bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redesigning an inpatient pediatric service using Lean to improve throughput efficiency
Authors: Beck Michael J. , Gosik Kirk
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Data suggest that delays in discharges from inpatient units affect hospital throughput and contribute to emergency department crowding. Lean/Six Sigma (LSS) has been shown to improve inefficiencies in other industries. There are no published data on what impact LSS can have on advancing and sustaining earlier patient discharges.

OBJECTIVE

Determine the impact LSS has on advancing times of placement of discharge order and patient discharge compared to control. Secondary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and readmission rates.

DESIGN

Prospective quality study with concurrent controls.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

PATIENTS

Hospitalized pediatric patients compared to remainder of the children's hospital services.

INTERVENTIONS

Staff reallocation, creation of standard workflow, multidisciplinary predischarge planning, and creation of a discharge checklist.

MEASUREMENTS

Median time of discharge order entry and median time of actual patient discharge, proportion of patients discharged before noon and 2 pm, and LOS and readmission rates.

RESULTS

The median time of order entry was 10:45 compared to 14:05, and the median time of discharge was 14:15 compared to 15:48. The LOS and the readmission rates remained the same in both cohorts. The control group had faster baseline discharge order entry and patient discharge, but discharge performance did not improve, despite a significantly lower average daily census.

CONCLUSIONS

We determined that Lean approaches can have an immediate and sustained impact on advancing patient discharges, with no negative affect on LOS or readmission rates. Our intervention generated consistent results independent of personnel during the busiest months of the year at a tertiary care children's hospital. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:220–227. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Morphological characteristics of eyes and retinas of two sardines (Sardinops melanostictus and Etrumeus sadina, Clupeidae) and an anchovy (Engraulis japonicus, Engraulididae)
Authors: Miyazaki Taeko , Kobayashi Masashi
Published: December 2014

The morphology of the eyes and distribution of retinal ganglion cells in two sardine species (Sardinops melanostictus and Etrumeus sadina, Clupeidae) and the Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus, Engraulididae) were investigated anatomically and histologically. The eyes of the sardines faced a slightly dorsolateral direction with the visual field extended obliquely upward. In contrast, the eyes in the anchovy were almost laterally directed. It was hypothesized that the sardines may have an advantage in receiving more downward irradiance compared with the anchovy. The lens muscle was larger in these three species than in many other teleosts, and its surface was entirely melanin‐pigmented. Also, the lens muscle directly and tightly adhered to the backside surface of the iris. The relative area of the lens muscle to the area of the lens, a referential value of the relative power of visual accommodation were notably larger in the species studied than in other teleost values that have been previously reported. A higher M/L% value of these clupeid fishes could facilitate fast and wide ranging visual accommodation and was considered to be associated with maintaining and/or re‐establishing school formations quickly. Analysis of topographical distributions of cells in the ganglion cell layer showed that cell density was highest in the ventrotemporal quadrant of the retina (temporal of the optic cleft) in all three species. Another potentially important role for the black‐pigmented lens muscle may be to block the specialized retinal area from intense sunlight that scatters and irradiates upward or laterally in the surface waters that they inhabit. Thus, the sardine and anchovy may take advantage of efficient detection of visual signals in the frontal‐upward direction and further improve visibility of the target in this direction. J. Morphol. 276:415–424, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
2D phase‐sensitive inversion recovery imaging to measure in vivo spinal cord gray and white matter areas in clinically feasible acquisition times
Authors: Papinutto Nico , Schlaeger Regina , Panara Valentina , Caverzasi Eduardo , Ahn Sinyeob , Johnson Kevin J. , Zhu Alyssa H. , Stern William A. , Laub Gerhard , Hauser Stephen L. , Henry Roland G.
Published: December 2014

Purpose

To present and assess a procedure for measurement of spinal cord total cross‐sectional areas (TCA) and gray matter (GM) areas based on phase‐sensitive inversion recovery imaging (PSIR). In vivo assessment of spinal cord GM and white matter (WM) could become pivotal to study various neurological diseases, but it is challenging because of insufficient GM/WM contrast provided by conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods

We acquired 2D PSIR images at 3T at each disc level of the spinal axis in 10 healthy subjects and measured TCA, cord diameters, WM and GM areas, and GM area/TCA ratios. Second, we investigated 32 healthy subjects at four selected levels (C2‐C3, C3‐C4, T8‐T9, T9‐T10, total acquisition time <8 min) and generated normative reference values of TCA and GM areas. We assessed test–retest, intra‐ and interoperator reliability of the acquisition strategy, and measurement steps.

Results

The measurement procedure based on 2D PSIR imaging allowed TCA and GM area assessments along the entire spinal cord axis. The tests we performed revealed high test–retest/intraoperator reliability (mean coefficient of variation [COV] at C2‐C3: TCA = 0.41%, GM area = 2.75%) and interoperator reliability of the measurements (mean COV on the 4 levels: TCA = 0.44%, GM area = 4.20%; mean intraclass correlation coefficient: TCA = 0.998, GM area = 0.906).

