bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Duplex ultrasound in the early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia: a longitudinal cohort multicentric study
Authors: Sartini Stefano , Calosi Guido , Granai Carolina , Harris Tim , Bruni Fulvio , Pastorelli Marcello 
Published: February 2016

Objective
Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a life-threatening condition requiring time-dependent treatment; thus, early recognition may improve outcomes. We hypothesized that clinician-performed mesenteric vessels duplex ultrasound (DUS) could facilitate early identification of patients with AMI in high-risk patients presenting with abdominal pain.

Methods
This was a single-operator, observational, prospective cohort study. Patients aged at least 65 presenting to Emergency Departments with acute abdominal pain and no clear diagnosis after an initial work-up were enrolled. All patients underwent multidetector computed tomography and these findings provided the reference standard in this study. DUS of the celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were obtained to measure the peak systolic velocity (PSV) and were performed within 24 h of admission. PSVs outside the normal range were considered to indicate AMI.

Results
Of 49 patients identified, 47 were consented to enrollment and diagnostic images were obtained in 45 (96%). Fifteen patients (33%) had AMI (six occlusive, nine nonocclusive disease). Among these, 12 (80%) had abnormal DUS velocities. SMA PSV showed a sensitivity of 78.57% [95% confidence interval (CI): 49.2–95.34], a specificity of 64.52% (95% CI: 45.37–80.77), a positive predictive value of 50% (95% CI: 28.22–71.78), and a negative predictive value of 86.96% (95% CI: 66.41–97.22) for AMI. DUS had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 64%, and a negative predictive value of 100% for occlusive AMI. Assessment of celiac artery PSV did not improve diagnostic performance.

Conclusion
In this single-operator pilot study, mesenteric vessel DUS was performed successfully in the Emergency Department, with a high proportion of diagnostic images obtained. A normal SMA PSV was associated with a low risk of occlusive AMI.
Metapalette: Ak-Mer Painting Approach for Metagenomic Taxonomic Profiling and Quantification of Novel Strain Variation
Authors: Koslicki David , Falush Daniel 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMetagenomic profiling is challenging in part because of the highly uneven sampling of the tree of life by genome sequencing projects and the limitations imposed by performing phy-logenetic inference at fixed taxonomic ranks. We present the algorithmMetaPalettewhich uses longk-mer sizes (k= 30, 50) to fit ak-mer “palette” of a given sample to thek-mer palette of reference organisms. By modeling thek-mer palettes of unknown organisms, the method also gives an indication of the presence, abundance, and evolutionary relatedness of novel organisms present in the sample. The method returns a traditional, fixed-rank taxonomic profile which is shown on independently simulated data to be one of the most accurate to date. Tree figures are also returned that quantify the relatedness of novel organisms to reference sequences and the accuracy of such figures is demonstrated on simulated spike-ins and a metagenomic soil sample.The software implementingMetaPaletteis available at:https://github.com/dkoslicki/MetaPalettePre-trained databases are included for Archaea, Bacteria, Eukaryota, and viruses.
Service decomposition: a conceptual analysis of modularizing services
Authors: Eissens-van der Laan Monique , Broekhuis Manda , van Offenbeek Marjolein , Ahaus Kees 
Published: February 2016

Purpose– Applying “modularity” principles in services is gaining in popularity. The purpose of this paper is to enrich existing service modularity theory and practice by exploring how services are being decomposed and how the modularization aim and the routineness of the service(s) involved may link to different decomposition logics. The authors argue that these are fundamental questions that have barely been addressed.Design/methodology/approach– The authors first built a theoretical framework of decomposition steps and the design choices involved that distinguished six decomposition logics. The authors conducted a systematic literature search that generated 18 empirical articles describing 16 service modularity cases. The authors analysed these cases in terms of decomposition logic and two main contingencies: modularization aim and service routineness.Findings– Only three of the 18 articles explicitly addressed the service decomposition by reflecting on the underlying design choices. By unravelling the decomposition in each case, the authors were able to identify the decomposition logic and found four of the six theoretically derived logics: single-level process oriented; single-level outcome oriented; multilevel outcome oriented; and multilevel combined orientation. Although the authors did not find a direct relationship between the modularization aim and the decomposition logic, the authors did find that single-level decomposition logics seem to be mainly applied in non-routine service offerings whereas the multilevel ones are mainly applied in routine service offerings.Originality/value– By contributing to a common understanding of modular service decomposition and proposing a framework that explicates the design choices involved, the authors enable an enhanced application of the modularity concept in services.
Knowledge acquisition through process mapping
Authors: White Gareth R.T. , Cicmil Svetlana 
Published: February 2016

