bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carotid Adventitial Vasa Vasorum and Intima‐Media Thickness in a Primary Prevention Population
Authors: Sampson Uchechukwu K. A. , Harrell Frank E. , Fazio Sergio , Nwosu Sam , Mercaldo Nate , Mensah George A. , Davidson Michael H. , Coll Blai , Feinstein Steve B. 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundVasa vasorum (VV) vessels are critical in the genesis of atherosclerosis. Therefore, we assessed measures of carotid VV, intima–media thickness (CIMT), and patient risk factors in a primary prevention population.MethodsWe used multivariable linear models to evaluate the relationship between baseline covariates and a measure of carotid VV (VV ratio) and CIMT among 324 diabetics and 141 nondiabetics.ResultsMedian CIMT (in mm) and VV ratio among nondiabetics were 0.82 ± 0.22 and 0.80 ± 0.19, respectively, and 1.06 ± 0.19 and 1.21 ± 0.26 among diabetics (P < 0.0001). Diabetes was associated with 36% (95% CI: 24.3–48.0, P < 0.001) higher VV ratio whereas a unit change in BMI was associated with ≈1% (95% CI: 0.5–1.4, P < 0.001) change in VV ratio. A 10‐year increase in age was associated with 4% (95% CI: 1–7, P = 0.005) higher CIMT. Each 10 mmHg increase in mean systolic blood pressure was associated with 2% (95% CI: 1–4, P = 0.003) higher CIMT whereas diabetes conferred 31% (95% CI: 19.1–42.1, P < 0.001) higher CIMT. Female sex was associated with a 9% (95% CI: −12.9 to −4.1, P < 0.001) lower CIMT. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, blood pressure, and CIMT were not significantly associated with VV ratio.ConclusionIn this cohort of patients with low CIMT, VV ratio, and CIMT were distinctly unrelated, but each independently associated with diabetes. VV ratio and CIMT relationships warrant further investigation in large‐scale studies and across a spectrum of atherosclerostic states.
“3D Fusion” Echocardiography Improves 3D Left Ventricular Assessment: Comparison with 2D Contrast Echocardiography
Authors: Augustine Daniel , Yaqub Mohammad , Szmigielski Cezary , Lima Eduardo , Petersen Steffen E. , Becher Harald , Noble J. Alison , Leeson Paul 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundThree‐dimensional fusion echocardiography (3DFE) is a novel postprocessing approach that utilizes imaging data acquired from multiple 3D acquisitions. We assessed image quality, endocardial border definition, and cardiac wall motion in patients using 3DFE compared to standard 3D images (3D) and results obtained with contrast echocardiography (2DC).MethodsTwenty‐four patients (mean age 66.9 ± 13 years, 17 males, 7 females) undergoing 2DC had three, noncontrast, 3D apical volumes acquired at rest. Images were fused using an automated image fusion approach. Quality of the 3DFE was compared to both 3D and 2DC based on contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) and endocardial border definition. We then compared clinical wall‐motion score index (WMSI) calculated from 3DFE and 3D to those obtained from 2DC images.ResultsFused 3D volumes had significantly improved CNR (8.92 ± 1.35 vs. 6.59 ± 1.19, P < 0.0005) and segmental image quality (2.42 ± 0.99 vs. 1.93 ± 1.18, P < 0.005) compared to unfused 3D acquisitions. Levels achieved were closer to scores for 2D contrast images (CNR: 9.04 ± 2.21, P = 0.6; segmental image quality: 2.91 ± 0.37, P < 0.005). WMSI calculated from fused 3D volumes did not differ significantly from those obtained from 2D contrast echocardiography (1.06 ± 0.09 vs. 1.07 ± 0.15, P = 0.69), whereas unfused images produced significantly more variable results (1.19 ± 0.30). This was confirmed by a better intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 0.72; 95% CI 0.32–0.88) relative to comparisons with unfused images (ICC 0.56; 95% CI 0.02–0.81).Conclusion3DFE significantly improves left ventricular image quality compared to unfused 3D in a patient population and allows noncontrast assessment of wall motion that approaches that achieved with 2D contrast echocardiography.