Conclusion

2D PSIR allows reliable in vivo assessment of spinal cord TCA, GM, and WM areas in clinically feasible acquisition times. The area measurements presented here are in agreement with previous MRI and postmortem studies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:698–708.
Hepatitis B surface antigen in late hepatitis B infection
Authors: Zeng Da‐wu , Zhu Yue‐yong , Huang Qian , Zhang Jie‐min , Wu Yin‐lian , Dong Jing , Jiang Jia‐ji , Liu Yu‐rui
Published: December 2014

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels are used to evaluate and monitor clinical phases of chronic hepatitis B infection but their clinical significance is unclear in the late complications, cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed to evaluate HBsAg levels across the whole natural history of hepatitis B virus infection, including late complications. This retrospective, cross‐sectional study enrolled 838 treatment‐naive patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B infection at First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University between 2009 and 2012. Patients were classified into six groups: immunotolerance, immunoclearance, low replicative, negative hepatitis e (HBeAg) phases, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Main outcome measures were serum HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV DNA, total bilirubin, albumin, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, and quantitative correlation of HBsAg with HBV DNA. HBsAg levels declined significantly between clinical phases of infection (all P < 0.001) and were significantly lower in decompensated than in compensated cirrhosis (2.90 vs. 3.30, P < 0.001) but not significantly different between early versus advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Significant positive correlations were observed between serum HBsAg and HBV DNA at immunoclearance and HBeAg negative phases, compensated and decompensated liver cirrhosis and advanced but not early hepatocellular carcinoma (all P < 0.001). HBsAg and HBV DNA were significantly higher in HBeAg positive patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (P < 0.001). HBsAg levels differ significantly between chronic hepatitis B infection phases, decreasing progressively from chronic infection to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Significant correlations are found between serum HBsAg and HBV DNA. J. Med. Virol. 87:380–387, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular detection and characterization of BK and JC polyomaviruses in urine samples of renal transplant patients in Southern Brazil
Authors: Comerlato Juliana , Campos Fabrício Souza , Oliveira Martha Trindade , Cibulski Samuel Paulo , Corrêa Lilian , Kulmann Marcos Iuri Roos , Arantes Thalita Souza , Hentges Lucas Peretti , Spilki Fernando Rosado , Roehe Paulo Michel , Franco Ana Cláudia
Published: December 2014

The human polyomaviruses JC (JCPyV) and BK (BKPyV) are widespread in the human population. Following the primary infection, virus reactivation may lead to nephropathy and graft rejection in renal transplant patients. This study was carried out to access the presence of BKPyV and JCPyV DNA in urine samples collected from renal transplant patients (n = 92) and healthy individuals (n = 88) in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. The samples were submitted to a nested PCR. A significantly higher frequency (P < 0.001) of BKPyV was found in renal transplant patients (65.2%) in comparison to the control group (32.9%). JCPyV was detected equally in both groups. Phylogenetic analysis of both BKPyV and JCPyV amplicons demonstrates the presence of the BKPyV subtypes I and II, whereas for JCPyV, four different groups are found (1, 2, 3, and 4). J. Med. Virol. 87:522–528, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Numerical modeling and uncertainty analysis of transistor noise‐parameter measurements
Authors: Randa James
Published: December 2014

This paper provides an overview of the use of noise parameters as a numerical model to represent the noise characteristics of transistors, particularly in the context of a Monte Carlo evaluation of the uncertainties in noise‐parameter measurements. The Monte Carlo also relies on a numerical model of the measurement process, in order to generate simulated measurement results, and this numerical model is also reviewed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Volar morphology of the distal radius in axial planes: A quantitative analysis
Authors: Oura Keiichiro , Oka Kunihiro , Kawanishi Yohei , Sugamoto Kazuomi , Yoshikawa Hideki , Murase Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2014

To investigate the cause of rupture of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) after volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures, previous studies have examined the shape of the distal radius in the sagittal plane or in the lateral view. However, there are no reports on the anatomical shape of the volar surface concavity of the distal radius in the axial plane. We hypothesized that this concavity might contribute to the mismatch between the plate and the surface of the radius. To test this hypothesis, we constructed three‐dimensional models of the radius and FPL based on computed tomography scans of 70 normal forearms. We analyzed axial cross‐sectional views with 2 mm intervals. In all cases, the volar surface of the distal radius was concave in the axial plane. The concavity depth was maximum at 6 mm proximal to the palmar edge of the lunate fossa and progressively decreased toward the proximal radius. FPL was closest to the radius at 2 mm proximal to the palmar edge of the lunate fossa. The volar surface of the distal radius was externally rotated from proximal to distal. These results may help to develop new implants which fit better to the radius and decrease tendon irritation. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:496–503, 2015.
Depth profiling laminated glass with a fiber optic probe customized for adjustable working distance
Authors: Madden Odile , Gordon Gary , Cobb Kim Cullen , Spencer Alex M.
Published: December 2014

