bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impairment of medical decisional capacity in relation to Karnofsky Performance Status in adults with malignant brain tumor
Authors: Martin Roy C. , Gerstenecker Adam , Nabors Louis B. , Marson Daniel C. , Triebel Kristen L. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Background
We aimed to investigate the relationship between medical decisional capacity (MDC) and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) in adults with malignant brain tumors.

Methods
Participants were 71 adults with primary (n = 26) or metastatic (n = 45) brain tumors. Testing to determine KPS scores and MDC was performed as close together as possible for each patient. Participants were administered a standardized measure of medical decision-making capacity (Capacity to Consent to Treatment Instrument [CCTI]) to assess 3 treatment consent abilities (ie, appreciation, reasoning, and understanding). Capacity classifications (ie, capable, marginally capable, and incapable) were established using cut scores previously derived from healthy control CCTI performance.

Results
The majority of participants had KPS scores of 90–100 (n = 39), with the remainder divided between KPS scores of 70–80 (n = 26) and 50–60 (n = 6). Comparisons between persons with KPS scores of 90–100 or 70–80 revealed significant differences on the CCTI consent standards of understanding and appreciation. Participants with KPS ratings of 90–100 achieved 46% capable classifications across all CCTI standards, in contrast with 23% of participants with KPS ratings of 70–80, and 0% of participants with KPS ratings of 50–60.

Conclusions
A substantial portion of brain-tumor patients with KPS scores reflecting only minimal disability nonetheless demonstrated impairments on standardized measures of MDC. Clinicians working with this adult population should carefully screen for capacity to make clinical treatment decisions regardless of functional/performance status.
Likelihood Estimation with Incomplete Array Variate Observations
Authors: Akdemir Deniz 
Published: December 2014

AbstractMissing data present an important challenge when dealing with high dimensional data arranged in the form of an array. In this paper, we propose methods for estimation of the parameters of array variate normal probability model from partially observed multi-way data. The methods developed here are useful for missing data imputation, estimation of mean and covariance parameters for multi-way data. A multi-way semi-parametric mixed effects model that allows separation of multi-way covariance effects is also defined and an efficient algorithm for estimation based on the spectral decompositions of the covariance parameters is recommended. We demonstrate our methods with simulations and with real life data involving the estimation of genotype and environment interaction effects on possibly correlated traits.
Site-SpecificN-Glycosylation of the S-Locus Receptor Kinase and Its Role in the Self-Incompatibility Response of the Brassicaceae
Authors: Yamamoto Masaya , Tantikanjana Titima , Nishio Takeshi , Nasrallah Mikhail E. , Nasrallah June B. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe S-locus receptor kinase SRK is a highly polymorphic transmembrane kinase of the stigma epidermis. Through allele-specific interaction with its pollen coat-localized ligand, the S-locus cysteine-rich protein SCR, SRK is responsible for recognition and inhibition of self pollen in the self-incompatibility response of the Brassicaceae. The SRK extracellular ligand binding domain contains several potential N-glycosylation sites that exhibit varying degrees of conservation among SRK variants. However, the glycosylation status and functional importance of these sites are currently unclear. We investigated this issue in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana stigmas that express the Arabidopsis lyrata SRKb variant and exhibit an incompatible response toward SCRb-expressing pollen. Analysis of single- and multiple-glycosylation site mutations of SRKb demonstrated that, although five of six potential N-glycosylation sites in SRKb are glycosylated in stigmas, N-glycosylation is not important for SCRb-dependent activation of SRKb. Rather, N-glycosylation functions primarily to ensure the proper and efficient subcellular trafficking of SRK to the plasma membrane. The study provides insight into the function of a receptor that regulates a critical phase of the plant life cycle and represents a valuable addition to the limited information available on the contribution of N-glycosylation to the subcellular trafficking and function of plant receptor kinases.
Seismic interferometry by tangent‐phase correction
Authors: Poletto Flavio , Farina Biancamaria , Böhm Gualtiero , Wapenaar Kees 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTWe present a modified interferometry method based on local tangent‐phase analysis, which corrects the cross‐correlated data before summation. The approach makes it possible to synthesize virtual signals usually vanishing in the conventional seismic interferometry summation. For a given pair of receivers and a set of different source positions, a plurality of virtual traces is obtained at new stationary projected points located along the signal wavefronts passing through the real reference receiver. The position of the projected points is estimated by minimizing travel times using wavefront constraint and correlation‐signal tangent information. The method uses mixed processing, which is partially based on velocity‐model knowledge and on data‐based blind interferometry. The approach can be used for selected events, including reflections with different stationary conditions and projected points with respect to those of the direct arrivals, to extend the interferometry representation in seismic exploration data where conventional illumination coverage is not sufficient to obtain the stationary‐phase condition. We discuss possible applications in crosswell geometry with a velocity anomaly and a time lapse.
EDITOR'S CHOICE: Neonicotinoid insecticide travels through a soil food chain, disrupting biological control of non‐target pests and decreasing soya bean yield
Authors: Douglas Margaret R. , Rohr Jason R. , Tooker John F. 
Published: December 2014

