, from referral to clinic appointment, and from event to appointment. ABCD2 score was calculated for each event. Time from event was modeled using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results There were 231 clinic attendees (general practitioner: 127; emergency department: 104). Mean time from event to referral was 9·2 days (SD 23·7, median 2), from referral to being seen in the clinic was 13·6 days (SD 19·0, median 7), and from event to being seen in the clinic was 17·2 days (SD 27·1, median 10). Of low-risk patients, 38·5% were seen within seven-days of event. Of high-risk patients, 36·7% were seen within one-day. ABCD2 score was not a significant predictor of any time interval from event to clinic attendance. There were no completed strokes prior to clinic attendance. Conclusions Times from event to clinic assessment were in excess of current recommendations and risk stratification was suboptimal, though short-term outcomes were good. Improvements in referral mechanisms may enhance risk-stratification and triage.
Pain and trauma in negative pressure wound therapy: a review
Authors: Upton Dominic , Andrews Abbye 
Published: March 2013

AbstractNegative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is considered an effective wound treatment, but there are a number of issues that need to be addressed for improvements to be made. This review aimed to explore the literature relating to the pain and skin trauma that may be experienced during NPWT. A literature search was carried out using the following databases: Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, PsychINFO, MEDLINE and PsyARTICLES. A total of 30 articles were reviewed. Studies reported varying levels of pain in patients undergoing NPWT, with certain treatment factors affecting the level of pain, such as the NPWT system and the dressing/filler used. Similarly, although there is much less research exploring NPWT‐related trauma, findings suggest that dressing and filler type may impact on whether trauma occurs. However, further research needs to consider the different stages of NPWT and how pain and trauma can be minimised during the whole procedure. As both pain and skin trauma impact on the patient's well‐being and on wound healing, it is essential that research further explores the factors that may affect the experience of pain and trauma, so as to inform developments in wound care.
Palmoplantar subcorneal pustular dermatosis following adalimumab therapy for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sauder Maxwell B. , Glassman Steven J. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundTumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α inhibitors represent potent new therapies for severe forms of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and several other immune‐mediated disorders. Paradoxical worsening or de novo development of psoriasis has been documented with their use. Palmoplantar pustulosis has been one of the commoner presentations of this unusual side effect. Subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SPD) has some similarity to pustular psoriasis, particularly the acral form of SPD. Thus far there have been no biopsy‐proven cases of SPD associated with TNF‐α inhibitor use.MethodsWe describe clinical and histopathological features of a pustular skin condition which occurred in a 48‐year‐old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who had started adalimumab four months prior. The adalimumab had been added to her usual treatment with methotrexate because of incomplete symptom control.ResultsPainful and pruritic skin lesions were noted on her palms and soles primarily, with some extension to the limbs and abdomen. Examination revealed relatively non‐inflamed pustules with fluid levels, together with sparse crusted papules. Histopathology showed subcorneal pustules more suggestive of SPD than pustular psoriasis. The eruption resolved completely when adalimumab was withdrawn; methotrexate was continued.ConclusionSubcorneal pustular dermatosis, in addition to psoriasis vulgaris and pustular psoriasis, may occur in patients treated with TNF‐α inhibitors like adalimumab.
Intravenous immunoglobulins in difficult‐to‐treat ulcerated livedoid vasculopathy: five cases and a literature review
Authors: Bounfour Touda , Bouaziz Jean‐David , Bézier Maud , Petit Antoine , Viguier Manuelle , Rybojad Michel , Bagot Martine 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundLivedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a thrombotic vasculopathy of the skin of unknown origin. No treatment has been validated in this indication, but case reports suggest the successful use of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) in LV.MethodsOutcomes in five patients treated with IVIG for treatment‐resistant ulcerated LV were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsTreatment with IVIG induced complete remission (based on clinical evaluation and a pain‐related visual analog scale) in four patients but was ineffective in one patient. Three patients relapsed; the median time to relapse was 10.7 months. Re‐treatment with IVIG in these three patients was successful.ConclusionsThese cases confirm previous reports that IVIG seems to be a rapid, effective, and safe treatment for patients with idiopathic refractory ulcerated LV. However, a placebo‐controlled study is mandatory to confirm these results.
A 17‐element conodont apparatus from the Soom Shale Lagerstätte (Upper Ordovician), South Africa
Authors: ALDRIDGE RICHARD J. , MURDOCK DUNCAN J. E. , GABBOTT SARAH E. , THERON JOHANNES N. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract: Natural assemblages of a new conodont taxon,Notiodella keblon, from the Upper Ordovician Soom Shale Lagerstätte of South Africa contain 17 elements. This is the first time that a 17‐element apparatus plan has been unequivocally demonstrated in conodonts. The apparatus comprises paired P1, P2, P3, M, S1, S2, S3and S4elements and an unpaired, axial S0element and provides a new template for use in the reconstruction of apparatuses from the collections of dispersed elements, particularly for those with icrion‐bearing P1elements and perhaps for other balognathids.
