bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative measurement of HER2 expression in breast cancers: comparison with ‘real-world’ routine HER2 testing in a multicenter Collaborative Biomarker Study and correlation with overall survival
Authors: Yardley Denise A , Kaufman Peter A , Huang Weidong , Krekow Lea , Savin Michael , Lawler William E , Zrada Stephen , Starr Alexander , Einhorn Harvey , Schwartzberg Lee S , Adams John W , Lie Yolanda , Paquet Agnes C , Sperinde Jeff , Haddad Mojgan , Anderson Steve , Brigino Marlon , Pesano Rick , Bates Michael P , Weidler Jodi , Bosserman Linda
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Accurate assessment of HER2 status is critical in determining appropriate therapy for breast cancer patients but the best HER2 testing methodology has yet to be defined. In this study, we compared quantitative HER2 expression by the HERmark™ Breast Cancer Assay (HERmark) with routine HER2 testing by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and correlated HER2 results with overall survival (OS) of breast cancer patients in a multicenter Collaborative Biomarker Study (CBS).

Methods

Two hundred and thirty-two formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded breast cancer tissues and local laboratory HER2 testing results were provided by 11 CBS sites. HERmark assay and central laboratory HER2 IHC retesting were retrospectively performed in a blinded fashion. HER2 results by all testing methods were obtained in 192 cases.

Results

HERmark yielded a continuum of total HER2 expression (H2T) ranging from 0.3 to 403 RF/mm2 (approximately 3 logs). The distribution of H2T levels correlated significantly (P <0.0001) with all routine HER2 testing results. The concordance of positive and negative values (equivocal cases excluded) between HERmark and routine HER2 testing was 84% for local IHC, 96% for central IHC, 85% for local FISH, and 84% for local HER2 status. OS analysis revealed a significant correlation of shorter OS with HER2 positivity by local IHC (HR = 2.6, P = 0.016), central IHC (HR = 3.2, P = 0.015), and HERmark (HR = 5.1, P <0.0001) in this cohort of patients most of whom received no HER2-targeted therapy. The OS curve of discordant low (HER2 positive but H2T low, 10% of all cases) was aligned with concordant negative (HER2 negative and H2T low, HR = 1.9, P = 0.444), but showed a significantly longer OS than concordant positive (HER2 positive and H2T high, HR = 0.31, P = 0.024). Conversely, the OS curve of discordant high (HER2 negative but H2T high, 9% of all cases) was aligned with concordant positive (HR = 0.41, P = 0.105), but showed a significantly shorter OS than concordant negative (HR = 41, P <0.0001).

Conclusions

Quantitative HER2 measurement by HERmark is highly sensitive, accurately quantifies HER2 protein expression and correlates well with routine HER2 testing. When HERmark and local HER2 results were discordant, HERmark more accurately predicted overall survival.
Application of the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for systemic sclerosis to patients with Raynaud’s phenomenon
Authors: Park Jin-Su , Park Min-Chan , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong-Beom , Lee Soo-Kon , Lee Sang-Won
Published: March 2015

Introduction

We investigated how many patients, who presented with Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) and who had not been classified as systemic sclerosis (SSc), would be reclassified as SSc, if the 2013 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) classification criteria were used. We also analyzed the predictive values of the reclassification as SSc in those patients.

Methods

We consecutively enrolled 64 patients with RP and 60 patients with SSc. We applied the new classification criteria to them, reclassified them, and compared variables between those who were newly classified as SSc and those who were not or previously classified as SSc.

Results

Seventeen of 64 patients (26.5%), who presented with RP, but did not fulfill the 1980 ACR classification criteria, were newly classified as SSc by the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria. The newly classified patients as SSc showed increased frequencies of sclerodactyly, digital tip ulcer, telangiectasia, abnormal nailfold capillaries and the presence of anti-centromere antibody, compared to those not and telangiectasia and anti-centromere antibody, compared to the previously classified patients. For the reclassification as SSc, the variables with independent predictive value were sclerodactyly (odds ratio (OR) 60.025), telangiectasia (OR 13.353) and the presence of anti-centromere antibody (OR 11.168).

Conclusions

Overall, 26.5% of the patients, who presented with RP, but who did not fulfill the 1980 ACR classification criteria, were newly classified as SSc according to the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria. Sclerodactyly, telangiectasia, and the presence of anti-centromere antibody had independent predictive value for reclassifying patients with RP as SSc.
Lung disease as a determinant of cognitive decline and dementia
Authors: Dodd James W
Published: March 2015

Almost 40 million people currently live with dementia but this is estimated to double over the next 20 years; despite this, research identifying modifiable risk factors is scarce. There is increasing evidence that cognitive impairment is more frequent in those with chronic lung disease than those without. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects 210 million people, with cognitive impairment present in 60% of certain populations. Co-morbid cognitive dysfunction also appears to impact on important outcomes such as quality of life, hospitalisation and survival. This review summarises the evidence of an association between cognition, impaired lung function and obstructive lung disease. It goes on to examine the contribution of neuro-imaging to our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. While the mechanisms of brain pathology and cognitive impairment are likely to be complex and multi-factorial, there is evidence to suggest a key role for occult cerebrovascular damage independent of traditional vascular risk factors, including smoking.
Paediatric leukaemia DNA methylation profiling using MBD enrichment and SOLiD sequencing on archival bone marrow smears
Authors: Wong Nicholas CL , Meredith Gavin D , Marnellos George , Dudas Miroslav , Parkinson-Bates Mandy , Halemba Suh , Chatterton Zac , Maksimovic Jovana , Ashley David M , Mechinaud Francoise , Craig Jeffrey M , Saffery Richard
Published: March 2015

Background:

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) is the most common cancer in children. Over the past four decades, research has advanced the treatment of this cancer from a less than 60% chance of survival to over 85% today. The causal molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we performed sequencing-based genomic DNA methylation profiling of eight paediatric ALL patients using archived bone marrow smear microscope slides.

