bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiparametric 3T MRI in the evaluation of intraglandular prostate cancer: Correlation with histopathology
Authors: Styles Colin , Ferris Nicholas , Mitchell Catherine , Murphy Declan , Frydenberg Mark , Mills John , Pedersen John , Bergen Noelene , Duchesne Gillian 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIntroductionProstate cancer is common and may be treated immediately or managed conservatively by observation. We sought to determine how reliable multiparametric MRI is in the detection of intraprostatic prostate cancer and what role it has in risk stratification.MethodsThe histology from 38 whole mount prostate specimens was compared with preoperative multiparametric 3T MRI studies with an endorectal receiver coil in place. T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, diffusion (b values 50 400 800), perfusion (Ve, Kep, Ktrans, area under the curve) and proton spectroscopic sequences were used.ResultsFor cancers greater than 0.5 cc, the detection rate for combined T2‐weighted imaging and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) was 85%. For cancers 0.1 cc–0.5 cc, the sensitivity was 52%.Per patient, false positive rate was 50% for combined T2‐weighted imaging and DWI. Perfusion imaging had a sensitivity of 70% for tumours greater than 0.5 cc but had a per patient false positive rate of 80% influenced by benign prostatic hypertrophy. In only 15 patients could a satisfactory spectroscopy study be obtained. Weak correlation was found between the Gleason score and tumour size (r = 0.51), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) (r = −0.30) and (choline + creatine)/citrate ratio (r = 0.41).ConclusionT2‐weighted imaging and DWI in combination were the best strategy for detecting prostate cancer and had a sensitivity of 85% for detecting lesions greater than 0.5 cc. At 3T, an ADC threshold of between 1100–1200.10−6 mm2/s was optimal for diagnosing prostate cancer. There are significant limitations in the use of perfusion and spectroscopy to detect prostate cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging‐targeted or guided biopsy post‐MRI imaging is likely to be needed in some patients to assist risk stratification.
Identifying the ichthyoplankton of a coral reef using DNA barcodes
Authors: Hubert Nicolas , Espiau Benoit , Meyer Christopher , Planes Serge 
Published: June 2014

AbstractMarine fishes exhibit spectacular phenotypic changes during their ontogeny, and the identification of their early stages is challenging due to the paucity of diagnostic morphological characters at the species level. Meanwhile, the importance of early life stages in dispersal and connectivity has recently experienced an increasing interest in conservation programmes for coral reef fishes. This study aims at assessing the effectiveness of DNA barcoding for the automated identification of coral reef fish larvae through large‐scale ecosystemic sampling. Fish larvae were mainly collected using bongo nets and light traps around Moorea between September 2008 and August 2010 in 10 sites distributed in open waters. Fish larvae ranged from 2 to 100 mm of total length, with the most abundant individuals being <5 mm. Among the 505 individuals DNA barcoded, 373 larvae (i.e. 75%) were identified to the species level. A total of 106 species were detected, among which 11 corresponded to pelagic and bathypelagic species, while 95 corresponded to species observed at the adult stage on neighbouring reefs. This study highlights the benefits and pitfalls of using standardized molecular systems for species identification and illustrates the new possibilities enabled by DNA barcoding for future work on coral reef fish larval ecology.
Elliptical Time‐Density model to estimate wildlife utilization distributions
Authors: Wall Jake , Wittemyer George , LeMay Valerie , Douglas‐Hamilton Iain , Klinkenberg Brian 
Published: June 2014

Summary

We present a new animal space‐use model (elliptical time density – ETD) that uses discrete‐time tracking data collected in wildlife movement studies. The ETD model provides a trajectory‐based, nonparametric approach to estimate the utilization distribution (UD) of an animal, using model parameters derived directly from the movement behaviour of the species. The model builds on the theory of ‘time‐geography’ whereby elliptical constraining regions are established between temporally adjacent recorded locations.

Using a Weibull speed distribution fitted for an animal's movement data, a time density value (i.e. time per unit landscape) is determined from the expectation of all elliptical regions equal to, or greater than, the minimum bounding ellipse for a given landscape point. We tested the ETD model using a tracking dataset for an African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and compared the resulting UDs for regularly sampled, frequently recorded locations, as well as irregular random time intervals between locations and also infrequent temporal‐sampling regimes, providing insight to the method's performance with different resolution data. We compared the performance of the ETD model, the Brownian bridge movement model (BBMM), the time‐geography density estimator (TGDE) and the Kernel Density Estimator (KDE) by calculating omission/commission errors from the predicted space‐use distribution of each model relative to the true known UD of our elephant test data. The comparison was made for the 10–99% percentile UD model areas.

The ETD90 model (i.e. ETD model parameterized using the 90% percentile value of the Weibull speed distribution) resulted in the fewest errors of commission and omission with regard to locating the true movement path at the 99% percentile UD area.

