bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Steered migration in hard rock environments
Authors: Tertyshnikov Konstantin , Pevzner Roman , Bóna Andrej , Alonaizi Faisal , Gurevich Boris 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTHard rock seismic exploration normally has to deal with rather complex geological environments. These types of environments are usually characterized by a large number of local heterogeneity (e.g., faults, fracture zones, and steeply dipping interfaces). The seismic data from such environments often have a poor signal‐to‐noise ratio because of the complexity of hard rock geology. To be able to obtain reliable images of subsurface structures in such geological conditions, processing algorithms that are capable of handling seismic data with a low signal‐to‐noise ratio are required for a reflection seismic exploration. In this paper, we describe a modification of the 3D Kirchhoff post‐stack migration algorithm that utilizes coherency attributes obtained by the diffraction imaging algorithm in 3D to steer the main Kirchhoff summation. The application to a 3D synthetic model shows the stability of the presented steered migration to the presence of high level of the random noise. A test on the 3D seismic volume, acquired on a mine site located in Western Australia, reveals the capability of the approach to image steep and sharp objects such as fracture and fault zones and lateral heterogeneity.
Novel interactions between non‐native mammals and fungi facilitate establishment of invasive pines
Authors: Wood Jamie R. , Dickie Ian A. , Moeller Holly V. , Peltzer Duane A. , Bonner Karen I. , Rattray Gaye , Wilmshurst Janet M. 
Published: December 2014

Summary

The role of novel ecological interactions between mammals, fungi and plants in invaded ecosystems remains unresolved, but may play a key role in the widespread successful invasion of pines and their ectomycorrhizal fungal associates, even where mammal faunas originate from different continents to trees and fungi as in New Zealand.

We examine the role of novel mammal associations in dispersal of ectomycorrhizal fungal inoculum of North American pines (Pinus contorta, Pseudotsuga menziesii), and native beech trees (Lophozonia menziesii) using faecal analyses, video monitoring and a bioassay experiment.

Both European red deer (Cervus elaphus) and Australian brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) pellets contained spores and DNA from a range of native and non‐native ectomycorrhizal fungi.

Faecal pellets from both animals resulted in ectomycorrhizal infection of pine seedlings with fungal genera Rhizopogon and Suillus, but not with native fungi or the invasive fungus Amanita muscaria, despite video and DNA evidence of consumption of these fungi.

Native L. menziesii seedlings never developed any ectomycorrhizal infection from faecal pellet inoculation.

