bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analytic Rasterization of Curves with Polynomial Filters
Authors: Manson Josiah , Schaefer Scott 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe present a method of analytically rasterizing shapes that have curved boundaries and linear color gradients using piecewise polynomial prefilters. By transforming the convolution of filters with the image from an integral over area into a boundary integral, we find closed‐form expressions for rasterizing shapes. We show that a polynomial expression can be used to rasterize any combination of polynomial curves and filters. Our rasterizer also handles rational quadratic boundaries, which allows us to evaluate circles and ellipses. We apply our technique to rasterizing vector graphics and show that our derivation gives an efficient implementation as a scanline rasterizer.
Monitoring the Internet for emerging psychoactive substances available to Australia
Authors: Bruno Raimondo , Poesiat Rosalie , Matthews Allison Jane 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroduction and AimsNovel psychoactive substances are increasingly available, both in traditional storefronts and via the Internet. While some use of such substances has been captured in Australian consumer surveys and wastewater analyses, there is little information about the products that are available to Australia via the Internet.Design and MethodsSystematic monthly Internet monitoring for emerging psychoactive substances was conducted between July 2011 and July 2012. Webstores identified through searches were examined to determine if they sold stimulant or psychedelic emerging psychoactive substances to Australia. Internet search numbers for these products were examined over time using commercial tools.ResultsIn 12 months, 43 unique webstores were identified selling to Australia, averaging two new webstores per month; however, two‐fifths had closed within six months. Over 200 unique chemically unspecified products sold by purported effect (e.g. ‘charge’) were identified over 12 months, averaging 10 new products per month. Almost half of these products had disappeared from the market within six months. Eighty‐six unique chemically specified products (e.g. methylenedioxypyrovalerone) were identified over 12 months, averaging four new novel substances per month. Once released, these products typically remained available, with almost 90% still available for purchase over a 6‐month period. Almost 40 000 searches for these products emanated from Australia per month.Discussion and ConclusionThis market is fast paced as retailers strive to beat both regulatory processes and competitors. Ongoing attention to these markets, incorporating surveillance of both Internet and traditional storefronts, is crucial as several of the substances identified have demonstrated potential for health and neurological harm. [Bruno R, Poesiat R, Matthews AJ. Monitoring the Internet for emerging psychoactive substances available to Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:541–544]
Predicting locations of rare aquatic species' habitat with a combination of species‐specific and assemblage‐based models
Authors: McKenna James E. , Carlson Douglas M. , Payne‐Wynne Molly L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimRare aquatic species are a substantial component of biodiversity, and their conservation is a major objective of many management plans. However, they are difficult to assess, and their optimal habitats are often poorly known. Methods to effectively predict the likely locations of suitable rare aquatic species habitats are needed. We combine two modelling approaches to predict occurrence and general abundance of several rare fish species.LocationAllegheny watershed of western New York State (USA)MethodsOur method used two empirical neural network modelling approaches (species specific and assemblage based) to predict stream‐by‐stream occurrence and general abundance of rare darters, based on broad‐scale habitat conditions. Species‐specific models were developed for longhead darter (Percina macrocephala), spotted darter (Etheostoma maculatum) and variegate darter (Etheostoma variatum) in the Allegheny drainage. An additional model predicted the type of rare darter‐containing assemblage expected in each stream reach. Predictions from both models were then combined inclusively and exclusively and compared with additional independent data.ResultsExample rare darter predictions demonstrate the method's effectiveness. Models performed well (R2 ≥ 0.79), identified where suitable darter habitat was most likely to occur, and predictions matched well to those of collection sites. Additional independent data showed that the most conservative (exclusive) model slightly underestimated the distributions of these rare darters or predictions were displaced by one stream reach, suggesting that new darter habitat types were detected in the later collections.Main conclusionsBroad‐scale habitat variables can be used to effectively identify rare species' habitats. Combining species‐specific and assemblage‐based models enhances our ability to make use of the sparse data on rare species and to identify habitat units most likely and least likely to support those species. This hybrid approach may assist managers with the prioritization of habitats to be examined or conserved for rare species.