REPEATABILITY OF A PLANNING TARGET VOLUME EXPANSION PROTOCOL FOR RADIATION THERAPY OF REGIONAL LYMPH NODES IN CANINE AND FELINE PATIENTS WITH HEAD TUMORS
Authors: Yoshikawa Hiroto , Harmon Joseph F. , Custis James T. , LaRue Susan M. 
Published: March 2013

For canine and feline patients with head tumors, simultaneous irradiation of the primary tumor and mandibular and retropharyngeal lymph nodes (LNs) is often indicated. The purpose of this study was to assess the repeatability of a planning target volume (PTV) expansion protocol for these LNs. Two CT image sets from 44 dogs and 37 cats that underwent radiation therapy for head tumors were compared to determine LN repositioning accuracy and precision; planning‐CT (for radiation therapy planning) and cone‐beam CT (at the time of actual treatment sessions). Eleven percent of dogs and 65% of cats received treatment to their LNs. In dogs, the mandibular LNs were positioned more caudally (P = 0.0002) and the right mandibular and right retropharyngeal LNs were positioned more to the left side of the patient (P = 0.00015 and P = 0.003, respectively). In cats, left mandibular LN was positioned higher (toward roof) than the planning‐CT (P = 0.028). In conclusion, when the patient immobilization devices and bony anatomy matching are used to align the primary head target and these LNs are treated simultaneously, an asymmetrical PTV expansion that ranges 4–9 mm (dogs) and 2–4 mm (cats), depending on the directions of couch movement, should be used to include the LNs within the PTV at least 95% of the time.
A randomized controlled trial of self‐management programme improves health‐related outcomes of older people with heart failure
Authors: Shao Jung‐Hua , Chang Anne M. , Edwards Helen , Shyu Yea‐Ing Lotus , Chen Su‐Hui 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimsThis paper is a report on the effectiveness of a self‐management programme based on the self‐efficacy construct, in older people with heart failure.BackgroundHeart failure is a major health problem worldwide, with high mortality and morbidity, making it a leading cause of hospitalization. Heart failure is associated with a complex set of symptoms that arise from problems in fluid and sodium retention. Hence, managing salt and fluid intake is important and can be enhanced by improving patients' self‐efficacy in changing their behaviour.DesignRandomized controlled trial.MethodsHeart failure patients attending cardiac clinics in northern Taiwan from October 2006–May 2007 were randomly assigned to two groups: control (n = 46) and intervention (n = 47). The intervention group received a 12‐week self‐management programme that emphasized self‐monitoring of salt/fluid intake and heart failure‐related symptoms. Data were collected at baseline as well as 4 and 12 weeks later. Data analysis to test the hypotheses used repeated‐measures anova models.ResultsParticipants who received the intervention programme had significantly better self‐efficacy for salt and fluid control, self‐management behaviour and their heart failure‐related symptoms were significantly lower than participants in the control group. However, the two groups did not differ significantly in health service use.ConclusionThe self‐management programme improved self‐efficacy for salt and fluid control, self‐management behaviours, and decreased heart failure‐related symptoms in older Taiwanese outpatients with heart failure. Nursing interventions to improve health‐related outcomes for patients with heart failure should emphasize self‐efficacy in the self‐management of their disease.
Personal and Family Health in Rural Areas of Kentucky With and Without Mountaintop Coal Mining
Authors: Hendryx Michael 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPurposeThis study investigates health disparities for adults residing in a mountaintop coal mining area of Appalachian Kentucky. Mountaintop mining areas are characterized by severe economic disadvantage and by mining‐related environmental hazards.MethodsA community‐based participatory research study was implemented to collect information from residents on health conditions and symptoms for themselves and other household members in a rural mountaintop mining area compared to a rural nonmining area of eastern Kentucky. A door‐to‐door health interview collected data from 952 adults. Data were analyzed using prevalence rate ratio models.FindingsAdjusting for covariates, significantly poorer health conditions were observed in the mountaintop mining community on: self‐rated health status, illness symptoms across multiple organ systems, lifetime and current asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hypertension. Respondents in mountaintop mining communities were also significantly more likely to report that household members had experienced serious illness, or had died from cancer in the past 5 years. Significant differences were not observed for self‐reported cancer, angina, or stroke, although differences in cardiovascular symptoms and household cancer were reported.ConclusionsEfforts to reduce longstanding health problems in Appalachia must focus on mountaintop mining portions of the region, and should seek to eliminate socioeconomic and environmental disparities.
