bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic and spatially variable niches inferred from demography
Authors: Diez Jeffrey M. , Giladi Itamar , Warren Robert , Pulliam H. Ronald 
Published: January 2014

Summary

Mismatches between species distributions and habitat suitability are predicted by niche theory and have important implications for forecasting how species may respond to environmental changes. Quantifying these mismatches is challenging, however, due to the high dimensionality of species niches and the large spatial and temporal variability in population dynamics.

Here, we explore how probabilistic assessments of habitat suitability based on demographic models may be used to better bridge niche theory and population dynamics. We use integral projection models (IPMs) to predict population growth rates for a terrestrial orchid in response to environmental variables. By parameterizing these IPMs with hierarchical models, we develop a spatially variable measure of a species' demographic niche, which can then be compared against its distribution to test ideas about what factors control a species' distribution.

We found that demographic suitability of sites was not well correlated with the orchid's distribution at local scales, with many absences from microsites of high predicted suitability and occurrences in sites with low predicted suitability. However, at the population scale, abundance was positively correlated with demographic suitability of the sites. These results are consistent with dispersal limitation and source–sink dynamics at small scales but stronger distribution‐suitability matching at larger landscape scales.

Synthesis. The relationships between species distributions and demographic performance underlie basic niche theory and have important implications for predicting responses to a changing environment. The complexities of these relationships will require approaches that can encapsulate what we know in probabilistic terms and allow for spatially varying niche relationships.
Progression from impaired fasting glucose to type 2 diabetes mellitus among Chinese subjects with and without hypertension in a primary care setting 在中国初级保健机构中合并以及不合并高血压的受试者从空腹血糖受损进展到2型糖尿病的调查
Authors: Fu Sau Nga , Luk Wan , Wong Carlos King Ho , Cheung Kwok Leung 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe progression from impaired fasting glucose (IFG) to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Chinese subjects, with and without hypertension, in a primary care setting was unknown.MethodsThe present retrospective multicenter 5‐year (2002–2007) cohort study was performed on IFG subjects attending 23 general outpatient clinics who were identified by their elevated fasting blood glucose laboratory results. Development of T2DM was determined by physician diagnosis of T2DM or starting of oral antidiabetic drugs within 5 years. The relationship between the time of T2DM diagnosis and subject characteristics was assessed by adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) from Cox hazards model.ResultsOf the 9161 IFG subjects, 4080 (45%) were men and 5081 (55%) were women. There were 1998 subjects who developed T2DM. The 5‐year cumulative incidence was 0.218, whereas the overall annual incidence rate was 5.981/100 person‐years. Subjects were more likely to develop T2DM if they were hypertensive (aHR = 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–1.62; P < 0.001), aged <60 years (aHR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.24–1.49; P < 0.001), female (aHR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.08–1.29; P < 0.001), and had higher fasting glucose levels (6.39 ± 0.49 vs 6.24 ± 0.43 mmol/L in the group that developed T2DM vs the group without T2DM, respectively; aHR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.83–2.20; P < 0.001).ConclusionOverall, more than one‐fifth of IFG subjects in the primary care setting developed T2DM within 5 years. Health care professionals can target interventions to patients with risk factors for disease progression.
Blood glucose‐lowering effect of Tectona grandis flowers in type 2 diabetic rats: A study on identification of active constituents and mechanisms for antidiabetic action 柚木花对2型糖尿病大鼠的降糖作用：一项鉴定其活性成份与降糖作用机制的研究