Synthesis. Our results show that introduced mammals from Australia and Europe facilitate the co‐invasion of invasive North American trees and Northern Hemisphere fungi in New Zealand, while we find no evidence that introduced mammals benefit native trees or fungi. This novel tripartite ‘invasional meltdown’, comprising taxa from three kingdoms and three continents, highlights unforeseen consequences of global biotic homogenization.
Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with cisplatin and sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma patients unresponsive to transarterial chemoembolization: A propensity score‐based weighting
Authors: Kondo Masaaki , Morimoto Manabu , Ishii Tomohiro , Nozaki Akito , Fukuda Hiroyuki , Numata Kazushi , Kobayashi Satoshi , Ohkawa Shinichi , Hidaka Hisashi , Nakazawa Takahide , Shibuya Akitaka , Okuse Chiaki , Suzuki Michihiro , Sakamaki Kentaro , Morita Satoshi , Maeda Shin , Tanaka Katsuaki 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) using cisplatin as an alternative to sorafenib for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who had not responded to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).MethodsMedical records of 127 consecutive HCC patients without extrahepatic metastasis (cisplatin, n = 44; sorafenib, n = 83) who had not responded to prior TACE at four institutions were retrospectively reviewed. An inverse probability of treatment weighting using propensity scoring was used to adjust for the selection bias.ResultsSevere adverse events accounting for treatment discontinuation occurred in 2.3% of the patients in the cisplatin group and 32.5% of those in the sorafenib group. The median overall survival (OS) period was 11.2 months (95% CI 4.8–17.7) in the cisplatin group and 10.2 months (95% CI 8.8–11.5) in the sorafenib group, respectively. After an inverse probability of treatment weighting adjustment, the survival outcome of the HAIC treatment group was not inferior to that of the sorafenib treatment group (hazard ratio 0.758; 95% CI 0.471–1.219, P = 0.253).ConclusionHAIC with cisplatin can be an alternative treatment for the selection of HCC patients who have not responded to prior TACE and cannot tolerate sorafenib.
The influence of childhood traffic‐related air pollution exposure on asthma, allergy and sensitization: a systematic review and a meta‐analysis of birth cohort studies
Authors: Bowatte G. , Lodge C. , Lowe A. J. , Erbas B. , Perret J. , Abramson M. J. , Matheson M. , Dharmage S. C. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe impact of early childhood traffic‐related air pollution (TRAP) exposure on development of asthma and allergies remains unclear. Birth cohort studies are the best available study design to answer this question, but the evidence from such studies has not been synthesized to date. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analyses of published birth cohort studies to understand the association between early childhood TRAP exposure, and subsequent asthma, allergies and sensitization. Increased longitudinal childhood exposure to PM2.5 and black carbon was associated with increasing risk of subsequent asthma in childhood (PM2.5: OR 1.14, 95%CI 1.00 to 1.30 per 2 μg/m3 and black carbon: OR 1.20, 95%CI 1.05 to 1.38 per 1 × 10−5 m−1). Also, early childhood exposure to TRAP was associated with development of asthma across childhood up to 12 years of age. The magnitude of these associations increased with age, and the pattern was prominent for PM2.5. Increasing exposure to PM2.5 was associated with sensitization to both aero‐ and food allergens. There was some evidence that TRAP was associated with eczema and hay fever. In summary, exposure to TRAP was related to asthma and allergic diseases. However, the substantial variability across studies warrants long‐term birth cohort studies with regular repeated follow‐ups to confirm these findings.
Total serum IgE level influences oral food challenge tests for IgE‐mediated food allergies
Authors: Horimukai K. , Hayashi K. , Tsumura Y. , Nomura I. , Narita M. , Ohya Y. , Saito H. , Matsumoto K. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractProbability curves predicting oral food challenge test (OFC) results based on specific IgE levels are widely used to prevent serious allergic reactions. Although several confounding factors are known to affect probability curves, the main factors that affect OFC outcomes are currently unclear. We hypothesized that an increased total IgE level would reduce allergic reactivity. Medical records of 337 and 266 patients who underwent OFCs for 3.5 g boiled hen's egg white and 3.1 ml raw cow's milk, respectively, were examined retrospectively. We subdivided the patients into three groups based on total IgE levels and age by percentile (<25th, 25–75th, and >75th percentiles), and logistic regression analyses were performed on each group. Patients with higher total IgE levels were significantly less responsive. In addition, age did not significantly affect the OFC results. Therefore, total IgE levels should be taken into account when predicting OFC results based on food‐specific IgE levels.
Altered faecal and mucosal microbial composition in post‐infectious irritable bowel syndrome patients correlates with mucosal lymphocyte phenotypes and psychological distress
Authors: Sundin J. , Rangel I. , Fuentes S. , Heikamp‐de Jong I. , Hultgren‐Hörnquist E. , de Vos W. M. , Brummer R. J. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryBackgroundA subset of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients, denoted post‐infectious IBS (PI‐IBS), develop symptoms after an enteric infection. Bacterial dysbiosis and mucosal inflammation have been proposed to be involved in the pathophysiology of this entity.AimTo characterise the mucosal and faecal microbiota in PI‐IBS, general IBS and healthy controls, and to investigate associations between the microbiota and the mucosal immune system.MethodsMucosal biopsies and faeces were collected from 13 PI‐IBS patients, 19 general IBS patients and 16 healthy controls. Global bacterial composition was determined by generating 16S rRNA amplicons that were examined by phylogenetic microarray hybridisation, principal component and redundancy analysis. We correlated previously reported lymphocyte proportions with the microbiota.ResultsFaecal microbiota composition of PI‐IBS patients differed significantly from both general IBS patients and healthy controls (P < 0.02). Both mucosal (P < 0.01) and faecal (P = 0.05) microbial diversity were reduced in PI‐IBS compared to healthy controls.In the intraepithelial lymphocytes the previously published proportion of CD8+ CD45RA+ was negatively correlated with mucosal microbial diversity (P < 0.005). The previously published number of lamina propria lymphocytes was negatively correlated with mucosal microbial diversity (P < 0.05). Faecal microbial diversity was significantly negatively correlated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (P < 0.05).ConclusionsWe present data that distinguishes the intestinal microbiota of PI‐IBS patients from that of both general IBS patients and HC. The microbial composition is significantly associated with the HADs score and alterations in lymphocyte subsets proportions.
Transperineal template‐guided prostate biopsy: 10 years of experience
Authors: Mai Zhipeng , Yan Weigang , Zhou Yi , Zhou Zhien , Chen Jian , Xiao Yu , Liang Zhiyong , Ji Zhigang , Li Hanzhong 
Published: December 2014