Purpose– Business improvement initiatives have benefit for both an organisation’s operational effectiveness and its knowledge acquisition capabilities. These have a synergistic effect upon the ability to gain and maintain competitive advantage. Among the multitude of approaches that can be adopted process mapping (PMapping) is widely used. The purpose of this paper is to examine the utilisation of PMapping for undertaking business process improvement and the resultant acquisition of knowledge among those that are involved in its performance and the subsequent use of process maps (PMaps).Design/methodology/approach– Adopting the notion of " knowledge as knowing " and Activity Theory as the research framework, a four-year Participatory Action Research study of three organisations was conducted. Data were gathered through cyclically developed semi-structured interviews, on-site observation and instantaneously sampled field notes.Findings– It finds that PMapping is a useful technique for conducting business process improvements and acquiring knowledge of organisations and their people. It also finds that PMaps are useful knowledge repositories that have value beyond aiding the development of improved business processes. Socialisation is a key determinant of knowledge coproduction and transfer. This study finds that it occurs in formal and informal modes between individuals engaged in PMapping.Research limitations/implications– The choice of PMapping technique may have significant influence upon the knowledge that is acquired by individuals and organisations during business process improvement initiatives. Future research should explore the relationship between PMapping methods, their knowledge-generative potential and the usability of the resultant PMaps.Practical implications– Organisations undertaking business process improvement initiatives should take account of those factors that mediate its undertaking and its knowledge-generative potential. The objectives of improvement initiatives and of specific activities such as PMapping need to be carefully considered. Changes in objectives need clear communication and justification, and the purpose and benefit of such changes must be weighed against the potential detrimental effect that they may have upon the workforce. Inconsiderate goals setting and changing can lead to individuals coming under significant psychological and sociological pressures.Originality/value– This research furthers the understanding of knowledge acquisition and business process improvement in non-manufacturing environments. It identifies the challenges involved in adopting PMapping as a business improvement tool. It also provides insight into the use of the tool as a technique for fostering knowledge acquisition in individuals.
The impacts of China’s FDI on employment in Thailand’s industrial sector
Authors: Keorite Mathavee , Moubarak Mohamed 
Published: February 2016

Purpose
– This study aims to analyze the effect of inward foreign direct investment (FDI) on new job creation. This study pays attention to factors interrelated to China’s FDI by using the case of Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach
– Using time series data from 2001 to 2014, this paper explores the driving forces and reduction potentials of employment in Thailand’s industrial sector with consideration for dynamic changes within the vector autoregression model.

Findings
– The results show that government expenditure plays a dominant role in increasing employment in Thailand’s industrial sector and exports plays a dominant role in decreasing employment in Thailand’s industrial sector. All variables are co-integrated and the analysis of the impulse–response function also turns out to be synchronous. Furthermore, in the short term, exports are more critical than China’s FDI in industrial sectors in reduction potentials of employment in Thailand’s industrial.

Practical/implications
– Policies should be devised to increase skilled labour and improve the equality of infrastructure in the country to attract more FDI into the economy and for quick adjustment purposes in case of shock to the system.

