bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ability of Matrix Models to Explain the Past and Predict the Future of Plant Populations
Authors: CRONE ELIZABETH E. , ELLIS MARTHA M. , MORRIS WILLIAM F. , STANLEY AMANDA , BELL TIMOTHY , BIERZYCHUDEK PAULETTE , EHRLÉN JOHAN , KAYE THOMAS N. , KNIGHT TIFFANY M. , LESICA PETER , OOSTERMEIJER GERARD , QUINTANA‐ASCENCIO PEDRO F. , TICKTIN TAMARA , VALVERDE TERESA , WILLIAMS JENNIFER L. , DOAK DANIEL F. , GANESAN RENGAIAN , MCEACHERN KATHYRN , THORPE ANDREA S. , MENGES ERIC S. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractUncertainty associated with ecological forecasts has long been recognized, but forecast accuracy is rarely quantified. We evaluated how well data on 82 populations of 20 species of plants spanning 3 continents explained and predicted plant population dynamics. We parameterized stage‐based matrix models with demographic data from individually marked plants and determined how well these models forecast population sizes observed at least 5 years into the future. Simple demographic models forecasted population dynamics poorly; only 40% of observed population sizes fell within our forecasts’ 95% confidence limits. However, these models explained population dynamics during the years in which data were collected; observed changes in population size during the data‐collection period were strongly positively correlated with population growth rate. Thus, these models are at least a sound way to quantify population status. Poor forecasts were not associated with the number of individual plants or years of data. We tested whether vital rates were density dependent and found both positive and negative density dependence. However, density dependence was not associated with forecast error. Forecast error was significantly associated with environmental differences between the data collection and forecast periods. To forecast population fates, more detailed models, such as those that project how environments are likely to change and how these changes will affect population dynamics, may be needed. Such detailed models are not always feasible. Thus, it may be wiser to make risk‐averse decisions than to expect precise forecasts from models.Habilidad de los Modelos Matriciales para Explicar el Pasado y Predecir el Futuro de las Poblaciones de Plantas
Clinical evaluation of a prototype multi‐bending peroral direct cholangioscope
Authors: Itoi Takao , Reddy D Nageshwar , Sofuni Atsushi , Ramchandani Mohan , Itokawa Fumihide , Gupta Rajesh , Kurihara Toshio , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Ishii Kentaro , Ikeuchi Nobuhito , Moriyasu Fuminori , Moon Jong Ho 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundAlthough peroral direct cholangioscopy (PDCS) is emerging as an alternative to traditional mother‐daughter cholangioscopy, it is associated with high failure rates. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability to insert and carry out interventions using a prototype multi‐bending PDCS.Patients and MethodsProspective, observational clinical feasibility study was done in 41 patients with a variety of biliary diseases. A multi‐bending PDCS prototype was inserted using a free‐hand technique, a guidewire alone, or with a 5‐Fr diameter anchoring balloon. Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were carried out.ResultsThe free‐hand direct insertion technique failed in all attempted cases (n = 7). Of the remaining 34 cases, successful rate of PDCS insertion into the distal bile duct was achieved by passing the PDCS over a guidewire alone (n = 6) and/or with a guidewire plus anchoring balloon (n = 28) for an overall successrate of 88.2% (30/34). In 13 (92.9%) patients without an underlying biliary stricture, PDCS insertion proximal to the bifurcation was possible. In 25 cases, biliary interventions were attempted including biopsy (n = 13), stone removal (n = 6), stent removal (n = 1), and intraductal electrohydraulic lithotripsy (n = 2) and were successful in 22 (88%). Other than two patients with procedure‐related cholangitis with a mild grade of severity, no complications were observed.ConclusionsUsing a novel multi‐bending prototype peroral direct cholangioscope, cholangioscopy had a high diagnostic and therapeutic success rate only when passed over a guidewire and anchoring balloon but not with the free‐hand insertion technique. Comparative studies of direct cholangioscopy are warranted.
