bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive modelling framework to forecast the demand for all hospital services
Authors: Ordu Muhammed , Demir Eren , Tofallis Chris 
Published: March 2019

SummaryBackgroundBecause of increasing demand, hospitals in England are currently under intense pressure resulting in shortages of beds, nurses, clinicians, and equipment. To be able to effectively cope with this demand, the management needs to accurately find out how many patients are expected to use their services in the future. This applies not just to one service but for all hospital services.PurposeA forecasting modelling framework is developed for all hospital's acute services, including all specialties within outpatient and inpatient settings and the accident and emergency (A&E) department. The objective is to support the management to better deal with demand and plan ahead effectively.Methodology/ApproachHaving established a theoretical framework, we used the national episodes statistics dataset to systematically capture demand for all specialties. Three popular forecasting methodologies, namely, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), exponential smoothing, and multiple linear regression were used. A fourth technique known as the seasonal and trend decomposition using loess function (STLF) was applied for the first time within the context of health‐care forecasting.ResultsAccording to goodness of fit and forecast accuracy measures, 64 best forecasting models and periods (daily, weekly, or monthly forecasts) were selected out of 760 developed models; ie, demand was forecasted for 38 outpatient specialties (first referrals and follow‐ups), 25 inpatient specialties (elective and non‐elective admissions), and for A&E.ConclusionThis study has confirmed that the best demand estimates arise from different forecasting methods and forecasting periods (ie, one size does not fit all). Despite the fact that the STLF method was applied for the first time, it outperformed traditional time series forecasting methods (ie, ARIMA and exponential smoothing) for a number of specialties.Practise implicationsKnowing the peaks and troughs of demand for an entire hospital will enable the management to (a) effectively plan ahead; (b) ensure necessary resources are in place (eg, beds and staff); (c) better manage budgets, ensuring enough cash is available; and (d) reduce risk.
Response of the Native Springtail Parisotoma insularis to Diesel Fuel–Contaminated Soils Under Field-Realistic Exposure Conditions at Subantarctic Macquarie Island
Authors: Mooney Thomas J , Wasley Jane , Raymond Ben , Andrew Nigel R , King Catherine K 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
A number of sites contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons from past fuel spills are currently undergoing remediation on subantarctic Macquarie Island (under the jurisdiction of Tasmania, Australia). To assess the environmental risks these spills pose, and to establish remediation targets and guideline values, toxicity data for a range of native biota are required. The availability of data for local biota is limited, especially for soil invertebrates, which are critical to soil health. To examine the response of naturally occurring soil invertebrate communities to fuel contamination, intact soil cores from a range of soil types were collected along an organic carbon (OC) gradient. Organic carbon was factored into the toxicity assessment due to its toxicity-modifying potential. Soil cores were spiked with Special Antarctic Blend diesel, to mimic a fresh fuel spill at the soil surface. Springtails were the most abundant taxa, with the community heavily dominated by the native species Parisotoma insularis. This species was sensitive to fuel contamination (EC20 48 mg/kg, CI 5–188), irrespective of soil organic content. This study is the first to derive critical effect concentrations (CECs) for a subantarctic springtail species and provides important data that will be incorporated into future derivation of site-specific soil quality guideline values for fuels for Macquarie Island soils and the broader subantarctic region. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:565–574. © 2019 SETAC
The role of stakeholders on rejection of bankruptcy applications in the case of “poverty” of the estate: A Polish case study
Authors: Prusak Błażej , Morawska Sylwia , Kuczewska Joanna , Banasik Przemysław 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe aim of this article is to supplement the Law and Economics area of science with regard to the scope of the ex ante effectiveness of bankruptcy law using the example of Poland. Bankruptcy law is effective in the ex ante stage when it eliminates from the market insolvent entrepreneurs who cannot even afford to cover the costs of bankruptcy proceedings. In these cases, the bankruptcy court should dismiss the petition for bankruptcy because of “poverty” of the insolvent estate. As a result, the insolvent debtor should be liquidated and deleted from the register of companies. This paper investigates entities whose bankruptcy petition has been rejected due to “poverty” of the insolvent estate. The study shows that, after the filing has been dismissed, the majority of these entities are not liquidated. To determine who is responsible for this state of affairs, the article identifies the stakeholders at the time that applications are filed for bankruptcy proceedings and also after the bankruptcy petition has been rejected. The article highlights stakeholders' diverging interests, strengths, and weaknesses to assess their potential impact on bankruptcy procedures that should be dismissed due to “poverty” of the insolvent estate.