Authors: Ramachandran Subramaniam , Rajasekaran Aiyalu 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundAyurveda documents antidiabetic activity of Tectona grandis flowers. However, until now, the effects of T. grandis flowers in preclinical models of type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been unknown. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the blood glucose‐lowering effect of methanol extract of T. grandis flowers (METGF) in T2D rats and to identify possible active constituents as well as the mechanisms for the antidiabetic action.MethodsRats were rendered diabetic by administration of streptozotocin–nicotinamide (65 mg/kg–110 mg/kg, i.p.). After the induction of diabetes, Groups 3 and 4 received METGF (100 and 200 mg/kg respectively) while Group 5 received glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) orally for 4 weeks. Blood glucose and body weight were determined at the end of Weeks 2 and 4. Hemoglobin, HbA1c, total protein, urea, creatinine, insulin, and lipid levels were determined in Week 4. Active constituents in METGF were identified using HPLC analysis. Antidiabetic mechanisms of METGF were evaluated by investigating the insulin sensitizing action and inhibition of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase activity.ResultsBoth METGF and glibenclamide significantly improved body weight, reduced blood glucose, and normalized altered biochemical parameters (P < 0.001) in T2D rats. The presence of polyphenolic active constituents, such as gallic acid, quercetin, rutin, ellagic acid, ferulic acid, and kaempferol, in METGF was confirmed by HPLC. In vitro, METGF, gallic acid, quercetin, and rutin exhibited significant (P < 0.001) insulin sensitizing action and inhibition of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase activity.ConclusionsPolyphenolic active constituents present in METGF are possibly responsible for the blood glucose‐lowering effect in T2D rats via an insulin‐sensitizing action, as well as inhibition of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase activity.
Effects of electrocardiogram gating on CT pulmonary angiography image quality
Authors: Ardley Nicholas D , Lau Ken K , Buchan Kevin , Paul Eldho , Troupis John M 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIntroductionPulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common cause of death from cardiovascular disease. Computed‐tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is an accurate and safe test for diagnosing PE. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the effects on image quality (IQ) of electrocardiogram (ECG) gating during CTPA.MethodsFifty consecutive patients presenting for CTPA were included in the study. A single acquisition was performed, resulting in two reconstructions: one at 75% of the R–R interval and the other without ECG influence. IQ evaluation was undertaken by two radiologists, focusing on respiratory and cardiac motion, image noise, low‐contrast resolution, vessel and lung clarity, contrast media opacification and artefacts. Various regions of the lungs and vasculature were evaluated, and IQ scores were statistically compared.ResultsFor the ECG‐tagged reconstructions, IQ was noted to be better overall with regard to vessel clarity (P < 0.05) and cardiac motion (P < 0.05), while lung clarity was better only in the left lower zone (P < 0.05). IQ was better with regard to image noise (P < 0.05) and low‐contrast resolution (P < 0.05) in the non‐ECG‐tagged reconstructions. No statistical IQ difference between the two types of reconstruction was noted with regard to respiratory motion, contrast media opacification or presence of artefacts.ConclusionThe two types of reconstruction provide complementary information for evaluating CTPA results.
Long‐term survival for 93 months of limited‐stage small cell lung cancer: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zhong Yujie , Zhang Qiuhong , Deng Wenjing , Zhang Yuping , Ming Zongjuan , Hou Yanli , Niu Zequn , Yang Shuanying 
Published: January 2014

