bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two Interpolation Methods Using Multiply-Rotated Piecewise Cubic Hermite Interpolating Polynomials
Authors: Barker Paul M. , McDougall Trevor J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTwo interpolation methods are presented, both of which use multiple Piecewise Cubic Hermite Interpolating Polynomials (PCHIPs). The first method is based on performing 16 PCHIPs on 8 rotated versions of the plot of the data versus an independent variable (such as pressure or time). These 16 PCHIPs are then used to form 8 interpolations of the original data, and finally, these 8 are averaged. When the original data are unevenly spaced with respect to the independent variable, we show that it is best to perform the Multiply-Rotated PCHIP (MR-PCHIP) method using the “data index” as the independent variable, and then to subsequently perform one last PCHIP of the data index with respect to the original independent variable. This MR-PCHIP method avoids the flat spots that are a feature of the PCHIP method when the data have multiple values approximately equal to a local extreme value. The MR-PCHIP interpolated data have continuous first derivatives at the data points. This method also avoids the unrealistic overshoots that can occur when using the standard cubic spline interpolation procedure. The second interpolation method is designed specifically for hydrographic data with the aim of minimizing the formation of unrealistic water masses by the interpolation procedure. This is achieved by applying a Piecewise Cubic Hermite Interpolating Polynomial to each of 8 rotations of the salinity versus temperature plot (Multiply-Rotated Salinity–Temperature PCHIP, MRST-PCHIP) with bottle number (that is, data index) as the vertical interpolating coordinate, thereby making the MRST-PCHIP method independent of the heave of a water column. This method is equivalent to interpolating in the salinity–temperature diagram, and MRST-PCHIP proves very effective at avoiding the production of anomalous water masses that otherwise occur when interpolating temperature and salinity separately.
The Rule of Law in the Age of Statutes
Authors: Crawford Lisa B 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis article provides an empirical analysis of the legislative practice of the Australian Parliament and considers its implications for the rule of law. Federal legislation is so voluminous, complex and changeable that it risks diminishing the rule of law, in the sense that it makes the law difficult to know. This could be potentially ameliorated by Australian courts embracing Chevron-style deference, or an administrative law doctrine of legitimate expectations, but neither option is ideal. More broadly, the article comments upon the way in which the rule of law and legislation should be understood in a modern administrative state.
Steroids Inhibit Eosinophil Accumulation and Downregulate Hematopoietic Chemotaxic Prostaglandin D2 Receptor in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease
Authors: Suzuki Norio , Ko-Mitamura Elizabeth P. , Inui Takaki , Terada Tetsuya , Dejima Kenji , Nagata Nanae , Urade Yoshihiro , Kawata Ryo 
Published: February 2020

Background: Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is characterized by eosinophilic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis, aspirin sensitivity, and asthma. Aims/Objectives: This study aims to identify a mechanism to target for the future treatment of AERD via the elucidation of the effect of systemic steroids on the expression of hematopoietic prostaglandin D2 synthase (HPGDS) and chemotaxic prostaglandin D2 (DP2) receptor relative to eosinophil activation in the nasal polyps of patients with AERD. Materials and Methods: Among 37 patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery, 28 received systemic steroids preoperatively. Nasal polyps were harvested from all 37 patients. After routine processing of paraffin sections, immunohistochemistry was performed using specific antibodies for HPGDS, eosinophil peroxidase (EPX), and DP2. Results: Expression of HPGDS, DP2, and EPX by eosinophils was higher and more frequent in patients with non-preoperative steroid therapy. Likewise, HPGDS and DP2 were highly expressed in activated eosinophils in the nasal polyps, but not in normal eosinophils. Conclusion and Significance: This study provides clear evidence that systemic steroid therapy inhibits eosinophil activation and decreases HPGDS and DP2 expression in patients with AERD, indicating a reduction in prostaglandin D2 production and hence control hyperplasia of nasal polyps.
An innovative SMS intervention to improve adherence to stimulants in children with ADHD: Preliminary findings
Authors: Fried Ronna , DiSalvo Maura , Kelberman Caroline , Adler Amos , McCafferty Debra , Woodworth K Yvonne , Green Allison , Biederman Itai , Faraone Stephen V , Biederman Joseph 
Published: February 2020