Value of increased nuchal translucency in the era of noninvasive prenatal testing with cell‐free DNA
Authors: Holzer Iris , Husslein Peter W. , Bettelheim Dieter , Scheidl Julia , Kiss Herbert , Farr Alex 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the value of increased nuchal translucency (NT) at first‐trimester screening (FTS) despite the superiority of noninvasive prenatal testing with cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) for the detection of fetal aneuploidies.MethodsRetrospective analysis of all FTS data from 2005 to 2015 in our department. Only cases with increased NT and euploid karyotype were considered eligible for inclusion. Abnormal findings, diagnostic work‐up, and perinatal outcomes were assessed.ResultsOf 18 084 FTS results, 460 (2.5%) showed increased fetal NT, of which 242 (52.6%) underwent invasive karyotyping and 179 (74.0%) had an aneuploidy. Of the remaining 63 cases, 61 (96.8%) showed an additional sonographic finding at FTS and25 (78.1%) had a major anomaly at the second trimester organ scan. The outcome was termination of pregnancy in 28 (44.4%) cases, fetal demise in 5 (7.9%), delivery of an infant with malformation in 21 (33.3%), and delivery of a healthy infant in 7 (11.1%) cases.ConclusionAll cases with increased NT would have been detected by cfDNA or by a major sonographic anomaly not later than the second trimester. Routine use of cfDNA, a basic sonogram, and an organ scan could reduce unnecessary work‐up and anxiety.
d‐amino acid modification protects N‐Acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline from physiological hydroxylation and increases its antifibrotic effects on hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Xutao , Zhou Jiming , Zhu Yichao , He Lei , Pang Zhijun , Wang Zhaowei , Xu Chuanyang , Zhang Cun , Hao Qiang , Li Weina , Zhang Wei , Zhang Yingqi , Li Meng 
Published: March 2019

AbstractN‐Acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline (Ac‐SDKP) is a critical negative regulator of fibrosis development in the liver. However, its extremely short half‐life in vivo greatly compromises its potential applications. Here, we report an Ac‐SDKP analog peptide with d‐amino acid replacement (Ac‐SDDKDP). The stability of Ac‐SDDKDP and its prevention of liver fibrosis were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The stabilities of Ac‐SDKP and Ac‐SDDKDP exposed to angiotensin‐1‐converting enzyme (ACE) and their half‐lives in rats and human sera were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The inhibitory effects of Ac‐SDKP and Ac‐SDDKDP on the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC‐T6) were evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit‐8, Western blotting, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence assays. Finally, the protective effects of Ac‐SDKP and Ac‐SDDKDP on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver fibrosis in rats were compared. d‐Amino acid replacement significantly enhanced the stability of the peptide to ACE and prolonged the half‐life of Ac‐SDKP in rats and human sera. The Ac‐SDKP‐mediated inhibition of HSC‐T6 cell proliferation was well preserved, and Ac‐SDDKDP exerted inhibitory effects comparable to Ac‐SDKP on α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), collagen I and III expression, and phosphorylated‐Smad‐2 expression. After intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration, Ac‐SDDKDP exhibited significantly greater protection than Ac‐SDKP against CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis in rats. The serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, and total protein levels of the Ac‐SDDKDP‐treated rats were significantly lower than those of the Ac‐SDKP‐treated rats. α‐SMA, CD45, and collagen I and III expression, as well as Smad‐2 phosphorylation were significantly attenuated in the livers of the Ac‐SDDKDP‐treated rats compared to those of the Ac‐SDKP‐treated rats. Furthermore, we showed that the Ac‐SDDKDP concentration in the rat liver increased to a physiological level of 60 min after i.p. administration, although i.p. administration of Ac‐SDKP failed to enhance the peptide concentration in the rat liver. Our findings indicate that d‐amino acid replacement is a simple and effective method to enhance the stability of Ac‐SDKP. Ac‐SDDKDP represents potential application of Ac‐SDKP in fibrosis treatment and provides a new potential treatment strategy for liver fibrosis. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(9):1302–1312, 2019
