bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An informational diversity framework, illustrated with sexually deceptive orchids in early stages of speciation
Authors: Smouse Peter E. , Whitehead Michael R. , Peakall Rod 
Published: April 2015

AbstractReconstructing evolutionary history for emerging species complexes is notoriously difficult, with newly isolated taxa often morphologically cryptic and the signature of reproductive isolation often restricted to a few genes. Evidence from multiple loci and genomes is highly desirable, but multiple inputs require ‘common currency’ translation. Here we deploy a Shannon information framework, converting into diversity analogue, which provides a common currency analysis for maternally inherited haploid and bi‐parentally inherited diploid nuclear markers, and then extend that analysis to construction of minimum‐spanning networks for both genomes. The new approach is illustrated with a quartet of cryptic congeners from the sexually deceptive Australian orchid genus Chiloglottis, still in the early stages of speciation. Divergence is more rapid for haploid plastids than for nuclear markers, consistent with the effective population size differential (Nep < Nen), but divergence patterns are broadly correlated for the two genomes. There are nevertheless intriguing discrepancies between the emerging plastid and nuclear signals of early phylogenetic radiation of these taxa, and neither pattern is entirely consistent with the available information on the sexual cues used by the orchids to lure the pollinators enforcing reproductive isolation. We describe possible extensions of this methodology to multiple ploidy levels and other types of markers, which should increase the range of application to any taxonomic assemblage in the very early stages of reproductive isolation and speciation.
A State‐Price Volatility Index for China's Stock Market
Authors: O'Neill Michael , Wang Kent , Liu Zhangxin (Frank) 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis study derives a volatility index for China's stock market with similar properties to the Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index (the ‘VIX’). A long‐term benchmark of historic volatility expectations is here presented for China from 1996 to 2011, called the ‘China‐ State‐Price Volatility (SPV)’. Construction of this index involves the use of SPV methodology, using implied volatility calculated from options on the Hang Seng China Enterprise Index (HSCEI). Historic open–high–low–close volatility on the Shanghai Composite Index (SHCI) is also used to extend the benchmark prior to the availability of HSCEI options data. The China‐SPV successfully forecasts realised volatility for the Shanghai Stock Exchange. It also serves as a ‘fear gauge’ in that it monitors daily movements of the SHCI in the same way that the VIX monitors the S&P 500 index (Whaley, 2009). The China‐SPV evidences an increasing relation with the US market in terms of the dynamic correlation of levels and changes with the VIX since 2004.
Investment–cash flow sensitivity measures investment thirst, but not financial constraint
Authors: Deng Kebin , Ding Zhong , Zhu Yushu , Zhou Qing 
Published: April 2015

AbstractLiterature streams disagree about the capacity of investment–cash flow sensitivity (ICFS) to measure both investment thirst and financial constraint. We argue that ICFS measures the former but not the latter. Therefore, we use Fazzari et al.'s study (1988) to develop a model to test the relationship between ICFS and financial constraint, but extend that model using Kornai (1979) to include investment thirst. We demonstrate: because the ICFS–financial constraint relationship varies, ICFS cannot measure financial constraint. Conversely, using a natural experiment of China's Four Trillion Stimulus policy, we show ICFS significantly and positively correlates with investment thirst after controlling for financial constraint.
