bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Market Intervention on Quota Mobility: The Case of the Ontario Dairy Industry
Authors: Elskamp Rebecca , Hailu Getu 
Published: October 2016

We examine the relationship between farm‐level scale efficiency and quota purchases in the Ontario dairy quota market before and after the implementation of a progressive transfer assessment policy and a price cap policy. We find that scale efficiency has a positive effect on net quota purchases and that the two regulations slowed down this effect. The largest deterrent in the movement of quota from less efficient to more efficient producers occurred after the implementation of the capital asset pricing policy. If the capital asset pricing policy remains in effect, it will likely take a longer time to achieve an efficient allocation of quota across producers in the industry.Nous examinons la relation entre l'efficience d'échelle agricole et les achats de quota au sein du marché des quotas laitiers ontariens, avant et après l'implantation d'une politique d'évaluation progressive de transfert, et d'une autre de plafonnement des prix. Nous avançons que l'efficience d'échelle a un effet positif sur les achats nets de quota et que les deux politiques ont freiné cet effet. La plus grande dissuasion au sein du mouvement des quotas de producteurs moins efficients vers ceux qui le sont plus, survient après le plafonnement des prix. Si la politique de plafonnement des prix demeure en vigueur, il faudra attendre encore longtemps avant de réussir une allocation efficiente des quotas parmi les producteurs de l'industrie.
Is colorectal surgery beyond the age of 80 still feasible with acceptable mortality? An analysis of the predictive value of CR‐POSSUM and life expectancy after hospital discharge
Authors: de Buck van Overstraeten A. , Stijns J. , Laenen A. , Fieuws S. , Wolthuis A. M. , D'Hoore A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimIncreased morbidity and mortality could mitigate the positive effect of surgery in elderly patients undergoing colorectal resections. This retrospective study aims to describe early morbidity and mortality together with long‐term survival in octogenarians and nonagenarians undergoing colorectal surgery. Predictors for in‐hospital mortality are identified. The predictive value of CR‐POSSUM is assessed.MethodData on consecutive patients 80 years old or more undergoing a colorectal resection in our centre from 2004 until 2010 were analysed.ResultsSome 286 patients [median age 84 years; interquartile range (IQR) 81.6–86.1; 133 men, 47%] underwent a colorectal resection. Median follow‐up was 32 months (IQR 14.5–51.2). Two hundred and fifty‐eight patients (90%) were operated on for malignancy. Only 64 patients (22.4%) underwent a laparoscopic procedure. Overall median hospital stay was 12 days (IQR 9.0–20.0) and in‐hospital mortality was 9.4%. Seventy‐six per cent (n = 170) of patients could return home after discharge. The 1‐year survival rate was 78.6% (95% CI 73.8–82.7). Median CR‐POSSUM for in‐hospital mortality was 12.6% (IQR 11.9–21.0). The concordance probability estimate was 0.668 (95% CI 0.609–0.728), reflecting a moderate predictive capacity of CR‐POSSUM. Once patients had been discharged from hospital, life expectancy was similar to that of the Belgian general population.ConclusionColorectal surgery in octogenarians and nonagenarians resulted in a considerable in‐hospital mortality of about 9%. One‐year mortality added an additional 12%, which is in concordance with the overall life expectancy at that age.
p16 immunostaining in keratinocytic neoplasia in organ transplant recipients: Bowen's disease shows a characteristic pattern
Authors: Genders Roel E. , Beck Samuel , Bouwes Bavinck Jan Nico , van den Munckhof Henk A.M. , Kouwenhoven Stijn T.P. , de Koning Maurits N.C. , de Gruijl Frank R. , Jenkins David , Willemze Rein , Quint Koen D. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundFor selecting therapy, it is important to distinguish different types of keratinocytic neoplasia. It is sometimes difficult to make histopathologic diagnosis, especially in organ transplant recipients (OTR) who develop numerous lesions.MethodsTo investigate p16 immunostaining in different types of keratinocytic neoplasia in OTR, we studied 59 actinic keratoses (AK), 51 Bowen' s disease (BD), 63 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), 16 benign keratotic lesions (BKL) from 31 OTR patients and 25 controls (eczema and psoriasis). Tissue sections were stained for H&E and p16. We scored intensity, proportion and distribution of p16 positive lesional cells.ResultsIn 19% of AK, 92% of BD, 35% of SCC and 12% of BKL more than 15% of lesional cells were p16‐positive. In 16% of AK, 80% of BD, 18% of SCC and 13% of BKL strong p16 staining was observed. BKL, AK and SCC showed focal and patchy staining, BD showed diffuse pattern with strong staining of all atypical cells. Sparing of the basal layer was predominantly seen in BD. No control specimen showed p16‐overexpression.Conclusionsp16 immunostaining shows a characteristic pattern in BD, but not in AK, SCC and BKL. It appears useful in recognizing BD, but not in differentiating between other keratinocytic neoplasia.