Originality/value
– The paper uncovers some important factors influencing employment in Thailand’s industrial sector under study and provides a guide-map for policymakers.
Interobserver agreement of Neer and AO classifications for proximal humeral fractures
Authors: Papakonstantinou Maritsa K. , Hart Melissa J. , Farrugia Richard , Gabbe Belinda J. , Kamali Moaveni Afshin , van Bavel Dirk , Page Richard S. , Richardson Martin D. 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundThe classification of proximal humeral fractures remains challenging. The two main classification systems used, the Neer and the AO classification, have both been shown to have less than ideal interobserver agreement. Agreement in classification is required, however, to guide fracture management.MethodData from the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry were collected and the X‐rays of 104 proximal humeral fractures were reviewed by three orthopaedic consultants. They classified the fractures according to the Neer and AO classifications, as well as their simplified versions. Interobserver agreement was then assessed using kappa statistics.ResultsInterobserver agreement was better overall in the Neer classification, which was moderate (kappa = 0.40–0.58), than the AO classification, which was fair to moderate (kappa = 0.31–0.54). When simplified, the Neer and AO classification interobserver agreement remained similar.ConclusionThe classification of proximal humeral fractures with both the Neer and the AO systems remains difficult with minimal improvements seen when reducing the number of categories in each classification system. From these results, the Neer classification system would appear slightly more useful in clinical practice to guide treatment.
Impact of operation timing on post‐operative infections following colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Li Cai‐Xia , An Xiao‐Xia , Zhao Bing , Wu Shui‐Jing , Xie Guo‐Hao , Fang Xiang‐Ming 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundTo investigate the impact of operation timing on post‐operative infections in a cohort of patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.MethodsWe prospectively analysed surgical outcomes in patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, from January to December in 2014. In this non‐randomized trial, patients were divided into three groups according to the surgery start time: CT1 (07:00 to 12:00 h), CT2 (12:01 to 18:00 h), and CT3 (18:01 h to midnight). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients developing infections within 4 weeks of the surgical procedure.ResultsOut of 756 patients that were enrolled in the study, 118 developed post‐operative infections. The results from blood and pus culture showed 97.1% specimen as being pathogen‐free. The overall incidence of post‐operative infection was 14.5% (38 of 262), 15.3% (46 of 300) and 17.5% (34 of 194) in the CT1, CT2 and CT3 group, respectively, with no significant inter‐group differences. However, white blood cell counts, C‐reactive protein and glucose levels at 24 h after the surgical procedure showed significant differences between the three groups (one‐way ANOVA, P < 0.05).ConclusionThe occurrence of post‐operative infection in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery was not associated with operation timing. The expression of several inflammatory markers, such as white blood cell counts, C‐reactive protein and blood glucose levels tended to correlate with the surgery start time.
Kid depletion in mouse oocytes associated with multinucleated blastomere formation and inferior embryo development
Authors: Egashira Akiyoshi , Yamauchi Nobuhiko , Islam Md. Rashedul , Yamagami Kazuki , Tanaka Asami , Suyama Hikaru , El‐Sayed El‐Sharawy Mohamed , Tabata Shoji , Kuramoto Takashi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis study investigated the knockdown (KD) of Kid on maturation developmental competence and multinucleation of mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes after parthenogenetic activation. Data revealed that Kid messenger RNA (mRNA) was expressed in GV and MII stage oocyte and 1‐ and 2‐cell embryos. Additionally, Kid mRNA expression in the Kid KD group decreased by nearly 46% compared to the control small interfering RNA (siRNA) groups. The rate of multinucleated embryos in the Kid KD group (52.4%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the control siRNA group (4.7%). Finally, the developmental rates were significantly lower in the Kid siRNA group at > 4‐cell stage (28.6% vs. 53.5%) and the blastocyst stage (2.4% vs. 23.3%) compared to the control siRNA groups. Suppression of Kid using siRNA caused multinucleation in early embryos with high frequency and it may increase 2‐ to 4‐cell arrested embryos and reduce the developmental competence to blastocyst.
The association between non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants and gastrointestinal bleeding: a meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: He Ying , Wong Ian C. K. , Li Xue , Anand Shweta , Leung Wai K. , Siu Chung Wah , Chan Esther W. 
Published: February 2016

Particular concerns have been raised regarding the association between non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB); however, current findings are still inconclusive. We conducted a systematic review with a meta‐analysis to examine the association between NOACs and GIB in real‐life settings. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL Plus up to September 2015. Observational studies that evaluated exposure to NOACs reporting GIB outcomes were included. The inverse variance method using the random‐effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimates. Eight cohort studies were included in the primary meta‐analysis, enrolling 1442 GIB cases among 106 626 dabigatran users (49 486 patient‐years), and 184 GIB cases among 10 713 rivaroxaban users (4046 patient‐years). The pooled incidence rates of GIB were 4.50 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.17, 5.84] and 7.18 (95% CI 2.42, 12.0) per 100 patient‐years among dabigatran and rivaroxaban users, respectively. The summary risk ratio (RR) was 1.21 (95% CI 1.05, 1.39) for dabigatran compared with warfarin, and 1.09 (95% CI 0.92, 1.30) for rivaroxaban. Subgroup analyses showed a dose‐related effect of dabigatran, with a significantly higher risk of GIB for 150 mg b.i.d. (RR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.34, 1.70) but not for 75 mg b.i.d. or 110 mg b.i.d.. In addition, the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)/histamine H2‐receptor antagonists (H2RAs) influenced the association in dabigatran users, whereas this effect was modest among rivaroxaban users. In conclusion, our meta‐analysis suggested a slightly higher risk of GIB with dabigatran use compared with warfarin, whereas no significant difference was found between rivaroxaban and warfarin for GIB risk.
Joint Model for Left-Censored Longitudinal Data, Recurrent Events and Terminal Event: Predictive Abilities of Tumor Burden for Cancer Evolution With Application to the FFCD 2000–05 Trial
Authors: Król Agnieszka , Ferrer Loïc , Pignon Jean-Pierre , Proust-Lima Cécile , Ducreux Michel , Bouché Olivier , Michiels Stefan , Rondeau Virginie 
Published: February 2016