Findings:

SOLiD™ sequencing data was collected from Methyl-Binding Domain (MBD) enriched fractions of genomic DNA. The primary tumour and remission bone marrow sample was analysed from eight patients. Four patients relapsed and the relapsed tumour was analysed. Input and MBD-enriched DNA from each sample was sequenced, aligned to the hg19 reference genome and analysed for enrichment peaks using MACS (Model-based Analysis for ChIP-Seq) and HOMER (Hypergeometric Optimization of Motif EnRichment). In total, 3.67 gigabases (Gb) were sequenced, 2.74 Gb were aligned to the reference genome (average 74.66% alignment efficiency). This dataset enables the interrogation of differential DNA methylation associated with paediatric ALL. Preliminary results reveal concordant regions of enrichment indicative of a DNA methylation signature.

Conclusion:

Our dataset represents one of the first SOLiD™MBD-Seq studies performed on paediatric ALL and is the first to utilise archival bone marrow smears. Differential DNA methylation between cancer and equivalent disease-free tissue can be identified and correlated with existing and published genomic studies. Given the rarity of paediatric haematopoietic malignancies, relative to adult counterparts, our demonstration of the utility of archived bone marrow smear samples to high-throughput methylation sequencing approaches offers tremendous potential to explore the role of DNA methylation in the aetiology of cancer.
Bacterial and viral identification and differentiation by amplicon sequencing on the MinION nanopore sequencer
Authors: Kilianski Andy , Haas Jamie L , Corriveau Elizabeth J , Liem Alvin T , Willis Kristen L , Kadavy Dana R , Rosenzweig C Nicole , Minot Samuel S
Published: March 2015

Background

The MinION™ nanopore sequencer was recently released to a community of alpha-testers for evaluation using a variety of sequencing applications. Recent reports have tested the ability of the MinION™ to act as a whole genome sequencer and have demonstrated that nanopore sequencing has tremendous potential utility. However, the current nanopore technology still has limitations with respect to error-rate, and this is problematic when attempting to assemble whole genomes without secondary rounds of sequencing to correct errors. In this study, we tested the ability of the MinION™ nanopore sequencer to accurately identify and differentiate bacterial and viral samples via directed sequencing of characteristic genes shared broadly across a target clade.

Results

Using a 6 hour sequencing run time, sufficient data were generated to identify an E. coli sample down to the species level from 16S rDNA amplicons. Three poxviruses (cowpox, vaccinia-MVA, and vaccinia-Lister) were identified and differentiated down to the strain level, despite over 98% identity between the vaccinia strains. The ability to differentiate strains by amplicon sequencing on the MinION™ was accomplished despite an observed per-base error rate of approximately 30%.

Conclusions

While nanopore sequencing, using the MinION™ platform from Oxford Nanopore in particular, continues to mature into a commercially available technology, practical uses are sought for the current versions of the technology. This study offers evidence of the utility of amplicon sequencing by demonstrating that the current versions of MinION™ technology can accurately identify and differentiate both viral and bacterial species present within biological samples via amplicon sequencing.
Efficacy of intravenous sedation and oral nifedipine in dental implant patients with preoperative hypertension - a retrospective study of 516 cases
Authors: Kimura Motoshi , Takasugi Yoshihiro , Hanano Shigeyoshi , Terabe Katsuyuki , Kimura Yuko
Published: March 2015

Background

To examine the effects of intravenous sedation and oral nifedipine on blood pressure and pulse rate in patients with perioperative high blood pressure undergoing implant surgery, the clinical records of dental implant patients managed by intravenous sedation at our outpatient dental offices were retrospectively evaluated.

Methods

A total of 516 clinical charts were evaluated. The subjects were divided into two groups: a normotensive group with no history of hypertension and a hypertensive group with a history of hypertension. The patients in the hypertensive group were further divided into two subgroups: with or without nifedipine administration before operation. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse rate (PR), and rate pressure product (RPP) were assessed.

Results

In 30 patients (33%) of the hypertensive group, the high blood pressure on arrival obviously declined to around or less than 160 mmHg; in the remaining patients in the group who showed a mean SBP of 182.1 ± 13.8 mmHg on arrival, the blood pressure did not decrease after a 30-min rest. Oral nifedipine administered to the patients with sustained high blood pressure decreased SBP to 144.7 ± 23.1 mmHg in 28.1 ± 9.3 min after administration, comparable to that in hypertensive patients without nifedipine.

