bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of dewfall in the water balance of a semiarid coastal steppe ecosystem
Authors: Uclés O. , Villagarcía L. , Moro M. J. , Canton Y. , Domingo F. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDewfall is widely recognized as an important source of water for many ecosystems, especially in arid and semiarid areas, contributing to improve daily and annual water balances and leading to increased interest in its study in recent years. In this study, occurrence, frequency and amount of dewfall were measured from January 2007 to December 2010 (4 years study) to find out its contribution to the local water balance in a Mediterranean semiarid steppe ecosystem dominated by scattered tussocks of Stipa tenacissima (Balsa Blanca, Almería, SE Spain). For this purpose, we developed a dewfall measurement method, ‘The Combined Dewfall Estimation Method’ (CDEM). This method consists of a combination of the potential dewfall model, i.e. the single‐source Penman–Monteith evaporation model simplified for water condensation, with information from leaf wetness sensors, rain gauge data, soil surface temperature and dew point temperature. To assess the reliability of the CDEM, dewfall was measured in situ using weighing microlysimeters during a period of 3 months. Daily micrometeorological variables involved in a dewfall event were analysed in order to assess the significance of dewfall at this site. Dewfall condensation was recorded on 78% of the nights during the study period. Average monthly dewfall duration was 9.6 ± 3.2 h per night. Average dewfall was 0.17 ± 0.10 mm per night and was mostly dependent on dewfall duration. Dewfall episodes were longer in late autumn and winter and shorter during spring. Annual dewfall represented the 16%, 23%, 15% and 9% of rainfall on 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. Furthermore, when a wet period was compared to a dry one, the dewfall contribution to the water balance at the site was found to be 8% and 94%, respectively. Our results highlight the relevance of dewfall as a constant source of water in arid ecosystems, as well as its significant contribution to the local water balance, mainly during dry periods where it may represent the only source of water at the site. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The spectrum of cognitive disorders in Parkinson's disease: A data‐driven approach
Authors: Dujardin Kathy , Leentjens Albert F.G. , Langlois Carole , Moonen Anja J.H. , Duits Annelien A. , Carette Anne‐Sophie , Duhamel Alain 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to identify different cognitive phenotypes in Parkinson's disease (PD) using a data‐driven approach. A model‐based cluster analysis was conducted on the neuropsychological test results of 558 PD patients from 2 European movement disorder centers (Lille, n = 403; Maastricht, n = 155). The number of clusters was determined according to their clinical relevance as well as on the basis of 3 statistical criteria: the cubic cluster criterion, the pseudo F statistic, and the total squared correlation ratio (R2). A factorial discriminant analysis was performed to assess the quality of the cluster's separation. Descriptive variables were used to further characterize the clusters. A 5‐cluster model was considered the clinically most relevant. The 5 clusters comprised: (1) cognitively intact patients (19.39%); (2) patients without cognitive deficits but with slight mental slowing (41.29%); (3) patients with slightly impaired overall cognitive efficiency and deficits in all cognitive domains except recognition memory (12.93%); (4) patients with severe mental slowing, impaired overall cognitive efficiency, and severe cognitive impairment in all domains, including memory (23.88%); and (5) patients with very severe impairment in all cognitive domains (2.51%). Cognitively intact patients were significantly younger and had received more years of formal education. Patients in the last 3 clusters had more severe motor symptoms, longer disease duration, and more axial signs. In the last cluster, most patients were demented. Our results confirm the heterogeneity of cognitive presentations in PD, ranging from cognitively intact patients with rather high levels of performance in each cognitive domain to very severely impaired patients. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Selective executive dysfunction but intact risky decision‐making in early Huntington's disease