Morphology of the mandibular gland of the ant Paraponera clavata (Hymenoptera: Paraponerinae)
Authors: Andrade Thito Thomston , Gonçalves Wagner Gonzaga , Serrão José Eduardo , Martins Luiza Carla Barbosa 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe ant Paraponera clavata (Fabricius, 1775) is the only extant species of Paraponerinae and is widely distributed in Brazilian forests. Aspects of its biology are documented extensively in the literature; however, knowledge of P. clavata internal morphology, specifically of exocrine glands, is restricted to the venom apparatus. The objective of this study was to describe the mandibular gland morphology of P. clavata workers. The mandibular gland is composed of a reservoir connected to a cluster of Type III secretory cells with cytoplasm rich in mitochondria and lipid droplets, similar to that of other ants. Notably, the glandular secretion is rich in protein and has a solid aspect. This is the first morphological description of the mandibular gland of P. clavata.Research HighlightsThis study presents the morphological description of the mandibular gland of Paraponera clavata (Hymenoptera: Paraponerinae). Singular characteristics of the gland are described: the glandular secretion is rich in protein and has a solid aspect.
Improved biosafety of a lentiviral vector by reducing cellular gene activation
Authors: Song Li , He Jiaping , Gao Yue , Fang Yudan , Zhang Liping , Wang Juan , Sun Fengqiang , Zhang Fan , Zeng Yitao , Zeng Fanyi , Zhang Jingzhi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundLentiviral vectors (LVs) have enhancer activity and/or transcriptional read‐through (EATRT) properties that can lead to the activation of adjacent genes. Consequently, patients may be at increased risk for adverse effects if such vectors are used clinically.MethodsIn the present study, we assessed the abilities of different “pro‐LV”‐like constructs with respect to decreasing its EATRT, including the “pro‐LV” vector bearing a chimeric ΔLTR of the human foamy virus R‐U5 region replaced by that of an LV (HF).ResultsBy analyzing the EATRT of “pro‐LV” constructs transfected in 293T cells, we observed that the inclusion of the first 400 bp of the chicken β‐globin locus HS4 insulator core sequence oriented in the reverse direction (C–) combined with two copies of the simian virus 40 upstream‐sequence element (U) at the ΔU3 of ΔLTR region of “pro‐LV” tended to shield the adjacent genomic sequences, such that the EATRT rate was lower than when either of the C– or U was included in the “pro‐LV”. Moreover, upon transduction, the pro‐HF appears to reduce the EATRT rate in the chromosomes of 293T (by 80%) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (by 75%) compared to when pro‐LV C–U was included (with a 60% and 89% reduction in 293T and PBMCs, respectively). The HF construct had a significant reduction of viral biological titer compared tiowhen the pro‐LV C–U was used in 293T cells.ConclusionsThe results of the present study provide an important basis for the clinical applicability of LVs in gene and cell therapy.
Dempster's descendants—The core of the development of mass spectrometry
Authors: Nier Keith A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe work of Arthur Dempster generally has been considered significant but of less importance in the growth of mass spectrometry than that of Francis Aston, and as essentially limited to the pre‐WW II era. The development of mass spectrometry, however, as distinct from nuclear science, was shaped far more by Dempster than by Aston. This influence is seen in several aspects of instrument design and practice, and it has continued into the 21st century.
Modeling, simulation, and fabrication of electron optic system for application on 105 GHz high‐power gyrotron
Authors: Guo Guo , Niu Xinjian , Liu Yinghui , Wang Hui , Liu Jianwei , Wei Yanyu 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis paper introduces the modeling, simulation, and fabrication of the electron optic system (EOS) for high‐power 105 GHz gyrotron, which includes single anode magnetron injection electron gun, magnetic system, and the collector. Based on the specific research project and the theory of electron optics, the structure with detailed parameters is modeled and simulated by using two different electromagnetic analysis softwares. The simulation results show that the electron beam velocity ratio is around 1.3, and the electron landing regions from the two softwares are almost agreed with each other. At last, the components of the EOS are fabricated for the next assembling step.