The value of a datum – how little data do we need for a quantitative risk analysis?
Authors: Leung Brian , Steele Russell J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimConservation managers are typically faced with limited resources, time and information. The philosophy underlying risk assessment should be robust to these limitations. While there is a broad support for the concept of risk assessments, there is a tendency to rely on expert opinion and exclude formal data analysis, possibly because available information is often scarce. When data analyses are conducted, often much simplified models are advocated, even though this means excluding processes believed by experts to be important. In this manuscript, we ask: should statistical analyses be conducted and decisions modified based on a single datum? How many data points are needed before predictions are meaningful? Given limited data, how complex should models be?LocationWorld‐wide.MethodsWe use simulation approaches with known ‘true’ values to assess which inferences are possible, given different amounts of information. We use two metrics of performance: the magnitude of uncertainty (using posterior mean squared error) and bias (using P–P plots). We assess six models of relevance to conservation ecologists.ResultsWe show that the greatest reduction in uncertainty occurred at the smallest sample sizes for models examined, and much of parameter space could be excluded. Thus, analyses based on even a single datum potentially can be useful. Further, with only a few observations, the predicted distribution of outcomes matched the probabilities of actual occurrences, even for relatively complex state‐space models with multiple sources of stochasticity.Main conclusionsWe highlight the utility of quantitative analyses even with severely limited data, given existing practices and arguments in the conservation literature. The purpose of our manuscript is in part a philosophical discourse, as modifications are needed to how conservation ecologists are often trained to think about problems and data, and in part a demonstration via simulation analysis.
Ophiostomatoid fungi associated with root‐feeding bark beetles onScots pine inPoland
Authors: Jankowiak R. , Bilański P. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryOphiostomatoid fungi are known to be associated with various species of bark beetles. However, information about fungal associates of root‐feeding bark beetles in Europe is still fragmentary. For this reason, the fungal associates ofHylastes ater,H. opacusandHylurgus ligniperdaonPinus sylvestriswere isolated and identified. A total of 743 fungal isolates were collected and separated into 10 morphological groups. Analyses of ITSrDNAand partial β‐tubulin gene sequences confirmed that these groups represented distinct species. The 10 species included a total of 13 associations between fungi and bark beetles that had not been recorded previously. All of the bark beetles examined were frequently associated with ophiostomatoid fungi. The fungal diversity and relative abundance of species were very similar in the three species of root‐feeding bark beetles. The most commonly encountered associates of these beetles wereGrosmannia radiaticola,Leptographium lundbergii,L. procerumandL. truncatum. Insect infestation data furthermore suggest thatHylastesspp. andHg. ligniperdaare also important vectors of the fungal pathogenSphaeropsis sapinea.
Core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia: the impact of age, leukocyte count, molecular findings, and minimal residual disease
Authors: Hoyos Montserrat , Nomdedeu Josep F. , Esteve Jordi , Duarte Rafael , Ribera Josep M. , Llorente Andreu , Escoda Lourdes , Bueno Javier , Tormo Mar , Gallardo David , de Llano Maria Paz Queipo , Martí Josep M. , Aventín Anna , Mangues Ramón , Brunet Salut , Sierra Jorge 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPurposeMost patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and genetic rearrangements involving the core binding factor (CBF) have favorable prognosis. In contrast, a minority of them still have a high risk of leukemia recurrence. This study investigated the adverse features of CBF AML that could justify investigational therapeutic approaches.Patients and methodsOne hundred and fifty patients (median age 42 yr, range 16–69) with CBF AML (RUNX1‐RUNX1T1 n = 74; CBFB‐MYH11 n = 76) were prospectively enrolled into two consecutive CETLAM protocols at 19 Spanish institutions. Main clinic and biologic parameters were analyzed in the whole series. In non‐selected cases with available DNA samples, the impact of molecular characterization and minimal residual disease (MRD) was also studied.ResultsOverall, complete remission (CR) rate was 89% (94% in ≤50 yr old and 72% in >50 yr, P = 0.002). At 5 yr, cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) was 26 ± 1%, disease‐free survival (DFS) 62 ± 6%, and overall survival (OS) 66 ± 4%. In multivariate analyses, leukocyte count above 20 × 109/L, BAALC over‐expression, and high copy numbers of RUNX1‐RUNXT1 or CBFB‐MYH11 after induction chemotherapy (CT) led to increased relapse rate. Regarding OS, age >50 yr, leukocyte count above 20 × 109/L, and increased MN1 expression were adverse features.ConclusionAge, leukocyte counts, BAALC, and MN1 gene expressions as well as high copy numbers of RUNX1‐RUNXT1 or CBFB‐MYH11 after induction chemotherapy are useful tools to predict the outcome and should be considered for risk‐adapted therapy.