Background: Although large datasets document that stimulants decrease the risk for many adverse ADHD-associated outcomes, compliance with stimulants remains poor. Aims: This study examined the effectiveness of a novel ADHD-centric text messaging-based intervention aimed to improve adherence to stimulant medications in children with ADHD. Methods: Subjects were 87 children aged 6–12, who were prescribed a stimulant medication for ADHD treatment. Prescribers gave permission to contact their patients for participation in the study. Subjects were primarily from the primary care setting with a subsample of psychiatrically referred subjects for comparison. Age- and sex-matched comparators were identified (3:1) from the same pool of prescriber-approved subjects that did not participate. Timely prescription refills (within 37 days) were determined from prescription dates documented in patients’ electronic medical record. Results: Eighty-five percent of SMS intervention patients refilled their prescriptions in a timely manner compared with 62% of patients receiving treatment as usual (OR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.82, 6.58; p < 0.001). The number needed to treat statistic was computed as five, meaning for every five patients who receive the SMS intervention, we can keep one adherent to their stimulant treatment. Conclusions: These preliminary findings support the potential utility of a readily accessible technology to improve the poor rate of adherence to stimulant treatment in children with ADHD. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first digital health intervention aimed at improving adherence to stimulant medication for children with ADHD. These results support the need for further examination of this technology through more definitive randomized clinical trials.
Top-cited articles versus top Altmetric articles in nuclear medicine: a comparative bibliometric analysis
Authors: Baek Sora , Yoon Dae Young , Lim Kyoung Ja , Hong Ji Hyun , Moon Ji Yoon , Seo Young Lan , Yun Eun Joo 
Published: February 2020

Background The impact of any scientific article has traditionally been measured by the number of citations received. More recently, alternative metrics (altmetrics) reflect the digital dissemination of knowledge across the online mediasphere. Purpose To evaluate and compare the characteristics of top-cited articles with those of top Altmetric articles related to nuclear medicine (NM). Material and Methods We performed a search of the Web of Science and Altmetric databases using 114 search terms to identify the 50 top-cited and 50 top Altmetric articles, respectively, in the field of NM. We then compared the following characteristics of the selected articles: publication type; journal category; country of origin; year of publication; topic; imaging modality; and accessibility. Chi-square tests were performed for statistical analysis. Results There were no overlaps between the 50 top-cited and 50 top Altmetric articles. In general, compared to the leading Altmetric articles in this field, the cited articles were: more frequently review works published in NM and radiology journals (76% vs. 13%, P = 0.000); published in or before 2005 (84% vs. 0%, P = 0.000); the majority were related to oncology (56% vs. 44%, P = 0.000); and originated from the Netherlands (12% vs. 0%, P = 0.000). Compared to the top-cited articles, the leading Altmetric articles were: more frequently original articles published in other clinical field journals (54% vs. 0%, P = 0.000); primarily published between 2016 and 2018 (70% vs. 0%, P = 0.000); focused on neurology (50% vs. 22%, P = 0.000); and originated from the UK (18% vs. 2%, P = 0.000). Conclusion Citation counts and Altmetric scores represent unique perspectives for evaluating the impact of NM research.
The role of computed tomography in the diagnostic pathway of acute mesenteric ischemia: a nested case-control study
Authors: Mothes Henning , Mueller-Mau Vetlana , Lehmkuhl Lukas , Lehmann Thomas , Settmacher Utz , Teichgräber Ulf , Ludewig Stefan 
Published: February 2020

Background Computed tomography (CT) can be used as the primary screening modality for the evaluation of patients suspected of having acute mesenteric ischemia known to show high sensitivity and specificity rates. Purpose To prove the value of CT in patients with pathological abdominal findings following cardiac surgery. Material and Methods In a retrospective case-control study, 12 different CT scan parameters of patients with or without mesenteric ischemia following cardiac surgery were compared using univariate and logistic regression analyses. Results Of 14,176 patients, 133 (0.9%) received an abdominal CT scan during postoperative care due to pathological abdominal findings. Sixty-eight patients were diagnosed with acute mesenteric ischemia. In-hospital mortality was 73.5% for this group. CT parameters with the highest specificity for indicating colonic ischemia were intestinal (99%) or porto-venous (96%) pneumatosis, abnormal contrast medium enhancement (89%), and occlusion of the proximal inferior mesenteric artery (81%). All of those parameters showed low sensitivity levels in the range of 15%–23%. A statistically significant association between acute mesenteric ischemia and CT appearance was obtained for contrast medium enhancement (odds ratio [OR] 12.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5–99.2) and intestinal pneumatosis (OR 21.0, 95% CI 2.7–165.2) only. Conclusion The typical CT criteria indicating mesenteric ischemia lose their accuracy in patients under critical clinical conditions. As CT remains the first-line diagnostic imaging modality for abnormal abdominal findings following cardiac surgery, negative signs should not prevent early laparotomy if clinical suspicion remains high.
Prevalence of Workplace Health Practices and Policies in Hospitals: Results From the Workplace Health in America Study
Authors: Mulder Laura , Belay Brook , Mukhtar Qaiser , Lang Jason E. , Harris Diane , Onufrak Stephen 
Published: February 2020