Scale insects, decay and canker fungi in American beech
Authors: Cale J. A. , Ashby A. W. , West J. L. , Teale S. A. , Johnston M. T. , Castello J. D. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryTripartite interactions among phytophagous insects, pathogens and their host plants provide insight into the role of host physiology in determining susceptibility to attack. American beech (Fagus grandifolia) often is simultaneously attacked by beech scale (Cryptococcus fagisuga), one or more Neonectria pathogens and Xylococculus betulae that can result in beech bark disease (BBD). Additionally, beech is frequently infected by heartrot‐decay fungi. Cursory observations in 2011 suggested that beech scale and Neonectria lesion densities were lower and greater, respectively, on trees with decay. In 2012, digital image analysis was used to quantify densities of these organisms on 123 beech from the Adirondack region of New York. Three groups of study trees (n = 41) were used: Inonotus glomeratus‐infected, Phellinus igniarius‐infected and non‐decay trees. Trees infected by decay pathogens supported lower densities of beech scale and higher densities of Neonectria. Densities of X. betulae did not significantly vary among decay groups. These results may be explained by decay‐induced changes in host physiology. Additional work is needed to elucidate the potential role of host bark chemistry in the BBD complex.
A case of anaphylactic shock induced by FX60 polysulfone hemodialyzer but not F6‐HPS polysulfone hemodialyzer
Authors: Shu Kai‐Hsiang , Kao Tze‐Wah , Chiang Wen‐Chih , Wu Vin‐Cent 
Published: June 2014

AbstractA 75‐year‐old woman was admitted for dyspnea and fever. She underwent emergent dialysis smoothly under F6‐HPS polysulfone hemodialyzer. With two subsequent hemodialysis sessions, severe anaphylactic reaction with cardiopulmonary resuscitation occurred under FX60 polysulfone dialyzer. Further dialysis sessions by F6‐HPS polysulfone dialyzer were uneventful. This rare case demonstrated that dialyzer reaction may be markedly different even with the same material and the same manufacturer.
Association of increased travel distance to dialysis units with the risk of anemia in rural chronic hemodialysis elderly
Authors: Chao Chia‐Ter , Lai Chun‐Fu , Huang Jenq‐Wen , Chiang Chih‐Kang , Huang Sheng‐Jen 
Published: June 2014

AbstractGeographic remoteness has been found to influence health‐related outcomes negatively. As reported in the literature, rural dialysis patients have a higher risk of mortality with increasing travel distance to dialysis units. However, few studies have focused on the impact of travel distances on the development of dialysis complications. We utilized a prospectively collected chronic hemodialysis patient cohort from a rural regional hospital for analysis. Data on demographics, comorbidities, and serum laboratory results were obtained. Correlation analyses between travel distance to dialysis units and dialysis complications were conducted, and significantly correlated parameters were entered into multivariate logistic regression models to determine their exact associations. A total of 46 rural chronic hemodialysis patients were enrolled, with an average age higher than others in the literature. Significant correlation was found between travel distance and serum hemoglobin levels (R2 = −0.34, P value = 0.029). Multivariate logistic regression found that every 1 km increase in travel distance was associated with an increased risk of anemia (hemoglobin <9 g/dL) (odds ratio 1.46; P value = 0.01). Sensitivity analyses further showed that the associated risk was partially attenuated by serum albumin (odds ratio 1.83; P value = 0.07) and ferritin (odds ratio 1.39; P value = 0.08) levels. This is the first study to demonstrate the association between increased travel distance to dialysis units and the risk of anemia in chronic dialysis patients, especially elderly. Malnutrition, inflammation, and atherosclerosis syndrome could be partially responsible for the observed association. Further research is required to confirm our findings.