Clinical characteristics of collagenous colitis with linear ulcerations
Authors: Saito Sumio , Tsumura Takehiko , Nishikawa Hiroki , Takeda Haruhiko , Nakajima Jun , Kanesaka Takashi , Matsuda Fumihiro , Sakamoto Azusa , Henmi Shinichiro , Hatamaru Keiichi , Sekikawa Akira , Kita Ryuichi , Maruo Takanori , Okabe Yoshihiro , Kimura Toru , Wakasa Tomoko , Osaki Yukio 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThe relationship between the thickness of subepithelial collagen bands (CB) and the development of linear ulcerations (LU) in collagenous colitis (CC) remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical and pathological features, including the thickness of CB, in CC patients with and without LU.Patients and MethodsTwenty‐five patients with CC diagnosed by pathological examination of biopsy specimens were analyzed. Eleven patients with LU (LU group) and 14 patients without LU (non‐LU group) were compared.ResultsTen patients in the LU group and seven in the non‐LU group were taking lansoprazole (P = 0.038). Seven patients in the LU group and one in the non‐LU group were taking non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (P = 0.004). All LU were locatedin the transverse or left colon. Patients in the LU group were older than those in the non‐LU group (P = 0.015). CB were significantly thicker in the LU group than in the non‐LU group (mean ± SD, 40 ± 21 μm vs 20 ± 11 μm, P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis showed that NSAIDs use (odds ratio, 19.236; 95% confidence interval, 1.341–275.869) and CB thickness (odds ratio, 0.893; 95% confidence interval, 0.804–0.999) were independently associated with the development of LU.ConclusionUse of lansoprazole and NSAIDs, thick CB, and advanced age are associated with the development of LU in CC patients.
A Preliminary Study of Grade Forecasting by Students
Authors: Armstrong Michael J. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThis experiment enabled undergraduate business students to better assess their progress in a course by quantitatively forecasting their own end‐of‐course grades. This innovation provided them with predictive feedback in addition to the outcome feedback they were already receiving. A total of 144 students forecast their grades using an instructor‐prepared spreadsheet, and then responded to a brief survey. Of these participants, 29% said the forecast grades were lower than expected, while 6% said they were higher. Subsequent to the forecast, 47% of the respondents said they were studying more than planned, while 3% said they were studying less. The relative difference between the students’ forecast grades and their prior expectations showed no direct influence on subsequent motivation or studying effort. Instead, increased studying was reported by students who had experienced increased anxiety, increased motivation, or positive impressions subsequent to the forecasting experience, as well as by students who had received low absolute grade forecasts.
Improving Students' Data Analysis and Presentation Skills: The Ocean State Circuits, Inc. Forecasting Project
Authors: Kroes James R. , Chen Yuwen , Mangiameli Paul 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTMany potential employers expect that newly hired students will arrive on‐the‐job with the ability to analyze data, utilize spreadsheets, and communicate findings and recommendations. We designed the Ocean State Circuits, Inc. Forecasting Project to address these gaps in our students’ knowledge of analytical tools (such as the vlookup() function and pivot tables), their ability to write mathematical formulas in a spreadsheet, their understanding of more advanced data analysis features (e.g., regression, correlation), and their ability to communicate and present managerial conclusions. The exercise requires student teams to act as “consultants” and utilize spreadsheets to analyze and forecast the demand for a hypothetical set of products and then communicate their findings to “management” in a professionally formatted report document. A survey of students that have completed the exercise indicates that their knowledge level of the tools used in the project increased significantly from before to after they completed the case. Similarly, anecdotal feedback from employers suggests that students that have completed the exercise seem more capable of dissecting data when investigating business issues.
A Rare Association of Left Ventricular Diverticulum and Noncompaction: Continuum of Common Developmental Abnormality?
Authors: Singh Yadvinder , Singh Bhupinder , Bhairappa Shivakumar , Subramani Khamitkar Shankar Rao , Prasad Naviluru M. , C. Nanjappa Manjunath 
Published: April 2013

A previously healthy 16‐year‐old girl presented with history of fever of 3 months duration without any significant clinical finding on examination. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed moderate pericardial effusion and later diagnosed as tubercular in etiology. Besides, TTE also showed an incidental finding of large left ventricular (LV) diverticulum in submitral region along the postero‐basal segment and left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC). Nonapical LV diverticulum is a rare variant of this uncommon congenital condition and its association with LVNC has not been reported in literature. Patient was discharged on antitubercular therapy for pericardial effusion and advised for 6 monthly follow‐up for diverticulum.
Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery in a Child with Chest Pain
Authors: Guven Baris , Doksoz Onder , Ozdemir Rahmi , Mese Timur , Genc Berhan 
Published: April 2013

Mini‐AbstractRight coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery is extremely rare, is generally present without symptoms in childhood. We present a 7‐year‐old girl with anomalous right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ARCAPA), that might easily missed in clinical practice. Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery was noted on echocardiography. Then, catheterization and computed tomography angiography confirmed the diagnosis. Transthoracic echocardiography is still important to detect children who deserve further investigation.
Seasonal movement, growth and survival of brook trout in sympatry with brown trout in Midwestern US streams
Authors: Hoxmeier R. John H. , Dieterman Douglas J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSeasonal patterns in growth, survival and movement of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis were monitored in two southeastern Minnesota streams divided into study reaches based on brown trout Salmo trutta abundance. We estimated survival and movement while testing for effects of stream reach and time using a multistrata Cormack–Jolly–Seber model in Program MARK. Multistrata models were analysed for three age groups (age‐0, age‐1 and age‐2+) to estimate apparent survival, capture probability and movement. Survival varied by time period, but not brown trout abundance and was lower during flood events. Age‐0 brook trout emigrated from reaches with low brown trout abundance, whereas adult brook trout emigrated from downstream brown trout‐dominated reaches. Growth was highest in spring and summer and did not differ across streams or reaches for the youngest age classes. For age‐2+ brook trout, however, growth was lower in reaches where brown trout were abundant. Interspecific interactions can be age or size dependent; our results show evidence for adult interactions, but not for age‐0. Our results suggest that brook trout can be limited by both environmental and brown trout interactions that can vary by season and life stage.
Motor cortex plasticity induced by theta burst stimulation is impaired in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Opie George M. , Catcheside Peter G. , Usmani Zafar A. , Ridding Michael C. , Semmler John G. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a respiratory condition occurring during sleep characterised by repeated collapse of the upper airway. Patients with OSA show altered brain structure and function that may manifest as impaired neuroplasticity. We assessed this hypothesis in 13 patients with moderate‐to‐severe OSA and 11 healthy control subjects. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to induce and measure neuroplastic changes in the motor cortex by assessing changes in motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) in a hand muscle. Baseline measurements of cortical excitability included active (AMT) and resting motor thresholds (RMT), and the maximal stimulator output producing a 1‐mV MEP. Intracortical inhibition (ICI) was investigated with short‐ and long‐interval ICI paradigms (SICI and LICI, respectively), and neuroplastic changes were induced using continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS). At baseline, differences were found between groups for RMT (9.5% maximal stimulator output higher in OSA) and 1‐mV MEPs (10.3% maximal stimulator output higher in OSA), but not AMT. No differences were found between groups for SICI or LICI. The response to cTBS was different between groups, with control subjects showing an expected reduction in MEP amplitude after cTBS, whereas the MEPs in patients with OSA did not change. The lack of response to cTBS suggests impaired long‐term depression‐like neuroplasticity in patients with OSA, which may be a consequence of sleep fragmentation or chronic blood gas disturbance in sleep. This reduced neuroplastic capacity may have implications for the learning, retention or consolidation of motor skills in patients with OSA.