Conclusions

For patients with stage 2 hypertension before operation, it may be difficult to maintain the recommended blood pressure during surgery by only intravenous sedation; reduction of blood pressure by antihypertensive drugs may be necessary.
Removing smearing-effect artifacts in angle-domain common-image gathers from reverse time migration
Authors: Jin Hu , McMechan George A.
Published: March 2015

Local plane-wave decomposition (LPWD) and local shift imaging condition (LSIC) methods for extracting angle-domain common-image gathers (ADCIGs) from prestack reverse time migration are based on the local plane-wave assumption, and both suffer from a trade-off in choosing the local window size. Small windows produce clean ADCIGs, but with low angle resolution, whereas large windows produce noisy ADCIGs, which include smearing-effect artifacts, but with high angle resolution. The cause of the smearing-effect artifacts in LPWD is the crosscorrelation of plane waves obtained by decomposition of the source and receiver wavefronts, at points that do not lie on the source wavefront excitation time trajectory. The cause of the smearing-effect artifacts in LSIC is the decomposition of curved events of offset-domain common-image gathers (ODCIGs) at incorrect depth points at zero offset. These artifacts can occur even if the migration velocity model is correct. Two methods were proposed to remove the artifacts. In the LPWD method, the smearing-effect artifacts were removed by decomposing and crosscorrelating the resulting source and receiver plane waves only at image points and excitation (image) times. In the LSIC method, the artifacts were removed by decomposing curved events in ODCIGs into planar events only at zero-offset target image points. Numerical tests with synthetic data revealed the success of the proposed methods.
On the specific polarizability of sands and sand-clay mixtures
Authors: Weller Andreas , Slater Lee , Huisman Johan Alexander , Esser Odilia , Haegel Franz-Hubert
Published: March 2015

The concept of specific polarizability [Formula: see text], being the ratio between imaginary conductivity and specific surface area, can be used to represent the polarization of the mineral-fluid interface per unit pore-volume-normalized surface area [Formula: see text] and to account for the control of the fluid chemistry and/or mineralogy on induced polarization (IP) measurements. We used a database of IP measurements on sands and sand-clay mixtures to investigate the variation in [Formula: see text] as a function of clay content and/or mineralogy. We found an apparent variation in [Formula: see text] between sands and sand-clay mixtures when [Formula: see text] was calculated using the nitrogen adsorption (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller — BET) method, with clays having an apparently higher [Formula: see text] than sands. However, this variation was considerably reduced when [Formula: see text] was calculated using a wet-state methylene blue (MB) method that also sensed the surface area associated with internal layers of clay minerals inaccessible with the dry-state BET method. Furthermore, the imaginary conductivity was significantly better correlated with [Formula: see text] determined from the MB method relative to [Formula: see text] determined from the BET method. We found no evidence for a strong difference in the specific polarizability of quartz and clay minerals. This finding contradicted predictions from recent mechanistic formulations of the IP response of the Stern layer. Our findings have significant implications for improving and simplifying the interpretation of IP measurements in near-surface materials.
C-Reactive Protein As a Marker of Melanoma Progression
Authors: Fang Shenying , Wang Yuling , Sui Dawen , Liu Huey , Ross Merrick I. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Cormier Janice N. , Royal Richard E. , Lucci Anthony , Schacherer Christopher W. , Gardner Julie M. , Reveille John D. , Bassett Roland L. , Wang Li-E , Wei Qingyi , Amos Christopher I. , Lee Jeffrey E.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To investigate the association between blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with melanoma and overall survival (OS), melanoma-specific survival (MSS), and disease-free survival.

Patients and Methods

Two independent sets of plasma samples from a total of 1,144 patients with melanoma (587 initial and 557 confirmatory) were available for CRP determination. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression were used to evaluate the relationship between CRP and clinical outcome. Among 115 patients who underwent sequential blood draws, we evaluated the relationship between change in disease status and change in CRP using nonparametric tests.

Results

Elevated CRP level was associated with poorer OS and MSS in the initial, confirmatory, and combined data sets (combined data set: OS hazard ratio, 1.44 per unit increase of logarithmic CRP; 95% CI, 1.30 to 1.59; P < .001; MSS hazard ratio, 1.51 per unit increase of logarithmic CRP; 95% CI, 1.36 to 1.68; P < .001). These findings persisted after multivariable adjustment. As compared with CRP < 10 mg/L, CRP ≥ 10 mg/L conferred poorer OS in patients with any-stage, stage I/II, or stage III/IV disease and poorer disease-free survival in those with stage I/II disease. In patients who underwent sequential evaluation of CRP, an association was identified between an increase in CRP and melanoma disease progression.

Conclusion

CRP is an independent prognostic marker in patients with melanoma. CRP measurement should be considered for incorporation into prospective studies of outcome in patients with melanoma and clinical trials of systemic therapies for those with melanoma.
Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors: Recent Advances and Future Development
Authors: Scott Clare L. , Swisher Elizabeth M. , Kaufmann Scott H.
Published: March 2015

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have shown promising activity in epithelial ovarian cancers, especially relapsed platinum-sensitive high-grade serous disease. Consistent with preclinical studies, ovarian cancers and a number of other solid tumor types occurring in patients with deleterious germline mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 seem to be particularly sensitive. However, it is also becoming clear that germline BRCA1/2 mutations are neither necessary nor sufficient for patients to derive benefit from PARP inhibitors. We provide an update on PARP inhibitor clinical development, describe recent advances in our understanding of PARP inhibitor mechanism of action, and discuss current issues in the development of these agents.
Ensuring Head and Neck Oncology Patients Receive Recommended Pretreatment Dental Evaluations
Authors: Margalit Danielle N. , Losi Stephanie M. , Tishler Roy B. , Schoenfeld Jonathan D. , Ann Fugazzotto Jo , Stephens Josie , Cebulski Amy L. , Hammerstrand Elizabeth L. , Ma Laura , Lopes Holly M. , Haddad Robert I. , Treister Nathaniel S. , Frustino Jennifer L.
Published: March 2015