Differences in the distribution of cytogenetic subtypes between multiple myeloma patients with and without a family history of monoclonal gammopathy and multiple myeloma
Authors: Greenberg Alexandra J. , Cousin Margot , Kumar Shaji , Ketterling Rhett P. , Knudson Ryan A. , Larson Dirk , Colby Colin , Scott Christopher , Vachon Celine M. , Vincent Rajkumar S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe previously reported an increased risk of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in first‐degree relatives of MGUS and multiple myeloma patients. Here, we examine whether primary cytogenetic categories of myeloma differ between patients with and without a family history of MGUS or myeloma. We studied 201 myeloma patients with available data on family history and molecular cytogenetic classification. Myeloma with trisomies was more common in probands who had an affected first‐degree relative with MGUS or myeloma compared with those without a family history (46.9% vs. 33.5%, P = 0.125); however, the difference was not statistically significant. Additional studies on the cytogenetic types of myeloma associated with familial tendency are needed.
Spatial variation in landscape‐level CO2 and CH4 fluxes from arctic coastal tundra: influence from vegetation, wetness, and the thaw lake cycle
Authors: Sturtevant Cove S. , Oechel Walter C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRegional quantification of arctic CO2 and CH4 fluxes remains difficult due to high landscape heterogeneity coupled with a sparse measurement network. Most of the arctic coastal tundra near Barrow, Alaska is part of the thaw lake cycle, which includes current thaw lakes and a 5500‐year chronosequence of vegetated thaw lake basins. However, spatial variability in carbon fluxes from these features remains grossly understudied. Here, we present an analysis of whole‐ecosystem CO2 and CH4 fluxes from 20 thaw lake cycle features during the 2011 growing season. We found that the thaw lake cycle was largely responsible for spatial variation in CO2 flux, mostly due to its control on gross primary productivity (GPP). Current lakes were significant CO2 sources that varied little. Vegetated basins showed declining GPP and CO2 sink with age (R2 = 67% and 57%, respectively). CH4 fluxes measured from a subset of 12 vegetated basins showed no relationship with age or CO2 flux components. Instead, higher CH4 fluxes were related to greater landscape wetness (R2 = 57%) and thaw depth (additional R2 = 28%). Spatial variation in CO2 and CH4 fluxes had good satellite remote sensing indicators, and we estimated the region to be a small CO2 sink of −4.9 ± 2.4 (SE) g C m−2 between 11 June and 25 August, which was countered by a CH4 source of 2.1 ± 0.2 (SE) g C m−2. Results from our scaling exercise showed that developing or validating regional estimates based on single tower sites can result in significant bias, on average by a factor 4 for CO2 flux and 30% for CH4 flux. Although our results are specific to the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, the degree of landscape‐scale variability, large‐scale controls on carbon exchange, and implications for regional estimation seen here likely have wide relevance to other arctic landscapes.
