bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relation of Epicardial Fat Thickness to Subclinical Right Ventricular Dysfunction Assessed by Strain and Strain Rate Imaging in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome: A Two‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Study
Authors: Gökdeniz Tayyar , Erkol Ayhan , Kalaycıoğlu Ezgi , Çağrı Aykan Ahmet , Gül İlker , Boyacı Faruk , Turan Burak , Ozkan Mehmet 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundRight ventricular (RV) function is known to be impaired in the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Epicardial adipose tissue is a metabolically active organ that generates various bioactive molecules, which might affect cardiac function and morphology. Thus, we hypothesized that RV dysfunction in patients with MetS may be related to increased epicardial fat thickness (EFT) in these patients. In patients with MetS, we aimed to assess the relation of EFT with RV function using two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE)‐derived strain and strain rate imaging.MethodsThe study involved 76 subjects with MetS and 61 subjects without MetS. Biventricular structure and function together with EFT were evaluated by conventional echocardiography. RV free and septal walls strain (RVFW‐S & RVSW‐S), systolic and early diastolic strain rates (RVSRs & RVSRe) were evaluated by 2DSTE.ResultsEpicardial fat thickness was significantly higher in subjects with MetS (6.45 ± 1.48 mm vs. 5.49 ± 1.05 mm, P < 0.001). RVFW‐S (−22.95 ± 4.97% vs. −24.96 ± 3.63%; P = 0.007), RVSRs (1.53 ± 0.33/sec vs. −1.70 ± 0.33/sec; P = 0.002), and RVSRe (1.40 ± 0.44/sec vs. 1.75 ± 0.49/sec; P < 0.001) were all lower in subjects with MetS, while RVSW‐S did not differ. Multiple regression analysis showed that EFT was independently associated with RVFW‐S (β = −0.547, P < 0.001), RVSRs (β = −0.332, P = 0.001), and RVSRe (β = −0.187, P = 0.019) in subjects with MetS.ConclusionsMetabolic syndrome is associated with subclinical RV systolic and diastolic dysfunction. In subjects with MetS, increased EFT is independently related to RV systolic and diastolic dysfunction.
Comparison of Quantitative Wall‐Motion Analysis and Strain for Detection of Coronary Stenosis with Three‐Dimensional Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography
Authors: Parker Katherine M. , Clark Alexander P. , Goodman Norman C. , Glover David K. , Holmes Jeffrey W. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundQuantitative analysis of wall motion from three‐dimensional (3D) dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) could provide additional diagnostic information not available from qualitative analysis. In this study, we compare the effectiveness of 3D fractional shortening (3DFS), a measure of wall motion computed from 3D echocardiography (3DE), to strain and strain rate measured with sonomicrometry for detecting critical stenoses during DSE.MethodsEleven open‐chest dogs underwent DSE both with and without a critical stenosis. 3DFS was measured from 3DE images acquired at peak stress. 3DFS was normalized by subtracting average 3DFS during control peak stress (∆3DFS). Strains in the perfusion defect (PD) were measured from sonomicrometry, and PD size and location were measured with microspheres.ResultsA ∆3DFS abnormality indicated the presence of a critical stenosis with high sensitivity and specificity (88% and 100%, respectively), and ∆3DFS abnormality size correlated with PD size (R2 = 0.54). The sensitivity and specificity for ∆3DFS were similar to that for area strain (88%, 100%) and circumferential strain and strain rate (88%, 92% and 88%, 86%, respectively), while longitudinal strain and strain rate were less specific. ∆3DFS correlated significantly with both coronary flow reserve (R2 = 0.71) and PD size (R2 = 0.97), while area strain correlated with PD size only (R2 = 0.67), and other measures were not significantly correlated with flow reserve or PD size.ConclusionQuantitative wall‐motion analysis using ∆3DFS is effective for detecting critical stenoses during DSE, performing similar to 3D strain, and provides potentially useful information on the size and location of a perfusion defect.
