bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utilizing External Features and a Consensus Field-Based Approach to Determine Sex of Lake Michigan Yellow Perch
Authors: Dub Joshua D. , Roswell Charles R. , Czesny Sergiusz 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Understanding fluctuations in population sex ratios is important for evaluating the effects of changes in population demographics and for making informed management decisions. The Yellow Perch Perca flavescens, an important sport fish in Lake Michigan, undergoes sexually dimorphic growth, likely resulting in differing vulnerabilities to angler harvest. However, sex ratio data from angler-harvested fish have not been collected because of the handling time and intrusiveness of the methods for distinguishing sexes. We utilized digital photographs of the urogenital papilla (UGP) from known-sex Yellow Perch to establish a method whereby UGP shape could be used to rapidly, accurately, and inexpensively determine the sex of Yellow Perch. Overall, 88.1% of Yellow Perch examined were assigned to the correct sex, and the sex ratio estimate of 48:87 (female : male) did not differ significantly from the known sex ratio of 46:89. Classification success was not affected by fish sex, TL, or month of collection. Our results demonstrate accurate, rapid, inexpensive, and nonlethal applicability of this method across a wide range of sizes and geographic and temporal scales. Applying this methodology will permit accurate sex ratio estimates for angler-harvested Yellow Perch, which can be used to better understand harvest composition and its implications for management.
Received February 17, 2017; accepted June 9, 2017 Published online August 31, 2017
A non-negative matrix factorization based method for predicting disease-associated miRNAs in miRNA-disease bilayer network
Authors: Zhong Yingli , Xuan Ping , Wang Xiao , Zhang Tiangang , Li Jianzhong , Liu Yong , Zhang Weixiong 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Motivation
Identification of disease-associated miRNAs (disease miRNAs) is critical for understanding disease etiology and pathogenesis. Since miRNAs exert their functions by regulating the expression of their target mRNAs, several methods based on the target genes were proposed to predict disease miRNA candidates. They achieved only limited success as they all suffered from the high false-positive rate of target prediction results. Alternatively, other prediction methods were based on the observation that miRNAs with similar functions tend to be associated with similar diseases and vice versa. The methods exploited the information about miRNAs and diseases, including the functional similarities between miRNAs, the similarities between diseases, and the associations between miRNAs and diseases. However, how to integrate the multiple kinds of information completely and consider the biological characteristic of disease miRNAs is a challenging problem.

Results
We constructed a bilayer network to represent the complex relationships among miRNAs, among diseases and between miRNAs and diseases. We proposed a non-negative matrix factorization based method to rank, so as to predict, the disease miRNA candidates. The method integrated the miRNA functional similarity, the disease similarity and the miRNA-disease associations seamlessly, which exploited the complex relationships within the bilayer network and the consensus relationship between multiple kinds of information. Considering the correlation between the candidates related to various diseases, it predicted their respective candidates for all the diseases simultaneously. In addition, the sparseness characteristic of disease miRNAs was introduced to generate more reliable prediction model that excludes those noisy candidates. The results on 15 common diseases showed a superior performance of the new method for not only well-characterized diseases but also new ones. A detailed case study on breast neoplasms, colorectal neoplasms, lung neoplasms and 32 other diseases demonstrated the ability of the method for discovering potential disease miRNAs.

Availability and implementation
The web service for the new method and the list of predicted candidates for all the diseases are available at http://www.bioinfolab.top.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The medical science DMZ: a network design pattern for data-intensive medical science
Authors: Peisert Sean , Dart Eli , Barnett William , Balas Edward , Cuff James , Grossman Robert L , Berman Ari , Shankar Anurag , Tierney Brian 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Objective
We describe a detailed solution for maintaining high-capacity, data-intensive network flows (eg, 10, 40, 100 Gbps+) in a scientific, medical context while still adhering to security and privacy laws and regulations.

Materials and Methods
High-end networking, packet-filter firewalls, network intrusion-detection systems.

Results
We describe a “Medical Science DMZ” concept as an option for secure, high-volume transport of large, sensitive datasets between research institutions over national research networks, and give 3 detailed descriptions of implemented Medical Science DMZs.