Net primary productivity and rain‐use efficiency as affected by warming, altered precipitation, and clipping in a mixed‐grass prairie
Authors: Xu Xia , Sherry Rebecca A. , Niu Shuli , Li Dejun , Luo Yiqi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractGrassland productivity in response to climate change and land use is a global concern. In order to explore the effects of climate change and land use on net primary productivity (NPP), NPP partitioning [fBNPP, defined as the fraction of belowground NPP (BNPP) to NPP], and rain‐use efficiency (RUE) of NPP, we conducted a field experiment with warming (+3 °C), altered precipitation (double and half), and annual clipping in a mixed‐grass prairie in Oklahoma, USA since July, 2009. Across the years, warming significantly increased BNPP, fBNPP, and RUEBNPP by an average of 11.6%, 2.8%, and 6.6%, respectively. This indicates that BNPP was more sensitive to warming than aboveground NPP (ANPP) since warming did not change ANPP and RUEANPP much. Double precipitation stimulated ANPP, BNPP, and NPP but suppressed RUEANPP, RUEBNPP, and RUENPP while half precipitation decreased ANPP, BNPP, and NPP but increased RUEANPP, RUEBNPP, and RUENPP. Clipping interacted with altered precipitation in impacting RUEANPP, RUEBNPP, and RUENPP, suggesting land use could confound the effects of precipitation changes on ecosystem processes. Soil moisture was found to be a main factor in regulating variation in ANPP, BNPP, and NPP while soil temperature was the dominant factor influencing fBNPP. These findings suggest that BNPP is critical point to future research. Additionally, results from single‐factor manipulative experiments should be treated with caution due to the non‐additive interactive effects of warming with altered precipitation and land use (clipping).
Measurement structure of the caregiver burden scale: Findings from a national community survey in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Linen Nymphas , Wu Shwu‐Chong 
Published: May 2013

AimThere is no appropriate understanding of community family caregiver burden. The object of the present study was to evaluate the measurement structure of a caregiver burden scale from a nationally representative Taiwanese community sample.MethodsData from nationally representative subjects completing face‐to‐face interviews on caregiver burden were analyzed. A total of 9020 primary adult family caregivers were enrolled. All of the valid respondents were equally divided into three subsamples. The first sample was used to explore the factor structure of burden scale. The second sample was used to validate the factor structure. The third sample was used to verify the adequacy and stability of the factor structures developed in the former steps.ResultsA total of 8826 valid data were included for analysis. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis identified the four‐factor, 15‐item Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS‐15) in the present study. The extracted four factors were predominantly accounted for by the items measuring “burden of time,” “relational burden,” “financial burden” and “emotional burden”. All the goodness‐of‐fit indices reported for this model were acceptable.ConclusionThe present study supports the usefulness of the CBS‐15 as a tool to understand the measurement structure of burden in a nationally representative Taiwanese community family caregivers sample. The CBS‐15 can be used to identify community caregiver needs. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 176–184.
Predicting clinical instability of older patients in post‐acute care units: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lee Wei‐Ju , Chou Ming‐Yueh , Peng Li‐Ning , Liang Chih‐Kuang , Liu Li‐Kuo , Liu Chien‐Liang , Chen Liang‐Kung , Wu Yung‐Hung ,   VAIC Study Group
Published: May 2013

AimAlthough patients admitted to post‐acute care (PAC) units are usually clinically stable, unexpected medical conditions requiring acute ward readmissions still occur and can jeopardize the clinical effectiveness of PAC services. The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate predictive factors for clinical instability of patients in PAC units to improve the quality of PAC services.MethodsThis was a nationwide multicenter cohort study that recruited patients from five PAC units in Taiwan between July 2007 and June 2009. All patients received the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) within 72 h of PAC unit admissions. Conditions requiring acute ward re‐admissions from PAC units were defined as clinical instability. Causes of clinical instability for all patients and data of CGA were collected for analysis.ResultsOf 918 enrolled participants, 119 (12.9%) experienced acute ward readmissions, including 106 (89.1%) admissions related to medical conditions and 13 (10.9%) for surgical causes. Common conditions included