The influence of habitat disturbance on genetic structure and reproductive strategies within stands of native and non‐native Phragmites australis (common reed)
Authors: Fant Jeremie B. , Price Amy L. , Larkin Daniel J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimA surprising finding of genetic studies of Phragmites australis is that native populations, whether in Europe or North America, are characterized by lower genetic diversity than non‐native populations. What is not clear is whether higher diversity within invasive stands results from disturbance facilitating sexual reproduction or whether individuals with higher diversity have greater invasion potential.LocationUpper Midwest, United States, North America.MethodsTo answer this question, we investigated genetic structure of native and non‐native P. australis stands at multiple spatial scales and under differing levels of anthropogenic disturbance. Our goals were to assess the influence of habitat disturbance on genetic structure and determine whether patterns differed in native versus non‐native stands. We also screened for hybrid genotypes, which have not been reported from this region.ResultsWhen controlling for disturbance, native and non‐native P. australis exhibited relatively similar within‐site genetic diversity and degrees of clonal growth, suggesting that their spread is comparably reliant on clonal versus sexual dispersal. In all cases, discrete clumps of P. australis were composed of multiple, closely related genotypes, indicating seed heads as the key dispersal units. The genetic structure of P. australis stands did not differ with disturbance; however, only non‐native P. australis was found in highly disturbed anthropogenic habitats. Native P. australis stands exhibited lower genetic diversity overall, lower sexual reproduction in less disturbed sites and greater isolation by distance and differentiation among sites, which is consistent with its longer residence time in this region. We found no evidence of hybrid genotypes, despite native and non‐native stands sometimes co‐occurring.Main conclusionsOur results suggest that invasion by non‐native P. australis is sporadic, associated with disturbance and involves closely related individuals, likely derived from a single seed head. The ability of the non‐native lineage to exploit a variety of anthropogenic habitats helps to explain its invasiveness.
Glucose challenge test screening for prediabetes and early diabetes
Authors: Jackson S. L. , Safo S. E. , Staimez L. R. , Olson D. E. , Narayan K. M. V. , Long Q. , Lipscomb J. , Rhee M. K. , Wilson P. W. F. , Tomolo A. M. , Phillips L. S. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimsTo test the hypothesis that a 50‐g oral glucose challenge test with 1‐h glucose measurement would have superior performance compared with other opportunistic screening methods.MethodsIn this prospective study in a Veterans Health Administration primary care clinic, the following test performances, measured by area under receiver‐operating characteristic curves, were compared: 50‐g oral glucose challenge test; random glucose; and HbA1c level, using a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test as the ‘gold standard’.ResultsThe study population was comprised of 1535 people (mean age 56 years, BMI 30.3 kg/m2, 94% men, 74% black). By oral glucose tolerance test criteria, diabetes was present in 10% and high‐risk prediabetes was present in 22% of participants. The plasma glucose challenge test provided area under receiver‐operating characteristic curves of 0.85 (95% CI 0.78–0.91) to detect diabetes and 0.76 (95% CI 0.72–0.80) to detect high‐risk dysglycaemia (diabetes or high‐risk prediabetes), while area under receiver‐operating characteristic curves for the capillary glucose challenge test were 0.82 (95% CI 0.75–0.89) and 0.73 (95% CI 0.69–0.77) for diabetes and high‐risk dysglycaemia, respectively. Random glucose performed less well [plasma: 0.76 (95% CI 0.69–0.82) and 0.66 (95% CI 0.62–0.71), respectively; capillary: 0.72 (95% CI 0.65–0.80) and 0.64 (95% CI 0.59–0.68), respectively], and HbA1c performed even less well [0.67 (95% CI 0.57–0.76) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.58–0.68), respectively]. The cost of identifying one case of high‐risk dysglycaemia with a plasma glucose challenge test would be $42 from a Veterans Health Administration perspective, and $55 from a US Medicare perspective.ConclusionsGlucose challenge test screening, followed, if abnormal, by an oral glucose tolerance test, would be convenient and more accurate than other opportunistic tests. Use of glucose challenge test screening could improve management by permitting earlier therapy.