Fiber optic probes allow for in situ characterization of cultural heritage objects and analysis of materials that are difficult to access. Positioning these probes is challenging in terms of focal distance, angle of analysis, and stability. Modifications to improve control include stabilizing the probe against a stationary surface, typically mediated by a tripod, or against the artifact itself with a distance regulating sheath that fixes the focal point at the object surface. The first makes the system less portable, while the second eliminates depth profiling capability. An adjustable working distance adapter was created that allows the operator to position a fiber optic probe against the surface of a transparent artifact and move the working distance up to 6 mm into the material while excluding ambient light. The hollow adapter contains no optical fiber, lenses, or windows, so optics are dictated by the fiber optic probe. The tool was created to study the polymeric interlayers in laminated safety glass used in early 20th century aviation and also could be applied to contemporary laminated glass, other multilayer transparent objects, and substances in transparent containers. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Maternal exposure to diets containing flaxseed flour or flaxseed oil during pregnancy and lactation protects the aortic remodeling in adult male offspring of diabetic rat dams
Authors: Vicente Gabriela Câmara , Correia‐Santos André Manoel , Suzuki Akemi , Coca Velarde Luis Guillermo , Chagas Maurício Alves , Boaventura Gilson Teles
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Diabetes during pregnancy is associated with cardiovascular complications in the fetus and extends into adulthood. Therapeutic applications of flaxseed have been studied in cardiovascular disorders, because its oilseed is the best plant source of omega‐3 fatty acid, which is currently considered by researchers to be an essential protective against cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of flaxseed flour and oil on cardiovascular biochemical parameters and the histoarchitecture of the aorta in adult rats which were offspring of diabetic mothers.

RESULTS

At 100 days of age in offspring it was observed that maternal consumption of a high‐fat diet containing flaxseed oil (FOG) and flaxseed flour (FFG) did not affect the serum concentration of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, vascular endothelial growth factor, cholesterol, triglycerides, high‐density‐, low‐density‐ or very‐low‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol. However, the thickness of the intima media layer of the aorta was significantly smaller in FOG and FFG groups; the lumen area was similar among the groups; and a higher percentage of elastic fiber was found in FOG and FFG groups.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that the use of both flaxseed flour and its oil reduces the remodeling of the aorta; however; it has not been possible to modify the cardiovascular biochemical parameters. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Adjuvant chemotherapy after neoadjuvant chemoradiation and curative resection for rectal cancer: Is it necessary for all patients?
Authors: Jung Kyung Uk , Kim Hee Cheol , Park Joon Oh , Park Young Suk , Park Hee Chul , Choi Doo Ho , Cho Yong Beom , Yun Seong Hyeon , Lee Woo Yong , Chun Ho‐Kyung
Published: December 2014

Background

The benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who have received neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) and undergone curative resection remains unclear.

Methods

This study was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent curative surgery after neoadjuvant CCRT between January 2006 and March 2011 were identified. Four hundred forty‐one patients who completed adjuvant chemotherapy (chemo group) were compared with 35 patients who did not receive any adjuvant treatment (nonchemo group).

Results

The 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) was significantly higher in the chemo group (78.5% vs. 63.1%, P =  0.016). After stratification of the patients according to nodal status, these differences were no longer significant, but there were trends toward inferior DFS in the nonchemo group in all survival curves. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, no adjuvant chemotherapy (HR, 2.306; 95% CI, 1.101–4.829; P = 0.027) emerged as an independent prognostic factor associated with decreased DFS.

Conclusions

Adjuvant chemotherapy was significantly associated with increased DFS among patients who had undergone neoadjuvant CCRT and radical resection for locally advanced rectal cancer. Adjuvant chemotherapy should be considered in every patient after neoadjuvant CCRT irrespective of the final pathology stage. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:439–444. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
INHBA overexpression indicates poor prognosis in urothelial carcinoma of urinary bladder and upper tract
Authors: Lee Hsiang‐Ying , Li Ching‐Chia , Huang Chun‐Nung , Li Wei‐Ming , Yeh Hsin‐Chih , Ke Hung‐Lung , Yang Kai‐Fu , Liang Peir‐In , Li Chien‐Feng , Wu Wen‐Jeng
Published: December 2014

Background

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) originating from the bladder (UBUC) and upper urinary tract (UTUC) is the most common type of urinary tract tumor. While its pathogenesis remains obscured. Computerizing a published transcriptomic database of UBUC (GSE31684), we identified Inhibin, Beta A (INHBA) as the most significant upregulated gene associated with tumor progression among those associated with growth factor activity (GO:0008083). We therefore analyzed the clinicopathological significance of INHBA expression in UC.

Design

QuantiGene assay was used to detect INHBA transcript level in 36 UTUCs and 30 UBUCs. Immunohistochemistry evaluated by H‐score was used to determine INHBA protein expression in 340 UTUCs and 296 UBUCs. INHBA expression was correlated with clinicopathological features and disease‐specific survival (DSS) and metastasis‐free survival (MeFS).