Comparison of two in situ corneal donation technique: morgue trephination or scleracorneal removal technique
Authors: Yuksel Erdem , Yuksel Nilay , Akata Fikret 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPurposeTo compare the two different ‘in situ’ methods of corneal trephination technique under morgue condition (morgue trephination technique, MTT) and classic scleracorneal removal technique (SRT).MethodsA total of 1179 cases were evaluated for cornea donation at Gazi University Faculty of Medicine mortuary between the years 2008 and 2013 and were included to the study. Suitable donor corneas were retrieved with in situ trephination technique under morgue condition (group 1, MTT) or with in situ classic SRT (group 2, SRT). The two different ‘in situ’ methods were compared in terms of donor corneal biological quality (endothelial cell count, ECC) and functional outcome (presence of infection and primary graft failure).ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐two of 1179 cases were suitable for corneal donation. Two hundred and twenty‐nine corneas of 152 cases were transplanted, 108 corneas were obtained with MTT and 121 corneas were obtained with SRT. Pretransplant and post‐transplant ECCs were 2402.5 ± 115.6 and 2108.3 ± 108.23 (p = 0.065) in MTT, respectively, and 2512.7 ± 130.4 and 2235.4 ± 201.8 (p = 0.059) in SRT, respectively. The incidence of primary graft failure and infection was not statistically significantly different between two method [2.7% and 1.6% (p = 0.223), 0.9% and 0.8% (p = 0.115)].ConclusionThe two different ‘in situ’ methods, MTT and SRT, were similar in terms of donor ECC, presence of infection and primary graft failure. Cornea excision performed through the technique described herein may increase the corneal donation rates as result of reduced disfigurement to donor body and offer important contributions during surgery with good anatomic adaptation of tissues.
Low‐fasting triglyceride levels are associated with non‐invasive markers of advanced liver fibrosis among adults in the United States
Authors: Jiang Z. G. , Tsugawa Y. , Tapper E. B. , Lai M. , Afdhal N. , Robson S. C. , Mukamal K. J. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryBackgroundElevated fasting triglyceride is often associated with metabolic syndrome and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common form of chronic liver disease. On the other hand, as liver disease progresses, patients may develop hepatocellular dysfunction that impairs triglyceride production.AimTo test the hypothesis that lower fasting triglyceride levels may paradoxically indicate more advanced liver disease.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis of 11 947 adults aged 20 years or older without chronic viral hepatitis from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2010 was performed to analyze the relationships between fasting triglyceride levels and five validated non‐invasive indices of liver fibrosis, including Fibrosis 4 Score (FIB4), NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS), Ast‐Platelet Ration Index, AST/ALT ratio and BARD.ResultsLow‐fasting triglyceride levels were consistently associated with elevated liver fibrosis indices. Individuals in the lowest quintile of triglycerides (TG) had an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 3.0 (95% CI, 1.7–5.2; P < 0.001) for advanced fibrosis estimated by FIB4 score and OR of 1.8 (95% Cl, 1.2–2.7; P = 0.009) estimated by NFS, compared to individuals in the highest quintile. This association remained highly significant when restricted to individuals with abnormal LFTs from suspected NAFLD. This inverse relationship was continuous, and more pronounced among men and whites (P interaction <0.001 and 0.008 respectively), but not modified by age or body mass index. In addition, fasting TG had a stronger, more direct association with liver fibrosis indices than did albumin or total bilirubin.ConclusionsFasting triglyceride levels were inversely associated with liver fibrosis indicators in American adults, especially among white men. Our findings suggest that sequential lipid measurements may serve as a useful disease marker in the management of chronic liver disease patients.