Summary

Neonicotinoids are the most widely used insecticides world‐wide, but their fate in the environment remains unclear, as does their potential to influence non‐target species and the roles they play in agroecosystems.

We investigated in laboratory and field studies the influence of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam, applied as a coating to soya bean seeds, on interactions among soya beans, non‐target molluscan herbivores and their insect predators.

In the laboratory, the pest slug Deroceras reticulatum was unaffected by thiamethoxam, but transmitted the toxin to predaceous beetles (Chlaenius tricolor), impairing or killing >60%.

In the field, thiamethoxam‐based seed treatments depressed activity–density of arthropod predators, thereby relaxing predation of slugs and reducing soya bean densities by 19% and yield by 5%.

Neonicotinoid residue analyses revealed that insecticide concentrations declined through the food chain, but levels in field‐collected slugs (up to 500 ng g−1) were still high enough to harm insect predators.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings reveal a previously unconsidered ecological pathway through which neonicotinoid use can unintentionally reduce biological control and crop yield. Trophic transfer of neonicotinoids challenges the notion that seed‐applied toxins precisely target herbivorous pests and highlights the need to consider predatory arthropods and soil communities in neonicotinoid risk assessment and stewardship.
The effect of patient body mass index on surgical difficulty in gynaecological laparoscopy
Authors: McIlwaine Kate , Manwaring Janine , Ellett Lenore , Cameron Melissa , Readman Emma , Villegas Rocio , Maher Peter 
Published: December 2014