Discussion
The exponentially increasing amounts of “omics” data, high-quality imaging, and other rapidly growing clinical datasets have resulted in the rise of biomedical research “Big Data.” The storage, analysis, and network resources required to process these data and integrate them into patient diagnoses and treatments have grown to scales that strain the capabilities of academic health centers. Some data are not generated locally and cannot be sustained locally, and shared data repositories such as those provided by the National Library of Medicine, the National Cancer Institute, and international partners such as the European Bioinformatics Institute are rapidly growing. The ability to store and compute using these data must therefore be addressed by a combination of local, national, and industry resources that exchange large datasets. Maintaining data-intensive flows that comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other regulations presents a new challenge for biomedical research. We describe a strategy that marries performance and security by borrowing from and redefining the concept of a Science DMZ, a framework that is used in physical sciences and engineering research to manage high-capacity data flows.

Conclusion
By implementing a Medical Science DMZ architecture, biomedical researchers can leverage the scale provided by high-performance computer and cloud storage facilities and national high-speed research networks while preserving privacy and meeting regulatory requirements.
Blended-Learning Pain Neuroscience Education for People With Chronic Spinal Pain: Randomized Controlled Multicenter Trial
Authors: Malfliet Anneleen , Kregel Jeroen , Meeus Mira , Roussel Nathalie , Danneels Lieven , Cagnie Barbara , Dolphens Mieke , Nijs Jo 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Background
Available evidence favors the use of pain neuroscience education (PNE) in patients with chronic pain. However, PNE trials are often limited to small sample sizes and, despite the current digital era, the effects of blended-learning PNE (ie, the combination of online digital media with traditional educational methods) have not yet been investigated.

Objective
The study objective was to examine whether blended-learning PNE is able to improve disability, catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, and illness perceptions.

Design
This study was a 2-center, triple-blind randomized controlled trial (participants, statistician, and outcome assessor were masked).

Setting
The study took place at university hospitals in Ghent and Brussels, Belgium.

Participants
Participants were 120 people with nonspecific chronic spinal pain (ie, chronic neck pain and low back pain).

Intervention
The intervention was 3 sessions of PNE or biomedically focused back/neck school education (addressing spinal anatomy and physiology).

Measurements
Measurements were self-report questionnaires (Pain Disability Index, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, Illness Perception Questionnaire, and Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire).

Results
None of the treatment groups showed a significant change in the perceived disability (Pain Disability Index) due to pain (mean group difference posteducation: 1.84; 95% CI = −2.80 to 6.47). Significant interaction effects were seen for kinesiophobia and several subscales of the Illness Perception Questionnaire, including negative consequences, cyclical time line, and acute/chronic time line. In-depth analysis revealed that only in the PNE group were these outcomes significantly improved (9% to 17% improvement; 0.37 ≤ Cohen d ≥ 0.86).

Limitations
Effect sizes are small to moderate, which might raise the concern of limited clinical utility; however, changes in kinesiophobia exceed the minimal detectable difference. PNE should not be used as the sole treatment modality but should be combined with other treatment strategies.

Conclusions
Blended-learning PNE was able to improve kinesiophobia and illness perceptions in participants with chronic spinal pain. As effect sizes remained small to medium, PNE should not be used as a sole treatment but rather should be used as a key element within a comprehensive active rehabilitation program. Future studies should compare the effects of blended-learning PNE with offline PNE and should consider cost–effectiveness.
Pulsed Dye Laser at Subpurpuric Settings for the Treatment of Pulsed Dye Laser–Induced Ecchymoses in Patients With Port-Wine Stains
Authors: Brauer Jeremy A. , Farhadian Joshua A. , Bernstein Leonard J. , Bae Yoon-Soo , Geronemus Roy G. 
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND
Post-procedure purpura is a major complaint of patients with port-wine stains (PWSs) treated with pulsed dye laser (PDL).

OBJECTIVE
To assess the safety and efficacy of using PDL at nonpurpuric settings to treat ecchymoses that develop within PWSs after treatment with PDL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Prospective, randomized, controlled study using 595-nm PDL for treatment of PWSs and laser-induced ecchymoses. Port-wine stains were treated in entirety at baseline. Two days later, ecchymoses on randomly selected half of the lesion were re-treated with PDL at subpurpuric settings. Treatment series was repeated 4 to 8 weeks later, and follow-up was at 1 month. Reduction in bruising and PWS clearance were assessed. Three masked evaluators graded clinical improvement using a 4-point scale (1 = 1%–25% improvement, 2 = 26%–50% improvement, 3 = 51%–75% improvement, and 4 = 76%–100% improvement).