AbstractA 49‐year‐old man was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in May 2005. Chemotherapy was started with 60 mg/day cisplatin iv drip (from days one to three), 2 mg topotecan (TP) hydrochloride iv drip (from days one to four), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) AiDi injection for anti‐tumor. After four cycles, he underwent conformal radiotherapy with 56Gy/28 fractions in October 2005. In April 2006, a mass on the right supraclavicular area was found. Therefore, he underwent another course of radiotherapy. The fields included the right supraclavicular area and the radiation dose was 50Gy/25 fractions. After completion of chemoradiotherapy, the patient achieved complete remission. Subsequently, the patient received prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI). Until April of 2012, he had been followed up regularly. Since the SCLC diagnosis, he had received TCM for seven years. In April 2012, the patient complained of coughing again. Subsequently, the patient was given five cycles of an etoposide carboplatin regimen. A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed for review, which showed no obvious change. The patient underwent a second‐line chemotherapy irinotecan cisplatin three times. However, the symptoms and CT of this patient showed no significant improvement. We changed the chemotherapy regimen to TP (topotecan 1.2 mg iv drip, days one to five; carboplatin 100 mg iv drip, days one to five). After two TP regimens, the patient died in his sleep on 3 March 2013. In this case, the standardized sequential chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, PCI, TCM, and good compliance may have contributed to the patient's longer survival.
Using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) to assess cognitive impairment in older patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Cholet Jennyfer , Sauvaget Anne , Vanelle Jean‐Marie , Hommet Caroline , Mondon Karl , Mamet Jean‐Philippe , Camus Vincent 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesA growing body of evidence suggests that impairment in cognitive functioning is an important clinical feature of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and that these cognitive alterations worsen with age. Although cognitive assessments are increasingly becoming a part of research and clinical practice in schizophrenia, a standardized and easily administered test battery for elderly patients with bipolar disorder is still lacking. The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) captures those domains of cognition that are the most severely affected in patients with schizophrenia and the most strongly correlated with functional outcome. The primary aim of our study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of the BACS in assessing cognitive functioning in elderly euthymic patients with bipolar disorder, and to compare their cognitive profile to that of elderly patients with schizophrenia.MethodsElderly euthymic patients with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia were assessed using the BACS and a standard cognitive test battery.ResultsFifty‐seven elderly patients (aged 60 years and older) with bipolar disorder (n = 42) or schizophrenia (n = 15) were invited to participate. All of the patients were assessed by the BACS as being cognitively impaired. The patients with bipolar disorder scored significantly higher on the global scale and the verbal memory and attention sub‐scores of the BACS than the patients with schizophrenia.DiscussionThe BACS appears to be a feasible and informative cognitive assessment tool for elderly patients with bipolar disorder. We believe that these preliminary results merit further investigation.
Neuroinflammation of the central and peripheral nervous system: an update
Authors: Stüve O , Zettl U 
Published: January 2014

Summary
Inflammatory disorders of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) are common, and contribute substantially to physical and emotional disability of affected individuals. Often, the afflicted are young and in their active years. In the past, physicians and scientists often had very little to offer in terms of diagnostic precision and therapeutic effectiveness. During the past two decades, both of these relative shortcomings have clearly improved. Some of the recent developments in clinical neuroimmunology are illustrated in this special edition of Clinical and Experimental Immunology.
The Overuse of the Implant Motor: Effect on the Output Torque in Overloading Condition
Authors: Lee Du‐Hyeong , Cho Sung‐Am , Lee Cheong‐Hee , Lee Kyu‐Bok 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe overloading of the motor affects its performance. The output torque of the implant motor under overloading condition has not been reported.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and the tendency of the output torque when an implant motor is consecutively used.Materials and MethodsThree implant motors were evaluated: SurgicXT/X‐SG20L (NSK), INTRAsurg300/CL3–09 (KaVo), and XIP10/CRB26LX (Saeshin). The output torque was measured using an electronic torque gauge fixed with jigs. For the 40 and 50 Ncm torque settings, 300 measurements were taken at 30 rpm. Repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and one‐way ANOVA were used to compare the torque values within each group and between the groups.ResultsAs repeating measures, the output torque values decreased gradually compared with the baseline. In within‐group analysis, the different torque value from the first measurement appeared earliest in NSK motor, followed in order by Saeshin and KaVo motors. NSK motor showed a different torque decrease between 40 and 50 Ncm settings (p < .05). Intergroup analysis revealed Saeshin motor to have the least deviation from the baseline, followed by KaVo motor. NSK motor had the most inconsistent torque at the 6, 8, 9, and 10 repeat counts (p < .05).ConclusionThe actual torque decreases when the surgical motor is continuously used. The NSK motor showed more significant decreases in torque than KaVo and Saeshin motors in overloading condition.
Marginal bone response of implants with platform switching and non‐platform switching abutments in posterior healed sites: a 1‐year prospective study
Authors: Wang Yun‐Chi , Kan Joseph Y. K. , Rungcharassaeng Kitichai , Roe Phillip , Lozada Jaime L. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectivesThis 1‐year prospective study evaluated the implant success rate and marginal bone response of non‐submerged implants with platform and non‐platform switching abutments in posterior healed sites.Material and methodsNineteen patients (9 male, 10 female) with posterior partially edentulous spaces, between the ages of 23 and 76 (mean = 55.4 years), were included in this study. A total of 30 implants (15 implants restored with platform switching [PS] abutments [control] and 15 implants restored with non‐platform switching [NPS] abutments [test]) were assigned between two groups using a randomization procedure. The definitive abutments with conical connections were placed at the time of surgery, and the definitive restorations were placed at 3 months. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically using standardized radiographs at time of implant placement (0), 3, 6 and 12 months after implant placement. Data were analyzed using Friedman test with post hoc pairwise comparisons, Mann–Whitney U‐test, and Pearson's chi‐square test at the significance level of α = 0.05.ResultsAt 12 months, all 30 implants remained osseointegrated corresponding to a 100% success rate. The overall mean marginal bone level change at 12 months was −0.04 ± 0.08 mm for PS group and −0.19 ± 0.16 mm for NPS group. Statistically significant difference in the marginal bone level change was observed between groups at 0 to 12 months and 3 to 12 months (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis 1‐year randomized control study suggests that when a conical implant–abutment connection is present, similar peri‐implant tissue responses can be achieved with platform switching and non‐platform switching abutments.
Tailoring Strain Properties of (0.94−x)Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3–0.06BaTiO3–xK0.5Na0.5NbO3 Ferroelectric/Relaxor Composites
Authors: Groh Claudia , Jo Wook , Rödel Jürgen 
Published: January 2014