Authors: Holl Anna K. , Wilkinson Leonora , Tabrizi Sarah J. , Painold Annamaria , Jahanshahi Marjan 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTExecutive dysfunction, including problems with decision‐making, inhibition of prepotent responses, and verbal fluency, are main features of Huntington's disease (HD). The decline of executive function in HD is related to the anatomical progression of HD pathology in the basal ganglia, where the earliest changes of neuronal cell death are seen in the dorsolateral caudate. To examine the specific pattern of executive dysfunction in early HD, 18 patients with early HD were assessed on: (1) the Iowa Gambling Task to measure risky decision making, (2) the Stroop test to measure inhibition of prepotent responses, and (3) the verbal fluency test to measure internally guided word search and production, necessitating suppression of retrieval/production of inappropriate words and monitoring of the output. Patients with early HD were significantly impaired on the Stroop and verbal fluency tests relative to controls. However, Iowa Gambling Task performance was comparable across the 2 groups. This pattern of selective executive dysfunction in early HD probably reflects the fact that inhibitory processing involved in both the Stroop and verbal fluency tests recruits the dorsolateral caudate and its cortical connections, which are dysfunctional in early HD, whereas risky decision‐making during the Iowa Gambling Task recruits the ventromedial caudate and its connections, which remain spared early on in the disease. The current results demonstrate that the deterioration of executive functioning in HD is variable and that some types of executive processing might already be impaired in early HD, whereas others remain intact. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Genetic Simulation Resources: a website for the registration and discovery of genetic data simulators
Authors: Peng Bo , Chen Huann-Sheng , Mechanic Leah E. , Racine Ben , Clarke John , Clarke Lauren , Gillanders Elizabeth , Feuer Eric J. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Summary: Many simulation methods and programs have been developed to simulate genetic data of the human genome. These data have been widely used, for example, to predict properties of populations retrospectively or prospectively according to mathematically intractable genetic models, and to assist the validation, statistical inference and power analysis of a variety of statistical models. However, owing to the differences in type of genetic data of interest, simulation methods, evolutionary features, input and output formats, terminologies and assumptions for different applications, choosing the right tool for a particular study can be a resource-intensive process that usually involves searching, downloading and testing many different simulation programs. Genetic Simulation Resources (GSR) is a website provided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that aims to help researchers compare and choose the appropriate simulation tools for their studies. This website allows authors of simulation software to register their applications and describe them with well-defined attributes, thus allowing site users to search and compare simulators according to specified features.
Availability: http://popmodels.cancercontrol.cancer.gov/gsr.
Contact: gsr@mail.nih.gov
Measuring guide-tree dependency of inferred gaps in progressive aligners
Authors: Capella-Gutiérrez Salvador , Gabaldón Toni 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Motivation: Multiple sequence alignments are generally reconstructed using a progressive approach that follows a guide-tree. During this process, gaps are introduced at a cost to maximize residue pairing, but it is unclear whether inferred gaps reflect actual past events of sequence insertions or deletions. It has been found that patterns of inferred gaps in alignments contain information towards the true phylogeny, but it is as yet unknown whether gaps are simply reflecting information that was already present in the guide-tree.
Results: We here develop a framework to disentangle the phylogenetic signal carried by gaps from that which is already present in the guide-tree. Our results indicate that most gaps are incorrectly inserted in patterns that, nevertheless, follow the guide-tree. Thus, most gap patterns in current alignments are not informative per se. This affects different programs to various degrees, PRANK being the most sensitive to the guide-tree.
Contact: tgabaldon@crg.es
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Improvements on bicriteria pairwise sequence alignment: algorithms and applications
Authors: Abbasi Maryam , Paquete Luís , Liefooghe Arnaud , Pinheiro Miguel , Matias Pedro 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Motivation: In this article, we consider the bicriteria pairwise sequence alignment problem and propose extensions of dynamic programming algorithms for several problem variants with a novel pruning technique that efficiently reduces the number of states to be processed. Moreover, we present a method for the construction of phylogenetic trees based on this bicriteria framework. Two exemplary cases are discussed.