Imidazole‐based alkaloid derivative LCB54‐0009 suppresses ocular angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in models of experimental retinopathy and corneal neovascularization
Authors: Kim Byung‐Hak , Lee Junyeop , Choi Jun‐Sub , Park Dae Young , Song Ho Young , Park Tae Kyo , Cho Chung‐Hyun , Ye Sang‐Kyu , Joo Choun‐Ki , Koh Gou Young , Kim Tae‐Yoon 
Published: April 2015

Background and PurposeAbnormally induced angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are associated with human diseases, including neovascular eye disease. Substances that inhibit these processes may have potential as an attractive therapeutic strategy for these diseases.Experimental ApproachIn vitro and in vivo angiogenesis and/or lymphangiogenesis were assessed in VEGF‐ or hypoxia‐stimulated endothelial and retinal cells and in animal models of oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR), streptozotocin‐induced diabetic retinopathy (SIDR), suture‐induced inflammatory corneal neovascularization (SICNV) and silver nitrate‐induced corneal neovascularization. HUVECs and retinal cells were cultured under hypoxic conditions or incubated with VEGF to identify the molecular mechanisms involved.Key ResultsThe imidazole‐based alkaloid derivative LCB54‐0009 inhibited capillary‐like tube formation in VEGF‐induced HUVECs without inducing cytotoxic effects. Intravitreal injection of LCB54‐0009 into retinas suppressed the formation of the pathological neovascular tufts and increased vascular permeability in both OIR of mice and SIDR of rats. Furthermore, subconjunctival injection of LCB54‐0009 into the cornea suppressed corneal inflammation and inflammation‐associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in SICNV of mice and silver nitrate cauterization of rats. These pharmacological activities were associated with effects on HIF‐1α protein stability and HIF‐1α/NF‐κB redox sensitivity through its antioxidant activities. LCB54‐0009 also inhibited the hypoxia‐induced expression of angiopoietin‐2, and VEGF‐induced VEGFR‐2 activation and downstream signalling, resulting in the down‐regulation of the expression of pro‐angiogenic factors and pro‐inflammatory mediators and an up‐regulation of the expression of anti‐angiogenic factors.Conclusions and ImplicationsLCB54‐0009 is a potential candidate molecule for blocking pathological angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis mediated by HIF‐1α‐ angiopoietin‐2 expression and VEGFR‐2 activation.
Sympathetic activation and endothelial dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome are not explained by either obesity or insulin resistance
Authors: Lambert Elisabeth A. , Teede Helena , Sari Carolina Ika , Jona Eveline , Shorakae Soulmaz , Woodington Kiri , Hemmes Robyn , Eikelis Nina , Straznicky Nora E. , De Courten Barbora , Dixon John B. , Schlaich Markus P. , Lambert Gavin W. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryObjectivePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition underpinned by insulin resistance and associated with increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and adverse cardiovascular risk profile. Previous data suggest autonomic imbalance [elevated sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity and decreased heart rate variability (HRV)] as well as endothelial dysfunction in PCOS. However, it is not clear whether these abnormalities are driven by obesity and metabolic disturbance or whether they are independently related to PCOS.Participants and methodsWe examined multiunit and single‐unit muscle SNS activity (by microneurography), HRV (time and frequency domain analysis) and endothelial function [ischaemic reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) using the EndoPAT device] in 19 overweight/obese women with PCOS (BMI: 31·3 ± 1·5 kg/m2, age: 31·3 ± 1·6 years) and compared them with 21 control overweight/obese women (BMI: 33·0 ± 1·4 kg/m2, age: 28·2 ± 1·6 years) presenting a similar metabolic profile (fasting total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, insulin sensitivity and blood pressure).ResultsWomen with PCOS had elevated multiunit muscle SNS activity (41 ± 2 vs 33 ± 3 bursts per 100 heartbeats, P < 0·05). Single‐unit analysis showed that vasoconstrictor neurons were characterized by elevated firing rate and probability and incidence of multiple spikes (P < 0·01 for all parameters). Women with PCOS also had impaired endothelial function (RHI: 1·77 ± 0·14 vs 2·18 ± 0·14, P < 0·05). HRV did not differ between the groups.ConclusionWomen with PCOS have increased sympathetic drive and impaired endothelial function independent of obesity and metabolic disturbances. Sympathetic activation and endothelial dysfunction may confer greater cardiovascular risk in women with PCOS.
