bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Passive surface microseismic monitoring as a statistical problem: location of weak microseismic signals in the presence of strongly correlated noise
Authors: Kushnir Alexander , Varypaev Alexander , Dricker Ilya , Rozhkov Mikhail , Rozhkov Nikita 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we treat passive surface microseismic monitoring as a predominantly statistical problem of location sources of weak seismicity recorded in the presence of strongly correlated noise using dense seismic arrays. We introduce two statistically optimal algorithms (adaptive maximal likelihood algorithm and statistically optimal phase algorithm) and show that the traditional semblance‐based microseismic processing algorithm (Seismic Emission Tomography) is just an extreme case of the maximal likelihood algorithm for Gaussian white noise (i.e., noise that is stationary and uncorrelated in time and space). We evaluate location uncertainties of all three microseismic algorithms for different types of noise patterns and signal‐to‐noise ratios. For Gaussian white noise, the Seismic Emission Tomography algorithm performs well, demonstrating even slightly better location accuracy than statistically optimal techniques. Actual noise affecting seismic sensors during hydraulic fracturing is non‐stationary. It is correlated in time and space, and varies greatly in power and spectral content for different sensors of the array. We use Monte Carlo simulation to show that the location accuracy of statistically optimal algorithms can be 20 to 40 times better than for the Seismic Emission Tomography algorithm in the presence of man‐made surface noise during hydraulic fracturing.
An ideal free distribution explains the root production of plants that do not engage in a tragedy of the commons game
Authors: McNickle Gordon G. , Brown Joel S. 
Published: April 2014

Summary

Below‐ground competition is intense and may dramatically reduce plant performance. However, there is still no consensus on the best strategies plants should use to maximize competitive ability in soil. Some suggest plants should grow roots according to nutrient availability, while others suggest plants should grow roots taking into account both nutrients and neighbours. Unambiguously, testing between these two alternative hypotheses has been challenging.

This manuscript had three objectives. First, we presented a model of root growth under competition that is based on an ideal free distribution (IFD). Secondly, we develop the concept of the best response curve as a tool for clearer experimental tests of plant responses to neighbours. Thirdly, we test these ideas by growing fast cycling Brassica rapa either alone or with neighbours to examine this species' root growth strategy both alone and under competition.

We hypothesize that those plants with no direct response to neighbours should grow roots according to an IFD. This means that if plants produce x roots in a soil volume of quality R, they should produce x/n roots in a soil volume of quality R/n. The experimental data were consistent with this prediction. Growing plants with neighbours was statistically identical to growing them with half as many nutrients. Thus, the only effect of neighbours was to reduce nutrient availability.

This model provides an alternative to previous game theoretic models and suggests an experimental protocol based on the concept of the best response curve. We hope that testing the game theoretic model with a clear alternative model will guide experiment and debate.

Synthesis. The data in the literature are mixed, with species sometimes responding to nutrients only, and sometimes responding interactively to both nutrients and neighbours. At present, we lack a general understanding of the causes or consequences of this diversity of strategies. We suggest that a greater understanding of trade‐offs among traits that are important for other biotic interactions (above‐ground competition, enemy defence, mutualisms) will lead to a greater understanding of why some species over‐proliferate roots when in competition but other species do not.
Nitrogen addition increases intraspecific competition in the invasive wetland plant Alternanthera philoxeroides, but not in its native congener Alternanthera sessilis
Authors: Wang AO , Jiang Xing‐Xing , Zhang Qiu‐Qiu , Zhou Jian , Li Hong‐Li , Luo Fang‐Li , Zhang Ming‐Xiang , Yu Fei‐Hai 
Published: April 2014