Validated finite element analyses of WaveOne Endodontic Instruments: a comparison between M‐Wire and NiTi alloys
Authors: Bonessio N. , Pereira E. S. J. , Lomiento G. , Arias A. , Bahia M. G. A. , Buono V. T. L. , Peters O. A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimTo validate torsional analysis, based on finite elements, of WaveOne instruments against in vitro tests and to model the effects of different nickel–titanium (NiTi) materials.MethodologyWaveOne reciprocating instruments (Small, Primary and Large, n = 8 each, M‐Wire) were tested under torsion according to standard ISO 3630‐1. Torsional profiles including torque and angle at fracture were determined. Test conditions were reproduced through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations based on micro‐CT scans at 10‐μm resolution; results were compared to experimental data using analysis of variance and two‐sided one sample t‐tests. The same simulation was performed on virtual instruments with identical geometry and load condition, based on M‐Wire or conventional NiTi alloy.ResultsTorsional profiles from FEA simulations were in significant agreement with the in vitro results. Therefore, the models developed in this study were accurate and able to provide reliable simulation of the torsional performance. Stock NiTi files under torsional tests had up to 44.9%, 44.9% and 44.1% less flexibility than virtual M‐Wire files at small deflections for Small, Primary and Large instruments, respectively. As deflection levels increased, the differences in flexibility between the two sets of simulated instruments decreased until fracture. Stock NiTi instruments had a torsional fracture resistance up to 10.3%, 8.0% and 7.4% lower than the M‐Wire instruments, for the Small, Primary and Large file, respectively.ConclusionM‐Wire instruments benefitted primarily through higher material flexibility while still at low deflection levels, compared with conventional NiTi alloy. At fracture, the instruments did not take complete advantage of the enhanced fractural resistance of the M‐Wire material, which determines only limited improvements of the torsional performance.
Micropush‐out dentine bond strength of a new gutta‐percha and niobium phosphate glass composite
Authors: Carvalho C. N. , Martinelli J. R. , Bauer J. , Haapasalo M. , Shen Y. , Bradaschia‐Correa V. , Manso A. P. , Gavini G. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimTo characterize an experimental gutta‐percha and niobium phosphate glass composite (GNB) applied with a thermoplastic technique to the root canals without sealer in a moist environment and to evaluate its micropush‐out bond strength to root canal wall dentine.MethodologyThe root canals of sixty human mandibular pre‐molars were prepared using rotary NiTi instruments and irrigation with sodium hypochlorite and EDTA. The teeth were then randomly divided into three groups according to the root filling material used: AH plus sealer and gutta‐percha (AH), EndoSequence BC gutta‐percha without sealer (GBC), and GNB without sealer. The root canals were filled with a single cone using warm vertical condensation. Push‐out bond strengths associated with the filling materials in slices from middle root thirds was determined 30 days after root filling. The failure mode was analyzed with SEM. Analysis using EDX and SEM‐EDS was carried out to verify the composition and distribution of the particles of the tested materials. Data were statistically analyzed by one‐way anova and Tukey's test (P < 0.05).ResultsAH and GNB groups had bond strengths of 2.83 ± 0.64 MPa and 2.68 ± 0.84 MPa, respectively, with no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). The GBC group had the lowest mean bond strength (1.34 ± 0.42 MPa), which was significantly different compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). Cohesive failures prevailed in the AH group, whereas failures were mixed in the GBC and GNB groups. The SEM‐EDS analysis on the surface and in the bulk of GBC revealed only a superficial coating of bioceramic particles. Glass particles were detected both on the surface and in the bulk of GNB.ConclusionsThe experimental root filling composite (GNB) had an ability to adhere to root canal wall dentine equal to the current gold standard root filling with gutta‐percha and sealer (AH Plus).