Results: Numerical results on a real dataset show that this approach is very fast in practice. The pruning technique saves up to 90% in memory usage and 80% in CPU time. Based on this method, phylogenetic trees are constructed from real-life data. In addition of providing complementary information, some of these trees match those obtained by the Maximum Likelihood method.
Availability and implementation: Source code is freely available for download at URL http://eden.dei.uc.pt/∼paquete/MOSAL, implemented in C and supported on Linux, MAC OS and MS Windows.
Contact: paquete@dei.uc.pt
What intervention is best practice for vestibular schwannomas? A systematic review of controlled studies
Authors: Wolbers John G , Dallenga Alof HG , Mendez Romero Alejandra , van Linge Anne 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveLargely, watchful waiting is the initial policy for patients with small-sized or medium-sized vestibular schwannoma, because of slow growth and relatively minor complaints, that do not improve by an intervention. If intervention (microsurgery, radiosurgery or fractionated radiotherapy) becomes necessary, the choice of intervention appears to be driven by the patient's or clinician's preference rather than by evidence based. This study addresses the existing evidence based on controlled studies of these interventions.DesignA systematic Boolean search was performed focused on controlled intervention studies. The quality of the retrieved studies was assessed based on the Sign-50 criteria on cohort studies.Data sourcesPubmed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and reference lists.Study selectionSix eligibility criteria included a controlled intervention study on a newly diagnosed solitary, vestibular schwannoma reporting on clinical outcomes. Two prospective and four retrospective observational, controlled studies published before November 2011 were selected.Data analysisTwo reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of the studies and extracted the outcome data using predefined formats.ResultsNeither randomised studies, nor controlled studies on fractionated radiotherapy were retrieved. Six studies compared radiosurgery and microsurgery in a controlled way. All but one were confined to solitary tumours less than 30 mm in diameter and had no earlier interventions. Four studies qualified for trustworthy conclusions. Among all four, radiosurgery showed the best outcomes: there were no direct mortality, no surgical or anaesthesiological complications, but better facial nerve outcome, better preservation of useful hearing and better quality of life.ConclusionsThe available evidence indicates radiosurgery to be the best practice for solitary vestibular schwannomas up to 30 mm in cisternal diameter.
Estimating the relative contribution of parasitic infections and nutrition for anaemia among school-aged children in Kenya: a subnational geostatistical analysis
Authors: Pullan Rachel L , Gitonga Carol , Mwandawiro Charles , Snow Robert William , Brooker Simon J 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesTo quantify geographical variation in the relative contribution of parasitic infections, socioeconomic factors and malnutrition in the aetiology of anaemia among schoolchildren across Kenya, thereby providing a rational basis for the targeting of an integrated school health package.DesignNationally representative cross-sectional survey data were collected using standard protocols. For all included children, data were recorded on haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and common parasitic infections (Plasmodium falciparum, hookworm and schistosomes) and socioeconomic indicators. Ecological proxies of malnutrition and food security were generated using Demographic and Health Survey and UN Food and Agriculture Organization food security data, respectively. Spatially explicit, multilevel models were used to quantify impact upon child Hb concentration.SettingRandomly selected schools in ecologically diverse settings across Kenya.Main outcome measuresMean Hb concentration adjusted for infection, nutritional and socioeconomic risk factors; associated risk ratios and adjusted Population Attributable Fractions (PAFs) for anaemia, by region.ResultsData were available for 16 941 children in 167 schools; mean Hb was 122.1 g/l and 35.3% of children were anaemic. In multivariate analysis, mean Hb was significantly lower in boys and younger children. Severe malnutrition and interactions betweenP falciparumand hookworm infections were significantly associated with lower Hb, with greater impacts seen for coinfected children. The contribution of risk factors to anaemia risk varied by province: in 14-year-old girls, PAFs ranged between 0% and 27.6% forP falciparum,0% and 29% for hookworm and 0% and 18.4% for severe malnutrition.ConclusionsThe observed geographical heterogeneity in the burden of anaemia attributable to different aetiological factors has important implications for the rational targeting of antianaemia interventions that can be included in an integrated school health programme.