How valuable is inpatient electroencephalogram for medical decision‐making?
Authors: Theitler Jacques , Dassa Daniella , Gandelman‐Marton Revital 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe electroencephalogram (EEG) can support the diagnosis of epilepsy, diagnose nonconvulsive status epilepticus and aid in the classification of epileptic seizures. Its contribution to the diagnosis of other medical conditions or to decision‐making in other clinical situations was not established. Practically, EEG laboratories frequently encounter EEG referrals that are not based on current recommendations.ObjectivesTo assess the value of inpatient EEG in medical decision‐making.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the inpatient computerized medical information management system and the EEG laboratory computerized database for all adult inpatient standard, sleep‐deprived and bedside EEGs performed during a one‐year period. Change in diagnosis and/or treatment and the clinical justification for ordering an EEG recording were determined.ResultsThe study group included 584 patients, 313 (54%) men, aged 55·5 ± 20·8 years (range 18–95 years). The EEG was clinically justified in 372 (63·7%) and led to change in diagnosis and/or treatment in 47 (8%) patients. These patients were significantly more likely to be admitted to the neurology department (P = 0·033), have an admission and discharge diagnosis of seizure or epilepsy (P = 0·0001), have a clinically justified EEG (P = 0·0001) and have an EEG recording with electrographic seizures (P = 0·0001), interictal epileptiform discharges (P = 0·0001) and background abnormalities (P = 0·003).ConclusionsInpatient EEG can mostly contribute to diagnosis and treatment in patients with a seizure or epilepsy. An informed use of the EEG can increase its yield and reduce the number of unnecessary referrals, thus shortening waiting time and enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment in yet undiagnosed patients.
VTA dopamine neuron plasticity – the unusual suspects
Authors: Xin Wendy , Edwards Nicholas , Bonci Antonello 
Published: October 2016

AbstractDopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are involved in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions, ranging from motivated behaviours to substance use disorders. While many studies have shown that these neurons can express plasticity at excitatory and inhibitory synapses, little is known about how inhibitory inputs and glial activity shape the output of DA neurons and therefore, merit greater discussion. In this review, we will attempt to fill in a bit more of the puzzle, with a focus on inhibitory transmission and astrocyte function. We summarize the findings within the VTA as well as observations made in other brain regions that have important implications for plasticity in general and should be considered in the context of DA neuron plasticity.
Time‐of‐Day Discriminative Learning: Contrasting the Use of Spatial Compared to Feature Information in Homing Pigeons (Columba livia)
Authors: Sizemore Brittany A. , Bingman Verner P. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis study examined time‐of‐day associative learning to either spatial or feature information in homing pigeons in an open‐field, laboratory setting. Homing pigeons are well known for their navigational abilities and generally have been shown to rely more heavily on spatial than nonspatial cues in recognizing a goal. However, during goal localization, homing pigeons also successfully use nonspatial, feature information. Homing pigeons were divided into two groups and were trained to locate two time‐of‐day dependent, food reward sites using either discriminative spatial or feature information. Because of the importance of the hippocampus in controlling avian memory, we hypothesized that homing pigeons trained with spatial cues would be superior in learning the time‐of‐day discrimination compared to the pigeons trained with feature cues. Indeed, homing pigeons that were trained with spatial information outperformed the pigeons trained with feature information in learning the time‐of‐day discrimination task.