IntroductionOver the past three decades, rates of overweight and obesity internationally have risen to epidemic proportions. There are currently no published prospective studies examining the effect of obesity on gynaecologic laparoscopy for benign indications within a population with obesity rates comparable to Australian women.AimsTo assess and quantify whether increasing patient body mass index negatively impacted upon the ability to successfully complete planned laparoscopic surgery.MethodsFrom January 2009 until October 2012, 307 women undergoing laparoscopic gynaecological surgery for benign pathology were recruited. Intra‐operative variables included the following: ease of identification of anatomical landmarks, entry technique and number of attempts, conversion to laparotomy and any complications encountered. Any post‐operative complications were recorded at the six week post‐operative review.Results94.46% of operations were completed as planned. As BMI increased, the ease of identification of important anatomical landmarks significantly decreased. There was no correlation between increasing BMI and surgical complication rates.ConclusionsPlanned gynaecological laparoscopy can be performed in obese patients with a high likelihood of completion. In this study, obesity was not associated with a significant increase in complication rates or failure to complete the surgery as planned.
A review of six sacrospinous suture devices
Authors: Manning Jane A. , Arnold Peter 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundThe sacrospinous ligament is frequently accessed blindly during vaginal vault suspension with risk to inferior gluteal vessels. This article examines the vascular safety of six devices currently used for this purpose using cadaveric examination.MethodDevices were evaluated for cost and for their ability to reliably avoid vessels behind the sacrospinous ligament by applying each to the traditionally described location, two fingerbreadths medial to the right ischial spine. We selected the five predissected, preserved pelves and right hemipelves where vessels remained attached.ResultsThe i stitch® was seen to penetrate coccygeal branches of inferior gluteal artery. The Capio®, Caspari™ and Endostitch® remained confined within all, including thin, ligaments. The Miya® hook and Deschamp® impinged upon but deflected vessels behind thin ligaments.ConclusionsVascuIar anatomy behind the sacrospinous ligament is enormously variable. Suture placement two fingerbreadths medial to the spine does not guarantee safety. The ligament may be thin in the elderly, who are unlikely to cope with haemorrhage yet who may represent a growing proportion of those requiring surgery. For vascular safety, the ideal device is compact. It impresses and enfolds but does not penetrate behind the ligament. The sharp penetrating component that carries suture should traverse the shortest distance at the shallowest depth allowing adequate bite. This was satisfied by the Caspari®, Capio® and less so by Endostitch®. The i stitch® was not safe in thin ligaments. The Deschamp® and Miya® devices may be a good compromise for the developing world where cost is important.
GnRH agonist trigger and a freeze‐all strategy to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: A retrospective study of OHSS risk and pregnancy rates
Authors: Atkinson Paul , Koch Juliette , Ledger William L. 
Published: December 2014