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of transperineal template‐guided prostate biopsy.

Materials and Methods

From December 2003 to December 2013, a total of 3 007 patients (30–91 years old, mean age 69.1) who met the inclusion criteria underwent 11‐region transrectal ultrasound‐guided transperineal template prostate biopsy.

The inclusion criteria included a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level of 4.0 ng/mL or greater and abnormal prostate gland findings on digital rectal examination, ultrasound, CT or MRI. The median PSA level was 11.0 ng/mL (range 0.2–100 ng/mL).

The prostate cancer detection rate and prostate biopsy adverse effects, as well as prostate cancer spatial distribution were analyzed.

Results

A mean of 19.3 cores (range 11–44) were obtained for each biopsy, and more cores were obtained in larger prostates than in smaller ones.

One to four cores were collected from each region. Prostate cancer was detected in 1 067 of the 3 007 patients (35.5%). The prostate cancer detection rates in groups with PSA levels of 0–4.0 ng/mL, 4.1–10.0 ng/mL, 10.1–20.0 ng/mL, 20.1–50.0 ng/mL, and 50.1–100.0 ng/mL were 15.3% (27/176), 21.0% (248/1 179), 32.6% (318/975), 56.0% (232/414), and 92.0% (241/262), respectively.

The mean positives for cancer in regions 1–10 and region 11 (the apical region) were 46.7% vs 52.0% (P = 0.014).

Regarding adverse effects, 47.0% of the patients reported hematuria, 6.1% developed hemospermia, 1.9% required short‐term catheterization after biopsy because of acute urinary retention, and 0.03% (one patient) developed urosepsis.

Conclusions

Transrectal ultrasound‐guided transperineal template prostate biopsy is safe and accurate.