Impact of Living and Socioeconomic Characteristics on Cardiovascular Risk in Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Amarenco Pierre , Abboud Halim , Labreuche Julien , Arauz Antonio , Bryer Alan , Lavados Pablo M. , Massaro Ayrton , Collazos Mario Munoz , Steg Philippe Gabriel , Yamout Bassem I. , Vicaut Eric ,   for the OPTIC Registry Investigators
Published: June 2014

Objective We aimed to stratify the risk of vascular event recurrence in patients with cerebral infarction according to living and socioeconomic characteristics and geographic region. Method The Outcomes in Patients with TIA and Cerebrovascular Disease (OPTIC) study is an international prospective study of patients aged 45 years or older who required secondary prevention of stroke [following either an acute transient ischemic attack, minor ischemic strokes, or recent (less than six-months previous), stable, first-ever, nondisabling ischemic stroke]. A total 3635 patients from 245 centers in 17 countries in four regions (Latin America, Middle East, North Africa, South Africa) were enrolled between 2007 and 2008. The outcome measure was the two-year rate of a composite of major vascular events (vascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke). Results During the two-year follow-up period, 516 patients experienced at least one major cardiovascular event, resulting in an event rate of 15·6% (95% confidence interval 14·4–16·9%). Event rates varied across geographical region ( P < 0·001), ranging from 13·0% in Latin America to 20·7% in North Africa. Unemployment status, living in a rural area, not living in fully serviced accommodation (i.e., house or apartment with its own electricity, toilet and water supply), no health insurance coverage, and low educational level (less than two-years of schooling) were predictors of major vascular events. Major vascular event rates steeply increased with the number of low-quality living/socioeconomic conditions (from 13·4% to 47·9%, adjusted P value for trend <0·001). Conclusion Vascular risk in stroke patients in low- and middle-income countries varies not only with the number of arterial beds involved but also with socioeconomic variables.
Innovating job activation by involving employers
Authors: van der Aa Paul , van Berkel Rik 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis article explores the nature of innovative employer‐oriented activation policies, which aim to influence employers’ willingness to hire or possibly train and guide the unemployed. These policies may focus on responsibilities with regards to activation, which offer services to employers or provide incentives to influence employers’ involvement. Employers may take up a role as client or as co‐producer during policy implementation. Qualitative empirical data from two Dutch cities show that employers have diverse motives to become involved: to hire new workers, to lower costs or to enact social responsibility. Actual practice shows mixed results in terms of labour market participation and employer satisfaction. It appears that the active involvement of employers as co‐producers increases their willingness to be more flexible concerning their demands and leads to greater satisfaction with outcomes. The consequences of this model for the governance of activation policy are discussed.
Nordic reforms to improve the labour market participation of vulnerable youth: An effective new approach?
Authors: Halvorsen Rune , Hvinden Bjørn 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis article asks how the legitimacy (recognition or misrecognition) of “ethnicity” and “disability” influences public policies to promote the inclusion of young adults in the Nordic labour markets. The article assesses the case for seeing misrecognition and lack of accommodation as significant factors behind troubled transitions from school to work, and the case for regarding social regulation (or self‐regulation) as important ways of preventing, counteracting and correcting exclusionary factors in the transition from school to work among the two groups. The article argues that increased attention at the implementation stage of the policy process is necessary to be able to assess whether seemingly novel or innovative regulatory policies and measures actually enhance equal opportunities.
Policy innovations for including disabled people in the labour market: A study of innovative practices of Dutch sheltered work companies
Authors: van der Torre Lieske , Fenger Menno 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn its disability strategy, the European Union has expressed the central aim to improve the employment situation of people with disabilities. This article discusses Dutch policies, but specifically the Sheltered Work Act which contributes to this aim by regulating sheltered employment. The goal is to identify and explore innovative practices that have been applied by Dutch sheltered work companies for increasing the inclusion of disabled people in the regular labour market. The article reveals that the Netherlands has implemented a range of initiatives which together have resulted in an increase of non‐sheltered jobs for disabled people. The article argues that the simple “sheltered/non‐sheltered” dichotomy does not do justice to the gradual evolution of labour participation among individual disabled people and that the role of sheltered work places as a first step to the inclusion of disabled people should not be underestimated.
Geological Applications of Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: McMillan Nancy J. , Rees Shannon , Kochelek Kristen , McManus Catherine 
Published: June 2014

Laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) records light emitted from the decay of electrons to lower‐energy orbitals during cooling of laser‐induced ablation plasmas; the resultant spectra can be used in a variety of geoanalytical applications. Four aspects of LIBS analysis distinguish LIBS from traditional laboratory‐based analytical techniques: (i) the lack of necessary sample preparation, allowing rapid analysis of many samples, (ii) the ability to analyse both 20 to 100 μm‐diameter spots and whole rocks, (iii) the detailed chemical signature contained in a LIBS spectrum and (iv) the ability to take LIBS into the field in backpack portable instrumentation. Three case studies illustrate potential applications of LIBS in the geosciences. First, analysis of the Carrizozo basalt flow in New Mexico, USA, illustrated that LIBS spectra could discriminate between samples of similar composition within uncertainties typical of whole‐rock analysis by X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry. Second, spectra from four sets of rubies from Madagascar and Tanzania illustrate the use of LIBS and multivariate analysis to determine provenance with success rates of > 95%. This technique can also be applied to correlation of units. Finally, a chemical map of a copper ore from Butte, MT, USA, illustrates the use of spatially defined LIBS spectra to understand chemical variations within textural context.