A remarkable progress in the quest of lead‐free piezoceramics for actuator applications has been made with the development of incipient piezoceramics featured by giant strains. A drawback, however, is the high electric field required to generate this giant strain. A powerful approach to overcoming this drawback lies in relaxor/ferroelectric (FE) composites comprised such giant strain materials (matrix) and a FE or nonergodic relaxor (seed). In this study, we investigate the effect of K0.5Na0.5NbO3 content in the matrix and the volume ratio of seed to matrix using composites of 0.93Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3–0.07BaTiO3 as a seed and (0.94 − x)Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3–0.06BaTiO3–xK0.5Na0.5NbO3 as a matrix. The strain of all matrices, independent of their K0.5Na0.5NbO3 content, was found to be enhanced by adding a certain amount of seed. An optimum strain is achieved for the composite comprised of a matrix with x = 0.02 K0.5Na0.5NbO3 and 10% seed. By means of a differential analysis on the temperature‐dependent dielectric permittivity, it was shown that the seed phase is still present in the composites despite the naturally expected diffusion process during sintering.
Direct Measurement of Fusion Enthalpy of LaAlO3 and Comparison of Energetics of Melt, Glass, and Amorphous Thin Films
Authors: Ushakov Sergey V. , Navrotsky Alexandra 
Published: January 2014

Enthalpy of fusion and melting temperature of perovskite LaAlO3 were measured using thermal analysis method as 124 ± 10 kJ/mol at 2134 ± 10°C, providing a value of 52 ± 4 J·(mol·K)−1 for entropy of fusion. Crystallization enthalpy of amorphous LaAlO3 thin films was found to change from −24 to −17 kJ/mol with decrease in film thickness from 100 to 20 nm. Differences in energetics of amorphous LaAlO3 films and glass cannot be explained exclusively by surface energy contribution but must reflect differences in structure between films and glasses in this system.
Functional differences in mesenchymal stromal cells from human dental pulp and periodontal ligament
Authors: Vasandan Anoop Babu , Shankar Shilpa Rani , Prasad Priya , Sowmya Jahnavi Vulugundam , Bhonde Ramesh Ramachandra , Jyothi Prasanna Susarla 
Published: January 2014