The authors aimed to create a system to ensure that patients are given a dental instructional guide before radiotherapy, and that such patients are readily identifiable, allowing for confirmation that preteatment dental evaluations are complete.
Hospitalists on an Inpatient Tertiary Care Oncology Teaching Service
Authors: Koo Douglas J. , Goring Tabitha N. , Saltz Leonard B. , Kerpelev Marina , Kumar Chhavi B. , Salvit Cori , Chung Helen H. , Abou-Alfa Ghassan K. , Martin Steven C. , Egan Barbara C.
Published: March 2015

A hospitalist-led inpatient service with house staff represents a novel approach for caring for hospitalized patients with GI cancer.
Correlation of Clinical Stage and Performance Status With Quality of Life in Patients Seen in a Pancreas Multidisciplinary Clinic
Authors: Moningi Shalini , Walker Amanda J. , Hsu Charles C. , Reese Jennifer Barsky , Wang Jing-Ya , Fan Katherine Y. , Rosati Lauren M. , Laheru Daniel A. , Weiss Matthew J. , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Pawlik Timothy M. , Herman Joseph M.
Published: March 2015

Although several measures of QoL have been observed in all patients, certain measures seem to correlate specifically with worse disease status. Routine assessment of QoL is suggested to guide treatment decisions.
Population-Based Assessment of Emergency Room Visits and Hospitalizations Among Women Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Enright Katherine , Grunfeld Eva , Yun Lingsong , Moineddin Rahim , Ghannam Mohammad , Dent Susan , Eisen Andrea , Trudeau Maureen , Kaizer Leonard , Earle Craig , Krzyzanowska Monika K.
Published: March 2015

The authors conclude that emergency room visits and hospitalization are common among patients with early breast cancer receiving chemotherapy and significantly higher than among controls.
Reporting Program for Cancer Care Quality Indicators
Authors: Kowalski Christoph , Schulte Hilde , Wesselmann Simone
Published: March 2015

The authors outline a reporting program in use by an increasing number of certified cancer centers in Germany to report quality-of-care indicators.
Improving Incidence of Code Status Documentation Through Process and Discipline
Authors: Neubauer Marcus A. , Taniguchi Cynthia B. , Hoverman J. Russell
Published: March 2015

Though much work remains, the authors say early results show promise for improvement in incidence of code status documentation within health records in the outpatient setting.
Examination of Unplanned 30-Day Readmissions to a Comprehensive Cancer Hospital
Authors: Saunders Neil David , Nichols Shawnn D. , Antiporda Michael Alfredo , Johnson Kristen , Walker Kerri , Nilsson Rhonda , Graham Lisa , Old Matt , Klisovic Rebecca B. , Penza Sam , Schmidt Carl R.
Published: March 2015

Most unplanned readmissions to a tertiary cancer hospital were related to progression of disease, new diagnoses, and procedure complications.
Administration of Oral Chemotherapy: Results From Three Rounds of the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative
Authors: Zerillo Jessica A. , Pham Trang H. , Kadlubek Pamela , Severson Jane Alcyne , Mackler Emily , Jacobson Joseph O. , Blayney Douglas W.
Published: March 2015

The collection of oral chemotherapy test measure data is feasible, and improvement opportunities exist for patients who are prescribed oral chemotherapy.
The State of Cancer Care in America, 2015: A Report by the American Society of Clinical Oncology
Authors:   American Society of Clinical Oncology
Published: March 2015

In this second annual State of Cancer Care in America report, ASCO provides background and context to help understand what is happening today in cancer care and describes trends in the cancer care workforce that may affect cancer care in the coming years.
Progesterone Receptor Transcriptome and Cistrome in Decidualized Human Endometrial Stromal Cells
Authors: Mazur Erik C. , Vasquez Yasmin M. , Li Xilong , Kommagani Ramakrishna , Jiang Lichun , Chen Rui , Lanz Rainer B. , Kovanci Ertug , Gibbons William E. , DeMayo Francesco J.
Published: March 2015

Decidualization is a complex process involving cellular proliferation and differentiation of the endometrial stroma that is required to establish and support pregnancy. Progesterone acting via its nuclear receptor, the progesterone receptor (PGR), is a critical regulator of decidualization and is known to interact with certain members of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) family in the regulation of transcription. In this study, we identified the cistrome and transcriptome of PGR and identified the AP-1 factors FOSL2 and JUN to be regulated by PGR and important in the decidualization process. Direct targets of PGR were identified by integrating gene expression data from RNA sequencing with the whole-genome binding profile of PGR determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing (ChIP-seq) in primary human endometrial stromal cells exposed to 17β-estradiol, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and cAMP to promote in vitro decidualization. Ablation of FOSL2 and JUN attenuates the induction of 2 decidual marker genes, IGFBP1 and PRL. ChIP-seq analysis of genomic binding revealed that FOSL2 is bound in proximity to 8586 distinct genes, including nearly 80% of genes bound by PGR. A comprehensive assessment of the PGR-dependent decidual transcriptome integrated with the genomic binding of PGR identified FOSL2 as a potentially important transcriptional coregulator of PGR via direct interaction with regulatory regions of genes actively regulated during decidualization.
Metazoan Maelstrom is an RNA-binding protein that has evolved from an ancient nuclease active in protists
Authors: Chen Kuan-Ming , Campbell Edgar , Pandey Radha Raman , Yang Zhaolin , McCarthy Andrew A. , Pillai Ramesh S.
Published: March 2015

