bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eight years of ant‐exclusion from citrus canopies: effects on the arthropod assemblage and on fruit yield
Authors: Piñol Josep , Espadaler Xavier , Cañellas Núria 
Published: June 2011

Ants are important generalist predators in most terrestrial ecosystems. However, because many ant species are also hemipteran mutualists, their role in agriculture has generally been considered to be negative for plants.In the present study, we report an experiment in ant‐exclusion from tree canopies in an organic citrus grove with two main objectives: (i) to examine whether the absence of ants increased the abundance of some beneficial arthropods and reduced the attack of some pests such as aphids and (ii) to examine whether ant‐exclusion increased the fruit yield of citrus trees.The exclusion of ants from tree canopies had positive effects on the arthropod assemblage and on fruit yield. However, the 8‐year duration of the experiment can be divided into two periods with contrasting results. In the first period, the arthropod assemblage was only slightly affected, except for a greater density of aphids in ant‐excluded trees; in addition, fruit yield was higher in ant‐excluded trees than in the control ones. In the second period, ant‐exclusion increased the abundance of most arthropod groups, although the previous positive effect on fruit yield was no longer observed.There are two main conclusions of the present study. First, from an applied perspective, ant‐exclusion from tree canopies is not a sound management alternative in citrus plantations in the Mediterranean. Second, the 8‐year duration of the experiment highlighted the importance of long‐term experiments in community ecology and biological control because the effects observed in the first 4 years of the experiment were very different from what occurred subsequently.
Thinning Jeffrey pine stands to reduce susceptibility to bark beetle infestations in California, U.S.A.
Authors: Fettig Christopher J. , Hayes Christopher J. , Jones Karen J. , Mckelvey Stephen R. , Mori Sylvia L. , Smith Sheri L. 
Published: June 2011

Bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) are commonly recognized as important tree mortality agents in coniferous forests of the western U.S.A.
High stand density is consistently associated with bark beetle infestations in western coniferous forests, and therefore thinning has long been advocated as a preventive measure to alleviate or reduce the amount of bark beetle‐caused tree mortality.
The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of thinning to reduce stand susceptibility to bark beetle infestations over a 10‐year period in Pinus jeffreyi forests on the Tahoe National Forest, California, U.S.A. Four treatments were replicated three times within 1‐ha square experimental plots. Treatments included thinning from below (i.e. initiating in the smallest diameter classes) to a residual target basal area (cross‐sectional area of trees at 1.37 m in height) of: (i) 18.4 m2/ha (low density thin); (ii) 27.6 m2/ha (medium density thin); (iii) 41.3 m2/ha (high density thin); and (iv) no stand manipulation (untreated control).
Throughout the present study, 107 trees died as a result of bark beetle attacks. Of these, 71% (75 trees) were Abies concolor killed by Scolytus ventralis; 20.6% (22 trees) were Pinus ponderosa killed by Dendroctonus ponderosae; 4.7% (five trees) were P. jeffreyi killed by Dendroctonus jeffreyi; 1.8% (two trees) were P. jeffreyi killed by Ips pini; 0.9% (one tree) were P. jeffreyi killed by Orthotomicus (= Ips) latidens; 0.9% (one tree) were P. ponderosa killed by both Dendroctonus brevicomis and D. ponderosae; and 0.9% (one tree) were P. jeffreyi killed by unknown causes.
In the low density thin, no pines were killed by bark beetles during the 10‐year period. Significantly fewer trees (per ha/year) were killed in the low density thin than the high density thin or untreated control. No significant treatment effect was observed for the percentage of trees (per year) killed by bark beetles.
Prostate‐specific antigen 1.5–4.0 ng/mL: a diagnostic challenge and danger zone
Authors: Crawford E. David , Moul Judd W. , Rove Kyle O. , Pettaway Curtis A. , Lamerato Lois E. , Hughes Alexa 
Published: June 2011