AbstractClinically reported reparative benefits of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are majorly attributed to strong immune‐modulatory abilities not exactly shared by fibroblasts. However, MSCs remain heterogeneous populations, with unique tissue‐specific subsets, and lack of clear‐cut assays defining therapeutic stromal subsets adds further ambiguity to the field. In this context, in‐depth evaluation of cellular characteristics of MSCs from proximal oro‐facial tissues: dental pulp (DPSCs) and periodontal ligament (PDLSCs) from identical donors provides an opportunity to evaluate exclusive niche‐specific influences on multipotency and immune‐modulation. Exhaustive cell surface profiling of DPSCs and PDLSCs indicated key differences in expression of mesenchymal (CD105) and pluripotent/multipotent stem cell–associated cell surface antigens: SSEA4, CD117, CD123 and CD29. DPSCs and PDLSCs exhibited strong chondrogenic potential, but only DPSCs exhibited adipogenic and osteogenic propensities. PDLSCs expressed immuno‐stimulatory/immune‐adhesive ligands like HLA‐DR and CD50, upon priming with IFNγ, unlike DPSCs, indicating differential response patterns to pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Both DPSCs and PDLSCs were hypo‐immunogenic and did not elicit robust allogeneic responses despite exposure to IFNγ or TNFα. Interestingly, only DPSCs attenuated mitogen‐induced lympho‐proliferative responses and priming with either IFNγ or TNFα enhanced immuno‐modulation capacity. In contrast, primed or unprimed PDLSCs lacked the ability to suppress polyclonal T cell blast responses. This study indicates that stromal cells from even topographically related tissues do not necessarily share identical MSC properties and emphasizes the need for a thorough functional testing of MSCs from diverse sources with respect to multipotency, immune parameters and response to pro‐inflammatory cytokines before translational usage.
Hepatitis B surface antigen level complements viral load in predicting viral reactivation in spontaneous HBeAg seroconverters
Authors: Tseng Tai‐Chung , Liu Chun‐Jen , Yang Wan‐Ting , Chen Chi‐Ling , Yang Hung‐Chih , Su Tung‐Hung , Wang Chia‐Chi , Kuo Stephanie Fang‐Tzu , Liu Chen‐Hua , Chen Pei‐Jer , Chen Ding‐Shinn , Kao Jia‐Horng 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsThe level of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) has been shown to complement hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐DNA level in predicting disease progression in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative patients, especially those with low viral loads. Whether this finding could be seen in spontaneous HBeAg seroconverters remains unclear.MethodsA retrospective cohort of 390 Taiwanese spontaneous HBeAg seroconverters with a mean follow‐up period of 7.4 years was enrolled. The relationships between HBV‐DNA/HBsAg levels and HBeAg‐negative hepatitis/active viral replication (HBV‐DNA level ≥ 2000 IU/mL) were investigated.ResultsIn the overall cohort, serum HBV‐DNA level served as a better predictor for HBeAg‐negative hepatitis compared with HBsAg level. However, in those with HBV‐DNA level < 2000 IU/mL, a higher HBsAg level was associated with a higher risk of HBeAg‐negative hepatitis (P = 0.015). Multivariate analysis showed the hazard ratio of HBsAg level ≥ 1000 IU/mL versus < 1000 IU/mL was 4.1 (95% confidence interval: 1.3–13.6). When using the end‐point of active viral replication, HBsAg ≥ 1000 IU/mL remained as an independent risk factor, with a hazard ratio of 2.5 (95% confidence interval: 1.1–5.9).ConclusionsIn spontaneous HBeAg seroconverters with HBV‐DNA level < 2000 IU/mL, HBsAg level ≥ 1000 IU/mL is associated with increased risks of HBeAg‐negative hepatitis and active viral replication. Combining HBV‐DNA < 2000 IU/mL and HBsAg level < 1000 IU/mL may be used to define minimal viral activity.