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) guide Piwi argonautes to their transposon targets for silencing. The highly conserved protein Maelstrom is linked to both piRNA biogenesis and effector roles in this pathway. One defining feature of Maelstrom is the predicted MAEL domain of unknown molecular function. Here, we present the first crystal structure of the MAEL domain from Bombyx Maelstrom, which reveals a nuclease fold. The overall architecture resembles that found in Mg2+- or Mn2+-dependent DEDD nucleases, but a clear distinguishing feature is the presence of a structural Zn2+ ion coordinated by the conserved ECHC residues. Strikingly, metazoan Maelstrom orthologs across the animal kingdom lack the catalytic DEDD residues, and as we show for Bombyx Maelstrom are inactive as nucleases. However, a MAEL domain-containing protein from amoeba having both sequence motifs (DEDD and ECHC) is robustly active as an exoribonuclease. Finally, we show that the MAEL domain of Bombyx Maelstrom displays a strong affinity for single-stranded RNAs. Our studies suggest that the ancient MAEL nuclease domain evolved to function as an RNA-binding module in metazoan Maelstrom.
Ocular disconjugacy cannot be measured without establishing a solid reference
Authors: Maruta Jun
Published: March 2015

This correspondence points out a need for clarification concerning the methodology utilized in the study “Eye tracking detects disconjugate eye movements associated with structural traumatic brain injury and concussion”, recently published in Journal of Neurotrauma. The authors of the paper state that binocular eye movements were recorded using a single-camera video-oculography technique and that binocular disconjugate characteristics were analyzed without calibration of eye orientation. It is claimed that a variance-based disconjugacy metric was found to be sensitive to the severity of a concussive brain injury and to the status of recovery after the original injury. However, the reproducibility of the paper’s findings may be challenged simply by the paucity of details in the methodological description. More importantly, from the information supplied or cited in the paper, it is difficult to evaluate the validity of the potentially interesting conclusions of the paper.
Dynamic Programming Driven Memetic Search for the Steiner Tree Problem with Revenues, Budget, and Hop Constraints
Authors: Fu Zhang-Hua , Hao Jin-Kao
Published: March 2015

We present a highly effective dynamic programming driven memetic algorithm for the Steiner tree problem with revenues, budget, and hop constraints (STPRBH), which aims at determining a subtree of an undirected graph, so as to maximize the collected revenue, subject to both budget and hop constraints. The main features of the proposed algorithm include a probabilistic constructive procedure to generate initial solutions, a neighborhood search procedure using dynamic programming to significantly speed up neighborhood exploration, a backbone-based crossover operator to generate offspring solutions, as well as a quality-and-distance updating strategy to manage the population. Computational results based on four groups of 384 well-known benchmarks demonstrate the value of the proposed algorithm, compared to the state of the art approaches. In particular, for the 56 most challenging instances with unknown optima, our algorithm succeeds in providing 45 improved best known solutions within a short computing time. We additionally provide results for a group of 30 challenging instances that are introduced in the paper. We provide a complexity analysis of the proposed algorithm and study the impact of some ingredients on the performance of the algorithm.
Pricing Information Goods: A Strategic Analysis of the Selling and Pay-per-Use Mechanisms
Authors: Balasubramanian Sridhar , Bhattacharya Shantanu , Krishnan Vish V.
Published: March 2015

We analyze two pricing mechanisms for information goods. These mechanisms are selling, where up-front payment allows unrestricted use, and pay-per-use, where payments are tailored to use. We analytically model a market where consumers differ in use frequency and where use on a pay-per-use basis invokes a psychological cost associated with the well known “ticking meter” effect. We demonstrate that pay-per-use yields higher profits in a monopoly provided the associated psychological cost is low. In a duopoly, one firm uses selling and the other uses pay-per-use. Here, in contrast to the monopoly, selling yields higher profits than pay-per-use. We demonstrate that, surprisingly, the profits of both duopolists can increase as the psychological cost associated with pay-per-use increases. Next, we show that uncertainty in consumer use frequency does not affect pay-per-use in a monopoly, but lowers profits from selling. In a duopoly, both the seller and the pay-per-use provider obtain lower profits when use frequency is uncertain. We also analyze how pricing mechanism performance is affected if the firms cannot commit to prices, if the pay-per-use provider offers a two-part tariff, and if consumers are risk-averse.
Research Roundup
Authors: Linden Belinda
Published: March 2015

In this section, Belinda Linden presents a synopsis of a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in the field of cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to take a look at the research in further detail
Shock therapy: psychological impact and patient support
Authors: Clarke Sarah
Published: March 2015