Results

Increments of INHBA transcript level was associated with higher pT status in both UTUC and UBUC. INHBA protein overexpression was significantly associated with advanced clinicopathological features in both groups of UC. INHBA overexpression significantly implied inferior DSS (UTUC, P = 0.002; UBUC, P = 0.005) and MeFS (UTUC and UBUC, both P < 0.001) in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

INHBA overexpression implies adverse clinical outcomes for UC, justifying it is a potential prognostic biomarker and a novel therapeutic target in UC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:414–422. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surgical management of retroperitoneal and pelvic sarcomas
Authors: Tan Marcus C.B. , Yoon Sam S.
Published: December 2014

Management of retroperitoneal sarcomas presents technical and oncological challenges. Imaging is crucial for diagnosis and to define local tumor extent. Complete gross resection at initial presentation is the best chance for cure, but there is controversy as to how this can be best achieved. There is a long‐term risk of local recurrence, which is best treated with repeat resection if feasible. The roles of radiation and chemotherapy remain undefined. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:553–561. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combination of ultracentrifugation and solid‐phase extraction with subsequent chromatographic analysis of α‐tocopherol in erythrocyte membranes
Authors: Plíšek Jiří , Pospíchalová Naďa , Khalikova Maria , Aufartová Jana , Solichová Dagmar , Krčmová Lenka Kujovská , Solich Petr
Published: December 2014

A novel and rapid sample pretreatment technique based on a combination of ultracentrifugation and solid‐phase extraction for the determination of α‐tocopherol in human erythrocyte membranes by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection is presented in this work. Red blood cell samples were ultracentrifuged (288 000 × g, 3 min, 4°C) in the presence of d‐mannitol, 4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐1‐piperazineethanesulfonic acid and calcium chloride. The α‐tocopherol was then extracted from the erythrocyte membranes by solid‐phase extraction with n‐hexane in the presence of ascorbic acid. Tocopherol acetate was used as the internal standard. The extract was dissolved in methanol and separated on the monolithic column Chromolith Performance RP‐18e (100 × 4.6 mm) using 100% methanol as the mobile phase. The absorbance of α‐tocopherol was measured at a wavelength of 295 nm. The method was validated and showed sufficient accuracy and precision, ranging from 96.4 to 100.8% and from 4.5 to 6.3%, respectively. Moreover, the developed method was applied to the determination of erythrocyte α‐tocopherol in real samples from patients. The combined ultracentrifugation and solid‐phase extraction technique substantially decreased the time for the sample pretreatment step compared to liquid–liquid extraction and could be applicable for the quantitation of other analytes in erythrocyte membranes.
Audiologic presentation of enlargement of the vestibular aqueduct according to the SLC26A4 genotypes
Authors: Rah Yoon C. , Kim Ah R. , Koo Ja‐Won , Lee Jun H. , Oh Seung‐ha , Choi Byung Y.
Published: December 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the distribution of the number and types of mutant alleles of SLC26A4 and their correlations with hearing phenotypes in Korean bilateral enlargement of vestibular aqueduct (EVA) patients.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

To determine the number and type of mutant alleles, Sanger sequencing of coding region of SLC26A4 was performed for 56 patients with bilateral EVA who were consecutively recruited. Their correlations with hearing phenotypes were analyzed based on 0.5‐, 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐kHz air conduction averages of pure‐tone audiometry.

Results

Most patients with bilateral EVA (83.9%) carried two mutant alleles of SLC26A4 (M2), and all others (16.1%) had only one detectable mutant allele of SLC26A4 (M1) in the Korean population. There were no cases with zero mutations. p.H723R/p.H723R was the most frequently observed mutant allelic pair (34%), followed by p.H723R/c.919‐2A>G (20%). There was no significant difference in hearing threshold, progression, or fluctuation of hearing level between the M1 and M2 groups. However, focusing on the type of mutations exclusively in the M2 group, cases with p.H723R/c.919‐2A>G were associated with more frequent progression of hearing loss during the follow‐up period. The cases with p.H723R/c.919‐2A>G tended to show slightly better hearing than p.H723R homozygotes, although the difference was not statistically significant. There appears to be a different genotype‐auditory phenotype correlation among ethnicities.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the auditory phenotype of Korean bilateral EVA patients is more strongly correlated with the type rather than the number of mutations in SLC26A4.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 125:E216–E222, 2015
Magnitude and Occurrence Probability of Soil Loss: A Risk Analytical Approach for the Plot Scale For Two Sites in Lower Austria
Authors: Strohmeier Stefan , Laaha Gregor , Holzmann Hubert , Klik Andreas
Published: December 2014

Long‐term contribution of soil loss events depends on both – the magnitude and the occurrence probability – but oftentimes, a limited observation period impedes the assessment of the temporal soil loss distribution.