The ETD model provides an improved approach for estimating animal UDs since (i) parameters are derived directly from the tracking data rather than assumed; (ii) parameter values are biologically interpretable; (iii) the Weibull speed distribution is adaptable to various temporal‐sampling regimes; and (iv) the ETD model handles the case of degenerate ellipses thus preserving landscape connectivity in the UD. Software (freeware) for calculating the ETD and a Bayesian framework for estimating the Weibull distribution speed parameters are also introduced in the paper.
Does intramuscular thermal feedback modulate eccrine sweating in exercising humans?
Authors: Todd G. , Gordon C. J. , Groeller H. , Taylor N. A. S. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimFew investigators have considered the possibility that skeletal muscles might contain thermosensitive elements capable of modifying thermoeffector responses. In this experiment, the temporal relationships between dynamic changes in deep‐body and intramuscular temperatures and eccrine sweat secretion were explored during rhythmical and reproducible variations in heat production.MethodsEight subjects performed semi‐recumbent cycling (25 °C) at a constant load to first establish whole‐body thermal and sudomotor steady states (35 min), followed by a 24‐min block of sinusoidal workload variations (three, 8‐min periods) and then returning to steady‐state cycling (20 min). Individual oesophageal, mean skin and intramuscular (vastus lateralis) temperatures were independently cross‐correlated with simultaneously measured forehead sweat rates to evaluate the possible thermal modulation of sudomotor activity.ResultsBoth intramuscular and oesophageal temperatures showed strong correlations with sinusoidal variations in sweating with respective maximal cross‐correlation coefficients of 0.807 (±0.044) and 0.845 (±0.035), but these were not different (P = 0.40). However, the phase delay between intramuscular temperature changes and sweat secretion was significantly shorter than the delay between oesophageal temperature and sweating [25.6 s (±12.6) vs. 46.9 s (±11.3); P = 0.03].ConclusionThe temporal coupling of eccrine sweating to intramuscular temperature, combined with a shorter phase delay, was consistent with the presence of thermosensitive elements within skeletal muscles that appear to participate in the modulation of thermal sweating.
Nomadic beekeeper movements create the potential for widespread disease in the honeybee industry
Authors: Gordon R , Bresolin‐Schott N , East IJ 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveTo examine the nomadic movements of Australian beekeepers and determine their potential to assist the spread of pests and diseases.MethodsA questionnaire was mailed to all beekeepers in Australia who maintained >100 hives, requesting information on the location of their home base, locations used throughout the year and the crops that the bees fed on in each location. The information was analysed using network analysis software and a geographic information system.ResultsNomadic Australian beekeepers formed a connected network linking 288 locations from central Queensland to western Victoria. A second, smaller network included 42 locations in south‐eastern South Australia. Almond orchards in Robinvale and Boundary Bend and lucerne seed production in Keith were locations of major hive congregations driven by the opportunity to provide paid pollination services. In the 3 months after completion of almond pollination in August 2008, movement of hives occurred from Robinvale and Boundary Bend to 49 locations, ranging from south‐east Queensland to south‐west Victoria.DiscussionThe movements identified in this study highlight the potential for rapid spread of disease or pests throughout the beekeeping industry should an incursion occur.
Maternal Morbidity of Women Receiving Birth Center Care in New South Wales: A Matched‐Pair Analysis Using Linked Health Data
Authors: Laws Paula J. , Xu Fenglian , Welsh Alec , Tracy Sally K. , Sullivan Elizabeth A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundAround 2 percent of women who give birth in Australia each year do so in a birth center. New South Wales, Australia's largest state, accounts for almost half of these births. Previous studies have highlighted the need for better quality data on maternal morbidity and mortality, to fully evaluate the safety of birth center care.AimsThis study aimed to examine maternal morbidity related to birth center care for women in New South Wales.MethodsA retrospective cohort study with matched‐pairs was conducted using linked health data for New South Wales. Maternal outcomes were compared for women who intended to give birth in a birth center, matched with women who intended to give birth in the co‐located hospital labor ward.ResultsRates of maternal outcomes, including postpartum hemorrhage, retained placenta, and postpartum infection, were significantly lower in the birth center group, after controlling for demographic and institutional factors. Interventions such as cesarean section and episiotomy were also significantly lower in these women, and the rate of breastfeeding at discharge was higher. There existed no difference in length of stay, admission to ICU, or maternal mortality.ConclusionsBirth centers are a safe option for low‐risk women; however, further research is required for some rare maternal outcomes.
Stein, Jared & Graham, Charles R (2014) Essentials for blended learningRoutledge (New York & London) isbn 978‐0‐415‐63616‐2 210 pp £19.99 http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415636162/
Authors: Laborda Jesus Garcia 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThis reader‐friendly jargon‐free volume is a down‐to‐earth and visual guide for practitioners seeking new ways to improve educational opportunities in times when quality needs to be enriched by simple but effective online experiences. It is a must for those involved in integrating technology into the classroom. If this book deals with a subject likely to be relevant to you, I recommend you buy a copy.Jesus Garcia Laborda
Validation of the GreenLight™ Simulator and development of a training curriculum for photoselective vaporisation of the prostate
Authors: Aydin Abdullatif , Muir Gordon H. , Graziano Manuela E. , Khan Muhammad Shamim , Dasgupta Prokar , Ahmed Kamran 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesTo assess face, content and construct validity, and feasibility and acceptability of the GreenLight™ Simulator as a training tool for photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP), and to establish learning curves and develop an evidence‐based training curriculum.Subjects and MethodsThis prospective, observational and comparative study, recruited novice (25 participants), intermediate (14) and expert‐level urologists (seven) from the UK and Europe at the 28th European Association of Urological Surgeons Annual Meeting 2013. A group of novices (12 participants) performed 10 sessions of subtask training modules followed by a long operative case, whereas a second group (13) performed five sessions of a given case module. Intermediate and expert groups performed all training modules once, followed by one operative case. The outcome measures for learning curves and construct validity were time to task, coagulation time, vaporisation time, average sweep speed, average laser distance, blood loss, operative errors, and instrument cost. Face and content validity, feasibility and acceptability were addressed through a quantitative survey.ResultsConstruct validity was demonstrated in two of five training modules (P = 0.038; P = 0.018) and in a considerable number of case metrics (P = 0.034). Learning curves were seen in all five training modules (P < 0.001) and significant reduction in case operative time (P < 0.001) and error (P = 0.017) were seen. An evidence‐based training curriculum, to help trainees acquire transferable skills, was produced using the results.ConclusionThis study has shown the GreenLight Simulator to be a valid and useful training tool for PVP. It is hoped that by using the training curriculum for the GreenLight Simulator, novice trainees can acquire skills and knowledge to a predetermined level of proficiency.
Imatinib Activates Pathological Hypertrophy by Altering Myocyte Calcium Regulation
Authors: Barr Larry A. , Makarewich Catherine A. , Berretta Remus M. , Gao Hui , Troupes Constantine D. , Woitek Felix , Recchia Fabio , Kubo Hajime , Force Thomas , Houser Steven R. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundImatinib mesylate is a selective tyrosine‐kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of multiple cancers, most notably chronic myelogenous leukemia. There is evidence that imatinib can induce cardiotoxicity in cancer patients. Our hypothesis is that imatinib alters calcium regulatory mechanisms and can contribute to development of pathological cardiac hypertrophy.Methods and ResultsNeonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) were treated with clinical doses (low: 2 μM; high: 5 μM) of imatinib and assessed for molecular changes. Imatinib increased peak systolic Ca2+ and Ca2+ transient decay rates and Western analysis revealed significant increases in phosphorylation of phospholamban (Thr‐17) and the ryanodine receptor (Ser‐2814), signifying activation of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII). Imatinib significantly increased NRVM volume as assessed by Coulter counter, myocyte surface area, and atrial natriuretic peptide abundance seen by Western. Imatinib induced cell death, but did not activate the classical apoptotic program as assessed by caspase‐3 cleavage, indicating a necrotic mechanism of death in myocytes. We expressed AdNFATc3‐green fluorescent protein in NRVMs and showed imatinib treatment significantly increased nuclear factor of activated T cells translocation that was inhibited by the calcineurin inhibitor FK506 or CaMKII inhibitors.ConclusionThese data show that imatinib can activate pathological hypertrophic signaling pathways by altering intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. This is likely a contributing mechanism for the adverse cardiac effects of imatinib.
Clinical activity of a new regimen combining gemcitabine and alemtuzumab in high‐risk relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients
Authors: Oberic Lucie , Vaillant Willy , Hebraud Benjamin , Recher Christian , Suc Etienne , Houyau Philippe , Laurent Guy , Ysebaert Loic 
Published: June 2014