Children's Creative Intentions: Where do the Ideas for their Drawings Come from?
Authors: Rose Sarah E. , Jolley Richard P. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe process of drawing is a creative endeavor, often beginning with ideas of what to draw. This exploratory study aimed to explore these creative intentions of pupils from mainstream schools (tending to focus on observational, imaginative, and expressive drawing), and from Steiner schools (tending to focus on imagination and expression). Fifty‐seven children (age 6–16 years) drew a single drawing at the request of the researcher. Before and after drawing, children completed a semi‐structured interview about the content of their drawing. This interview was first analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis to describe where children got the ideas for their drawings from. Four key themes were identified: (a) content from immediate surroundings, (b) content from memory, (c) representational content with element of imagination added, and (d) intention to express a mood or message. Content analysis was then used to quantify the interview responses and compare them between the school types. This indicated no difference in the frequency that mainstream and Steiner pupils referred to ideas based on real‐world referents or imagination. However, Steiner pupils talked more about expressive ideas. The results suggest that children use a wide range of sources when generating ideas of what to draw, including their educational experiences.
Utilization of Intensive Care Unit Nutrition Consultation Is Associated With Reduced Mortality
Authors: Tignanelli Christopher J. , Sheetz Kyle H. , Petersen Ashley , Park Pauline K. , Napolitano Lena M. , Cooke Colin R. , Cherry‐Bukowiec Jill R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this project was to investigate the prevalence of nutrition consultation (NC) in U.S. intensive care units (ICUs) and to examine its association with patient outcomes.MethodsData from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's state inpatient databases was utilized from 2010 – 2014. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between NC and clinical outcomes.ResultsInstitutional ICU NC rates varied significantly (mean: 14%, range: 0.1%–73%). Significant variation among underlying disease processes was identified, with burn patients having the highest consult rate (P < 0.001, mean: 6%, range: 2%–25%). ICU patients who received NC had significantly lower in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48–0.74, P < 0.001), as did the subset with malnutrition (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.53–0.99, P = 0.047) and the subset with concomitant physical therapy consultation (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.38–0.74, P < 0.001). NC was associated with significantly lower rates of intubation, pulmonary failure, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal bleeding (P < 0.05). Furthermore, patients who received NC were more likely to receive enteral or parenteral nutrition (ENPN) (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4–2.3, P < 0.001). Patients who received follow‐up NC were even more likely to receive ENPN (OR 3.0, 95% CI 2.1–4.2, P < 0.001).ConclusionsRates of NC were low in critically ill patients. This study suggests that increased utilization of NC in critically ill patients may be associated with improved clinical outcomes.
Environmental changes in the north‐east Sunda region over the last 40 000 years
Authors: Luo Chuanxiu , Haberle Simon , Zheng Zhuo , Xiang Rong , Chen Chixin , Lin Gang , Sazal Kumar 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTPollen and spores from 110 samples from sediment core NS07‐25 from the Nansha Trough in the South China Sea (SCS) were analysed with a particular focus on reconstructing vegetation and climate change and identifying the sources of palynomorphs on the Sunda Shelf during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Palynomorph sources were identified using the Near Analysis function in ArcGIS with 62 data points of the pollen in surface sediment samples from the southern SCS. The results showed that during the LGM, pollen and spores came from the exposed Sundaland, whereas before and after the LGM, pollen and spores came from Borneo. Changes in vegetation and climate were inferred from pollen percentages, concentrations and influx and indicated that during the LGM, ferns, lowland rainforests, upper montane rainforests and lower montane forests were present on the north‐east part of the exposed Sunda Shelf but not over the entire Sunda Shelf. Climate during the LGM was cooler than it is today, but humidity was not substantially lower. During the LGM, grasses and shrubs did not cover the southern continental shelf of the SCS, possibly because they were located in the Intertropical Convergence Zone.