Mesophyll cell‐sucking herbivores (Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) on rainforest trees in Papua New Guinea: local and regional diversity of a taxonomically unexplored guild
Authors: BAJE LEONTINE , STEWART ALAN J. A. , NOVOTNY VOJTECH 
Published: May 2014

Host specificity of a guild of sucking insects tapping leaf mesophyll cells (Auchenorrhyncha: Typhlocybinae) was surveyed for the first time in the tropics, on 65 woody species from a lowland rainforest in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Typhlocybinae species were host specific, feeding on 1–3 (median 1) plant species. Their assemblages did not functionally connect populations of different plant species, as an overwhelming majority (> 99%) of tree species pairs coexisting in the same forest did not share any typhlocybine species.
Cell‐sucking typhlocybines were more specialised than phloem‐ and xylem‐sucking Auchenorrhyncha. Typhlocybines were also more specialised in PNG than on trees in temperate Europe, even after standardisation for different phylogenetic diversity of tropical and temperate trees.
The cell‐sucking guild was species poor, with 0–5 (median 1) typhlocybine species per tree species. Their distribution among tree species conformed to a Poisson distribution, suggesting that tropical typhlocybine assemblages are not saturated with species.
Early succession plants supported a higher number of typhlocybine species than primary forest hosts but this preference could not be explained by successional trends in specific leaf area, foliar nitrogen content, wood density, tree abundance, or tree size.
The effective specialisation of typhlocybines on 65 plant species E = 0.79 was extrapolated to the entire known flora of PNG and used to estimate that there may be at least 2775 typhlocybine species in PNG, in comparison to the global total of only 4508 taxonomically described species, including merely 40 from PNG.
Self‐medication in insects: current evidence and future perspectives
Authors: ABBOTT JESSICA 
Published: May 2014

1. Self‐medication is an ability to consume or otherwise contact biologically active organic compounds specifically for the purpose of helping to clear a (parasitic) infection or reduce its symptoms. Consumption of these compounds may either take place before the infection is contracted (prophylactic consumption) or after the infection is contracted (therapeutic consumption).2. An important insight is that self‐medication is a form of adaptive plasticity, and as such, consumption of the medicinal substance when uninfected must impose a fitness cost (otherwise the substance would be universally consumed). This distinguishes self‐medication from several closely related phenomena such as microbiome effects or compensatory diet choice.3. A number of recent studies have convincingly demonstrated self‐medication within several different, distantly‐related, insect taxa. Here I review evidence of self‐medication in the wooly bear caterpillar Grammia incorrupta Edwards, the armyworm Spodoptera Guenée, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, the monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus Kluk, and the honey bee Apis mellifera Linnaeus.4. These studies show not only that self‐medication is possible, but that the target of the medication behaviour may in some cases be kin rather than self. They also reveal very few general patterns. I therefore end by discussing future prospects within the field of insect self‐medication.
Botryosphaeriaceae associated with die‐back of Schizolobium parahyba trees in South Africa and Ecuador
Authors: Mehl J. W. M. , Slippers B. , Roux J. , Wingfield M. J. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryDie‐back of Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum is a serious problem in plantations of these trees in Ecuador. Similar symptoms have also been observed on trees of this species in various parts of South Africa. The most common fungi isolated from disease symptoms on S. parahyba var. amazonicum in both locations were species of the Botryosphaeriaceae. The aim of this study was to identify these fungi from both Ecuador and South Africa, and to test their pathogenicity in greenhouse and field trials. Isolates obtained were grouped based on culture morphology and identified using comparisons of DNA sequence data for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translation elongation factor 1α (TEF‐1α) gene regions. The β‐tubulin‐2 (BT2) locus was also sequenced for some isolates where identification was difficult. Three greenhouse trials were conducted in South Africa along with a field trial in Ecuador. Neofusicoccum parvum was obtained from trees in both areas and was the dominant taxon in South Africa. Lasiodiplodia theobromae was the dominant taxon in Ecuador, probably due to the subtropical climate in the area. Isolates of Neofusicoccum vitifusiforme (from South Africa only), Neofusicoccum umdonicola and Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae (from Ecuador only) were also obtained. All isolates used in the pathogenicity trials produced lesions on inoculated plants, suggesting that the Botryosphaeriaceae contribute to the die‐back of S. parahyba trees. While the disease is clearly not caused by a single species of the Botryosphaeriaceae in either region, N. parvum has been introduced into at least one of the regions. This species has a broad host range and could have been introduced on other hosts.