Patients with a history of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and poor ventricular function are at high risk of sudden cardiac death and, as such, are candidates for a primary-prevention implantable cardiac defibrillator. The evidence for the use of implantable cardiac defibrillators in the prevention of sudden cardiac death is irrefutable. However, the impact of the implantable cardiac defibrillator on the psychological functioning of a patient is still being investigated. Shock therapy is recognised as being a potent predictor of both mortality and psychological functioning in defibrillator recipients; it is questionable whether patients with implantable cardiac defibrillators are receiving the support they need from current service provision.
Heart-brain interactions: a focus on neurological injury after cardiac surgery
Authors: Cowan Helen
Published: March 2015

The heart is in constant communication with the brain via the nervous and circulatory systems, yet clinical training rarely adopts an integrative view of the heart and brain. Each has its own intrinsic control mechanisms, and the heart can beat even when not connected to the brain, because pacemaker cells at various locations in the heart possess the ability to spontaneously generate electrical impulses. However, the connection between the heart and brain underlies various (patho)physiological mechanisms, and this is especially important when trying to understand some of the factors behind brain injury observed after cardiac surgery. This is an important complication of cardiac surgery and, given increased survival rates after heart surgery, particularly in an ageing population who may already be experiencing cognitive decline, this deserves special attention and will be the focus of this article.
A chance to SEED new policies
Authors: Robb Sue
Published: March 2015

A major project is aiming to determine what effect early education has on a child's long-term outcomes, including whether starting at two or three-years-old has a noticeable impact on achievements later in life.
On the case of early intervention
Authors: House Richard
Published: March 2015

How could anyone be critical of the ‘mom'n apple pie’ that is ‘Early Intervention’ – helping society's most disadvantaged children? Perhaps, because it allows the government to avoid tackling real issues?
Spring is all around us
Authors: Pandit Kalpana
Published: March 2015

This is such a wonderful time of year, when the world seems to be burst back into life after its winter hibernation, so why not use all of the senses to explore nature's magical ‘coming to life’ in your setting.
Research roundup: March 2015
Authors: Brook Judy , Seal Joanne , Jenkins Annie
Published: March 2015

In this section, a range of brief synopses of recently published articles that may be of interest to health visitors is presented. The aim of this roundup is to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary, of the research papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
GlycA: A Composite Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Biomarker of Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Otvos James D , Shalaurova Irina , Wolak-Dinsmore Justyna , Connelly Margery A , Mackey Rachel H , Stein James H , Tracy Russell P
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of serum obtained under quantitative conditions for lipoprotein particle analyses contain additional signals that could potentially serve as useful clinical biomarkers. One of these signals that we named GlycA originates from a subset of glycan N-acetylglucosamine residues on enzymatically glycosylated acute-phase proteins. We hypothesized that the amplitude of the GlycA signal might provide a unique and convenient measure of systemic inflammation.

METHODS

We developed a spectral deconvolution algorithm to quantify GlycA signal amplitudes from automated NMR LipoProfile® test spectra and assessed analytic precision and biological variability. Spectra of acute-phase glycoproteins and serum fractions were analyzed to probe the origins of the GlycA signal. GlycA concentrations obtained from archived NMR LipoProfile spectra of baseline plasma from 5537 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) were used to assess associations with demographic and laboratory parameters including measures of inflammation.

RESULTS

Major acute-phase protein contributors to the serum GlycA signal are α1-acid glycoprotein, haptoglobin, α1-antitrypsin, α1-antichymotrypsin, and transferrin. GlycA concentrations were correlated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (r = 0.56), fibrinogen (r = 0.46), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (r = 0.35) (all P < 0.0001). Analytic imprecision was low (intra- and interassay CVs 1.9% and 2.6%, respectively) and intraindividual variability, assessed weekly for 5 weeks in 23 healthy volunteers, was 4.3%, lower than for hsCRP (29.2%), cholesterol (5.7%), and triglycerides (18.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

GlycA is a unique inflammatory biomarker with analytic and clinical attributes that may complement or provide advantages over existing clinical markers of systemic inflammation.
Cuantificación de existencias de compuestos bifenilos policlorados (PCB) en Colombia
Authors: Vaca Bohórquez Martha Lucía , García Ubaque César Augusto , García Ubaque Juan Carlos
Published: March 2015

Los compuestos bifenilos policlorados, más conocidos como PCB, son sustancias de alta toxicidad tanto para el ser humano como para los ecosistemas. El Convenio de Estocolmo sobre Contaminantes Orgánicos Persistentes (COP), entre los que se encuentran los PCB, establece la necesidad de que los países tomen medidas para reducir o eliminar el uso de equipos eléctricos que aún funcionen con PCB. Por esta razón, el Ministerio de Ambiente de la República de Colombia (MINAMBIENTE) desarrolló un inventario sobre las existencias globales de PCB en uso. En este artículo se presentan la metodología seguida y los resultados consolidados de dicho inventario. El informe indica que las existencias estimadas de PCB en Colombia están entre 9.771 y 12.803 toneladas.
Simulación y análisis del comportamiento del Ber y Throughput en capa física de WIMAX IEEE 802.16-2004 en ambientes con presencia de AWGN y rayleigh fading
Authors: Ochoa Torres Elizabeth , Castro Olaya Manuel Ignacio , Gómez Vargas Ernesto
Published: March 2015