Impact of Salt Crystal Size on in‐Mouth Delivery of Sodium and Saltiness Perception from Snack Foods
Authors: Rama Ruben , Chiu Natalie , Carvalho Da Silva Margarida , Hewson Louise , Hort Joanne , Fisk Ian D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractFried, sliced potato crisps were flavored with sodium chloride of varying size fractions to investigate the impact of salt crystal size on the delivery rate of sodium to the tongue and resultant saltiness, measured over 65 s with a defined chew protocol (three chews, then holding the bolus in the mouth without swallowing). Salt crystal size impacted upon the delivery rate and perceived saltiness. The smallest crystal size fraction dissolved and diffused throughout the mouth to the tongue saliva faster than the medium and the largest ones; the smallest crystal size fraction also had the highest maximum concentration and greatest total sodium. These results correlated well with the sensory perceived saltiness, where the smallest crystal size fraction resulted in the fastest Tmax, highest maximum saltiness intensity and maximum total saltiness. The different delivery rates can be explained by differential dissolution kinetics and enhanced mass transfer of sodium across the saliva.Practical ApplicationsSodium reduction is a major challenge for the global food industry. The results of this work illustrate how modification of salt crystal size fraction might impact sensory perceived saltiness, and that a smaller crystal size fraction can achieve a greater maximum saltiness per unit of sodium consumed. There are a number of technical hurdles to be overcome before implementation of this approach, both practical (limitations in processability) and sensorial (changes in the time–intensity profile), but the results do demonstrate that enhanced dissolution and diffusion kinetics can be achieved through modification of salt crystal size, which should be seriously considered by snack food manufacturers when approaching product reformulation.
An Instrumented Vehicle for Efficient and Accurate 3D Mapping of Roads
Authors: Moreno Francisco‐Angel , Gonzalez‐Jimenez Javier , Blanco Jose‐Luis , Esteban Antonio 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis article describes an electric vehicle equipped with a laser scanner and a highly accurate absolute positioning system aimed at surveying the geometry of roads. The main advantages of the proposed system with respect to conventional topographic procedures are the possibility of achieving a much higher density of surveyed points and its efficiency while keeping almost the same accuracy—a standard deviation of 12 mm of absolute error. The data acquisition process is managed by an on‐board computer which, in a synchronized way, deals with laser scanning and readings from three real‐time‐kinematics‐enabled millimeter GPS receivers. The three‐dimensional position and orientation of the vehicle (6 degrees of freedom) all along its trajectory is calculated off‐line by a custom software and, with that information, the system also obtains the absolute coordinates of the road scanned points. This article also presents a rigorous description regarding the theory behind 3D reconstruction and the calibration process.
Loss‐of‐function analyses defines vital and redundant functions of the Plasmodium rhomboid protease family
Authors: Lin Jing‐wen , Meireles Patrícia , Prudêncio Miguel , Engelmann Sabine , Annoura Takeshi , Sajid Mohammed , Chevalley‐Maurel Séverine , Ramesar Jai , Nahar Carolin , Avramut Cristina M. C. , Koster Abraham J. , Matuschewski Kai , Waters Andrew P. , Janse Chris J. , Mair Gunnar R. , Khan Shahid M. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryRhomboid‐like proteases cleave membrane‐anchored proteins within their transmembrane domains. In apicomplexan parasites substrates include molecules that function in parasite motility and host cell invasion. While two Plasmodium rhomboids, ROM1 and ROM4, have been examined, the roles of the remaining six rhomboids during the malaria parasite's life cycle are unknown. We present systematic gene deletion analyses of all eight Plasmodium rhomboid‐like proteins as a means to discover stage‐specific phenotypes and potential functions in the rodent malaria model, P. berghei. Four rhomboids (ROM4, 6, 7 and 8) are refractory to gene deletion, suggesting an essential role during asexual blood stage development. In contrast ROM1, 3, 9 and 10 were dispensable for blood stage development and exhibited no, subtle or severe defects in mosquito or liver development. Parasites lacking ROM9 and ROM10 showed no major phenotypic defects. Parasites lacking ROM1 presented a delay in blood stage patency following liver infection, but in contrast to a previous study blood stage parasites had similar growth and virulence characteristics as wild type parasites. Parasites lacking ROM3 in mosquitoes readily established oocysts but failed to produce sporozoites. ROM3 is the first apicomplexan rhomboid identified to play a vital role in sporogony.