Long‐Term Follow‐Up of 2.5‐mm Narrow‐Diameter Implants Supporting a Fixed Prostheses
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Saracho Juan , Begoña Leire , Alkhraisat Mohammad Hamdan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe use of narrow‐diameter implants (NDIs; <3.75 mm) constitutes an alternative to bone augmentation procedure. Long‐term evaluation of NDIs with a diameter <3.0 mm is still lacking.PurposeAnalyze the long‐term outcomes of 2.5‐mm NDIs splinted to regular‐sized implants for supporting partial and complete fixed prostheses.Materials and MethodsPatients charts were retrospectively analyzed to select patients treated by the insertion of at least one 2.5‐mm two‐piece implant before July 2005. The study was based on the available charts (no patient was recalled). Patient's demographic data were described. The known implant length was used as a reference to calibrate the linear measurements of marginal bone loss on digital periapical radiograph. Implant details, survival and prosthetic complications were analyzed.ResultsThirty‐seven 2.5‐mm implants placed in 20 patients (mean age at surgery: 54.05 ± 9.7 years) in maxilla and mandible were included and evaluated. The implants' mean follow‐up time since insertion was 6.5 ± 3.2 years (range 0 to 9.7 years). The follow‐up time was more than 7 years for 22 implants. One implant failed due to lack of osseointegration. Two prosthetic complications (connector and porcelain fracture) occurred. The survival rate was 97.3% for implants and 92.0% for prostheses. The mean marginal bone loss at the mesial and distal aspect was 0.70 ± 0.55 and 0.72 ± 0.56 mm, respectively.ConclusionsWhen dental implants of 2.5 mm in diameter are splinted by a fixed prosthesis, long‐term favorable outcomes could be obtained.
Evaluation of tubomanometry as a routine diagnostic tool for chronic obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction
Authors: Schröder S. , Lehmann M. , Korbmacher D. , Sauzet O. , Sudhoff H. , Ebmeyer J. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to demonstrate the reliability of tubomanometry (TMM) described by Estéve in the diagnosis of chronic obstructive Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction.Study designCombined prospective and retrospective clinical study.SettingTertiary referral centre, affiliated to university.MethodsTwo hundred and fifteen healthy subjects were examined once, 25 healthy subjects underwent TMM weekly for 6 weeks, and six healthy subjects were tested three times a day on at least three different days. The results of tubomanometry in healthy subjects were compared to data obtained from 171 patients with chronic obstructive ET dysfunction.ResultsIn healthy subjects, there was an immediate opening of the ET at 30–50 mbar with an R‐value ≤1 in at least 94% of the cases. In patients with chronic ET dysfunction, an opening of the ET could be registered in only 42% of patients at 30 mbar and in 58% at 50 mbar. The average of the R‐value in these subjects always indicated towards a delayed opening (R > 1). When measurements are repeated in the same subject with a weekly interval, the intraclass correlation (ICC) was 0.49 for the TMM with 30 mbar, 0.51 for the TMM with 40 mbar and 0.52 for the TMM with 50 mbar in healthy people. For the patients with symptoms of ET dysfunction, the ICC for up to four repeated measures was 0.50 for the TMM with 30 mbar, 0.53 for the TMM with 40 mbar and 0.54 for the TMM with 50 mbar. A complete agreement of the results in repeated measurements within seconds was present in 86% for 30 and 40 mbar and in 79% for 50 mbar. The ICC was 0.61 for the TMM with 50 mbar, 0.62 for the TMM with 40 mbar and 0.68 for the TMM with 30 mbar.ConclusionsTubomanometry can support the diagnosis of ET dysfunction. An R‐value ≤1 indicates a regular function of the ET, an R‐value >1 indicates a delayed opening of the ET, and no definable R‐value means no detectable opening of the ET. TMM is a reliable and valid instrument to support the diagnosis of chronic obstructive ET dysfunction.