Study Type – Prognosis (inception cohort)Level of Evidence 1bWhat’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Large population screening trials like the ERSPC, PCPT and PLCO have noted that men with seemingly low PSA (even as low as 0.5 ng/dL) still can have prostate cancer. Despite these findings, PSA is still predominantly used as a current indicator for possible presence of prostate cancer rather than also serving as a prognostic marker. This study examines a larger number of men in a diverse US population to determine the prognostic value of a man’s baseline or first PSA.OBJECTIVES• To assess the value of a PSA threshold of 1.5 ng/mL as a predictor of increased prostate cancer risk over a four‐year period based on a man’s first PSA test, including racial differences.• To review the risk of progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) based on a similar PSA threshold.PATIENTS AND METHODS• A retrospective review involving 21 502 men from a large Midwestern health system was performed.• Men at least 40 years old with baseline PSA values between 0 and 4.0 ng/mL and at least four years of follow‐up after initial PSA test were included.• Optimal PSA threshold and predictive value of PSA for development of prostate cancer were calculated.RESULTS• Prostate cancer rates were 15‐fold higher in patients with PSA ≥1.5 ng/mL vs patients with PSA <1.5 ng/mL (7.85% vs 0.51%).• African American patients with baseline PSA <1.5 ng/mL faced prostate cancer rates similar to the whole study population (0.54% vs 0.51%, respectively), while African American patients with PSA 1.5–4.0 ng/mL faced a 19‐fold increase in prostate cancer.CONCLUSION• Both Caucasian and African American men with baseline PSA values between 1.5 and 4.0 ng/mL are at increased risk for future prostate cancer compared with those who have an initial PSA value below the 1.5 ng/mL threshold.• Based on a growing body of literature and this analysis, it is recommended that a first PSA test threshold of 1.5 ng/mL and above, or somewhere between 1.5 and 4.0 ng/mL, represent the Early‐Warning PSA Zone (EWP Zone).• This should serve to inform patients and clinicians alike to future clinical activities with respect to prostate cancer and BPH.
Surgery for renal cell cancer extending into the inferior vena cava – evaluation of survival and perioperative complications using a standardized classification system
Authors: Zastrow Stefan , Leike Steffen , Oehlschläger Sven , Grimm Marc‐Oliver , Wirth Manfred 
Published: June 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Patients should undergo surgery, although in the recent past some case series reported thrombus shrinkage with target therapies. Operations can be performed safely.The study adds the use of a standardized classification system for perioperative complications and reports less positive results with neoadjuvant target therapies.OBJECTIVE• To present a single‐centre experience of surgery for kidney cancer involving vena cava thrombus with surgical technique, complications and outcome using a standardized classification system for perioperative complications.PATIENTS AND METHODS• Sixty‐eight consecutive cases were retrospectively analysed. Thrombus extension was at level I (but inside the vena cava) in 10 cases, level II in 28 cases, level III in 18 cases and level IV in 12 cases; 18 patients had distant metastases.• Radical tumour nephrectomy was performed in all cases. Complete liver mobilization was carried out in 23 cases and cardiovascular bypass with circulatory arrest was performed in five cases.• Follow‐up was available for 66 patients. Median follow‐up was 29 months (interquartile range 30.75).RESULTS• The 28‐day mortality was 0%.• According to the Clavien–Dindo classification there were two grade 1, 54 grade 2, two grade 3a, two grade 3b and two grade 4a perioperative complications.• The factors pN, grading and metastases at presentation predicted overall survival in univariate analyses. In a multivariate model none of the factors age, metastases at presentation, pN, WHO‐grading, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, tumour size and thrombus level significantly predicted survival.• Immediate target therapy with neoadjuvant intention in three patients did not result in surgical therapy.CONCLUSIONS• Aggressive surgical treatment causes no perioperative mortality and leads to a low rate of grade 3 and grade 4 complications (8.8%).• A median overall survival of 47 months shows that surgical treatment has favourable results in these patients.
TURP and sex: patient and partner prospective 12 years follow‐up study
Authors: Mishriki Said F. , Grimsley Samuel J.S. , Lam Thomas , Nabi Ghulam , Cohen Nicholas P. 
Published: June 2011