Simulation of the impact of faults on CO2 injection into sandstone reservoirs
Authors: Pasala S. M. , Forster C. B. , Deo M. , Evans J. P. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractNumerical simulations of multiphase CO2 behavior within faulted sandstone reservoirs examine the impact of fractures and faults on CO2 migration in potential subsurface injection systems. In southeastern Utah, some natural CO2 reservoirs are breached and CO2‐charged water flows to the surface along permeable damage zones adjacent to faults; in other sites, faulted sandstones form barriers to flow and large CO2‐filled reservoirs result. These end‐members serve as the guides for our modeling, both at sites where nature offers ‘successful’ storage and at sites where leakage has occurred. We consider two end‐member fault types: low‐permeability faults dominated by deformation‐band networks and high‐permeability faults dominated by fracture networks in damage zones adjacent to clay‐rich gouge. Equivalent permeability (k) values for the fault zones can range from <10−14 m2 for deformation‐band‐dominated faults to >10−12 m2 for fracture‐dominated faults regardless of the permeability of unfaulted sandstone. Water–CO2 fluid‐flow simulations model the injection of CO2 into high‐k sandstone (5 × 10−13 m2) with low‐k (5 × 10−17 m2) or high‐k (5 × 10−12 m2) fault zones that correspond to deformation‐band‐ or fracture‐dominated faults, respectively. After 500 days, CO2 rises to produce an inverted cone of free and dissolved CO2 that spreads laterally away from the injection well. Free CO2 fills no more than 41% of the pore space behind the advancing CO2 front, where dissolved CO2 is at or near geochemical saturation. The low‐k fault zone exerts the greatest impact on the shape of the advancing CO2 front and restricts the bulk of the dissolved and free CO2 to the region upstream of the fault barrier. In the high‐k aquifer, the high‐k fault zone exerts a small influence on the shape of the advancing CO2 front. We also model stacked reservoir seal pairs, and the fracture‐dominated fault acts as a vertical bypass, allowing upward movement of CO2 into overlying strata. High‐permeability fault zones are important pathways for CO2 to bypass unfaulted sandstone, which leads to reduce sequestration efficiency. Aquifer compartmentalization by low‐permeability fault barriers leads to improved storativity because the barriers restrict lateral CO2 migration and maximize the volume and pressure of CO2 that might be emplaced in each fault‐bound compartment. As much as a 3.5‐MPa pressure increase may develop in the injected reservoir in this model domain, which under certain conditions may lead to pressures close to the fracture pressure of the top seal.
Potential for development of haemophilia link nurse role within UK hospitals
Authors: Forrester C. , Bielby H. , Johns S. , Efford J. , Holland M. , Khair K. ,   The United Kingdom Haemophilia Nurse's Association
Published: April 2013

SummaryLink nurses are practising nurses with an expressed interest in a given specialty, with formal links to clinical nurse specialists and other specialist staff. The role involves attending meetings to discuss ideas and new developments, and relaying findings to other ward nurses to improve their practice. Such nurses are common in many specialties such as diabetes and tissue viability. In haemophilia, the role has the potential to enhance the care of haemophilia patients on general hospital wards. In April 2012, a focus group of five haemophilia nurses was convened to discuss their experiences of ‘link nurse’ programmes within district general hospitals and the potential value of developing the haemophilia link nurse role, and to consider the materials needed to support such role development. It was agreed to test whether other haemophilia nurses perceived such a need by means of a short five‐item questionnaire devised by the group and made available to all members of the UK's Haemophilia Nurse's Association via Survey‐Monkey. Final responses from 59 haemophilia nurses across the UK have been analysed. Most nurses agreed that there was value in the development of a haemophilia link nurse role within UK hospitals and thought their trusts would support it. While barriers and potential downsides were acknowledged, this was seen as a useful way of sharing information and knowledge with colleagues from different specialties and of raising awareness of bleeding disorders among the general nursing community. Haemophilia nurses should coordinate the development of a Haemophilia Link Nurse training and education pack.
