bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting invasion success of forest pathogenic fungi from species traits
Authors: Philibert Aurore , Desprez‐Loustau Marie‐Laure , Fabre Bénédicte , Frey Pascal , Halkett Fabien , Husson Claude , Lung‐Escarmant Brigitte , Marçais Benoit , Robin Cécile , Vacher Corinne , Makowski David 
Published: July 2011

Summary1. Biological invasions are a major consequence of globalization and pose a significant threat to biodiversity. Because only a small fraction of introduced species become invasive, identification of those species most likely to become invasive after introduction is highly desirable to focus management efforts. The predictive potential of species‐specific traits has been much investigated in plants and animals. However, despite the importance of fungi as a biological group and the potentially severe effects of pathogenic fungi on agrosystems and natural ecosystems, the specific identification of traits correlated with the invasion success of fungi has not been attempted previously.2. We addressed this question by constructing anad hocdata set including invasive and non‐invasive species of forest pathogenic fungi introduced into Europe. Data were analysed with a machine learning method based on classification trees (Random Forest). The performance of the classification rule based on species traits was compared with that of several random decision rules, and the principal trait predictors associated with invasive species were identified.3. Invasion success was more accurately predicted by the classification rule including biological traits than by random decision rules. The effect of species traits was maintained when confounding variables linked to residence time and habitat availability were included. The selected traits were unlikely to be affected by a phylogenetic bias as invasive and non‐invasive species were evenly distributed in fungal clades.4. The species‐level predictors identified as useful for distinguishing between invasive and non‐invasive species were traits related to long‐distance dispersal, sexual reproduction (in addition to asexual reproduction), spore shape and size, number of cells in spores, optimal temperature for growth and parasitic specialization (host range and infected organs).5. Synthesis and applications. This study demonstrates that some species‐level traits are predictors of invasion success for forest pathogenic fungi in Europe. These traits could be used to refine current pest risk assessment (PRA) schemes. Our results suggest that current schemes, which are mostly based on sequential questionnaires, could be improved by taking into account trait interactions or combinations. More generally, our results confirm the interest of machine learning methods, such as Random Forest, for species classification in ecology.
Water stress, shoot growth and storage of non‐structural carbohydrates along a tree height gradient in a tall conifer
Authors: WOODRUFF DAVID R. , MEINZER FREDERICK C. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTWe analysed concentrations of starch, sucrose, glucose and fructose in upper branch wood, foliage and trunk sapwood of Douglas‐fir trees in height classes ranging from ∼2 to ∼57 m. Mean concentrations of non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) for all tissues were highest in the tallest height class and lowest in the lowest height class, and height‐related trends in NSC were most pronounced in branches. Throughout a 17‐month sampling period, mean values of branch NSC from the 57 m trees ranged between 30 and 377% greater than the 2 m trees. Branch NSC was inversely correlated with midday shoot water potential (Ψl), shoot osmotic potential at full turgor (Ψ) and shoot extension. Temporal fluctuation in branch NSC was inversely correlated with height, and positively correlated with midday Ψl, Ψ and shoot extension. The positive correlation between height and storage of NSC, and the negative correlation between NSC storage and shoot extension provide evidence that size‐related growth decline in trees is not strongly associated with constraints on photosynthesis. The negative correlation between height and fluctuation in NSC suggests that mobilization of photosynthate in taller trees is constrained by some factor such as reductions in turgor‐driven cell expansion or constraints on phloem transport.
Regular provision of outreach increases acceptance of cataract surgery in South India
Authors: Finger Robert P. , Kupitz David G. , Holz Frank G. , Chandrasekhar Seetha , Balasubramaniam Bharath , Ramani Ramanathan V. , Gilbert Clare E. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryObjectives  The prevalence of visual loss and blindness from cataract remains high in India. Marginalized communities are frequently reached through outreach clinics. The aim of this study was to explore the hypothesis that regular outreach, held in the same location by the same provider, leads to greater acceptance of cataract surgery than outreach clinics that are irregular in terms of timing and location.Methods  The study was integrated into outreach clinics run in two districts by Sankara Eye Centre, Coimbatore, Southern India. A semi‐structured questionnaire was administered to patients who had attended outreach eye clinics and either accepted or not accepted the offer of cataract surgery.Results  Overall acceptance of surgery was high (91.7%), being higher in the district with regular outreach (94.6%vs. 82.3%, P < 0.001). A total of 398 participants (240, 60% acceptors) were interviewed. Acceptors were more likely to live in smaller households and in supportive families than non‐acceptors who lived in larger families which could not provide support and where transport and distance were also barriers (P < 0.001). Attending regular outreach and having had first eye cataract surgery were independent predictors of acceptance in a logistic regression model.Conclusion  The findings indicate the importance of providers building trust by organizing regular outreach in the same location. Previous eye surgery was also a strong predictor of accepting cataract surgery. To promote universal access to health care, marginalized rural communities will continue to need outreach for some time to come.