In this research, the event‐based soil loss from two plot locations in Lower Austria (Mistelbach and Pixendorf) was linked with the event‐based rainfall erosivity (EI30) to assess the temporal soil loss distribution using long‐term rainfall data from two meteorological stations in Lower Austria. For both plot locations, a risk analysis was performed to (i) assess the long‐term average annual soil loss and to (ii) evaluate the contribution of incremental erosion events according to different event return periods. The risk analysis showed that in Pixendorf the events <20 years return period dominatingly contribute to long‐term soil loss, because the contribution of the events >20 years return period is progressively reduced through the low occurrence probability. On the contrary, in Mistelbach the soil loss magnitudes of the extreme events overcome the effect of the low occurrence probability, and consequently, the contribution of the extreme events (>20 years return period) is dominant. The spatially variable contribution of the erosion events reveals the need for spatially customized soil conservation strategies. A risk analytical approach may help to allocate the driving events and thus to define proper event design magnitudes for local soil conservation planning. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Australian children dietary intakes with a focus on dietary fats
Authors: Meyer Barbara J.
Published: December 2014

Australian children are consuming far too much salt and more saturated fat than the recommended intakes and this is largely due to consumption of processed foods like biscuits, cakes, pies, pizza, hamburgers, and potato chips/crisps. They consume very little in the way of vegetables and this is why magnesium and calcium intakes are low. Australian children also do not consume the beneficial omega‐3 fats which are primarily found in fish and seafood. To achieve the nutrients for optimal health Australian children should reduce their intakes of processed food and increase their intakes of wholesome foods including fish/seafood and vegetables.
Preexisting atrial fibrillation and cardiac complications after liver transplantation
Authors: Bargehr Johannes , Trejo‐Gutierrez Jorge F. , Patel Tushar , Rosser Barry , Aranda‐Michel Jaime , Yataco Maria L. , Taner C. Burcin
Published: December 2014

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, and it is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and all‐cause mortality. Our aim was to determine the impact of preexisting AF on patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). A retrospective case‐control study was performed. Records from patients who underwent LT between January 2005 and December 2008 at Mayo Clinic Florida were reviewed. Patients with preexisting AF were identified and matched to patients who did not have a diagnosis of AF. Thirty‐two of 717 LT recipients (4.5%) had AF before LT. These patients were compared to a control group of 63 LT recipients. Pre‐LT left ventricular hypertrophy (P = 0.03), a history of congestive heart failure (P = 0.04), and a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (P = 0.03) were significantly more prevalent in patients with AF versus controls. Intraoperative adverse cardiac events (P = 0.02) and AF‐related adverse postoperative events (P < 0.001) were more common in the recipients with known AF. Six patients with paroxysmal AF (19%) developed chronic/persistent AF postoperatively. Graft survival and patient survival were similar in the groups. Although patients with AF had a higher incidence of intraoperative cardiac events, a higher cardiovascular morbidity rate, and a complicated postoperative course, this did not affect overall graft and patient survival. Liver Transpl 21:314–320, 2015. © 2014 AASLD.
INVESTING IN HUMAN DIGNITY A GLOBAL VISION, A HEALTHY ROI, A BETTER WORLD
Authors: Bryant John Hope
Published: December 2014

The debate about wealth inequality continues to resonate worldwide. What may seem like an intractable problem still has possibilities for significant improvement if leaders in all sectors can work together and enact creative solutions, according to Bryant. He outlines the forward‐thinking viewpoints of executives from a variety of institutions, including the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, the Small Business Administration, KPMG, the Arthur M. Blank Foundation, and such banks as SunTrust and Wells Fargo. Bryant quotes Martin Luther King Jr.'s belief that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
WHY GREAT IDEAS GET REJECTED AND HOW TO KEEP YOURS FROM BEING SHOT DOWN
Authors: Burkus David
Published: December 2014

Burkus believes that great ideas are often initially greeted with rejection, hostility, or neglect. He cites a variety of examples, from the creative/cultural (the 1913 Paris debut of Igor Stravinsky's ballet The Rite of Spring) to the corporate (Kodak invented the first digital camera in 1975 but never capitalized on it). He outlines the psychological factors often at play when organizations are faced with new and challenging ideas and cites Vanderbilt professor David A. Owens's concept of the “hierarchy of no.” “Regardless of how much lip service is given to wanting new, fresh ideas,” Burkus writes, “people experience a subtle bias against creativity in uncertain situations.”
How Do I Examine for a Supranuclear Gaze Palsy?
Authors: Anderson Tim
Published: December 2014