RESULTS
Twenty adults with 21 PWSs on the head, trunk, and extremities were treated. After first treatment, reduction of bruising was graded a mean value of 2.43 for the treatment side, compared with 1.93 for the control side (p = .012); after the second treatment, 2.83 compared with 2.40 (p = .021). No significant adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION
Pulsed dye laser can be used safely and effectively to reduce treatment-induced purpura in patients with PWSs.
Measuring Cutaneous Lesions: Trends in Clinical Practice
Authors: Zhang Shali , Blalock Travis W. 
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND
Knowing the size of a cutaneous lesion can be important for tracking its progression over time, selecting the proper treatment modality, surgical planning, determining prognosis, and accurate billing. However, providers vary in their consistency, accuracy, and methods of measuring cutaneous lesions.

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinical practices of US dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons regarding how they determine the size of cutaneous lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A survey was electronically distributed to members of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

RESULTS
Four hundred twenty-six dermatologists completed the online survey. When a lesion is suspected to be malignant, 85% of respondents obtained exact measurements most, if not all, of the time; however, only 8% did for benign lesions. Most providers determined lesion sizes themselves rather than delegating to staff. When performing visual estimation, approximately three-quarters believed that they were accurate to within 1 to 2 mm. The top reasons for obtaining exact measurements were for tracking atypical pigmented lesions, determining treatment pathways, and accurate billing.

CONCLUSION
The majority of respondents believed that lesion size affected management decisions; however, the need for exact measurement remains controversial, particularly for benign lesions. Future studies may investigate whether taking exact versus estimated measurements has an effect on outcomes.
High Level of Biofilm Formation and Virulence Factors in Enterococci Species Isolated From Clinical and Normal Flora Samples
Authors: Esmaeili Zahra , Sadeghi Javad , Razavi Shabnam , Oshaghi Mojgan , Sayyahfar Shirin , Rahbar Mohammad , Talebi Malihe 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Enterococci are gram-positive bacteria, and they are members of normal intestinal microflora of humans as well as animals. However, recently, they evolved from common avirulent commensal bacteria into a multidrug-resistant health care–associated pathogen. In this study, 147 isolates were collected from clinical and healthy people. The presence of 7 genes including ace, ebp, efaA, ebrB, ecbA, fsrB, and sgrA were investigated by polymerase chain reaction method. Finally, for detection of biofilm formation, Congo red agar and microliter plate methods were used. Our results showed that ace (94.6%), efaA (94.6%), and ebp (92.5%) were present almost in all of the isolates, followed by fsrB (53.7%), sgrA (36%), ecbA (33.3%), and ebrB (13.6%). By Congo red method, 38% of our isolates formed black colonies on Congo red agar (biofilm producer), whereas others (62%) had red colonies (nonbiofilm producer). Finally, by using microliter plate method, 23.8% of isolates were able to form biofilm. These results indicate that normal flora isolates can constitute as a reservoir for virulent Enterococcus isolates.
Socialized Risk and Privatized Profit
Authors: Fornili Katherine S. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
The aim of this column is to provide an overview of the positive impacts of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) on improved health care access, quality, and outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), including opioid use disorders and opioid overdose deaths. Addictions nurses should be alerted to the serious, often lethal consequences that individuals with SUDs will experience if the ACA is repealed. Proposed legislation to reverse major provisions of the ACA include the American Health Care Act of 2017 (H. R. 1628), passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 4, 2017, and the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 (H. R. 1628, Senate Amendment, June 26, 2017), which was made public just before this writing, amid much secrecy and lack of transparency. This column focuses on ACA-related Medicaid expansion and the impact that future cuts to Medicaid and other insurance coverage would have on individuals in need of SUD treatment. Finally, this column addresses the moral, ethical, and professional obligations of nurses and others involved in health care and health policy. Intensified advocacy efforts are required to ensure that recent ACA-related gains in insurance coverage and access to quality behavioral health treatment are not only preserved but also expanded. Access to health insurance coverage and health care, especially among vulnerable, high-risk populations, including those at elevated risk for opioid overdose and other SUD-related morbidity and mortality risks, is one of the most important social justice issues of our time.
Development and Validation of a Fertility Intention Scale in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: LI Chin-Ching , HUANG Sheng-Miauh , LAI Jerry Cheng-Yen , HSIUNG Yvonne , CHEN Yi-Heng , LEE Ching-Fang 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Background:
Evidence indicates that breast cancer survivors with reproductive concerns have a poorer quality of life than survivors without fertility concerns. There is a lack of reliable and valid assessments of fertility intention among breast cancer survivors.