AbstractNitrogen is often released in pulses with different frequencies, and N supply pulses may affect growth, reproduction, and biomass allocation of plants. However, few studies have examined how N supply pulses affect intraspecific competition of clonal plants and whether such an effect depends on the N supply amount. We grew one (no competition) or 12 ramets (with intraspecific competition) of both an invasive clonal plant Alternanthera philoxeroides and its native congener Alternanthera sessilis in five different N treatments: control (no N addition), low/high amount with low/high frequencies (pulses). Nitrogen addition significantly increased the growth of both species, while intraspecific competition decreased it. Nitrogen addition significantly increased intraspecific competitive intensity of A. philoxeroides as measured by the log response ratio of growth traits, but did not affect that of A. sessilis. Despite the N supply amount, N pulses had little effect on the growth and thus intraspecific competition of the two species. Therefore, increasing N deposition may change population structure and dynamics and the invasion succession of A. philoxeroides, but changes in N pulses may not.
First comparison of the VennerTM A.P. AdvanceTM versus the Macintosh laryngoscope for intubations by non‐anaesthetists: A manikin study
Authors: Marshall Elizabeth M , O'Loughlin Edmond , Swann Alex D 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aims to study whether using a videolaryngoscope (A.P. Advance™) facilitates or hinders intubation by non‐anaesthetists inexperienced in its use.MethodsThirty doctors from Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine backgrounds performed laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation using the Macintosh laryngoscope (MAC), A.P. Advance™ Normal Blade (AP N) and A.P. Advance™ Difficult Airway Blade (AP DAB) in simulated normal and difficult airway manikins. The primary outcomes measured were time to successful tracheal intubation and failure to intubate within 3 min or three attempts. Secondary outcomes were number of intubation attempts, adjuncts used, glottic view and ease of intubation.ResultsThere was a higher rate of failed intubation in the simulated difficult airway in participants using the AP N blade than either the MAC or AP DAB (23% vs 3% and 7%, P = 0.031). This was associated with a longer median time to intubate with the AP N and the AP DAB versus MAC (56.6, 50.2 vs 39.9 s, P = 0.007 and P = 0.041). In the normal airway median time to intubate was longest with the AP N (27.8 s), and this was significantly slower than the MAC (18.1 s, P = 0.003) and the AP DAB (17.3 s, P < 0.001). No one failed to intubate the normal manikin.ConclusionsThe use of the A.P. Advance™ videolaryngoscope should not be considered, without adequate prior training and experience, in the management of a difficult airway. The level of adequate training has yet to be established.
Predicting the potential geographic distribution of Thrips palmi in Korea, using the CLIMEX model
Authors: Park Jung‐Joon , Mo Hyoung‐ho , Lee Gwan‐Seok , Lee Sung‐Eun , Lee Joon‐Ho , Cho Kijong 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThrips palmi Karny, melon thrips was introduced and first recorded in 1993 in Korea. This species has become a serious pest of vegetable and ornamental crops. The CLIMEX simulation was applied to T. palmi to predict its potential geographic distribution in Korea under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 climate change scenario. In the CLIMEX simulation, the ecoclimatic index was calculated, and compared in each simulated year and each simulated location. The map comparisons show good agreements between simulated and present distributions of T. palmi, indicating that the CLIMEX model has promising potential for prediction of future distributions of this species in Korea. In the near future, until the year 2020, all the western and eastern parts of Korea show favorable to marginal suitability for T. palmi populations in the fields. After the year 2040, potential distributions shift from no persistence to favorable for establishment and persistence from coastal to interior regions of the Korean peninsula, except for a north‐eastern interior region which is the northernmost part of a high mountainous (Baekdu‐Daegan) area in Korea. Based on the simulation results, the geographical distribution of T. palmi will expand over its current weather restrictions in the near future under a severe climate change scenario. Thus, pest management measures and strategies should be re‐evaluated in Korea, and should include further studies on interspecific competition and ecosystem changes due to climate changes.
Risk factors for pancreatic infection in patients with severe acute pancreatitis: An analysis of 163 cases
Authors: Zeng Yan Bo , Zhan Xian Bao , Guo Xiao Rong , Zhang Hua Gao , Chen Yan , Cai Quan Cai , Li Zhao Shen 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveWe aimed to identify the risk factors for predicting pancreatic infection in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).MethodsIn all, 163 patients with SAP were included and divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of pancreatic infection. Their demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory examination results, complications and treatment modalities were collected from their medical records. Variables were initially screened by univariate analysis and those with statistical significance were then filtered by multivariate analysis to determine the independent risk factors for pancreatic infection in SAP.ResultsPatients having SAP with pancreatic infection had a lower partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2), peripheral white blood cell count and alkaline phosphatase levels, together with a higher computed tomography severity index (CTSI) than those without pancreatic infection, while their lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and blood urea nitrogen were much higher. Pancreatic infection was also more common in patients receiving late fluid resuscitation than in those receiving early fluid resuscitation. Multivariate analyses revealed that increased LDH level, high CTSI, delayed fluid resuscitation and hypoxemia were independent risk factors for pancreatic infection in SAP. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for a model combining the parameters in predicting pancreatic infection were 84%, 97%, 88% and 96%, respectively, with a cut‐off value of 0.393, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.923.ConclusionIncreased LDH, high CTSI, delayed fluid resuscitation and hypoxemia are independent risk factors for predicting pancreatic infection in patients with SAP.