The Needs and Provision Complexity Scale: a multicentre prospective cohort analysis of met and unmet needs and their cost implications for patients with complex neurological disability
Authors: Turner-Stokes Lynne , McCrone Paul , Jackson Diana M , Siegert Richard John 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo provide a brief overview of the Needs and Provision Complexity Scale (NPCS) and report its first application to describe the level of ‘met’ and ‘unmet’ health/social care needs, and to estimate their costs in community-based patients with complex neurological disability.DesignA multicentre prospective cohort analysis.SettingConsecutive discharges to the community from the nine tertiary specialist inpatient neurorehabilitation units in London over 12 months (2010/2011).ParticipantsPatients responding at follow-up (n=211). Mean age 50.2(SD14) years, males:females 127/84. Diagnosis 157(74%) brain injury, 27(13%) spinal cord injury/peripheral neuropathy; 27(13%) other.Primary outcome measureThe NPCS is a brief, pragmatic, directly costable instrument for measuring both an individual's needs for rehabilitation and support (NPCS-Needs) and the levels of service provided (NPCS-Gets) within a given period.MethodsThe ‘NPCS-Needs’ was completed by the treating clinical team at discharge. Patients and/or their carers self-reported ‘NPCS-Gets’ after 6 months by a postal/online questionnaire supported by a follow-up telephone interview.ResultsNeeds for medical/nursing care and accommodation were generally well met. Significant shortfalls in provision were identified in the subscales ofRehabilitation(paired t test: t −9.7, p<0.001, effect size (ES)=−0.85),Social support(t −5.8, p<0.001, ES=−0.48) andEquipment(t −5.6, p<0.001, ES=−0.44). Item-level analysis demonstrated that the frequency ofPersonal carereceived exceeded predicted needs (Wilcoxon z=−3.3, p<0.001). In 80% of cases, this care was provided/paid for by families. Translated into mean costs/patient/year, the estimated underspends onRehabilitation(−£2320) andSocial support(−£1790) were exceeded >3.5-fold by excess costs ofPersonal care(£10 313) andAccommodation(£4296).ConclusionsThe results identify underprovision of community-based rehabilitation and support services compared with needs, which may contribute directly to excess care burden and costs to family carers. The NPCS requires further evaluation but has potential use as a simple, directly costable tool to inform both clinical decision-making and population-based service planning and delivery.
Public health approaches to end-of-life care in the UK: an online survey of palliative care services
Authors: Paul Sally , Sallnow Libby 
Published: February 2013

Aims and objectivesThe public health approach to end-of-life care has gained recognition over the past decade regarding its contribution to palliative care services. Terms, such as health-promoting palliative care, and compassionate communities, have entered the discourse of palliative care and practice; examples exist in the UK and globally. This scoping study aimed to determine if such initiatives were priorities for hospices in the UK and, if so, provide baseline data on the types of initiatives undertaken.MethodsAn online survey was designed, piloted and emailed to 220 palliative care providers across the four UK countries. It included a total of six questions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed thematically.FindingsThere was a 66% response rate. Of those providers, 60% indicated that public health approaches to death, dying and loss were a current priority for their organisation. Respondents identified a range of work being undertaken currently in this area. The most successful were felt to be working with schools and working directly with local community groups. The findings demonstrate the relevance of a public health approach for palliative care services and how they are currently engaging with the communities they serve. Although the approach was endorsed by the majority of respondents, various challenges were highlighted. These related to the need to balance this against service provision, and the need for more training and resources to support these initiatives, at both national and community levels.
Can student-perpetrated college crime be predicted based on precollege misconduct?