AbstractOptimal treatment strategies are lacking in relapsed/refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Gemcitabine has shown activity and acceptable safety profile in B‐cell lymphomas. We present a retrospective case review of gemcitabine and alemtuzumab, every 21 d (for up to six courses) in 27 community‐based patients with high‐risk R/R CLL. Median age was 70 yr (44–83 yr), 55% patients had Binet stage C, deletion 17p (del(17p)) and/or deletion 11q (del(11q)) were found in 65% and 27%, bulky disease in 55.5%, and fludarabine‐refractoriness in 48% of cases, respectively. Overall response rate was 63% (29.6% clinical CR and 33.4% PR). At a median follow‐up of 31 months, median PFS and OS were 15.4 and 24 months. In multivariate analysis, median OS is influenced by prior lines of treatment = 3 and bulky disease. Combination of alemtuzumab and gemcitabine appears to be an active, easy to administrate treatment in routine practice, high‐risk R/R CLL patients.
Determination of the fracture properties of metallic materials using pre‐cracked small punch tests
Authors: Alegre J. M. , Cuesta I. I. , Barbachano H. L. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTIn this paper, the use of pre‐cracked small punch test (p‐SPT) miniature specimens to obtain the fracture parameters of a material is presented. The geometry of the specimens used was square of 10 × 10 mm with a thickness of 0.5 mm. An initial crack‐like notch was created in the SPT specimens by means of a laser micro‐cutting technique. In order to obtain the fracture parameters from p‐SPT specimens three different approaches have been considered here. The first approach is based on the crack tip opening displacement concept, the second is based on the measure of the fracture energy using the area under the load–displacement curve for different crack sizes, and the third approach is based on the direct numerical simulation of the p‐SPT specimen and the numerical calculation of the J‐integral. In order to study the crack initiation in these p‐SPT specimens, several interrupted tests and the subsequent scanning electron microscope analysis have been carried out.The results indicate that p‐SPT specimens can be used as an alternative method for determining the fracture properties of a material in those cases where there is not enough material to undertake conventional fracture tests. For these p‐SPT specimens, the multi‐specimen method for the determination of the fracture energy is the most promising approach. The results indicate that this small specimen size allows the value of the material toughness, under low constraint conditions to be obtained.
Less means more: nutrient stress leads to higher δ15N ratios in fish
Authors: Bowes Rachel E. , Lafferty M. Holliday , Thorp James H. 
Published: June 2014