Classically, a supranuclear gaze palsy (SNGP) is a conjugate gaze limitation that can be overcome (i.e., corrected) by the vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR). It involves vertical eye movement most commonly. In practice, SNGP can be encountered as a limitation in excursion of self‐generated conjugate saccades (fast eye movements) that can be improved or overcome with verbal command, visual targets, or VOR. Thus, mild SNGPs may be overcome with verbal commands (e.g., “look down”) or visual targets (e.g., “look down at my hand”), whereas moderate SNGPs may be overcome by smooth pursuit mechanisms and following a visual target (e.g., “look at my pen as it moves”) and severe SNGPs can only be overcome with the VOR (i.e., fixating straight ahead while the head is passively rotated). So, it is best to assess for an SNGP in a hierarchical fashion; initially assessing saccades to command, then saccades to visual targets, then smooth pursuit of a target, and finally with the VOR.
Population prevalence of Tourette syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Scharf Jeremiah M. , Miller Laura L. , Gauvin Caitlin A. , Alabiso Janelle , Mathews Carol A. , Ben‐Shlomo Yoav
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to refine the population prevalence estimate of Tourette Syndrome (TS) in children and to investigate potential sources of heterogeneity in previously published studies. A systematic review was conducted and all qualifying published studies of TS prevalence were examined. Extracted data were subjected to a random‐effects meta‐analysis weighted by sample size; meta‐regressions were performed to examine covariates that have previously been proposed as potential sources of heterogeneity. Twenty‐six articles met study inclusion criteria. Studies derived from clinically referred cases had prevalence estimates that were significantly lower than those derived from population‐based samples (P= 0.004). Among the 21 population‐based prevalence studies, the pooled TS population prevalence estimate was 0.52% (95% confidence interval CI: 0.32‐0.85). In univariable meta‐regression analysis, study sample size (P= 0.002) and study date (P= 0.03) were significant predictors of TS prevalence. In the final multivariable model including sample size, study date, age, and diagnostic criteria, only sample size (P< 0.001) and diagnostic criteria (omnibusP= 0.003; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision [DSM‐IV‐TR]:P= 0.005) were independently associated with variation in TS population prevalence across studies. This study refines the population prevalence estimate of TS in children to be 0.3% to 0.9%. Study sample size, which is likely a proxy for case assessment method, and the use of DSM‐IV‐TR diagnostic criteria are the major sources of heterogeneity across studies. The true TS population prevalence rate is likely at the higher end of these estimates, given the methodological limitations of most studies. Further studies in large, well‐characterized samples will be helpful to determine the burden of disease in the general population. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Myorhythmia: Phenomenology, etiology, and treatment
Authors: Baizabal‐Carvallo José Fidel , Cardoso Francisco , Jankovic Joseph
Published: December 2014

Myorhythmia is defined as repetitive, rhythmic, slow (1‐4 Hz) movement affecting chiefly cranial and limb muscles. When occurring in the limbs it may be oscillatory and jerky, whereas oculo‐masticatory myorhythmia, typically associated with Whipple's disease, is a slow, repetitive, often asymmetrical, facial and ocular movement. Thus, myorhythmia overlaps phenomenologically with tremor and segmental myoclonus. Although often present at rest, it must be differentiated from parkinsonian or dystonic tremor. Recognition of this movement disorder is important because it is usually associated with lesions involving the brainstem, thalamus, or other diencephalic structures with potentially treatable etiologies. In addition to Whipple's disease, myorhythmia has been described in patients with cerebrovascular disease, listeria encephalitis, anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor encephalitis, steroid‐responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, and other disorders. In addition to our own experience, we have systematically reviewed the medical literature, focusing on the phenomenology, pathophysiology, and etiology of this poorly recognized movement disorder. In this review, we aim to highlight the clinical features that differentiate myorhythmia from other movement disorders. Treatment should be directed against the underlying etiology. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Carrier frequencies of eleven mutations in eight genes associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia in the Ashkenazi Jewish population
Authors: Fedick Anastasia M. , Jalas Chaim , Treff Nathan R. , Knowles Michael R. , Zariwala Maimoona A.
Published: December 2014

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetically heterogeneous, autosomal recessive disorder that results from functional and ultrastructural abnormalities of motile cilia. Patients with PCD have diverse clinical phenotypes that include chronic upper and lower respiratory tract infections, situs inversus, heterotaxy with or without congenital heart disease, and male infertility, among others. In this report, the carrier frequencies for eleven mutations in eight PCD‐associated genes (DNAI1, DNAI2, DNAH5, DNAH11, CCDC114, CCDC40, CCDC65, and C21orf59) that had been found in individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent were investigated in order to advise on including them in existing clinical mutation panels for this population. Results showed relatively high carrier frequencies for the DNAH5 c.7502G>C mutation (0.58%), the DNAI2 c.1304G>A mutation (0.50%), and the C21orf59 c.735C>G mutation (0.48%), as well as lower frequencies for mutations in DNAI1, CCDC65, CCDC114, and DNAH11 (0.10–0.29%). These results suggest that several of these genes should be considered for inclusion in carrier screening panels in the Ashkenazi Jewish population.
Cryptanalysis and improvement of ‘an improved authentication with key agreement scheme on elliptic curve cryptosystem for global mobility networks’
Authors: Farash Mohammad Sabzinejad
Published: December 2014