Predicting overlap between drift gillnet fishing and leatherback turtle habitat in the California Current Ecosystem
Authors: Eguchi Tomoharu , Benson Scott R. , Foley David G. , Forney Karin A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractConcern over bycatch of protected species has become a key factor in shaping fisheries management decisions. In 2001, the National Marine Fisheries Service established an annual closure of a large mesh drift gillnet fishery targeting swordfish from central Oregon to central California between August 15 and November 15 because of concerns of bycatch of endangered leatherback turtles (the Pacific Leatherback Conservation Area,PLCA). The spatio‐temporal constraints of thePLCAwere developed to encompass nearly all previously observed leatherback turtle bycatch events in the fishery. ThePLCAhas been effective at reducing bycatch of leatherback turtles but has reduced fishing opportunities. In this study, we examined whether the timing of the currentPLCAclosure is optimal for leatherback turtle conservation, by developing statistical models of leatherback turtle presence inside thePLCAbased on environmental variables. We also examined finer‐scale spatiotemporal patterns of potential overlap between the fishery and leatherback turtle foraging habitat using Maxent and Random Forests applied to logbook data and leatherback turtle telemetry data. Our results suggest that the temporal extent of the current static closure period is the shortest and most effective for protecting the turtles while allowing fishing during low bycatch‐risk periods. We also found that it is possible to predict foraging habitat of leatherback turtles and fishing effort using environmental variables. Identification of spatial and temporal hotspots of potential overlap between fishing effort and leatherback turtle distribution can form a basis for dynamic management approaches.
Influence of temperature and oxygen on the distribution of blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) in the Central Pacific
Authors: Carlisle Aaron B. , Kochevar Randall E. , Arostegui Martin C. , Ganong James E. , Castleton Michael , Schratwieser Jason , Block Barbara A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) is a highly migratory pelagic predator of tropical and subtropical seas. Information on the habitat use of marine species is fundamental to understanding their ecology and population dynamics and is needed to inform responsible management strategies. Using a long‐term satellite tagging data set from The International Game Fish Association Great Marlin Race, we examined habitat use and how oxygen and temperature influence the horizontal and vertical distributions of blue marlin in the Central Pacific. Blue marlin primarily occurred in warm waters (26–30°C) and exhibited a diel bimodal depth distribution across the 5‐year data record (2009–2013), with fish spending the majority of their time near the surface at night and at deeper depths during the day (25–100 m). The depth distribution of blue marlin was limited in areas where low oxygen and/or temperature conditions occur closer to the surface, with the extent of habitat compression being greatest when both oxygen and temperature were limiting. The migrations of blue marlin appeared restricted during the 2010 La Niña, when increased equatorial upwelling resulted in an extension of the cold, low oxygen waters of the cold tongue into the Central Pacific, creating a barrier to the trans‐equatorial migrations that occurred during all other tagging years. If the frequency and intensity of La Niña events increases and the oxygen minimum layer continues to expand as has been predicted under certain climate change scenarios, the migratory behavior and habitat availability of blue marlin may be impacted.
Multimodel Validity Assessment of Groundwater Flow Simulation Models Using Area Metric Approach
Authors: Aphale Omkar , Tonjes David J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe demonstrate the application of the Area Metric developed by Ferson et al. (2008) for multimodel validity assessment. The Area Metric quantified the degree of models' replicative validity: the degree of agreement between the observed data and the corresponding simulated outputs represented as their empirical cumulative distribution functions (ECDFs). This approach was used to rank multiple representations of a case study groundwater flow model of a landfill by their Area Metric scores. A multimodel approach allows to account for uncertainties that may either be epistemic (from lack of knowledge) or aleatory (from variability inherent in the system). The Area Metric approach enables explicit incorporation of model uncertainties, epistemic as well as aleatory, into validation assessment. The proposed approach informs understanding of the collected data and that of the model domain. It avoids model overfitting to a particular system state, and in fact is a blind assessment of the models' validity: models are not adjusted, or updated, to achieve a better numerical fit. This approach assesses the degree of models' validity, in place of the typical binary model validation/invalidation process. Collectively, this increases confidence in the model's representativeness that, in turn, reduces risk to model users.