The current study suggests that prostate carcinoma foci are more frequently localized in the apical region.
Depression and anxiety among left‐behind children in China: a systematic review
Authors: Cheng J. , Sun Y.‐H. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis study aimed to systematically review evidence of the prevalence and predictors of depression and anxiety among ‘left‐behind children’ in rural China. The electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure/Wanfang (Chinese) were utilized to search for terms including ‘depression’ or ‘depressive disorder’, ‘anxiety’ or ‘mental health’, combined with ‘left behind’, ‘children’ and ‘China’. High rates of psychological depression/anxiety have been reported among left‐behind children compared with their age‐matched peers. Prevalence rates of depression are reported to range from 12.1 to 51.4% and of anxiety are reported to range from 13.2 to 57.6%. Variability between studies is likely attributable to methodological variations relating to measures used and research setting. Potential predictors measured in studies include age and gender, types of being left, age/years of separation, socio‐economic status, etc. These high rates of reported psychological problems among this group of young people suggest the need to develop more effective approaches to prevention and management.
An elevated preoperative serum carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 level is a significant predictor for peritoneal dissemination and poor survival in colorectal cancer
Authors: Takakura Y. , Ikeda S. , Imaoka Y. , Urushihara T. , Itamoto T. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimMany studies support the role of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a strong indicator of the status of colorectal cancer patients, but evidence for carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) is poor. For this reason the study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative serum CA19‐9 levels in colorectal cancer patients.MethodIn all, 1190 colorectal cancer patients were included in this study, of whom 955 underwent a potentially curative resection. These were analysed for recurrence and survival. The 255 patients with Stage IV disease were analysed for metastatic status.ResultsPatients with an elevated preoperative CEA with Stage II and III disease showed a significantly poorer survival than those with normal levels. In contrast patients with elevated preoperative CA19‐9 levels were associated with a significantly poorer survival irrespective of disease stage. Of the 255 patients with Stage IV disease, 92 (39.1%) had peritoneal dissemination at laparotomy observed more frequently in patients with an elevated CA19‐9 (47.9%). Of the 955 patients having a curative resection, 18 (1.9%) developed peritoneal dissemination. In multivariate analysis, an elevated preoperative CA19‐9 level was a significant risk factor for postoperative peritoneal recurrence.ConclusionAfter curative surgery for colorectal cancer the preoperative CA19‐9 level is a strong prognostic indicator of higher risk of peritoneal dissemination.
Gender aspects of survival after surgical treatment for rectal cancer
Authors: Lydrup M.‐L. , Höglund P. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimLonger survival in women than men after rectal cancer surgery has been reported. Our hypothesis was that after correction for their longer life expectancy a survival benefit for women would still remain.MethodWe studied 2792 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer in the southern part of Sweden between 1996 and 2006. The following parameters were included in a prespecified multivariable Cox regression analysis: age at diagnosis, gender, preoperative radiotherapy, stage, year and type of surgery. In addition to overall survival, relative survival was calculated using the Hakulinen approach utilizing an age‐, gender‐ and calendar year‐matched Swedish control cohort.ResultsFemale patients were significantly older, received neoadjuvant treatment less often and were more often operated on by local excision. Overall survival was significantly longer in women. In the multivariable analysis of relative survival, controlling for neoadjuvant treatment, Dukes stage and year and type of surgery, no significant effect of gender [hazard ratio (HR) 1.10 for men, P = 0.114] was found, whereas an improved relative survival with increased age (HR 0.96 per year, P < 0.001) was seen. In contrast, using the same multivariable model with no correction for underlying mortality in the population, male gender (HR 1.38, P < 0.001) and greater age (HR 1.05 per year, P < 0.001) increased the risk of death.ConclusionThe results show that after correction for the underlying longer survival in women and some known confounders, survival after surgical treatment for rectal cancer appears to be gender neutral.
A novel cause of community‐acquired pneumonia in a young immunocompetent host
Authors: James Nicholas , Gilman Matthew , Duncan Robert , Gray Anthony 
Published: December 2014