Contrasting effects of rising CO2 on primary production and ecological stoichiometry at different nutrient levels
Authors: Verspagen Jolanda M. H. , Van de Waal Dedmer B. , Finke Jan F. , Visser Petra M. , Huisman Jef 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAlthough rising CO2 concentrations are thought to promote the growth and alter the carbon : nutrient stoichiometry of primary producers, several studies have reported conflicting results. To reconcile these contrasting results, we tested the following hypotheses: rising CO2 levels (1) will increase phytoplankton biomass more at high nutrient loads than at low nutrient loads, but (2) will increase their carbon : nutrient stoichiometry more at low than at high nutrient loads. We formulated a mathematical model to predict dynamic changes in phytoplankton population density, elemental stoichiometry and inorganic carbon chemistry in response to rising CO2. The model was tested in chemostat experiments with the freshwater cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. The model predictions and experimental results confirmed the hypotheses. Our findings provide a novel theoretical framework to understand and predict effects of rising CO2 concentrations on primary producers and their nutritional quality as food for herbivores under different nutrient conditions.
Small ubiquitin‐related modifier‐1 modification regulates all‐trans‐retinoic acid‐induced differentiation via stabilization of retinoic acid receptor α
Authors: Zhou Qian , Zhang Lei , Chen Zibo , Zhao Pingge , Ma Yaxi , Yang Bo , He Qiaojun , Ying Meidan 
Published: May 2014

Small ubiquitin‐related modifier‐1 (SUMO‐1) modification has been implicated in many important cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, apoptosis, cellular proliferation, and development, but its role in all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA)‐induced differentiation processes of cancer cells remains unclear. Here, we report for the first time that ATRA‐induced differentiation of leukemia and osteosarcoma is accompanied by a decrease in the level of SUMO‐1 protein. Our results also demonstrated that depletion or inhibition of SUMO‐1 blocks ATRA‐induced differentiation, suggesting that SUMO‐1 is critical for the differentiation effect of ATRA. Further studies indicated that SUMO‐1‐promoted ATRA‐induced differentiation might be associated with the stabilization of retinoic acid receptor α (RARα), protecting it from degradation. Moreover, our results suggested that Lys399 is a major site for SUMO‐1 conjugation of RARα. We also found that RARα enhanced the transcription of its target genes, which might also contribute to the enhanced differentiating effects of ATRA; however, mutation of Lys399 of RARα inhibits the extents of both SUMO‐1 modification and ATRA‐induced differentiation. Together, these results indicate that SUMO‐1 modification of RARα is a potent mechanism for balancing proliferation and differentiation by controlling the stability of RARα in cancer cells. SUMO‐1 modification may thus serve an important role in controlling ATRA‐induced cell differentiation in cancers.Structured digital abstract

SUMO1
physically interacts with RAR-alpha by anti bait coip (1, 2, 3)
SUMO-1 physically interacts with RAR-alpha by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)
SUMO1 and RAR-alpha colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)
Calculation of the energy J‐integral in plastic zone ahead of a crack tip by infrared scanning
Authors: Iziumova A. , Plekhov O. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe work is devoted to the experimental study of the energy dissipation in titanium OT‐4 under fatigue crack propagation. To investigate a spatial and time temperature evolution at fatigue crack tip, a set of experiments was carried out using specimens with pre‐grown centered fatigue crack. The temperature evolution was monitored by infrared camera. To estimate the values of heat dissipation and J‐integral for cracks with the pronounced plastic zone, an original mathematical algorithm for experimental data treatment was developed. The algorithm includes spatial‐time filtering and relative motion compensation procedures. The value of J‐integral was calculated using the HRR‐solution for stress distribution near the fatigue crack tip and an approximate equation relating the J‐integral to the value of the plastic work.
A nonlinear fatigue damage‐healing model for copper film by LSP
Authors: Zhang L‐H. , Shang D‐G. , Liu X‐D. , Sun Y‐J. , Guo Y‐B. , Liu F‐Z. , Chen T. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe healing variable and enhancement variable were first defined by the fatigue ductility, and then based on the relationship of the damage variable, the healing variable and the enhancement variable, a nonlinear fatigue damage‐healing model was proposed for predicting the fatigue life of the healed copper film by laser shock peening (LSP). The nonlinear fatigue damage cumulative process was considered in the model for the original specimen without LSP under constant and variable amplitude loadings. The results showed that the proposed nonlinear fatigue damage‐healing model can predict the residual fatigue life for the damaged copper film specimen well.