diseases of the respiratory system (n = 32, 26.9%), genitourinary system (n = 24, 20.2%) and digestive system (n = 14, 11.8%). Surgical conditions, mainly fractures and dislocation of upper limbs, were significantly more likely to occur later (P = 0.05) in the PAC unit admissions than medical conditions. Compared with the non‐readmission group, the readmission group was leaner (mean body mass index 21.1 ± 2.8 vs 22.0 ± 3.8 kg/m2, P = 0.007), having poorer functional status (mean Barthel Index 41.0 ± 19.4 vs 45.4 ± 20.3, P = 0.02; mean IADL: 1.3 ± 1.6 vs 1.7 ± 1.8, P = 0.016), poorer cognitive function (mean Mini‐Mental State Examination: 16.8 ± 6.4 vs 18.3 ± 6.4, P = 0.022), poorer ambulation (mean Timed Up & Go test 32.7 ± 18.7 vs 26.6 ± 11.7 s, P = 0.039) and poorer nutritional status (mean Mini‐Nutrition Assessment 13.3 ± 5.7 vs 15.4 ± 5.8, P < 0.001), but similar in depression status (mean Geriatric Depression Score 3.7 ± 3.3 vs 3.4 ± 2.8, P = 0.247). In multivariate logistical regression model, lower Mini‐Mental State Examination score was the only independent predictor for clinical instability (odds ratio 3.8, 95% confidence interval 1.348–10.870, P = 0.012).ConclusionApproximately 13% of PAC patients might experience acute ward readmissions, and nearly 90% of them are caused by medical conditions. Poor cognitive function is a significant predictive factor for clinical instability in PAC, which deserves more clinical attention for all PAC patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 267–272..
Women's experiences with information provision and deciding about fertility preservation in the Netherlands: ‘satisfaction in general, but unmet needs’
Authors: Garvelink Mirjam M. , ter Kuile Moniek M. , Bakker Rinske M. , Geense Willemijn J. , Jenninga Esther , Louwé Leoni A. , Hilders Carina G. J. M. , Stiggelbout Anne M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveIt is not well‐known how women receiving counselling consultation about fertility preservation (FP) in the Netherlands perceive the information provision about and referral for FP in the oncology setting. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore women's experiences with the (process of) information provision about the gonadotoxic effects of cancer treatment and about FP and the decision‐making process and to obtain their recommendation for improvements.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews with female patients with cancer who had received a counselling consultation on FP (at 18–40 years of age).ResultsThirty‐four interviews were held (response rate 64%). Information provision was considered to be important. Overall, women were satisfied with the timing and the content of the information, but women were less positive about the need to be assertive to get information, and the multiplicity of decisions and actions to be carried out in a very short time frame.ConclusionsInformation provision on gonadotoxic effects of cancer treatment and about FP was overall deemed sufficient, timely and important. Women recommended standardization of the information provision, improvement of communication among clinicians and medical centres, and availability of FP‐specific patient information materials to improve future information provision processes.
Cell counting of body fluids: comparison between three automated haematology analysers and the manual microscope method
Authors: Danise P. , Maconi M. , Rovetti A. , Avino D. , Di Palma A. , Gerardo Pirofalo M. , Esposito C. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryIntroductionHaematological analysis of body fluids (BF) specimens can provide clinicians with valuable diagnostic information because it can indicate one of several serious medical conditions. Although up to now the microscopic counting and the differentiation of WBC in a BF smear have been used as a reference. The introduction of semiautomated and automated methods of analysis has reduced interoperator variability and improved turnaround time and precision. The aim of our study was to evaluate the accuracy and the correlation between the three methods and with the reference method.MethodsWe examined 110 body fluid samples. Total counting of each sample has been conducted with all systems: Pentra DX120, ADVIA 2120 and XE‐2100 and the manual method.ResultsWe found statistically significant correlation between the data obtained in the ascitic and pleuric liquid but not in the cerebrospinal fluid.ConclusionThe introduction of automated method for BF analysis is more and more useful in the routine job of a laboratory analysis. It is therefore very important to evaluate the performance of the different automated haematology technologies, because there is a lack of literature in this field. The comparison between the Pentra DX 120, the other technologies and the manual counting showed instrumental overlapping capabilities.