AbstractDiffuse pulmonary infiltrates represent a common problem encountered by pulmonologists. The differential diagnosis is extensive and includes infectious, inflammatory, environmental and malignant conditions. Appropriate evaluation, aside from a thorough history and physical examination, includes serologic, radiographic and procedural elements. We describe a case of a healthy male with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates. Work up revealed a novel infectious etiology. Although this particular microorganism has been described to cause native valve endocarditis, recurrent breast abscesses, osteomyelitis and bacteremia, it has to date not been described as a cause for community acquired pneumonia in immunocompetent hosts.
Allocation of Returned Products among Different Recovery Options through an Opportunity Cost–Based Dynamic Approach*
Authors: Özdemir‐Akyıldırım Öznur , Denizel Meltem , Ferguson Mark 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTIn a make‐to‐order product recovery environment, we consider the allocation decision for returned products decision under stochastic demand of a firm with three options: refurbishing to resell, parts harvesting, and recycling. We formulate the problem as a multiperiod Markov decision process (MDP) and present a linear programming (LP) approximation that provides an upper bound on the optimal objective function value of the MDP model. We then present two solution approaches to the MDP using the LP solution: a static approach that uses the LP solution directly and a dynamic approach that adopts a revenue management perspective and employs bid‐price controls technique where the LP is resolved after each demand arrival. We calculate the bid prices based on the shadow price interpretation of the dual variables for the inventory constraints and accept a demand if the marginal value is higher than the bid price. Since the need for solving the LP at each demand arrival requires a very efficient solution procedure, we present a transportation problem formulation of the LP via variable redefinitions and develop a one‐pass optimal solution procedure for it. We carry out an extensive numerical analysis to compare the two approaches and find that the dynamic approach provides better performance in all of the tested scenarios. Furthermore, the solutions obtained are within 2% of the upper bound on the optimal objective function value of the MDP model.
Impact of Value‐Added Service Features in e‐Retailing Processes: An Econometric Analysis of Web Site Functions
Authors: Hao‐Chun Chuang Howard , Lu Guanyi , Peng David Xiaosong , Heim Gregory R. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTWe examine the impact of three classes of Web site functions (foundational, customer‐centered, and value‐added) upon e‐retailer performance. Using secondary panel data for 2007–2009 on operating characteristics of over 600 e‐retailers, our econometric analysis finds that only the value‐added service functions are positively associated with changes in e‐retail sales revenues across time. We also observe a decreasing marginal impact of deploying additional value‐added service features. To account for possible alternate explanations, we control for firm‐ and time‐specific fixed effects, merchant types, merchandise categories, and order fulfillment strategies. By further decomposing e‐retail sales revenues into Web site traffic, conversion rate, and average order value, we find that Web site functions affect e‐retail sales revenues mainly through their impact on Web site traffic. Our investigation demonstrates the empirical research usefulness of the Voss conceptual e‐service sand cone model. Our results identify for managers where to focus ongoing e‐retailing system development efforts, yet suggest that focusing too many retailing capabilities on exploratory and experimental value‐added service features may backfire, potentially leading to worsening e‐retailer performance.
Important elements of measuring participation for children who need or use power mobility: a modified Delphi survey
Authors: Field Debra A , Miller William C , Jarus Tal , Ryan Stephen E , Roxborough Lori 
Published: December 2014

AimTo identify and reach consensus on important elements of measuring participation in everyday life for children who need or use power mobility.MethodA panel (n=74) of parents, therapists, and researchers with pediatric power mobility and participation expertise completed an online modified Delphi survey. Three rounds determined important elements of participation for two groups: early childhood (18mo–5y) and school‐aged (6–12y). ‘Elements of participation’ defined the ‘who, what, where, and how’ of measuring participation, generated from a literature review and participants’ suggestions. Consensus was set a priori as ≥80% agreement.ResultsConsensus was reached on 21 out of 48 elements of participation important to measure for our population: eight elements for the younger group and 18 elements for the older group. When ranked by importance, four of the top five elements were common across both age groups.InterpretationFor children using power mobility, measuring participation in a variety of settings is critical, along with considering both the child's and family's participation. Evaluating child engagement and enjoyment of participation are priorities, as is measuring barriers and facilitators. For school‐aged children, evaluating child and parent reports of participation are essential. These elements can guide tool selection and/or development.
First detection of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus associated with Pinus nigra in Portugal and in Europe
Authors: Inácio M.L. , Nóbrega F. , Vieira P. , Bonifácio L. , Naves P. , Sousa E. , Mota M. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is the causal agent of pine wilt disease. This species has been reported from the United States of America and Asia associated with important forestry tree species, including pine, spruce, fir, larch and other conifers. However, in Europe, the devastating epidemics centred in Portugal's mainland, and the most recent detections in Madeira Island and in Spain were restricted to Pinus pinaster alone. During the 2013 national survey, wilted Pinus nigra trees, from the central region of Portugal, were sampled. A Bursaphelenchus species was found in very high numbers, with an average up to 5000 nematodes per 10 g of wood, collected from different pine trees. Morphological identification of those specimens, including the presence of a bursa in the male tail, four lateral incisures, shape of spicules, presence of a vulva flap and female rounded tail, was in agreement with the PWN description. Species identification was confirmed also using species‐specific primers targeting the ITS region of the ribosomal DNA to the PWN. Herein, B. xylophilus is reported for the first time associated with declining P. nigra in Portugal, and in Europe. Simultaneously, the insect vector Monochamus galloprovincialis was also detected colonizing the PWN‐infected P. nigra.