AimsTo analyse the data from all controlled ovarian hyperstimulation antagonist cycles that used an agonist trigger and a freeze‐all strategy to quantify the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and subsequent pregnancy rates.Materials and MethodsA retrospective study of all women attending fertility clinics at IVF Australia, Sydney, undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) using an antagonist protocol that had a subsequent gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist trigger and freezing of all oocytes or embryos. The primary outcome measure was to determine the rate of OHSS. The secondary outcome measure was the clinical pregnancy rate.ResultsWe collected data for 123 women. 25.2% were undergoing oocyte freezing and 74.8% underwent embryo freezing. There were no cases of OHSS, either early or late onset. The pregnancy rate was 31.7% after the first frozen cycle transfer with a cumulative pregnancy rate of 50% after two frozen embryo transfers.ConclusionOur results support the hypothesis that a GnRH agonist trigger and a freeze‐all approach prevents OHSS with a good pregnancy rate.
Field study of hind limb claw lesions and claw measures in sows
Authors: Sasaki Yosuke , Ushijima Ruri , Sueyoshi Masuo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe investigated the associations of hind limb claw lesions with claw measures and reproductive performance of sows on a commercial breeding farm. We used a five‐point scale (score of 0–4) for each hind limb claw region to generate a claw lesion score (CLS). Of 110 sows, 1.8% had no hind claw lesions, and the remaining 98.2% had at least one. The proportions of sows with a CLS of 2 and 3 were 49.1% and 3.6%, respectively. The junction region had the highest frequency of a CLS of ≥ 2 (P < 0.05). The mean toe length was 45.0 ± 0.4 to 46.4 ± 0.4 mm. Sows with the highest CLS of ≥ 2 in the lateral claw had longer sole dimensions than did sows with the highest CLS of ≤ 1 (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in claw width or height between sows with the highest CLS of ≥ 2 and ≤ 1. There was also no difference in reproductive performance between sows with the highest CLS of ≥ 2 and ≤ 1. In conclusion, most sows had hind claw lesions. The association between CLS and claw measures indicates that the sole length can be used as an indicator of claw lesions.
Milk production, plasma metabolite profiles and mammary arterial‐venous differences of milk precursors in early lactation cows milked at different frequencies by an automatic milking system
Authors: Astuti Andriyani , Obitsu Taketo , Sugino Toshihisa , Taniguchi Kohzo , Okita Miki , Kurokawa Yuzo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe objective of this study was to clarify the effect of different milking frequencies under an automatic milking system (AMS) on milk yield, plasma metabolite profiles and mammary arterial‐venous (A‐V) differences of milk precursors by mammary tissues in early lactation cows. Twelve Holstein cows were divided into two and four times milking frequency treatments by AMS after calving to 50 days postpartum. Cows were given a partial mixed ration ad libitum and a concentrate diet at every milking. Dry matter intake increased similarly in both treatments with advancing postpartum days. Milk yield was greater (P < 0.001) by 25% with four times milking, but milk composition was not affected by milking frequency. Body weight change was also not affected by milking frequency. Arterial concentrations of glucose and glutamate were lower (P < 0.05) for four times milking frequency. However, arterial concentration of nonesterified fatty acids did not differ between treatments. Although mammary A‐V differences of plasma concentration for most milk precursors did not differ between treatments, estimated plasma flow was higher (P < 0.05) for four times milking frequency. These results indicate that higher milking frequency may increase mammary uptake of milk precursors, whereas may not affect the extent of fat mobilization of early lactating cows from day 20 postpartum onward.
Stimulatory effect of plasma samples from fattening cattle on adipogenesis‐related gene expression in preadipocyte cells
Authors: Watanabe Hitoshi , Chen Xiangning , Shoji Noriaki , Saito Ryo , Nakano Tatsuya , Saito Kazuki , Sumiyoshi Keisuke , Rose Michael T. , Okada Natumi , Watanabe Kouichi , Aso Hisashi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIt is desirable to produce beef with high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), as this is related to fat softness and palatability. However, the physiology of MUFA synthesis in bovine fat during the fattening process remains to be established. In this study, in order to elucidate the relationship between plasma components and the fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat, we investigated the effect of plasma obtained from fattening cattle on the messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of the adipogenesis‐related gene in a clonal bovine intramuscular preadipocyte line (BIP cells). The mRNA expressions of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase, adipocyte Protein 2, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma and sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1 in BIP cells were significantly higher following treatment with those plasma samples collected from the cattle with the highest diaphragmatic unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids ratio (US/S). Furthermore, the concentration of nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) in the plasma samples had an inverse correlation with carcass diaphragmatic US/S. These results indicate that cattle with a low ratio of US/S in fat may be discriminated from the population of fattening cattle before slaughter by measuring the effect of their plasma on gene expression in BIP cells as well as their plasma concentration and composition of NEFA.
Severe respiratory distress at birth caused by a hairy polyp of the Eustachian tube: Transoral endoscopy‐guided treatment
Authors: Cantarella Giovanna , Gaffuri Michele , Pugni Lorenza , Pignataro Lorenzo , Mosca Fabio 
Published: December 2014