Comparable efficacy of a topical 0.0584% hydrocortisone aceponate spray and oral ciclosporin in treating canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Nuttall Tim J. , McEwan Neil A. , Bensignor Emmanuel , Cornegliani Luisa , Löwenstein Christine , Rème Christophe A. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis study compared the efficacy of a 0.0584% hydrocortisone aceponate (HCA) spray (Cortavance®; Virbac SA) and ciclosporin (Atopica®; Novartis Animal Health) in canine atopic dermatitis in a single‐blind randomized controlled trial. Dogs received HCA (two sprays/100 cm2; n = 24) or ciclosporin (5 mg/kg; n = 21). Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI)‐03, pruritus (visual analog scale with grade descriptors) and owner scores (5‐point scales) were recorded every 28 days for 84 days. Intention‐to‐treat data were analysed. CADESI‐03 and pruritus significantly decreased over time (P < 0.0001), but there was no difference between the treatment groups (P = 0.91 and P = 0.52, respectively). Similar proportions of HCA‐ and ciclosporin‐treated dogs achieved ≥50% reductions in CADESI‐03 and pruritus scores at 28 days (CADESI‐03 58.3 and 57.1%, P = 0.76; pruritus 33.3 and 38.1%, P = 1.0), 56 days (CADESI‐03 70.8 and 81.0%, P = 1.0; pruritus 62.5 and 57.1%, P = 1.0) and 84 days (CADESI‐03 75 and 85.7%, P = 0.72; pruritus 65.2 and 57.1%, P = 0.76). The CADESI‐03 and pruritus scores were close to equivalence (0.47 and 0.51, respectively). By 84 days, every‐other‐day or twice‐weekly therapy was achieved in 13 of 24 HCA‐ and 12 of 21 ciclosporin‐treated dogs (P = 0.85). There were no significant differences in scores for efficacy (P = 0.82), tolerance (P = 0.62) and ease of administration (P = 0.25). Scores for tolerance (0.49) and administration (0.46) were close to equivalence. The score for efficacy favoured HCA (0.68). Mild adverse events were noted in six of 21 ciclosporin and none of 24 HCA dogs (P = 0.008). Five HCA‐treated dogs and three ciclosporin‐treated dogs were prematurely withdrawn (P = 0.7). In conclusion, HCA and ciclosporin proved equally effective in treating canine atopic dermatitis for up to 84 days.
Prediction of improved liver function after balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration: Relation to hepatic vein pressure gradient
Authors: Uehara Hideo , Akahoshi Tomohiko , Tomikawa Morimasa , Kinjo Nao , Hashimoto Naotaka , Nagao Yoshihiro , Kamori Masahiro , Maehara Yoshihiko 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B‐RTO) is an effective treatment for gastric varices (GVx), as well as hepatic encephalopathy. The aim of this study was to examine the changes of the hepatic vein pressure gradient (HVPG) after B‐RTO and determine the relation between the changes of HVPG and liver function.Patients and Methods:  B‐RTO was performed in 30 patients with GVx and hepatic encephalopathy. HVPG was measured in 19 of 30 patients both before and after B‐RTO.Results:  The B‐RTO was successful in all patients. The GVx and hepatic encephalopathy were improved, and no recurrence or bleeding was observed within the follow‐ up period. The serum albumin and prothrombin activity were significantly improved 6 months after B‐RTO in all patients. HVPG was elevated 44% above the baseline after B‐RTO. Liver function significantly improved 6 months after B‐RTO in patients whose HVPG increased ≥ 20% from baseline.Conclusion:  An elevated HVPG after B‐RTO is one aspect of the effect of liver function, and an HVPG increase of ≥ 20% from baseline is a predictive factor for obtaining an improvement of liver function.
Is speech and language therapy effective for children with primary speech and language impairment? Report of a randomized control trial
Authors: Broomfield Jan , Dodd Barbara 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground:A randomized controlled trial was conducted of a whole‐service cohort of children referred to the Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy Service of Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust between January 1999 and April 2000. The 730 children involved, aged up to 16 years, were diagnosed with primary speech and/or language impairment in the absence of any learning, physical or sensory difficulty.Aims:The study considered outcomes of treatment versus no treatment.Methods & Procedures:Treatment involved clinic‐based interventions, provided according to local departmental criteria and care pathways, averaging 5.5 h (range 0–24 h) of contact during the 6‐month period immediately following initial assessment. Assessments occurred within 8 weeks of referral and intervention began immediately thereafter.Outcomes & Results:Treatment was significantly more effective than no treatment, over 6 months, both overall (p< 0.001) and for each of the three diagnostic categories (comprehension, expression and speech, eachp< 0.001).Conclusions:An average of 6 h of speech and language therapy in a 6‐month period can produce significant improvement in performance, and it has been shown to be more effective than no treatment over the same 6‐month period for children with primary speech and/or language impairment.
Primary full‐gland prostate cryoablation in older men (> age of 75 years): results from 860 patients tracked with the COLD Registry
Authors: Dhar Nivedita , Ward John F. , Cher Michael L. , Jones J. Stephen 
Published: July 2011