Value of the patency capsule in pre‐evaluation for capsule endoscopy in cases of intestinal obstruction
Authors: Zhang Wei , Han Ze Long , Cheng Yang , Xu Yang Zhi , Xiao Kun , Li Ai Min , Wang Ya Dong , Li Yue , Liu Si De 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivePatency capsule (PC) is a tool to screen the patency of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Capsule endoscopy can be performed after the patency is confirmed by the patency capsule. We aimed to estimate the diagnostic value of PC based on the existing trials.MethodsWe searched PubMed, CENTRAL and EMBASE for studies that included patients with suspected small bowel stricture who were evaluated by both PC and a reference standard (following capsule endoscopy and/or surgical pathology and/or endoscopic findings) and who were eligible for inclusion. The quality of the eligible studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were calculated.ResultsFive studies including 203 patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The pooled data showed a PC sensitivity of 97% (95% CI 93–99%) and a specificity of 83% (95% CI 65–94%). The AUROC was 0.9557.ConclusionsPC may be of diagnostic value in confirming the patency of the GI tract before capsule endoscopy. The routine use of PC might eliminate the contraindication of capsule endoscopy in many cases of intestinal obstruction.
Tumor MET expression profile predicts the outcome of non‐small cell lung cancer patients receiving epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Chang Hyun , Zhang Xianglan , Cho Byoung Chul , Park Hee Jin , Kim Joo‐Hang 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis study assesses whether MET expression in tumor tissue is associated with an increased sensitivity to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.MethodsThis retrospective study included 69 NSCLC participants with available tumor tissue and data on treatment response and survival. MET and hepatocyte growth factor expression in tumor tissue were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.ResultsPositive tMET expression correlated with a shorter progression‐free survival (PFS; P = 0.003) and overall survival (OS; P = 0.05). Positive pY1234/1235 expression was significantly associated with a longer PFS (P = 0.031) and OS (P = 0.012). In multivariable analyses, tMET and pY1234/1235 expression were independent factors for PFS and OS, respectively. (tMET, PFS; P = 0.02, OS; P = 0.0007 and pY1234/1234, PFS; P = 0.01, OS; P = 0.004).ConclusionsThis study suggests that total and phosphorylated MET expression in tumor tissue is potentially useful for the selection of NSCLC patients who are likely to benefit from EGFR‐TKIs, irrespective of their EGFR status.
Reptiles in restored agricultural landscapes: the value of linear strips, patches and habitat condition
Authors: Jellinek S. , Parris K. M. , McCarthy M. A. , Wintle B. A. , Driscoll D. A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractHabitat restoration, including revegetation of linear strips and enlargement of remnant patches, may benefit native fauna in highly fragmented landscapes. Such restoration has occurred around the world, even though the relative importance of strips and patches of vegetation remains controversial. Using reptile communities from south‐eastern Australia, we assessed the conservation value of revegetation in strips and alongside remnant patches compared with remnant vegetation and cleared roadsides. We also examined the distance that reptiles occurred from remnant patches into linear vegetation. We found that reptile species richness and counts did not substantially differ between revegetated, remnant and cleared habitats, or between linear strip and patch treatments. This may indicate that species sensitive to land clearing have already been lost from the landscape. These results imply that if specialist species have already been lost, we may be unable to measure the effects of agriculture on biodiversity. Furthermore, revegetation with the expectation that fauna will recolonize may be unrealistic and translocations may be necessary. Unexpectedly, we recorded higher species richness and counts of rare reptile species in remnant linear strips as distance from remnant patches increased. Ground‐layer attributes were important for increasing reptile species richness and counts and in structuring reptile communities, explaining approximately three times as much variation as remnant shape or vegetation type (remnant, revegetated, cleared). Management agencies should protect and effectively manage remnant linear strips if rarer reptiles are to be retained, paying particular attention to ground‐layer attributes. The decision to include ground layers in future revegetation activities will be more important than the shape of restored areas.
An Integrated Array of Microfluidic Oxygenators as a Neonatal Lung Assist Device: In Vitro Characterization and In Vivo Demonstration
Authors: Rochow Niels , Manan Asmaa , Wu Wen‐I , Fusch Gerhard , Monkman Shelley , Leung Jennifer , Chan Emily , Nagpal Dipen , Predescu Dragos , Brash John , Selvaganapathy Ponnambalam Ravi , Fusch Christoph 
Published: April 2014