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (prospective cohort)Level of Evidence 1bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Evidence that transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) leads to erectile dysfunction (ED) is conflicting. Several studies claimed significant risk of ED after TURP for benign prostatic hyperplasia with some reporting complete loss of erection. Several studies have been retrospective or have not considered levels of pre‐operative ED.ED associated with lower urinary tract symptoms frequently precedes TURP. TURP did not adversely affect erectile function. Pre‐operative ED can be improved by TURP and long‐term erectile function is maintained following TURP. The improvement was corroborated by the partners in the short, medium and long‐term and was statistically significant.OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) on sexual function in the short (6 months), medium (6 years) and long (12 years) term and assess the conformity between patient and partner regarding sexual function.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A prospective cohort study set at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary University Hospital.
A total of 280 men referred with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) to a university hospital underwent TURP between January 1993 and September 1994; 145 of their partners (partner or spouse) participated.
Assessment included American Urological Association symptom score, flow rates and validated self‐reported sexual questionnaires (SQ).
Data were collected at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 6 years and 12 years of follow‐up.
RESULTS
In all, 120 (43%) men were sexually active preoperatively. At 6 months, 73 (61%) of these 120 men completed the SQ and all were sexually active.
No sexually active patient became impotent after the procedure. Moreover, 27 (15%) with pre‐existing erectile dysfunction reported improved sexual activity and erection quality.
At 6 years 101 men completed the SQ and 31 (30.7%) were sexually active. At 12 years, 36 (31.9%) of 113 who completed the SQ were sexually active.
Partners agreed with the men's self assessment at all visits.
Limitations include possible attrition bias and lack of information from non‐responders.
CONCLUSIONS
Erectile dysfunction associated with LUTS frequently precedes TURP.
The TURP did not adversely affect sexual function.
Pre‐operative erectile dysfunction can be improved by TURP and long‐term sexual function is maintained after TURP. These findings, corroborated by the partners, were statistically significant.
Cut‐off values of fasting and post‐load plasma glucose and HbA1c for predicting Type 2 diabetes in community‐dwelling Japanese subjects: the Hisayama Study
Authors: Mukai N. , Doi Y. , Ninomiya T. , Hata J. , Hirakawa Y. , Fukuhara M. , Iwase M. , Kiyohara Y. 
Published: July 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 99–106 (2012)AbstractAims  We examined the optimal cut‐off values of fasting plasma glucose, 2‐h post‐load glucose and HbA1c for predicting Type 2 diabetes in community‐dwelling Japanese subjects.Methods  A total of 1982 subjects without diabetes aged 40–79 years who underwent a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test were followed prospectively for 14 years by annual health examination.Results  During the follow‐up, 295 subjects developed Type 2 diabetes. Compared with the first decile, the crude hazard ratio for incident Type 2 diabetes was significantly higher in the fifth fasting plasma glucose decile [5.4–5.4 mmol/l (97–98 mg/dl)] or higher, in the seventh 2‐h post‐load glucose decile [6.9–7.2 mmol/l (124–131 mg/dl)] or higher, and in the fifth HbA1c decile [34–36 mmol/mol (5.3–5.4%)] or higher. These associations remained substantially unchanged even after adjustment for confounding factors. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the optimal cut‐off values for predicting Type 2 diabetes were 5.6 mmol/l (101 mg/dl) for fasting plasma glucose, 6.9 mmol/l (124 mg/dl) for 2‐h post‐load glucose and 37 mmol/mol (5.5%) for HbA1c. In a stratified analysis, the cut‐off values were approximately 5.6 mmol/l (101 mg/dl) for fasting plasma glucose and 37 mmol/mol (5.5%) for HbA1c, and these values were unchanged over BMI quartile levels, whereas the 2‐h post‐load glucose cut‐off values declined with decreasing BMI levels.Conclusions  Our findings suggest that the cut‐off value for predicting Type 2 diabetes in the Japanese population is 5.6 mmol/l (101 mg/dl) for fasting plasma glucose and 37 mmol/mol (5.5%) for HbA1c, while the 2‐h post‐load glucose cut‐off value is lower than the diagnostic criterion for impaired glucose tolerance.
The prevalence of increased central adiposity in Australian school children 1985 to 2007
Authors: Garnett S. P. , Baur L. A. , Cowell C. T. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryThe epidemic of obesity as measured by body mass index (BMI) maybe plateauing. However, studies using skin‐fold and waist circumference measurements suggest that BMI may underestimate changes in fatness in children. In this study we examine changes in waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) in Australian children between 1985 and 2007, by undertaking secondary data analysis of three national data sets. The mean waist circumference z‐score for boys increased from −0.02 (95% CI −0.05 to 0.01) in 1985, to 0.33 (0.26 to 0.40) in 1995 and 0.41 (0.35 to 0.47) in 2007 and was greater (P < 0.001) than the increase in BMI z‐score. The increase in mean waist circumference z‐score for girls was greater (P < 0.001) than boys and increased from −0.02 (0.05 to 0.01) in 1985, to 0.33 (0.26 to 0.41) in 1995 and to 0.57 (0.51 to 0.63) in 2007. The number of children with a WHtR ≥0.5 increased from 8.6% in 1985, to 13.6% in 1995 and 18.3% in 2007. Between 1985 and 2007 central adiposity increased at a faster rate than total adiposity, particularly in girls. The secular increase in waist circumference and WHtR is concerning as measures of central adiposity are associated with metabolic and cardiovascular risk.
The Ineffectiveness of the Denial of Free Will
Authors: Casado Rubén 
Published: June 2011