Summary
In oncology, the international WHO and RECIST criteria have allowed the standardization of tumor response evaluation in order to identify the time of disease progression. These semi-quantitative measurements are often used as endpoints in phase II and phase III trials to study the efficacy of new therapies. However, through categorization of the continuous tumor size, information can be lost and they can be challenged by recently developed methods of modeling biomarkers in a longitudinal way. Thus, it is of interest to compare the predictive ability of cancer progressions based on categorical criteria and quantitative measures of tumor size (left-censored due to detection limit problems) and/or appearance of new lesions on overall survival. We propose a joint model for a simultaneous analysis of three types of data: a longitudinal marker, recurrent events, and a terminal event. The model allows to determine in a randomized clinical trial on which particular component treatment acts mostly. A simulation study is performed and shows that the proposed trivariate model is appropriate for practical use. We propose statistical tools that evaluate predictive accuracy for joint models to compare our model to models based on categorical criteria and their components. We apply the model to a randomized phase III clinical trial of metastatic colorectal cancer, conducted by the Fédération Francophone de Cancérologie Digestive (FFCD 2000–05 trial), which assigned 410 patients to two therapeutic strategies with multiple successive chemotherapy regimens.
Marginal Mean Models for Zero-Inflated Count Data
Authors: Todem David , Kim KyungMann , Hsu Wei-Wen 
Published: February 2016

Summary
Zero-inflated regression models have emerged as a popular tool within the parametric framework to characterize count data with excess zeros. Despite their increasing popularity, much of the literature on real applications of these models has centered around the latent class formulation where the mean response of the so-called at-risk or susceptible population and the susceptibility probability are both related to covariates. While this formulation in some instances provides an interesting representation of the data, it often fails to produce easily interpretable covariate effects on the overall mean response. In this article, we propose two approaches that circumvent this limitation. The first approach consists of estimating the effect of covariates on the overall mean from the assumed latent class models, while the second approach formulates a model that directly relates the overall mean to covariates. Our results are illustrated by extensive numerical simulations and an application to an oral health study on low income African-American children, where the overall mean model is used to evaluate the effect of sugar consumption on caries indices.
Estimating Optimal Shared-Parameter Dynamic Regimens with Application to a Multistage Depression Clinical Trial
Authors: Chakraborty Bibhas , Ghosh Palash , Moodie Erica E. M. , Rush A. John 
Published: February 2016

Summary
A dynamic treatment regimen consists of decision rules that recommend how to individualize treatment to patients based on available treatment and covariate history. In many scientific domains, these decision rules are shared across stages of intervention. As an illustrative example, we discuss STAR*D, a multistage randomized clinical trial for treating major depression. Estimating these shared decision rules often amounts to estimating parameters indexing the decision rules that are shared across stages. In this article, we propose a novel simultaneous estimation procedure for the shared parameters based on Q-learning. We provide an extensive simulation study to illustrate the merit of the proposed method over simple competitors, in terms of the treatment allocation matching of the procedure with the “oracle” procedure, defined as the one that makes treatment recommendations based on the true parameter values as opposed to their estimates. We also look at bias and mean squared error of the individual parameter-estimates as secondary metrics. Finally, we analyze the STAR*D data using the proposed method.
Maternity Outcomes in Manitoba Women: A Comparison between Midwifery‐led Care and Physician‐led Care at Birth
Authors: Thiessen Kellie , Nickel Nathan , Prior Heather J. , Banerjee Ankona , Morris Margaret , Robinson Kristine 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundRegistered midwives, obstetricians/gynecologists, and general or family practice physicians (GPs) provide maternity care across Canada. Few North American studies have assessed whether maternity outcomes differ across these three groups. This study compared maternal and neonatal outcomes of low‐risk pregnant women whose birth was attended by registered midwives, obstetricians/gynecologists, and family practice physicians in Winnipeg, Manitoba from 2001/02 to 2012/13.MethodsDescriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to examine differences in types of intervention, mode of delivery, and outcomes by provider type among low‐risk women. Logistic regression models controlled for socio‐demographic and birth‐related covariates.ResultsLow‐risk births comprised 83,774 (48.7%) of total births (n = 171,910). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR), (95% confidence interval) for midwife vs OB/GYN showed women who had a midwife attend the birth had reduced odds of having an episiotomy 0.47 (0.40–0.54), epidural 0.25 (0.23–0.27), and cesarean delivery 0.13 (0.10–0.16) and their infants had less Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admissions 0.28 (0.18–0.43). The aOR for GP versus OB/GYN showed women who had a GP had reduced odds of having an epidural/spinal 0.83 (0.79–0.88) and cesarean delivery 0.44 (0.40–0.48).ConclusionsThe effectiveness of Manitoba maternity services can be improved with increased use of integrated midwifery services. Future research should examine how midwifery and physician‐led models of care differ, and the influence of these differences on birth outcomes and cost‐effectiveness to the health care system. Improvement of data tracking systems is also needed.