Authentication schemes assure that authorised user can fraudulently obtain his/her required services from home domains. Recently, Li et al. (International Journal of Network Management, 2013; 23(5):311–324) proposed a remote user authentication scheme. They claimed that their protocol is secure against known security attacks. However, in this paper, we indicate that Li et al.'s scheme is insecure against user impersonation attack. We show that an active adversary can easily masquerade as a legitimate user without knowing the user's secret information. As a remedy, we also proposed an improved authentication scheme to overcome the security weaknesses of Li et al.'s scheme. To show the security of our scheme, we prove its security the random oracle model. The implementation results show that our improved scheme offers a reduction of 58% in computational cost and a communication cost reduction of 48% with respect to Li et al.'s scheme. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uterine and umbilical artery Doppler at 28 weeks for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with abnormal uterine artery Doppler findings in the early second trimester
Authors: Ventura Walter , De Paco Matallana Catalina , Prieto‐Sanchez Maria Teresa , Macizo María Isabel , Pertegal Miriam , Nieto Aníbal , Delgado Juan L.
Published: December 2014

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of uterine (UtA) and umbilical arteries (UA) Doppler examination at 28 weeks to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in women who had increased resistance in UtA in the early second trimester.

Methods

Women with UtA mean pulsatility index (PI) above the 95th centile at 19–22 weeks of gestation were offered a growth scan including Doppler examination of UtA and UA at 28 weeks. Adverse pregnancy outcomes included small for gestational age (SGA), defined as birth weight below the tenth centile, preeclampsia (PE) and early‐onset PE (PE before 34 weeks).

Results

We studied 266 pregnant women with elevated PI in the UtAs in the second trimester and ultrasound reassessment at 28 weeks. UtA PI >95th centile at 28 weeks was associated with subsequent PE [odds ratio (OR): 10.0, 95% CI: 2.3–43.5], early‐onset PE (OR: 57.7, 95% CI: 3.8–87.6) and SGA less than the tenth centile (OR: 5.5, 2.2–13.9). UA PI >95th centile at 28 weeks was not significantly associated with any adverse outcome.

Conclusions

In women with abnormal UtA Doppler in the early second trimester scan, persistence of elevated UtA PI, but not abnormal UA PI, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including PE, early‐onset PE and SGA. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social support, self‐efficacy and motivation: a qualitative study of the journey through HEALD (Healthy Eating and Active Living for Diabetes)
Authors: Mladenovic Ana B , Wozniak Lisa , Plotnikoff Ronald C , Johnson Jeffrey A , Johnson Steven T
Published: December 2014

This study aimed to describe the influence of social support on participants’ self‐efficacy and motivation to perform physical activity before, during and after the Healthy Eating and Active Living for Diabetes in primary care networks (HEALD) programme.

HEALD was a controlled trial of a 24‐week primary care‐based walking programme for people with type 2 diabetes, proven effective in increasing physical activity. Data used in this qualitative sub‐study were derived from semi‐structured interviews with purposefully selected HEALD completers (n = 13) six months after the programme ended. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.

Prior to HEALD, participants reported feeling a lack of social support for diabetes management and fear of diabetes consequences. During the programme, they reported feeling supported by exercise specialists and peers in general and specifically to do physical activity; they reported weakening social support after HEALD ended. Accordingly, participants reported having self‐efficacy and motivation to increase their physical activity during HEALD, but these did not persist after HEALD ended; many relapsed into former behaviours. Participants recommended a longer programme, with more contacts.

Our findings are congruent with Social Cognitive Theory. Participants’ reported self‐efficacy and motivation to adopt physical activity during HEALD were tied to feeling supported by the exercise specialists who led the programme and peers participating in the programme. However, these perceived improvements were compromised when social support was no longer available through HEALD. Periodic contacts with a health care provider post‐programme may promote maintenance of positive behaviour changes following diabetes self‐management programmes. Furthermore, an optimal mode of peer support requires study. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DC‐sputtered ZnO:Al as transparent conductive oxide for silicon heterojunction solar cells with µc‐Si:H emitter
Authors: Madani Ghahfarokhi Omid , Chakanga Kambulakwao , Geissendoerfer Stefan , Sergeev Oleg , von Maydell Karsten , Agert Carsten
Published: December 2014

Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells are highly interesting, because of their high efficiency and low cost fabrication. So far, the most applied transparent conductive oxide (TCO) is indium tin oxide (ITO). The replacement of ITO with cheaper, more abundant and environmental friendly material with texturing capability is a promising way to reduce the production cost of the future SHJ solar cells. Here, we report on the fabrication of the SHJ solar cells with direct current‐sputtered aluminum‐doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Al) as an alternative TCO. Furthermore, we address several important differences between ITO and the ZnO:Al layers including a high Schottky barrier at the emitter/ZnO:Al interface and a high intrinsic resistivity of the ZnO:Al layers. To overcome the high Schottky barrier, we suggest employing micro‐crystalline silicon (µc‐Si:H) emitter, which also improves temperature threshold and passivation of the solar cell precursor. In addition, we report on the extensive studies of the effect of the ZnO:Al deposition parameters including layer thickness, oxygen flow, power density and temperature on the electrical properties of the fabricated SHJ solar cells. Finally, the results of our study indicate that the ZnO:Al deposition parameters significantly affect the electrical properties of the obtained solar cell. By understanding and fine‐tuning all these parameters, a high conversion efficiency of 19.2% on flat wafer (small area (5 × 5 mm2) and without any front metal grid) is achieved. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Unipept metaproteomics analysis pipeline
Authors: Mesuere Bart , Debyser Griet , Aerts Maarten , Devreese Bart , Vandamme Peter , Dawyndt Peter
Published: December 2014

Unipept (http://unipept.ugent.be) is a web application that offers a user‐friendly way to explore the biodiversity of complex metaproteome samples by providing interactive visualizations. In this article, the updates and changes to Unipept since its initial release are presented. This includes the addition of interactive sunburst and treeview visualizations to the multipeptide analysis, the foundations of an application programming interface (API) and a command line interface, updated data sources, and the open‐sourcing of the entire application under the MIT license.
Computational phosphoproteomics: From identification to localization
Authors: Lee Dave C. H. , Jones Andrew R. , Hubbard Simon J.
Published: December 2014

Analysis of the phosphoproteome by MS has become a key technology for the characterization of dynamic regulatory processes in the cell, since kinase and phosphatase action underlie many major biological functions. However, the addition of a phosphate group to a suitable side chain often confounds informatic analysis by generating product ion spectra that are more difficult to interpret (and consequently identify) relative to unmodified peptides. Collectively, these challenges have motivated bioinformaticians to create novel software tools and pipelines to assist in the identification of phosphopeptides in proteomic mixtures, and help pinpoint or “localize” the most likely site of modification in cases where there is ambiguity. Here we review the challenges to be met and the informatics solutions available to address them for phosphoproteomic analysis, as well as highlighting the difficulties associated with using them and the implications for data standards.
Open source libraries and frameworks for biological data visualisation: A guide for developers
Authors: Wang Rui , Perez‐Riverol Yasset , Hermjakob Henning , Vizcaíno Juan Antonio
Published: December 2014

Recent advances in high‐throughput experimental techniques have led to an exponential increase in both the size and the complexity of the data sets commonly studied in biology. Data visualisation is increasingly used as the key to unlock this data, going from hypothesis generation to model evaluation and tool implementation. It is becoming more and more the heart of bioinformatics workflows, enabling scientists to reason and communicate more effectively. In parallel, there has been a corresponding trend towards the development of related software, which has triggered the maturation of different visualisation libraries and frameworks. For bioinformaticians, scientific programmers and software developers, the main challenge is to pick out the most fitting one(s) to create clear, meaningful and integrated data visualisation for their particular use cases. In this review, we introduce a collection of open source or free to use libraries and frameworks for creating data visualisation, covering the generation of a wide variety of charts and graphs. We will focus on software written in Java, JavaScript or Python. We truly believe this software offers the potential to turn tedious data into exciting visual stories.
Population‐, intervention‐ and methodology‐related characteristics of clinical trials impact exercise efficacy during adjuvant therapy for breast cancer: a meta‐regression analysis
Authors: Carayol Marion , Delpierre Cyrille , Bernard Paquito , Ninot Grégory
Published: December 2014

Objective

Significant heterogeneity was highlighted in recent meta‐analyses examining exercise effects in cancer patients, suggesting that some characteristics may moderate exercise efficacy. The objectives of this meta‐analysis are (1) to investigate the influence of methodology, population and intervention studies' characteristics on the association of exercise with fatigue, quality‐of‐life (QoL), anxiety and depression; (2) to identify exercise intervention characteristics that may maximize efficacy and evaluate the level of evidence about exercise efficacy in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

Methods

Thirty‐three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating exercise were systematically identified. Population, intervention and methodology characteristics were extracted, coded by two independent investigators and tested as moderators of exercise effect in meta‐regression models. Psychological outcomes summary effects were then computed by pooling subgroup of RCTs based on categorized moderators.

Results

Indications of selection bias (random sequence generation) or attrition bias (high attrition rate, no intent‐to‐treat analysis) were associated with better exercise efficacy on QoL, anxiety and depression. Low total prescribed exercise doses (<140 METs.h) or short duration (<16 weeks) interventions yielded fatigue, anxiety and depression reductions whereas higher doses or duration did not. Mind–body interventions led to greater decrease of fatigue and anxiety rather than aerobic/resistance‐based interventions.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that exercise‐based interventions may improve fatigue, QoL, anxiety and depression, but the evidence mainly rely on studies prone to methodological biases. A prescription of approximately 100 MET.h, e.g. ~120 min of weekly moderate physical exercise for 10 weeks involving mind–body activities, could be advised to maximize fatigue reduction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.