El estándar de comunicaciones WiMAX IEEE 802.16-2004 está enfocado en dar solución a enlaces de última milla, ya sea para escenarios de enlaces punto a punto, punto multipunto, o topologías de múltiples usuarios móviles conectados a un punto de distribución.Su correcta implementación depende de los valores de tasa de error de bit (BER) y el rendimiento (Throughput); por tanto, una correcta evaluación de la incidencia del ruido blanco gaussiano (AWGN), las múltiples trayectorias (Rayleigh), y desvanecimiento (Fading) sobre las variables de BER y Throughput generarán un precedente de evaluación para su aplicación.Este artículo se ha desarrollado con el objetivo de determinar el comportamiento de WiMAX con el estándar IEEE 802.16-2004 en escenarios controlados con presencia de AWNG y Fading Rayleigh. Para ello, se llevará a cabo la implementación de simulaciones en tres escenarios, los que permitirán analizar y evaluar su comportamiento ante las variables antes mencionadas.
La formación lingüística en la educación superior
Authors: Balanta Castilla Nevis , Navarro Mejía David
Published: March 2015

En este artículo se hace un recorrido por los enfoques y el estado de la educación lingüística en la educación superior en Colombia, pero al mismo tiempo su situación se articula a cómo se le ha dispuesto en la educación básica y media, en el entendido que muchas de las carencias de la educación lingüística en las universidades no tienen explicación razonable sin una aproximación de lo que sucede en esos otros niveles del sistema educativo. Por eso se acude también al registro de algunas cifras de las pruebas PISA que indican las carencias evidentes en el aprendizaje del lenguaje. Se presenta, además, un recuento breve de lo que de algún modo es el mapa de los micro-currículos que se ofrecen en este campo en las universidades, y se ponen en contexto las competencias que en el área de lenguaje se evalúan en las pruebas Saber Pro. Finalmente, se propone una ruta de lo que tendría que revisarse para mejorar la educación lingüística en la educación superior en Colombia.
A produção acadêmica internacional em gestão de operações: um estudo bibliométrico
Authors: Vitorino Filho Valdir Antonio , Pires Silvio Roberto Ignácio , Sacomano Neto Mário , Silva Eliciane Maria da , Camargo Júnior João Batista de , Mendonça Jane Corrêa Alves
Published: March 2015

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar a produção acadêmica sobre o tema Gestão de Operações, em artigos publicados em periódicos internacionais indexados no ISI Web of Knowledge. A pesquisa avaliou publicações realizadas no período de 2002 a 2012, utilizam-se técnicas bibliométricas para averiguar questões como: quais são os autores que possuem mais publicações no tema; quais foram os anos, países e periódicos em que esses artigos foram publicados e ainda, a apresentação dos autores mais co-citados nas referências. No total a pesquisa envolveu 110 artigos e 4545 referências com o termo Operations Management; 274 artigos e 6644 referências com o termo Production Management; e 49 artigos e 1250 referências utilizados na pesquisa para o termo Manufacturing Management. Os resultados da pesquisa mostram que (a) não existe uma concentração de autores com vários artigos publicados sobre o tema; (b) verifica-se que os anos com maior número de publicações são os de 2007 e 2010 somando 24,48% do total analisado; (c) os Estados Unidos é o país que concentra o maior número de publicações com 26,33% do total de artigos analisados; (d) foram identificados Williamson (1975), Dyer e Singh (1998), Granovetter (1985) e Uzzi (1997) como os autores mais co-citados nas referências bibliográficas.
Inteligência competitiva em organizações de serviços: uma revisão sistemática da literatura
Authors: Cruz Danielle Faust , Sakaya Angela Yoshie , Ferreira Marcelo Gitirana Gomes , Forcellini Fernando Antônio , Anjos Sara Joana Gadotti , Abreu Aline França de , Cauchick Miguel Paulo A.
Published: March 2015

É crescente a importância do setor de serviços na economia mundial. Diante de um mercado dinâmico e globalizado, marcado pela concorrência acirrada, a inteligência competitiva – IC pode auxiliar as organizações de serviços no processo de tomada de decisão e na concepção de vantagens competitivas frente aos concorrentes. Nesse contexto, este trabalho tem por objetivo delinear o estado da arte relativo à utilização da inteligência competitiva em organizações do setor de serviços, através da pesquisa e análise de artigos presentes nas principais bases de dados. Este estudo possui caráter teórico-conceitual, compreendendo uma revisão bibliográfica sistemática da literatura, incluindo uma análise bibliométrica e análise de conteúdo. Foram levantadas publicações em periódicos indexados pelas seguintes bases condizentes com o tema da investigação: Web of Knowledge, Scopus, Ebsco, ScienceDirect, e Engineering Village. Os resultados permitem inferir sobre a importância sobre o tema inteligência competitiva para a sobrevivência e aumento da competitividade em organizações de serviços. Por fim, verificou-se a existência de uma lacuna relacionada a estudos prescritivos, com foco em investigações aprofundadas sobre o tema abordado, sendo este tipo de estudo relevante para que a área atinja maturidade.
Análise da transferência de conhecimento em projetos na indústria petroquímica
Authors: Beuren Marcelo Müller , Frank Alejandro Germán , Ribeiro José Luis Duarte
Published: March 2015