AbstractFree will, before being an object of beliefs or theories susceptible of verification, is the omnipresent supposition of our conscious life. This paper claims that this omnipresence, even though it is not enough to validate theoretically free will, entails two significant consequences. First, that free will is the essential presumption of our actions, without which they would become incomprehensible. Second, that all denial of this – a rational action in itself – presupposes that which is denied.
Validation of the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ‐R) in a sample of persons recovering from myocardial infarction – the Swedish version
Authors: BRINK EVA , ALSÉN PIA , CLIFFORDSON CHRISTINA 
Published: July 2011

Brink, E., Alsén, P. & Cliffordson, C. (2011). Validation of the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ‐R) in a sample of persons recovering from myocardial infarction – the Swedish version. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 573–579.When people’s health is threatened, they generally develop illness perceptions to make sense of their illness. The Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ‐R), developed by Moss‐Morris et al (2002), has been widely used in many countries to measure such representations. However, since studies in this crucial research area are lacking in Sweden a Swedish version of IPQ‐R was validated with a focus on the seven subscales: timeline acute/chronic, timeline cyclical, consequences, personal control, treatment control, illness coherence and emotional representations. Using confirmatory factor analysis, the aim of the present study was to validate the internal structure of the Swedish version in a sample of 202 persons (144 men and 58 women) who had been diagnosed with myocardial infarction four months earlier. Additionally, inter‐correlations among the seven subscales and external concurrent validity were also investigated. The results of confirmatory factor analysis revealed that, in line with the English version of the IPQ‐R, the specified seven‐factor model had a satisfactory fit. One item was however not considered reliable and was therefore excluded from the instrument. The internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficients) and the inter‐factor correlations were relatively similar to those reported in the validation study of the original English IPQ‐R. In tests of concurrent validity, the seven IPQ‐R subscales were, as hypothesized, mainly associated with external variables. To conclude, the Swedish version of the IPQ‐R’s seven dimensions, with one item removed, (total 37 items) was found to be a reliable and valid measure of illness perception.
Grey spaces: the wheeled fields of residential care
Authors: Ben Mortenson W. , Oliffe John L. , Miller William C. , Backman Catherine L. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractMany individuals living in residential care use a wheelchair as their primary means of mobility. Although studies have documented challenges encountered by residents in these facilities, few have addressed the role that wheelchairs, as potential enablers and barriers to mobility and participation, play in their lives. To better understand residents’ experiences, an ethnographic study was conducted drawing on Bourdieu’s theoretical constructs of capital, field, and habitus. Participant observations were conducted at two facilities, and residents, family members and staff took part in in‐depth individual interviews. Our analysis revealed three themes. Ready to roll detailed how residents used wheelchairs as a source of comfort and means for expanding their social space, while staff could use them as a means to move and control some residents. Squeaky wheels described how residents solicited assistance from staff and family amid having to wait to perform activities of daily living. In, out and about revealed diversity in the places residents went, spaces they shared and the social activities in which they engaged inside and outside their residential facilities. The study findings emphasise how wheelchairs constitute capital that governs many fields of practice for residents and staff and suggest how practice and policy might be adjusted.