Purpose: To provide a nationally representative description on the prevalences of policies, practices, programs, and supports relating to worksite wellness in US hospitals. Design: Cross-sectional, self-report of hospitals participating in Workplace Health in America (WHA) survey from November 2016 through September 2017. Setting: Hospitals across the United States. Participants: Random sample of 338 eligible hospitals participating in the WHA survey. Measures: We used previous items from the 2004 National Worksite Health Promotion survey. Key measures included presence of Worksite Health Promotion programs, evidence-based strategies, health screenings, disease management programs, incentives, work-life policies, barriers to health promotion program implementation, and occupational safety and health. Analysis: Independent variables included hospital characteristics (eg, size). Dependent characteristics included worksite health promotion components. Descriptive statistics and χ2 analyses were used. Results: Eighty-two percent of hospitals offered a wellness programs during the previous year with larger hospitals more likely than smaller hospitals to offer programs ( P < .01). Among hospitals with wellness programs, 69% offered nutrition programs, 74% offered physical activity (PA) programs, and 84% had a policy to restrict all tobacco use. Among those with cafeterias or vending machines, 40% had a policy for healthier foods. Only 47% and 25% of hospitals offered lactation support or healthy sleep programs, respectively. Conclusion: Most hospitals offer wellness programs. However, there remain hospitals that do not offer wellness programs. Among those that have wellness programs, most offer supports for nutrition, PA, and tobacco control. Few hospitals offered programs on healthy sleep or lactation support.
Systemic lupus erythematosus aggravates atherosclerosis by promoting IgG deposition and inflammatory cell imbalance
Authors: Liu T , Shi N , Zhang S , Silverman G J , Duan X-W , Zhang S , Niu H 
Published: February 2020

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients experience a premature and more severe presentation of coronary artery disease. The underlying mechanisms of accelerated coronary artery disease in SLE patients remain to be elucidated. Methods By using atherosclerosis combining a SLE murine model, we proved that the onset of SLE aggravates atherosclerosis. Although the onset of SLE reduced blood lipids slightly, immune deviation contributed to aggravated atherosclerosis in lupus mice. Lupus atheroma were characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration, such as gathered dendritic cells, macrophages, and IgG deposition. Results Decreased lymphocytes and magnified dendritic cells in the spleen were also observed in lupus mice. Hydroxychloroquine prevented atherosclerosis progression mainly by reversing immune status abnormality caused by SLE. Serum interferon alfa levels were not changed in lupus mice. Conclusion These findings strongly suggested that anti-inflammatory therapies and hydroxychloroquine provide a new possible strategy for treating SLE patients with atherosclerosis.
Chemotherapy-induced pneumonitis associated with transient CA 15-3 elevation
Authors: Comlek Savas 
Published: February 2020

Introduction Development of hypersensitivity pneumonitis has been reported in association with combination chemotherapy consisting of gemcitabine and paclitaxel. However, diagnosis of this condition is based on computed tomography imaging and correlative bronchoalveolar findings on bronchoscopy. Although transient elevation of the tumor marker CA 15-3 has been reported in patients with interstitial pneumonitis associated with collagen disease, elevation of this marker during drug-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis has not been reported yet. Case report In this report, we describe a 74-year-old metastatic schwannoma patient with drug-induced pneumonitis secondary to combined gemcitabine and paclitaxel treatment associated with transient elevation of CA 15-3. Management and outcome: The patient responded to steroid treatment with clinical and radiological improvement, and CA 15-3 levels returned to normal within four weeks. Discussion These findings suggest that blood CA 15-3 level has the potential to be used as a marker to monitor drug-induced pneumonitis.
Expansion of pharmacist practice in oral oncolytic therapy with a collaborative practice agreement
Authors: Wright Amanda L , Matta Stephanie F , Kerr Julia R 
Published: February 2020

Introduction Collaborative practice agreements have been utilized to expand pharmacist roles and improve patient care outcomes. A need to reduce the time providers spend reviewing oral oncolytic prescriptions for therapy continuation or dose adjustments was identified in the oncology clinics of a community health system. A collaborative practice agreement was created to decrease turnaround time for processing oral oncolytic prescriptions, improve provider satisfaction, and decrease patient prescription costs. Methods A three-month pilot was initiated to evaluate feasibility and provider satisfaction by comparing two provider groups. An additional three months of data were collected post-collaborative practice agreement implementation to evaluate impact. Primary endpoints included: interventions, turnaround time, and patient cost savings. A survey was conducted to determine provider satisfaction. Results The mean turnaround time for pharmacist interventions in the pilot group (n = 54) was 7 min, compared to 3311 min in the control group (n = 87), which was statistically significant ( p < 0.0001). Two interventions in the pilot group resulted in patient cost savings due to dose rounding by a pharmacist. The mean turnaround time of the post-collaborative practice agreement group (n = 197) was 6 min, which was statistically significant when compared to the control group ( p < 0.0001). Conclusion Turnaround time was significantly shorter for prescriptions in the pilot and post-collaborative practice agreement groups compared to the control group. Provider satisfaction increased as the collaborative practice agreement resulted in less time reviewing oral oncolytic prescriptions. Patient costs were also reduced during the pilot phase due to dose rounding by pharmacists.
Comparison of eight screening tools to detect interactions between herbal supplements and oncology agents
Authors: Shakeel Faisal , Fang Fang , Kidwell Kelley M , Marcath Lauren A , Hertz Daniel L 
Published: February 2020