Este trabalho apresenta uma análise da transferência de conhecimento (TC) em um ambiente de gestão de projetos operacionais da indústria petroquímica. O objetivo principal é identificar as maiores barreiras e sugerir melhorias para o incentivo à TC. Para tal, foram entrevistados todos integrantes do departamento de projetos, utilizando um questionário com perguntas fechadas. Os resultados foram analisados para a identificação das barreiras mais problemáticas e proposição de melhorias. O estudo concluiu que as maiores dificuldades estão na transferência de conhecimento tácito e entre diferentes equipes. Como principais contribuições, este trabalho apresenta uma análise em um ambiente pouco explorado e a melhoria do método adaptado para estudo da TC, através de uma matriz de relação entre o questionário fechado e as barreiras, tornando os problemas mais fáceis de serem identificados.
Aplicação do scrum em serviços: análise em uma fabricante de aeronaves
Authors: Oliveira Stefano Petrini de , Muniz Júnior Jorge
Published: March 2015

Este artigo analisa a aplicação da abordagem Scrum em uma área de serviço de ensaios em aeronaves. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo realizado na maior fabricante de aeronaves do Brasil. Scrum é amplamente utilizado na gestão de projetos de softwares em diversos segmentos, porém suas características permitem a utilização na gestão de projetos em geral, tanto aplicações no desenvolvimento de produtos quanto serviços. Este trabalho contribui ao analisar a aplicação para serviços e ilustra a utilização do Scrum para gestores. Aborda-se a implantação, o amadurecimento, empecilhos encontrados e resultados alcançados com o uso do Scrum. O setor analisado é o de Ensaios de Sistemas Hidromecânicos e Comandos de Voo, responsável por realizar testes de sistemas em laboratórios compostos por partes reais e partes que simulam os sistemas das aeronaves. Obtiveram-se dados descritivos mediante contato direto com a situação alvo. Buscou-se informação diretamente com os integrantes da equipe ensaios, utilizando um questionário como instrumento de pesquisa. A aplicação da abordagem ágil Scrum no gerenciamento de projetos trouxe bons resultados a esta área de Ensaios, posteriormente, às divisões relacionadas e metas da organização. Alcances de natureza organizacional da gerência e equipe, maior eficiência de processamento e conclusão de metas próximo do previsto foram alcançados. O Scrum trouxe transparência, pois investiu em maior visibilidade dos aspectos significativos do processo para todos aqueles relacionados. Auxiliou em inspeções e monitoramento de resultados, promovendo acompanhamento e orientação do processo em direção ao objetivo e detectando indesejáveis variações e empecilhos durante a campanha de testes.
Modulation of Electron-Acoustic Waves in a Plasma with Vortex Electron Distribution
Authors: Demiray Hilmi
Published: March 2015

In the present work, employing a one-dimensional model of a plasma composed of a cold electron fluid, hot electrons obeying a trapped/vortex-like distribution and stationary ions, we study the amplitude modulation of electron-acoustic waves by use of the conventional reductive perturbation method. Employing the field equations with fractional power type of nonlinearity, we obtained the nonlinear Schrödinger equation as the evolution equation of the same order of nonlinearity. Seeking a harmonic wave solution with progressive wave amplitude to the evolution equation it is found that the NLS equation with fractional power assumes envelope type of solitary waves.
Modelling and Optimization of CO2Absorption in Pneumatic Contactors Using Artificial Neural Networks Developed with Clonal Selection-Based Algorithm
Authors: Cozma Petronela , Drăgoi Elena Niculina , Mămăligă Ioan , Curteanu Silvia , Wukovits Walter , Friedl Anton , Gavrilescu Maria
Published: March 2015

Our research focuses on the application of airlift contactors (ALRs) for the decontamination of CO2-containing gas streams, such as biogas. To assess the performance of ALRs during CO2absorption, a complex experimental programme was applied in a laboratory-scale rectangular pneumatic contactor, able to operate either as a bubble column or as an airlift reactor. Using the experimental data, a model based onartificial neural network (ANN)was developed. The algorithm for determining the optimal neural network model and for reactor optimization isclonal selection (CS), belonging toartificial immune systemclass, which is a new computational intelligence paradigm based on the principles of the vertebrate immune system. To improve its capabilities and the probability for highly suitable models and input combinations, addressing maximum efficiency, aBack-Propagation (BK)algorithm – a supervised learning method based on the delta rule – is used as a local search procedure. It is applied in a greedy manner for the best antibody found in each generation. Since the highest affinity antibodies are cloned in the next generation, the effect ofBKon the suitability of the individuals propagates into a large proportion of the population. In parallel with theBKhybridization of the basicCS–ANNcombination, a series of normalization procedures are included for improving the overall results provided by the new algorithm callednCS-MBK(normalizedClonal Selection-Multilayer Perceptron Neural NetworkandBack-Propagationalgorithm). The optimization allowed for achieving the optimal reactor configuration, which leads to a maximum amount of CO2dissolved in water.
Price Dependence between Different Beef Cuts and Quality Grades: A Copula Approach at the Retail Level for the U.S. Beef Industry
Authors: Panagiotou Dimitrios , Stavrakoudis Athanassios
Published: March 2015

The objective of this study is to assess the degree and the structure of price dependence between different cuts of the beef industry in the USA. This is pursued using the statistical tool of copulas. To this end, it utilizes retail monthly data of beef cuts, within and between the quality grades of Choice and Select, over the period 2000–2014. For the Choice quality grade, there was evidence of asymmetric price co-movements between all six pairs of beef cuts under consideration. No evidence of asymmetric price co-movements was found between the three pairs of beef cuts for the Select quality grade. For the pairs of beef cuts formed between the Choice and Select quality grades, the empirical results point to the existence of price asymmetry only for the case of the chuck roast cut.