AbstractHairy polyps are rare developmental lesions, which present as masses mainly consisting of fatty tissue covered by skin, seldom localized in the nasopharynx, causing respiratory obstruction. We describe the case of a female newborn affected by a hairy polyp arising from the left Eustachian tube, who presented severe respiratory distress soon after birth. The polyp was successfully removed transorally under videoendoscopic guidance. This case highlights the importance of including hairy polyp in the differential diagnosis of respiratory distress at birth because this type of tumor can be lethal and requires prompt treatment. A transoral endoscopy‐guided approach can allow successful and minimally invasive excision even in a newborn.
Long‐term results following sacral nerve stimulation for chronic constipation
Authors: Ratto C. , Ganio E. , Naldini G. ,   GINS
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimThe long‐term outcome of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for chronic functional constipation was assessed.MethodPatients who received a definitive SNS implant for chronic functional constipation only (according to the Rome III criteria) and were followed up for at least 3 years were included in this study. Slow transit constipation (STC) was distinguished from obstructed defaecation (OD) and mixed/undetermined constipation (MU). Constipation features, Cleveland Clinic Constipation score (CCCS) and SF‐36 questionnaire data were collected; physiological tests were performed.ResultsForty‐two out of 61 patients suitable for SNS received a definitive implant (14 for STC, 15 for OD, 13 for MU). Following SNS device implantation (mean follow‐up 51 ± 15 months), the baseline CCCS (17 ± 6) dropped to 9 ± 6 (P < 0.001) and 47% of patients had an improvement in the CCCS of more than 50%. Such improvement was more significant in patients with OD. Anal pressures did not change, while threshold and urgency rectal sensation significantly decreased, in particular in patients with OD. All aspects of patients' health status (SF‐36) improved significantly following SNS; this was more marked in patients with OD.ConclusionData from this study suggest that the clinical efficacy of SNS can be prolonged in constipated patients, but in both the preliminary diagnostic assessment and pathophysiological interpretation every effort should be made to select patients for SNS. Although SNS showed efficacy in a low percentage of patients with STC, patients with OD were more responsive.
From Management to Stewardship: Viewing Forests As Complex Adaptive Systems in an Uncertain World
Authors: Messier C. , Puettmann K. , Chazdon R. , Andersson K.P. , Angers V.A. , Brotons L. , Filotas E. , Tittler R. , Parrott L. , Levin S.A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe world's forests and forestry sector are facing unprecedented biological, political, social, and climatic challenges. The development of appropriate, novel forest management and restoration approaches that adequately consider uncertainty and adaptability are hampered by a continuing focus on production of a few goods or objectives, strong control of forest structure and composition, and most importantly the absence of a global scientific framework and long‐term vision. Ecosystem‐based approaches represent a step in the right direction, but are limited in their ability to deal with the rapid pace of social, climatic, and environmental changes. We argue here that viewing forest ecosystems as complex adaptive system provides a better alternative for both production‐ and conservation‐oriented forests and forestry. We propose a set of broad principles and changes to increase the adaptive capacity of forests in the face of future uncertainties. These span from expanding the sustained‐yield, single‐good paradigm to developing policy incentives and interventions that promote self‐organization and integrated social‐ecological adaptation.
Langerhans cells: an update
Authors: Sparber Florian 
Published: December 2014

SummaryLangerhans cells belong to the family of dendritic cells, professional antigen‐presenting cells, and populate the skin and epithelia of mammals. It was the extensive investigation of this particular dendritic cell subpopulation in earlier days, which contributed crucially to the current understanding of the regulation of antigen processing and presentation, a concept, which was termed “the Langerhans cell paradigm”. Extensive research during the last decades has revealed that Langerhans cells might not only be involved in the induction of adaptive immune responses but also in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance in order to prevent auto‐immunity. In addition it appeared that Langerhans cells represent a rather extravagant dendritic cell population with a unique origin and homeostatic regulation. This review highlights the most important findings about Langerhans cell ontogeny and homeostasis as well as their function in the immune system.
Langerhans‐Zellen: ein Update
Authors: Sparber Florian 
Published: December 2014

ZusammenfassungLangerhans‐Zellen gehören zur Familie der dendritischen Zellen – professionelle antigenpräsentierende Zellen – und besiedeln die Haut und Epithelien von Säugetieren. Die umfangreiche wissenschaftliche Untersuchung dieser speziellen Subpopulation dendritischer Zellen hat maßgeblich zum Verständnis der Regulation der Antigenverarbeitung und ‐präsentation beigetragen, ein Konzept, das als „Langerhans‐Zell‐Paradigma“ bezeichnet wird. Umfassende Forschungsarbeiten der letzten Jahrzehnte haben gezeigt, dass Langerhans‐Zellen nicht nur an der Induktion adaptiver Immunreaktionen beteiligt sind, sondern auch an der Aufrechterhaltung peripherer Toleranz und somit an der Vermeidung von Autoimmunität. Zusätzlich stellte sich heraus, dass Langerhans‐Zellen eine außergewöhnliche dendritische Zellpopulation sind, die sowohl im Hinblick auf ihren Ursprung als auch ihre homöostatische Regulation einzigartig sind. Diese Übersichtsarbeit beschreibt die wichtigsten Befunde bezüglich der Ontogenese und Homöostase der Langerhans‐Zellen sowie ihrer Funktion im Immunsystem.