ADrosophilalaboratory evolution experiment points to low evolutionary potential under increased temperatures likely to be experienced in the future
Authors: Schou M. F. , Kristensen T. N. , Kellermann V. , Schlötterer C. , Loeschcke V. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe ability to respond evolutionarily to increasing temperatures is important for survival of ectotherms in a changing climate. Recent studies suggest that upper thermal limits may be evolutionary constrained. We address this hypothesis in a laboratory evolution experiment, encompassing ecologically relevant thermal regimes. To examine the potential for species to respond to climate change, we exposed replicate populations ofDrosophila melanogasterto increasing temperatures (0.3 °C every generation) for 20 generations, whereas corresponding replicate control populations were held at benign thermal conditions throughout the experiment. We hypothesized that replicate populations exposed to increasing temperatures would show increased resistance to warm and dry environments compared with replicate control populations. Contrasting replicate populations held at the two thermal regimes showed (i) an increase in desiccation resistance and a decline in heat knock‐down resistance in replicate populations exposed to increasing temperatures, (ii) similar egg‐to‐adult viability and fecundity in replicate populations from the two thermal regimes, when assessed at high stressful temperatures and (iii) no difference in nucleotide diversity between thermal regimes. The limited scope for adaptive evolutionary responses shown in this study highlights the challenges faced by ectotherms under climate change.
Examination of the early infection stages of koi herpesvirus (KHV) in experimentally infected carp, Cyprinus carpio L. using in situ hybridization
Authors: Monaghan S J , Thompson K D , Adams A , Kempter J , Bergmann S M 
Published: June 2014

AbstractKoi herpesvirus (KHV) causes a highly infectious disease afflicting common carp and koi, Cyprinus carpio L. Various molecular and antibody‐based detection methods have been used to elucidate the rapid attachment and dissemination of the virus throughout carp tissues, facilitating ongoing development of effective diagnostic approaches. In situ hybridization (ISH) was used here to determine the target tissues of KHV during very early infection, after infecting carp with a highly virulent KHV isolate. Analysis of paraffin‐embedded tissues (i.e. gills, skin, spleen, kidney, gut, liver and brain) during the first 8 h and following 10 days post‐infection (hpi; dpi) revealed positive signals in skin mucus, gills and gut sections after only 1 hpi. Respiratory epithelial cells were positive as early as 2 hpi. Viral DNA was also detected within blood vessels of various tissues early in the infection. Notable increases in signal abundance were observed in the gills and kidney between 5 and 10 dpi, and viral DNA was detected in all tissues except brain. This study suggests that the gills and gut play an important role in the early pathogenesis of this Alloherpesvirus, in addition to skin, and demonstrates ISH as a useful diagnostic tool for confirmation of acutely infected carp.
All My Friends Are Doing It: Potentially Offensive Sexual Behavior Perpetration Within Adolescent Social Networks
Authors: Jewell Jennifer , Spears Brown Christia , Perry Brea 
Published: June 2014

The current study used social network analysis to investigate peer network and individual predictors of potentially offensive sexual behaviors among high school students. Ninth‐grade students (n = 308; 158 girls) completed surveys assessing their perpetration of potentially offensive sexual behaviors against their peers, as well as measures of their sexualized gender stereotypes and propensity to self‐monitor. Participants selected up to eight of their closest friends from a roster. Results revealed homophily of potentially offensive sexual behaviors, such that adolescents perpetrated similar amounts of physical/verbal, electronic, and homophobic behaviors as their friends. Characteristics of the peer network (e.g., mean network perpetration, centrality of individual, and gender composition) and the individual adolescent (e.g., gender, sexualized gender stereotypes, self‐monitoring) predicted adolescents’ own behavior.