Onychocryptosis: a long‐term retrospective and comparative follow‐up study of surgical and phenol chemical matricectomy in 520 procedures
Authors: Romero‐Pérez David , Betlloch‐Mas Isabel , Encabo‐Durán Belén 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundOnychocryptosis or ingrown toenail is a common condition for which there are several treatment options. Surgical matricectomy (SM) is the classical procedure, whereas chemical matricectomy with phenol (CMP) is the most widely used nowadays.ObjectivesThis study was designed to evaluate the success rate, postoperative comfort, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction provided by each of these procedures.MethodsA retrospective study of all patients who underwent surgery for ingrown toenail over a 5‐year period was performed. Data used for the descriptive study and success rates were obtained from medical records. Postoperative data were collected by telephone interviews.ResultsIngrown toenail surgery was carried out in 520 patients. SM was associated with a lower recurrence rate (8.2%) than CMP (17.8%), more pain (5.7/10 vs. 3.6/10), a higher risk for infection (15.3% vs. 2.9%), and lower cosmetic satisfaction (7.3/10 vs. 8.0/10). Overall satisfaction was similar in both procedures (8.5/10 and 8.4/10, respectively).ConclusionsAlthough SM is associated with a lower recurrence rate, CMP appears to facilitate better postoperative outcomes.
Risk stratification using Bmi‐1 and Snail expression is a useful prognostic tool for patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroaki , Munemori Masaru , Shimizu Kosuke , Fujii Nakanori , Kobayashi Keita , Inoue Ryo , Yamamoto Yoshiaki , Nagao Kazuhiro , Matsuyama Hideyasu 
Published: October 2016

ObjectivesTo investigate the expression levels of E‐cadherin, Snail, Twist and Bmi‐1 in the human upper tract urothelial carcinoma, and to assess whether these factors could be prognostic markers.MethodsImmunohistochemistry was carried out to determine the expression of E‐cadherin, Snail, Twist and Bmi‐1 in upper tract urothelial carcinoma samples from 144 patients that underwent total nephroureterectomy between January 1995 and December 2010. The patient population had a median age of 71 years, and comprised 104 men and 40 women, with a median follow‐up period of 40 months. The prognostic value of these markers was assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. A risk stratification analysis was carried out.ResultsSnail and Bmi‐1 expression predicted worse overall survival (P = 0.0075 and 0.0035), cancer‐specific survival (P = 0.0919 and 0.0085) and recurrence‐free survival (P = 0.0360 and 0.0817, respectively) compared with tumors that lacked Snail and Bmi‐1 expression. Additionally, clinical parameters, grade, stage and lymphovascular invasion correlated with overall survival, cancer‐specific survival and recurrence‐free survival. Multivariate analysis showed that Bmi‐1 expression was among the most significant factors in predicting cancer‐specific survival (P = 0.0333). The combination of Snail, Bmi‐1 and pathological stage was the most useful prognostic biomarker for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.ConclusionRisk stratification by epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell‐regulated genes, such as Snail and Bmi‐1, might be useful prognostic markers for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.
Human herpesvirus 8 infection contributes to a T helper 2 immune response in men from Tobago with prostate cancer
Authors: Henning Jill D , Bonachea Luis A , Bunker Clareann H , Patrick Alan L , Jenkins Frank J 
Published: October 2016

ObjectivesTo compare the cytokine profile between human herpesvirus 8 seropositive and seronegative men with and without prostate cancer.MethodsThe study sample was obtained from the Tobago Prostate Survey, an ongoing study of prostate cancer in the Caribbean island of Tobago. Participants in the study were recruited mostly by public service announcement and by word of mouth. For analyses of circulating levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, participants with biopsy‐confirmed prostate cancer (n = 79) were compared with control participants (n = 87).ResultsCytokine analyses showed a T helper 2 response with suppressed T helper 1 response in prostate cancer patients, as evidenced by significantly increased levels of interleukin‐13 and reduced levels of interleukin‐12p70. Herpesvirus 8 seropositive men showed significantly increased levels of interleukin‐13 and interleukin‐10. At logistic regression analyses, interleukin‐12p70 predicted prostate cancer in 94.4% of human herpesvirus 8 seropositive men.ConclusionsThese findings show that prostate cancer elicits an antitumor, T helper 2 response with a suppressed T helper 1 response. Human herpesvirus 8 infection results in a similar immune response supporting the hypothesis that in Tobago, human herpesvirus 8 establishes a chronic infection that can contribute to an immune response favoring the formation and survival of prostate cancer.