Tranexamic acid without prophylactic factor replacement for prevention of bleeding in hereditary bleeding disorder patients undergoing endoscopy: a pilot study
Authors: Davis A. , Walsh M. , McCarthy P. , Brown G. , Roberts S. , Tran H. , Street A. , Fong C. Y. , Kemp W. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThe risk of bleeding in patients with hereditary bleeding disorders (HBD) undergoing gastro‐intestinal (GI) endoscopic procedures is unknown but guidelines generally recommend correction of factor deficiency. Investigate the safety of oral tranexamic acid (TA) without prophylactic factor replacement to prevent bleeding complications in patients with HBD undergoing elective GI endoscopic procedures. A prospective single‐arm pilot study testing the feasibility of using TA, without prophylactic factor replacement or desmopressin preprocedure, for prevention of bleeding complications following elective standard risk (<1% risk of bleeding) endoscopic procedures in patients with HBD. Baseline factor levels, haemoglobin and iron studies (IS) were measured preprocedure. Primary outcome of bleeding (NCI CTCAE v3.0 Bleeding Scale) was undertaken by patient review and repeat Hb, IS on day 21. Twenty‐eight patients underwent 32 GI endoscopic procedures from September 2010 until June 2012. The median age was 53 years (range 24–75 years) and disease types included mild haemophilia A/B (n = 12), severe haemophilia A/B (n = 9), von Willebrand disease (n = 5), FXI deficiency (n = 1) and FVII deficiency (n = 1). Procedures performed included 11 gastroscopies, 12 colonoscopies, 8 gastroscopies and colonoscopies and 1 flexible sigmoidoscopy. Fourteen standard risk procedures and two high risk procedures were performed. Two patients experienced Grade 1 bleeding and one patient experienced Grade 2 bleeding. This study suggests that TA without prophylactic factor replacement may be a safe approach for mild and moderate HBD patients undergoing standard risk endoscopic procedures, particularly where no biopsy is performed. These findings should be confirmed in a larger study.
Incidence of AIDS‐defining cancers and virus‐related and non‐virus‐related non‐AIDS‐defining cancers among HIV‐infected patients compared with the general population in a large health district of northern Italy, 1999–2009
Authors: Calabresi A , Ferraresi A , Festa A , Scarcella C , Donato F , Vassallo F , Limina RM , Castelli F , Quiros‐Roldan E ,   Brescia HIV Cancer Study Group
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate the incidence of AIDS‐defining cancers (ADCs) and virus‐related and non‐virus‐related non‐AIDS‐defining cancers (NADCs) in HIV‐infected patients compared with the general population, and to assess the risk factors associated with these malignancies.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study for the period from 1999 to 2009 of HIV‐infected patients residing in the Local Health Authority of Brescia (northern Italy). Observed cancers in patients with HIV infection were compared with expected cancers in the population living in the same area using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). Risk factors were assessed using Poisson regression analysis.ResultsA total of 5090 HIV‐infected patients were included in the study, with 32 390 person‐years of follow‐up. We recorded 416 tumours in 390 HIV‐infected patients. Two hundred of these (48.1%) were ADCs, 138 (33.2%) were non‐virus‐related NADCs and 78 (18.7%) were virus‐related NADCs. An increased risk (SIR = 4.2) of cancers overall was found in HIV‐infected patients. A large excess of ADCs (SIR = 31.0) and virus‐related NADCs (SIR = 12.3) was observed in HIV‐infected patients, while the excess risk for non‐virus‐related NADCs was small (SIR = 1.6). The highest SIRs were observed for Kaposi sarcoma among ADCs and for Hodgkin lymphoma among virus‐related NADCs. Conversely, among non‐virus‐related NADCs, SIRs for a broad range of malignancies were close to unity. In multivariate analysis, increasing age and CD4 cell count < 50 cells/μL were the only factors independently associated with all cancers.ConclusionsAmong HIV‐infected people there was an excess of ADCs and also of NADCs, particularly those related to viral infections. Ageing and severe immunodeficiency were the strongest predictors.
Flexible Hydrophobic and Lipophilic Aluminum‐Doped Silicon Carbide Fibrous Mats Synthesized by Electrospinning Polyaluminocarbosilane
Authors: Yu Yuxi , Chen Yong , An Linan 
Published: April 2013

Flexible aluminum‐doped silicon carbide (SiC(Al)) fibrous mats were synthesized by combining electrospinning and polymer‐derived ceramic techniques. The mats consist of three‐dimensional network structure with randomly distributed fibers of approximately 1.5 μm diameter. The obtained mats exhibited simultaneous fairly good hydrophobic and lipophilic behavior without the need of any posttreatment. Given the intrinsic oxidation/corrosion resistance of Al‐doped SiC, the ceramic mats obtained here could be very promising for applications in harsh environments.