AbstractA miniaturized oxygenator device that is perfused like an artificial placenta via the umbilical vessels may have significant potential to save the lives of newborns with respiratory insufficiency. Recently we presented the concept of an integrated modular lung assist device (LAD) that consists of stacked microfluidic single oxygenator units (SOUs) and demonstrated the technical details and operation of SOU prototypes. In this article, we present a LAD prototype that is designed to accommodate the different needs of term and preterm infants by permitting changing of the number of parallel‐stacked microfluidic SOUs according to the actual body weight. The SOUs are made of polydimethylsiloxane, arranged in parallel, and connected though 3D‐printed polymeric interconnects to form the LAD. The flow characteristics and the gas exchange properties were tested in vitro using human blood. We found that the pressure drop of the LAD increased linearly with flow rate. Gas exchange rates of 2.4–3.8 μL/min/cm2 (0.3–0.5 mL/kg/min) and 6.4–10.1 μL/min/cm2 (0.8–1.3 mL/kg/min) for O2 and CO2, respectively, were achieved. We also investigated protein adsorption to provide preliminary information on the need for application of anticoagulant coating of LAD materials. Albumin adsorption, as measured by gold staining, showed that surface uptake was evenly distributed and occurred at the monolayer level (>0.2 μg/cm2). Finally, we also tested the LAD under in vivo conditions using a newborn piglet model (body weight 1.65–2.0 kg). First, the effect of an arteriovenous bypass via a carotid artery‐to‐jugular vein shortcut on heart rate and blood pressure was investigated. Heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure remained stable for extracorporeal flow rates of up to 61 mL/kg/min (101 mL/min). Next, the LAD was connected to umbilical vessels (maximum flow rate of 24 mL/min [10.4 mL/kg/min]), and O2 gas exchange was measured under hypoxic conditions (FiO2 = 0.15) and was found to be 3.0 μL/min/cm2. These results are encouraging and support the feasibility of an artificial placental design for an LAD.
Severe Lactic Acidosis in a Diabetic Patient after Ethanol Abuse and Floor Cleaner Intake
Authors: Hendrikx Jeroen J. M. A. , Lagas Jurjen S. , Daling Ratana , Hooijberg Jan Hendrik , Schellens Jan H. M. , Beijnen Jos H. , Brandjes Desiderius P. M. , Huitema Alwin D. R. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAn intoxication with drugs, ethanol or cleaning solvents may cause a complex clinical scenario if multiple agents have been ingested simultaneously. The situation can become even more complex in patients with (multiple) co‐morbidities. A 59‐year‐old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus (without treatment two weeks before the intoxication) intentionally ingested a substantial amount of ethanol along with ~750 mL of laminate floor cleaner containing citric acid. The patient was admitted with severe metabolic acidosis (both ketoacidosis and lactic acidosis, with serum lactate levels of 22 mM). He was treated with sodium bicarbonate, insulin and thiamine after which he recovered within two days. Diabetic ketoacidosis and lactic acidosis aggravated due to ethanol intoxication, thiamine deficiency and citrate. The high lactate levels were explained by excessive lactate formation caused by the combination of untreated diabetes mellitus, thiamine deficiency and ethanol abuse. Metabolic acidosis in diabetes is multi‐factorial, and the clinical situation may be further complicated, when ingestion of ethanol and toxic agents are involved. Here, we reported a patient in whom diabetic ketoacidosis was accompanied by severe lactic acidosis as a result of citric acid and mainly ethanol ingestion and a possible thiamine deficiency. In the presence of lactic acidosis in diabetic ketoacidosis, physicians need to consider thiamine deficiency and ingestion of ethanol or other toxins.
Neuroprogressive effects of lifetime illness duration in older adults with bipolar disorder
Authors: Gildengers Ariel G , Chung Kuo‐Hsuan , Huang Shou‐Hung , Begley Amy , Aizenstein Howard J , Tsai Shang‐Ying 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to examine the long‐term effects of bipolar disorder (BD) on brain structure (gray matter volumes).MethodsFifty‐four adults with BD [mean (standard deviation) age = 64.4 (5.4) years] underwent brain MR imaging along with comprehensive clinical assessment. Total gray matter, hippocampal, and amygdala volumes were extracted using methods developed through the Geriatric Neuroimaging Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA, USA).ResultsLower total gray matter volumes were related to longer duration of BD, even when controlling for current age and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) risk/burden. Additionally, longer exposure to antipsychotic medication was related to lower gray matter volumes. Lower hippocampal volumes were related to total years of antipsychotic agent exposure and CVA risk/burden scores. Older age was related to lower total gray matter, hippocampal, and amgydala volumes.ConclusionsOur study of older adults with BD supports the understanding that BD is a neuroprogressive disorder with a longer duration of illness and more antipsychotic agent exposure related to lower gray matter volume.
Clinical applications of SPECT/CT after first I‐131 ablation in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Jeong Shin Young , Lee Sang‐Woo , Kim Hae Won , Song Bong‐Il , Ahn Byeong‐Cheol , Lee Jaetae 
Published: April 2014