Myocardial deformation and total atrial conduction time in the prediction of cardiac involvement in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Değirmenci Hüsnü , Demirelli Selami , Arısoy Arif , Ermiş Emrah , Araz Ömer , Bakırcı Eftal Murat , Hamur Hikmet , Büyüklü Mutlu , Topal Ergün 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimsIn this study, we aim to evaluate the left atrial global longitudinal strain (LAGLS), total atrial conduction time (TACT) and left ventricle (LV) functions in recently diagnosed pulmonary sarcoidosis (PS) patients.MethodFifty recently diagnosed PS patients (group 1) and a control group of 50 healthy individuals (group 2) were evaluated in the study. Two‐dimensional echocardiography images were obtained from LV apical 4‐chamber (4C), long‐axis (L) and 2‐chamber (2C) views. Peak longitudinal strain and strain rate (SR) were obtained from 4C, L and 2C views. Mean values of the three views were calculated. LV global longitudinal strain and LV‐SR torsion were determined as the net differences in the mean rotation between the apical and basal levels. LAGLS and TACT values were calculated.ResultsThe study found that LAGLS was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (P < 0.05). TACT was also significantly longer in group 1 than in group 2 (respectively group 1: 111.6 ± 15.1 ms; group 2: 103.4 ± 5.8 ms, P < 0.001). There was a significant moderate negative correlation between LAGLS and TACT (r = −0.36, P < 0.05). Patients with sarcoidosis had significantly lower LV longitudinal strain and SR measurements than the control group. Although LV basal rotation (LVR) values were similar in both groups, LVR‐apical and LV‐torsion (LVTR) values were significantly higher in the patient group (group 1).ConclusionThe identification of left atrial and left ventricular myocardial deformation using speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with PS allows subclinical LV dysfunction and subclinical electrophysiologic changes to be detected earlier.
Endothelial dysfunction in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism: neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet to lymphocyte ratio
Authors: Kurtipek Ercan , Büyükterzi Zafer , Büyükterzi Meral , Alpaydın Mehmet Sertaç , Erdem Said Sami 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsPulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a common cardiovascular emergency. Activated leukocytes may produce free oxygen radicals and endothelial damage, and, thereby, increased inflammation and thrombogenesis. In this study, we aimed to investigate endothelial dysfunction in patients with PTE.MethodsBetween May 2012 and July 2013, a total of 71 patients with acute PTE (32 males, 39 females; mean age: 64.94 ± 15.27 years; range: 33 to 87 years) who were admitted to the Emergency and Thoracic Diseases Departments and 56 healthy controls (44 males, 12 females; mean age: 62.52 ± 9.80 years; range: 46 to 79 years) were included. Brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation (BFMD) was performed. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were calculated.ResultsSignificantly higher BFMD values were observed in patients with PTE (P < 0.05). Patients with PTE also had significantly higher NLR and PLR values, compared with the healthy control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe results of our study suggest that using non‐invasive method such as ultrasonography combined with NLR and PLR in endothelial dysfunction diagnosis in PTE patients are both effective and inexpensive. We believe in PTE patients endothelial dysfunction may play a role in the development of probable cardiovascular events in future.
Clinical characteristics and survival of patients with pulmonary hypertension: a 40‐month mean follow‐up
Authors: López Reyes Raquel , Nauffal Manzur Dolores , Garcia Ortega Alberto , Menéndez Salinas Maria Angeles , Ansotegui Barrera Emilio , Balerdi Perez Begoña 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsThe aim of our study was to describe the characteristics and clinical outcomes of pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients who underwent their follow‐up at a single centre.MethodsWe included patients who fulfilled the criteria for the diagnosis of PH by right heart catheterisation. A detailed clinical history and complete physical examination were recorded for each patient. Demographic data, laboratory testing, haemodynamic values and treatment records were also collected. A 6‐min walk test was used to evaluate exercise capacity. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method, and a log‐rank test was used to compare survival curves among groups. A multivariate Cox's proportional hazards model was used in order to identify independent predictors of mortality in the overall PH population.ResultsA total of 93 patients (64 women and 29 men) were studied. The patients were distributed across the groups as follows: 50.5% in group 1, 20.4% in group 2, 9.7% in group 3, 14% in group 4 and 5.4% in group 5. The most common type of PH in our population was portopulmonary hypertension followed by PH associated with left heart disease, and idiopathic and chronic thromboembolic disease. Nineteen deaths, constituting 20.5% of the sample population, were reported. The Kaplan–Meier estimates of the 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐year survival rates were 91%, 89% and 85%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in survival among the groups (P = 0.18). A multivariate analysis revealed that the cardiac index (CI) was an independent predictor of death.ConclusionsThe survival rates of PH patients are higher than previously reported. In our study, the largest number of deaths occurred in groups 1 and 2, and CI was found to be an independent predictor of mortality.