Introduction Patients with cancer are increasingly using herbal supplements, unaware that supplements can interact with oncology treatment. Herb–drug interaction management is critical to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. Several screening tools exist to detect drug–drug interactions, but their performance to detect herb–drug interactions is not known. This study compared the performance of eight drug–drug interaction screening tools to detect herb–drug interaction with anti-cancer agents. Methods The herb–drug interaction detection performance of four subscription (Micromedex, Lexicomp, PEPID, Facts & Comparisons) and free (Drugs.com, Medscape, WebMD, RxList) drug–drug interaction tools was assessed. Clinical relevance of each herb–drug interaction was determined using Natural Medicine and each drug–drug interaction tool. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Linear regression was used to compare performance between subscription and free tools. Results All tools had poor sensitivity (<0.20) for detecting herb–drug interaction. Lexicomp had the highest positive predictive value (0.98) and best overall performance score (0.54), while Medscape was the best performing free tool (0.52). The worst subscription tools were as good as or better than the best free tools, and as a group subscription tools outperformed free tools on all metrics. Using an average subscription tool would detect one additional herb–drug interaction for every 10 herb–drug interactions screened by a free tool. Conclusion Lexicomp is the best available tool for screening herb–drug interaction, and Medscape is the best free alternative; however, the sensitivity and performance for detecting herb–drug interaction was far lower than for drug–drug interactions, and overall quite poor. Further research is needed to improve herb–drug interaction screening performance.
Does equipment change impact blood contamination with irinotecan and its two major metabolites in a centralized cytotoxic pharmacy unit?
Authors: Benoist H , Breuil C , Le Neindre B , Delépée R , Saint-Lorant G 
Published: February 2020

Background Antineoplastic drugs exposure is a major problem for caregivers’ health. The aim of this study is to assess blood contamination with irinotecan and its two metabolites in a centralized pharmacy unit for cytotoxic drug preparations workers before and after protective equipment changes. Methods The study took place in a university hospital centralized pharmacy unit for cytotoxic drug and was performed in two parts, before (Round 1: R1) and after equipment changes (Round 2: R2). Collection of pharmacy staff blood samples was performed in UHPLC-MS/MS. Plasma and red blood cell irinotecan and its metabolites (SN38; APC) were determined with a validated analytical method detection test. Results A total of 15/36 (41.6%) assays were positive in R1 and 16/72 (22.2%) in R2 with a significant decrease between periods ( P =  0.035). For plasma dosages, no difference between the two periods was found ( P =  0.71); respectively 4/18 (22.2%) assays were positive in R1 and 6/36 (16.6%) in R2. For red blood cells dosages, a significant decrease between periods was found ( P =  0.01); respectively 11/18 (61%) were positive in R1 and 10/36 (27.8%) in R2. Conclusions These dosages make it possible to have the very first evaluation for plasma and red blood cell contamination with irinotecan and its metabolites in the context of equipment changes, both at individual and collective levels. This work would help to protect health workers from the potential risks represented by these molecules, especially by revealing a contamination of workers in order to objectify the results of exposure.
Integral equations in direct and inverse problems of elastostatics for crack detection in layered structures
Authors: Galybin AN 
Published: February 2020

This study deals with both direct and inverse problems for interfacial crack identification in laminates. The main focus is given to the case of an elastic substrate coated by a film made of a different elastic material. It is assumed that delamination can be developed on the interface between these materials. It is modelled as a combined open-sliding interface crack or by a pure sliding crack (slip). Its position may not be specified. The boundary conditions on the interface assume continuity of the stress vector across the whole interface and continuity of the displacements outside the crack. In the case of the slip the normal displacements are assumed to be continuous. The inverse boundary value considered is of the Cauchy type; it assumes that both stress and displacement vectors are known on the external boundary of the structure. In the case of the slip the problem is overdetermined on a part of the boundary, where three conditions are imposed, and undetermined on its remainder where just one condition is imposed. It is further referred to as a semi-inverse formulation. Therefore, these problems are ill-posed with the specified boundary conditions. Inverse, semi-inverse and direct problems are reduced to integral equations derived from basic properties of holomorphic functions followed by applications of Fourier transforms. Analytical solutions are found for the formulations considered and difficulties of numerical implementation are discussed in brief.