SummaryObjectiveThis study aimed to determine which thyroid cancer patients would benefit from SPECT/CT in addition to whole‐body planar scintigraphy (RxWBS) for the detection and characterization of I‐131 focal uptake after first ablation.Design and PatientsNeck and thoracic SPECT/CT was performed in 187 patients with I‐131 focal uptake suggestive of remnant thyroid tissue (Rem group, n = 152) or presumed lymph node (LN) metastases (mLN group, n = 35) on RxWBS. Clinical and pathologic parameters were analysed and compared in patients with and without additional SPECT/CT findings.ResultswIn the Rem group, SPECT/CT revealed additional occult findings on RxWBS in 13 patients (8·6%). The serum thyroglobulin levels at the time of ablation were significantly higher in patients with additional SPECT/CT findings than in patients without additional findings (4·3 ± 3·4 ng/ml vs 1·6 ± 2·7 ng/ml, P = 0·001). In the mLN group, SPECT/CT demonstrated only remnant thyroid tissues without evidence of lymph node metastasis in 14 (40·0%) patients, whereas in the remaining 21 (60·0%) patients, I‐131 uptake was confirmed in the corresponding neck and mediastinal lymph nodes on SPECT/CT.ConclusionsEven in the Rem group, additional SPECT/CT could provide useful information for detecting hidden metastasis, especially in patients with high serum thyroglobulin levels. SPECT/CT should be recommended for patients with focal uptake lymph node metastasis on RxWBS.