The Significance of Distance in Innovation Biographies—The Case of Law Firms
Authors: Stein Axel 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to illustrate the trajectories of innovation biographies in the service economy utilising the geographic heuristics of physical and relational distances. Drawing on the theoretical literature on the significance of proximity and distance to economic activities, the paper examines three case studies in the law sector. The analysis focuses on the role of the term “innovation” within law businesses and on the interplay of proximities and distances in the case studies.
Effect of Natural Disasters on Local Nonprofit Activity
Authors: Pena Anita A. , Zahran Sammy , Underwood Anthony , Weiler Stephan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDisaster damage levels are matched to county‐level nonprofit activity indicators. Using dynamic panel‐data estimation, nonprofit net assets (and nonprofit revenue to a lesser extent) defined at this local level are found to be positively correlated with disaster event damage levels, consistent with a post‐disaster giving mechanism. Magnitudes are relatively small, suggesting a distributed downstream flow of benefits to local nonprofits from larger national organizations. Furthermore, disaster damage at a lag is associated with only minor increases in the count of local nonprofit organizations at the county level. The relative impacts of assets and nonprofit counts in particular indicate that existing nonprofits have the established credibility and networks to be reliable conduits for post‐disaster asset flows. If local nonprofits are an indicator of regional social capital, the findings suggest that disasters reveal the resilience of social capital structures in the face of crisis along the focal dimension of nonprofit activity.
Factors that affect the decision to undergo amniocentesis in women with normal Down syndrome screening results: it is all about the age
Authors: Grinshpun‐Cohen Julia , Miron‐Shatz Talya , Ries‐Levavi Liat , Pras Elon 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundRisk for foetal Down syndrome (DS) increases as maternal age increases. Non‐invasive screening (maternal serum triple test) for DS is routinely offered to pregnant women to provide risk estimates and suggest invasive amniocentesis for definitive pre‐natal diagnosis to high‐risk women.ObjectiveWe examined women's decision process with regard to pre‐natal screening, and specifically, the degree to which they take into account triple serum screening results when considering whether or not to undergo amniocentesis.DesignSemi‐structured phone interviews were conducted to assess recall of DS screening results, understanding of risk estimates and their effect on women's decision whether to undergo amniocentesis. The study included 60 pregnant Israeli women (half younger than 35 and half advanced maternal age – AMA), with normal DS screening results and no known ultrasound abnormalities.ResultsAge appeared to determine the decision process. The vast majority of AMA women had amniocentesis, many of them before receiving their DS screening results. Most AMA participants knew that their risk estimate was ‘normal’, but still considered themselves at high risk due to their age. Procedure‐related risk (miscarriage) and other factors only had a minor effect on their decision. A minority of younger women had amniocentesis. Younger women mentioned procedure‐related risk and having normal screening results as the main factors affecting their decision not to have amniocentesis.ConclusionAge 35 is an anchor for the pre‐determination regarding performing or avoiding amniocentesis. AMA women mention ‘age’ as their main reason to have amniocentesis and considered it an independent risk factor.
Values and preferences for oral antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation: physician and patient perspectives
Authors: Alonso‐Coello Pablo , Montori Victor M. , Díaz M. Gloria , Devereaux Philip J. , Mas Gemma , Diez Ana I. , Solà Ivan , Roura Mercè , Souto Juan C. , Oliver Sven , Ruiz Rafael , Coll‐Vinent Blanca , Gich Ignasi , Schünemann Holger J. , Guyatt Gordon 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundExploration of values and preferences in the context of anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) remains limited. To better characterize the distribution of patient and physician values and preferences relevant to decisions regarding anticoagulation in patients with AF, we conducted interviews with patients at risk of developing AF and physicians who manage patients with AF.MethodsWe interviewed 96 outpatients and 96 physicians in a multicenter study and elicited the maximal increased risk of bleeding (threshold risk) that respondents would tolerate with warfarin vs. aspirin to achieve a reduction in three strokes in 100 patients over a 2‐year period. We used the probabilistic version of the threshold technique.ResultsThe median threshold risk for both patients and physicians was 10 additional bleeds (10 P = 0.7). In both groups, we observed large variability in the threshold number of bleeds, with wider variability in patients than clinicians [patient range: 0–100, physician range: 0–50]. We observed one cluster of patients and physicians who would tolerate <10 bleeds and another cluster of patients, but not physicians, who would accept more than 35.ConclusionsOur findings suggest wide variability in patient and physician values and preferences regarding the trade‐off between strokes and bleeds. Results suggest that in individual decision making, physician and patient values and preferences will often be discordant; this mandates tailoring treatment to the individual patient's preferences.
High rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence in HIV‐infected individuals with spontaneous HCV RNA clearance
Authors: Peters L , Mocroft A , Soriano V , Rockstroh JK , Kirkby N , Reiss P , Katlama C , Zakharova N , Flisiak R , Lundgren JD ,   EuroSIDA in EuroCoord
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesFollowing resolution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, recurrence has been shown to occur in some persons with repeated exposure to HCV. We aimed to investigate the rate and factors associated with HCV RNA recurrence among HIV‐1‐infected patients with prior spontaneous HCV RNA clearance in the EuroSIDA cohort.MethodsAll HIV‐infected patients with documented prior spontaneous HCV clearance, and at least one subsequently collected plasma sample, were examined. The last sample was tested for HCV RNA and those with HCV RNA ≥ 615 IU/mL were defined as having HCV recurrence and their characteristics were compared with those of patients who were still aviraemic. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with HCV recurrence.ResultsOf 191 eligible patients, 35 [18.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 12.8–23.8%] had HCV recurrence. Thirty‐three (94.3%) were injecting drug users (IDUs). The median time between the first and last samples was 3.6 years (interquartile range 2.0–5.8 years). After adjustment, those on combination antiretroviral therapy [odds ratio (OR) 0.44; 95% CI 0.20–0.99; P = 0.046] and older persons (OR 0.51 per 10 years older; 95% CI 0.28–0.95; P = 0.033) were less likely to have HCV RNA recurrence, whereas IDUs were over 6 times more likely to have HCV RNA recurrence compared with non‐IDUs (OR 6.58; 95% CI 1.48–29.28; P = 0.013).ConclusionsAround 1 in 5 HIV‐infected patients with prior spontaneous HCV RNA clearance had detectable HCV RNA during follow‐up. Our findings underline the importance of maintaining focus on preventive measures to reduce IDU and sharing of contaminated needles. Clinicians should maintain a high degree of vigilance to identify patients with new HCV infection early.
Intracellular neutrophil myeloperoxidase level in pediatric patients: significant age and gender variability
Authors: Nikulshin S. , Tolstikova I. , Bartule A. , Kviluna D. , Gravele D. , Gardovska D. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIntroductionMyeloperoxidase (MPO) is an enzyme produced by neutrophil leukocytes and released upon activation, killing pathogens and causing tissue damage. As neutrophils in neonates are functionally immature, cellular MPO content in children may be age‐related and different from adults. Hematological analyzer ADVIA 2120i (Siemens AG), while routinely assessing neutrophil count, measures their MPO content by means of myeloperoxidase index (MPXI). No pediatric reference range for MPXI has been published.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of MPXI values in 51 303 consecutive routine blood tests of nonhematologic pediatric patients, looking for age‐ and gender‐related variability. Nonparametric statistical analysis (Spearman rho and Mann–Whitney U‐test) was used for evaluation.ResultsNeutrophil MPO content was highly significantly lower during the first month of life (P << 0.001) and rose to average pediatric values by day 28. Unexpectedly, the study revealed a highly significant gender difference (P << 0.001), MPXI being lower in boys from birth to adulthood.ConclusionsWe found previously unreported highly significant age‐ and gender‐related variations of neutrophil MPO in children in hospital setting. There are possible clinical implications, particularly concerning neutrophil immunity of neonates and gender‐related difference in vascular events in adults. The finding may be considered for refining automatic cell counting in infants.