Authors: Runyan Carol W , Pierce Matthew W , Shankar Viswanathan , Bangdiwala Shrikant I 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesMany colleges assess criminal histories during the admissions process, in part, to address violence on campus. This study sought to examine the utility of screening as a means of reducing violence.MethodsUsing cohort and case-control analyses, we identified college misconduct through college records and self-reports on a confidential survey of graduating seniors, and examined precollege behaviour as indicated on admissions records, a survey and criminal background checks.ResultsOne hundred and twenty students met our case definition of college misconduct, with an estimated OR of 5.28 (95% CI 1.92 to 14.48) associated with precollege misconduct revealed on the college application. However, only 3.3% (95% CI 1.0% to 8.0%) of college seniors engaging in college misconduct had reported precollege criminal behaviours on their applications and 8.5% (95% CI 2.4% to 20.4%) of applicants with a criminal history engaged in misconduct during college.DiscussionThough precollege behaviour is a risk factor for college misconduct, screening questions on the application are not adequate to detect which students will engage in college misconduct. This pilot work would benefit from replication to determine the utility of criminal background investigations as part of admissions.
A bespoke management package can reduce levels of injurious pecking in loose‐housed laying hen flocks
Authors: Lambton S. L. , Nicol C. J. , Friel M. , Main D. C. J. , McKinstry J. L. , Sherwin C. M. , Walton J. , Weeks C. A. 
Published: February 2013

This study investigated the protective effects of an on‐farm management package designed to reduce injurious pecking (IP) in loose‐housed laying hens. A systematic review of scientific literature generated 46 potentially protective management strategies. Bespoke management packages were designed for treatment flocks (TF) using these management strategies. IP in 53 TFs was compared with IP in 47 control flocks (CF) where the management package was not employed. Scoring of plumage damage (PD) and observations of gentle and severe feather pecking (GFP; SFP), and vent and cannibalistic pecking (VP) were completed, and management strategy use was recorded, at 20, 30 and 40 weeks of age. Differences between treatment and CF were examined using multilevel modelling. Compared with CF, TF employed more management strategies (P<0.001), had lower PD (P=0.003) and SFP (P=0.019). Regardless of treatment or control flock status, the more of the 46 management strategies that were employed the lower was the PD (P=0.004), GFP (P=0.021), SFP (P=0.043), mortality at 40 weeks (P=0.025), and the likelihood of VP (P=0.021). Therefore, the provision of a bespoke management package was protective against the majority of forms of IP in commercial laying hen flocks.
Toxicity of silver, titanium and silicon nanoparticles on the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, and growth parameters of tomato
Authors: Ardakani Abbas Salahi 
Published: February 2013

The toxicity of three nanoparticles, silver (AgNP, 20 nm), silicon oxide (SiO2NP, 11-14 nm) and titanium oxide (TiO2NP, 20 nm), to the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, was studied in laboratory and pot experiments. Application rates of all nanoparticles were 1.5, 3, 6, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg nanoparticles (ml water)−1 for laboratory experiment to determine their effects on motility and mortality of second-stage juveniles (J2). In pot experiment, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, 0.0025, 0.00125 and 0.0007% (w/w) of nano-silver and nano-titanium were applied to examine effects on nematode activity and plant growth components of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Results showed 100% J2 immobility and mortality in treatments of 800, 400 and 200 mg ml−1 of AgNP; the LC50 for AgNP was 100 mg ml−1. J2 mortality was 48, 16 and 7.3% in 100, 50 and 25 mg ml−1 of AgNP, respectively. J2 mortality was 4.3 and 2% in 800 and 400 mg ml−1 of TiO2NP, respectively. No J2 mortality was seen in all other treatments after 24 h exposure. In a pot experiment, all treatments of AgNP and 0.02% TiO2NP completely controlled M. incognita. Treatments of 0.02, 0.01 and 0.005% of AgNP as well as 0.02% of TiO2NP were toxic to tomato plants and significantly reduced tomato root and stem length and fresh weights in comparison to control.