Study Type – Therapy (outcomes research)Level of Evidence 2c What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Most elderly patient with prostate cancer undergo radiation therapy, but cryoablation has gained popularity. This study demonstrates the safety and efficiency of this new approach.OBJECTIVE

To report on the largest data set regarding outcomes for whole gland prostate cryoablation as a primary treatment of prostate cancer in older men, which we empirically defined as age >75 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The COLD (Cryo On‐Line Data) Registry consists of case report forms with pre‐ and post‐treatment information obtained from patients undergoing prostate cryoablation.
A total of 860 patients were stratified into low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk groups (D'Amico 2003 risk definitions).
Biochemical disease‐free survival (bDFS) was defined according to the traditional American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology definition (3 increases) and the newer (Phoenix) definition (nadir +2).
Biopsy was performed at physician discretion but most commonly for cause if a patient had an increasing or suspicious prostate‐specific antigen level (PSA).

RESULTS

The median age was 79 years (76–91) and the median follow‐up was 16 months (4–60).
The 5‐year [95% confidence interval (CI)] bDFS for the entire population using ASTRO and Phoenix definitions was 79% (4%) and 62.6% (8.3%), respectively.
Stratified by risk group, 5‐year bDFS (ASTRO) was 82.4% (7.9%), 78.3% (5.8%) and 77.6% (7.7%) for low, moderate and high risk, respectively.
Using the Phoenix definition, 5‐year bDFS was 74.9%± 15.3%, 61.4%± 13.2% and 58.0%± 11.9% for low‐, moderate‐ and high‐risk groups, respectively.
Incontinence was reported in eight patients (0.9%).