Summary

Isotopic ratios of nitrogen are often used in food‐web studies to determine trophic position (including food chain length) and food sources, with greater ratios of 15N/14N (δ15N) usually considered indicative of higher trophic position. However, fasting and starving animals may also show a progressive increase in δ15N over time as they catabolise their own tissues.

To determine the importance of starvation, we conducted a 4‐month laboratory experiment testing effects of starvation on body condition and isotope ratios in the muscle tissue of freshwater guppies (Poecilia reticulata). We also compared laboratory results and conclusions with analyses of body condition and isotope ratios in various small species of fish collected in four seasons from the Kansas River in north‐eastern Kansas, U.S.A.

Fish starved in our laboratory experiment had significantly higher 15N values and poorer body condition than those fed more regularly. The diverse group of fish species collected in summer (July) from the Kansas River had higher weight‐to‐length ratios and lower 15N values than those retrieved in other seasons. Overall body condition resulting from reduced food consumption explained 44 and 53% of the variability in 15N for field and laboratory fish, respectively.

These results are applicable to a wide variety of food‐web research but are especially pertinent to studies of organisms that undergo large changes in life history, dormancy, extended fasts or periods of significant nutritional allocation to young.
Bioenergy crop productivity and potential climate change mitigation from marginal lands in the United States: An ecosystem modeling perspective
Authors: Qin Zhangcai , Zhuang Qianlai , Cai Ximing 
Published: June 2014

AbstractGrowing biomass feedstocks from marginal lands is becoming an increasingly attractive choice for producing biofuel as an alternative energy to fossil fuels. Here, we used a biogeochemical model at ecosystem scale to estimate crop productivity and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from bioenergy crops grown on marginal lands in the United States. Two broadly tested cellulosic crops, switchgrass, and Miscanthus, were assumed to be grown on the abandoned land and mixed crop‐vegetation land with marginal productivity. Production of biomass and biofuel as well as net carbon exchange and nitrous oxide emissions were estimated in a spatially explicit manner. We found that, cellulosic crops, especially Miscanthus could produce a considerable amount of biomass, and the effective ethanol yield is high on these marginal lands. For every hectare of marginal land, switchgrass and Miscanthus could produce 1.0–2.3 kl and 2.9–6.9 kl ethanol, respectively, depending on nitrogen fertilization rate and biofuel conversion efficiency. Nationally, both crop systems act as net GHG sources. Switchgrass has high global warming intensity (100–390 g CO2eq l−1 ethanol), in terms of GHG emissions per unit ethanol produced. Miscanthus, however, emits only 21–36 g CO2eq to produce every liter of ethanol. To reach the mandated cellulosic ethanol target in the United States, growing Miscanthus on the marginal lands could potentially save land and reduce GHG emissions in comparison to growing switchgrass. However, the ecosystem modeling is still limited by data availability and model deficiencies, further efforts should be made to classify crop‐specific marginal land availability, improve model structure, and better integrate ecosystem modeling into life cycle assessment.