Measuring the health utility of chronic eustachian tube dysfunction
Authors: Teklu Meron , Kulich Marta , Micco Alan G. , Brindisi Kristin , Ferski Andrew , Niekamp Katherine , Price Caroline P.E. , Tan Bruce K. 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveTo assess the health utility of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).MethodsThis is a prospective study of 53 patients with chronic ETD recruited from a tertiary clinic from April 2017 to July 2018. The 7‐Item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ‐7) was administered, and health utility was evaluated using the EuroQol‐5 Dimensions‐3 Level Instrument (EQ‐5D‐3L), the visual analogue scale (VAS), time tradeoff (TTO), and standard gamble (SG). Participants were grouped into medical or procedural management groups. One‐week follow‐up included repeated health utility measures and ETDQ‐7.ResultsFifty‐three patients were included in the final analysis. Of those, 34 were managed medically, and 19 received myringotomies ± PE tubes. The mean baseline ETDQ‐7 was 4.26 ± 1.31; whereas health utility measures were different depending on the method utilized: EQ‐5D‐3L 0.90 ± 0.11; VAS 0.76 ± 0.21; TTO 0.85 ± 0.23; and SG 0.94 ± 0.11 (P < .001). There was a significant change in ETDQ‐7 (P = .001) and TTO (P = .011) scores posttreatment. On the ETDQ‐7, question 2 (pain in the ears) was significantly associated with VAS (P = .032), and question 4 (ear symptoms during a cold or sinusitis) was significantly associated with TTO (P = .006).ConclusionChronic ETD has a significant burden on quality of life, with a health utility similar to gastroesophageal reflux disease and moderate asthma. Although treatment‐related changes are measurable using disease‐specific quality‐of‐life measures, only TTO was significantly changed after treatment. Health utility seemed to depend on the method of measurement but provided a benchmark for evaluating cost‐effectiveness of innovations to manage ETD.Level of Evidence2 Laryngoscope, 130:E39–E44, 2020
A roadmap for implementation of patient‐centered digital outcome measures in Parkinson's disease obtained using mobile health technologies
Authors: Espay Alberto J. , Hausdorff Jeffrey M. , Sánchez‐Ferro Álvaro , Klucken Jochen , Merola Aristide , Bonato Paolo , Paul Serene S. , Horak Fay B. , Vizcarra Joaquin A. , Mestre Tiago A. , Reilmann Ralf , Nieuwboer Alice , Dorsey E. Ray , Rochester Lynn , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Maetzler Walter ,   on behalf of the Movement Disorder Society Task Force on Technology
Published: March 2019

AbstractObtaining reliable longitudinal information about everyday functioning from individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) in natural environments is critical for clinical care and research. Despite advances in mobile health technologies, the implementation of digital outcome measures is hindered by a lack of consensus on the type and scope of measures, the most appropriate approach for data capture (eg, in clinic or at home), and the extraction of timely information that meets the needs of patients, clinicians, caregivers, and health care regulators. The Movement Disorder Society Task Force on Technology proposes the following objectives to facilitate the adoption of mobile health technologies: (1) identification of patient‐centered and clinically relevant digital outcomes; (2) selection criteria for device combinations that offer an acceptable benefit‐to‐burden ratio to patients and that deliver reliable, clinically relevant insights; (3) development of an accessible, scalable, and secure platform for data integration and data analytics; and (4) agreement on a pathway for approval by regulators, adoption into e‐health systems and implementation by health care organizations. We have developed a tentative roadmap that addresses these needs by providing the following deliverables: (1) results and interpretation of an online survey to define patient‐relevant endpoints, (2) agreement on the selection criteria for use of device combinations, (3) an example of an open‐source platform for integrating mobile health technology output, and (4) recommendations for assessing readiness for deployment of promising devices and algorithms suitable for regulatory approval. This concrete implementation guidance, harmonizing the collaborative endeavor among stakeholders, can improve assessments of individuals with PD, tailor symptomatic therapy, and enhance health care outcomes. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society