CONCLUSION

Whole gland cryoablation in older men maintains oncological efficacy similar to that of younger men without increased morbidity.
Multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma: clinicopathological features and preoperative prediction using multiphase computed tomography
Authors: You Dalsan , Shim Myungsun , Jeong In Gab , Song Cheryn , Kim Jeong Kon , Ro Jae Y. , Hong Jun Hyuk , Ahn Hanjong , Kim Choung‐Soo 
Published: July 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma (MCRCC), defined according to the 2004 WHO classification, has good prognosis, which is not affected adversely by large tumour size or advanced stage. Thus nephron‐sparing surgery is proposed when MCRCC is suspected by preoperative radiologic criteria.The present study confirms the low malignant potential of MCRCC. Additionally, the results of the present study provide a simple, useful criteria using a Bosniak classification and Hounsfield unit on multiphase computed tomography images to differentiate MCRCC from other cystic RCC.OBJECTIVE• To analyse the clinicopathological and radiological features of multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma (MCRCC) and to determine the preoperative factors differentiating MCRCC from other cystic RCC (CRCC).PATIENTS AND METHODS• The medical records of 53 patients with complex cystic renal masses evaluated by multiphase computed tomography (CT), surgically removed and confirmed as sporadic RCC were reviewed.• Of these 53 patients, 23 were classified as having MCRCC and 30 as other CRCCs, defined as RCCs with extensive cystic change or cystic necrosis.• Another 22 patients were treated for complex cystic renal masses presumed to be RCC and diagnosed as having benign cyst.RESULTS• Benign cysts and MCRCCs were significantly more likely to be of Bosniak classification III than other CRCCs (77% vs 61% vs 27%, P= 0.001).• The mean Hounsfield unit (HU) during the corticomedullary phase (CMP) was significantly higher in other CRCCs, with HU ≥38 having 83% sensitivity and 80% specificity for predicting other CRCCs.• In a multiple regression model, Bosniak classification and mean HU during CMP were independent factors predictive of other CRCCs.• In the 41 patients with masses >4 cm in diameter, the combination of Bosniak classification IV and HU ≥38 during CMP showed 63% sensitivity, 96% specificity, 91% positive predictive value and 80% negative predictive value, yielding 2% false‐positive and 15% false‐negative rates.CONCLUSIONS• The mean HU during CMP and Bosniak classification can differentiate MCRCC from other CRCCs.• This could help in selecting an appropriate surgical method, such as nephron‐sparing surgery, for complex cystic renal masses >4 cm.
Evaluating the utility of a preoperative nomogram for predicting 90‐day mortality following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer
Authors: Taylor Jennifer M. , Feifer Andrew , Savage Caroline J. , Maschino Alexandra C. , Bernstein Melanie , Herr Harry W. , Donat S. Machele 
Published: July 2011

Study Type – Prognosis (individual cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?We know that patient fitness for surgery is a major predictor of morbidity and mortality after surgery.We found the published nomogram did not incorporate several known clinical risk factors and its predictive value was only slightly better than using the patient's age and Charlson score to predict perioperative morality. This limitation may be related to the lack of availability of these factors in national databases for inclusion when creating a nomogram. In addition, there are elements that factor into postoperative patient care that are not easily measured, such as hospital‐stay pathways, ancillary staff expertise, supportive medical care, and surgeon ability.OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the performance of the Isbarn nomogram for predicting 90‐day mortality following radical cystectomy in a contemporary series.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We identified 1141 consecutive radical cystectomy patients treated at our institution between 1995 and 2005 with at least 90 days of follow‐up.
We applied the published nomogram to our cohort, determining its discrimination, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and calibration.
We further compared it with a simple model using age and the Charlson comorbidity score.
RESULTS
Our cohort was similar to that used to develop the Isbarn nomogram in terms of age, gender, grade and histology; however, we observed a higher organ‐confined (≤pT2, N0) rate (52% vs 24%) and a lower overall 90‐day mortality rate [2.8% (95% confidence interval 1.9%, 3.9%) vs 3.9%].
The Isbarn nomogram predicted individual 90‐day mortality in our cohort with moderate discrimination [AUC 73.8% (95% confidence interval 64.4%, 83.2%)].
In comparison, a model using age and Charlson score alone had a bootstrap‐corrected AUC of 70.2% (95% confidence interval 67.2%, 75.4%).
CONCLUSIONS
The Isbarn nomogram showed moderate discrimination in our cohort; however, the exclusion of important preoperative comorbidity variables and the use of postoperative pathological stage limit its utility in the preoperative setting.
The use of a simple model combining age and Charlson score yielded similar discriminatory ability and underscores the significance of individual patient variables in predicting outcomes.
An accurate tool for predicting postoperative morbidity/mortality following radical cystectomy would be valuable for treatment planning and counselling. Future nomogram design should be based on preoperative variables including individual risk factors, such as comorbidities.
Estimation of a Conditional Copula and Association Measures
Authors: VERAVERBEKE NOËL , OMELKA MAREK , GIJBELS IRÈNE 
Published: July 2011