From personal tragedy to personal challenge: responses to stigma among sober living home residents and operators
Authors: Heslin Kevin C. , Singzon Trudy , Aimiuwu Otaren , Sheridan Dave , Hamilton Alison 
Published: June 2011

AbstractSober living homes for people attempting to maintain abstinence from alcohol and drugs can act as a buffer against the high rates of substance misuse that are endemic to many urban environments. Sober living homes and other group homes for people with disabilities have faced persistent opposition from neighbourhood associations, which raises the question of stigma. This article describes the responses of sober living home residents and operators to the threat of stigma across a diverse set of neighbourhoods. Ten focus groups were conducted with 68 residents and operators of 35 sober living homes in Los Angeles County, California, between January 2009 and March 2010. Results showed that few residents reported experiences of blatant stigmatisation by neighbours; however, they were well aware of the stereotypes that could be ascribed to them. Despite this potential stigma, residents developed valued identities as helpers in their communities, providing advice to neighbours whose family or friends had substance use problems, and organising community service activities to improve the appearance of their neighbourhoods. With their attention to local context, sober living home residents and operators challenge the personal tragedy approach of much traditional advocacy on health‐related stigma.
Dynamics of Reporting Work Disability in Europe
Authors: Angelini Viola , Cavapozzi Danilo , Paccagnella Omar 
Published: July 2011

SummaryWe investigate the role of response consistency in the dynamics of reporting work disability. Using the 2004 and 2006 waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, we document that in Europe surprisingly large fractions of individuals change their self-reported disability status within 2 years. We find that these dynamics can be largely explained by the fact that respondents change the way that they evaluate the severity of work disability problems over time.
Maximum entropy models for general lag patterns
Authors: Boshnakov Georgi N. , Iqelan Bisher M. 
Published: June 2011

The maximum entropy problem for autocovariances given over a class of subsets of is solved. A more general problem when prediction coefficients and prediction error variances are given instead of covariances is considered and solved, as well. Two notions about maximum entropy in time series context are introduced and some misconceptions in the literature are discussed.
Midfacial analysis and planning for midface augmentation with injectable filling materials: an anatomical approach
Authors: Taheri A. , Mansoori P. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground  Midfacial augmentation improves the appearance of patients with flat or ptotic cheek.Objectives  To develop a simple method of preoperative delineating the location of the ideal malar prominence and determining the best area to augment with injectable filling materials.Methods  We used detailed analysis of the facial features of some Caucasian men and women as the basis for this study.Results  We described a technique to locate the ideal malar prominence and proposed a classification of midfacial contour defects.Conclusion  This method greatly simplifies the surgeon’s task of determining the area to be augmented.