Abstarct.  This paper is concerned with studying the dependence structure between two random variables Y1 and Y2 conditionally upon a covariate X. The dependence structure is modelled via a copula function, which depends on the given value of the covariate in a general way. Gijbels et al. (Comput. Statist. Data Anal., 55, 2011, 1919) suggested two non‐parametric estimators of the ‘conditional’ copula and investigated their numerical performances. In this paper we establish the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators as well as conditional association measures derived from them. Practical recommendations for their use are then discussed.
Bayesian Smoothing of Photon-Limited Images with Applications in Astronomy
Authors: White John Thomas , Ghosal Subhashis 
Published: July 2011

Summary
We consider a multiscale model for intensities in photon-limited images using a Bayesian framework. A typical Dirichlet prior on relative intensities is not efficient in picking up structures owing to the continuity of intensities. We propose a novel prior using the so-called ‘Chinese restaurant process’ to create structures in the form of equal intensities of some neighbouring pixels. Simulations are conducted using several photon-limited images, which are common in X-ray astronomy and other high energy photon-based images. Applications to astronomical images from the Chandra X-ray Observatory satellite are shown. The new methodology outperforms most existing methods in terms of image processing quality, speed and the ability to select smoothing parameters automatically.
Autoimmune markers in vitiligo patients appear correlated with obsession and phobia
Authors: Moretti S. , Arunachalam M. , Colucci R. , Pallanti S. , Kline J.A. , Berti S. , Lotti F. , Lotti T. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground  Current studies have treated a limited portion of the subjective aspects of vitiligo patients and have yet to elucidate possible psychological differences between those with autoimmune markers (AIM) with respect to those without autoimmune markers (NAIM).Objective  To perform an age and gender‐matched 1 : 1 case–control study through a comparison of non‐segmental vitiligo patients with autoimmune features vs. those without autoimmune features in regards to psychiatric features, psychosomatic aspects and social parameters.Methods  A total of 112 non‐segmental vitiligo patients have been examined at the Florence University dermatology outpatient service (2nd dermatology unit). Vitiligo with an autoimmune background was defined by the presence of autoimmune antibodies and/or autoimmune diseases. Psychiatric screening was performed by dermatologists using the modified Middlesex Healthcare Questionnaire (MHQ); psychosomatic aspects and social impact were analysed with a standardized, Florentine questionnaire.Results  Upon performing a conditional regression model, age, phobia and obsession were significantly predictive of the presence of AIM and a low total MHQ score was significantly predictive of NAIM in vitiligo patients. With univariate analysis, we found significant differences in: identifiable stress related to the onset of vitiligo, vitiligo triggered by stress, and modified interpersonal relationships related to vitiligo, which were associated with the subgroup containing autoimmunity markers.Conclusions  We found a higher prevalence of age, obsession and phobia among vitiligo patients AIM as compared to vitiligo patients NAIM. Thus, in the presence of demonstrated autoimmunity, screening for particular psychiatric aspects may be useful in the clinical practice of vitiligo.