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Fertility Intention Scale (FIS) that is sensitive to the fertility intention of women with breast cancer.

Methods:
A literature review and a qualitative study were conducted to generate the items in the scale. Content validity was evaluated by 15 experts, and face validity was assessed by 10 patients with cancer. Factor analysis was used to assess construct validity, and criterion validity was evaluated using two percentile items of fertility willingness. We developed and examined the validity and reliability of the FIS using a sample of 178 patients with breast cancer who had completed chemotherapy.

Results:
The Cronbach’s alpha calculated for the FIS (15 items) was .88. The factor analysis performed for the construct validity of the scale identified four factors that accounted for approximately 68.72% of the total variance. These four factors were pregnancy risk, disease control, social support, and happiness. There was a significant correlation between the total FIS and the level of desiring fertility preservation or pregnancy.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:
The FIS has acceptable reliability, content validity, and construct validity. This scale is appropriate for use in research and clinical practice settings to evaluate the risk–benefit perceptions of pregnancy in patients with breast cancer.
Variability in Acuity in Acute Care
Authors: Garcia Amy L. 
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to describe variable acuity among 1 population of acute care patients.

BACKGROUND
Acuity, defined as the individual patient need for nursing care, can inform level of care, nurse staffing, and the nurse-to-patient assignment. Nurse-generated data in the electronic health record can be mined and analyzed for decision support.

METHODS
This study used a descriptive, retrospective analysis of repeated measures of acuity generated from 28 739 nursing assessments of 405 consecutive subjects treated for heart failure (HF) in a 455-bed southern hospital.

RESULTS
Patients treated for HF have variable care needs throughout the course of treatment. Univariate analysis of variance and post hoc analysis found that gender, age, type of unit, and length of stay (LOS) had a significant impact on acuity, P < .01, with a very small effect of less than 1%, indicating that acuity should be measured instead of assumed. Patients in medical-surgical and step-down units had highly variable acuity, ranging from ready to discharge to acuity levels consistent with critical care. Across the LOS, the mean acuity stabilized at 12 hours after admission, decreased until 88 hours, then increased steadily through discharge.

CONCLUSIONS
Understanding the variability in acuity within an individual patient, or a specific patient population, will contribute to decision support levels of patient care, staffing, nurse-patient assignments, and the cost of care. Frequent, sequential, and real-time measures of acuity may be valuable for tracking patient progress or measuring response to nursing interventions.
Early alterations of social brain networks in young children with autism
Authors: Franz Sperdin Holger , Coito Ana , Kojovic Nada , Rihs Tonia , Jan Reem Kais , Franchini Martina , Plomp Gijs , Vulliémoz Serge , Eliez Stéphan , Martin Michel Christoph , Schaer Marie 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTSocial impairments are a hallmark of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), but empirical evidence for early brain network alterations in response to social stimuli is scant in ASD. Here, we recorded the gaze patterns and brain activity of toddlers and preschoolers with ASD and their typically developing (TD) peers while they explored dynamic social scenes. Source-space directed functional connectivity analyses revealed the presence of network alterations in the theta frequency band, manifesting as increased driving (hyper-activity) and stronger connections (hyper-connectivity) from key nodes of the social brain associated with autism. Further analyses of brain-behavioural relationships within the ASD group suggested that compensatory mechanisms from dorsomedial frontal, inferior temporal and insular cortical regions were associated with lower clinical impairment and less atypical gaze patterns. Our results provide strong evidence that directed functional connectivity alterations of social brain networks is a core component of atypical brain development at early stages of ASD.
PrimerServer: a high-throughput primer design and specificity-checking platform
Authors: Zhu Tao , Liang Chengzhen , Meng Zhigang , Li Yanyan , Wu Yayu , Guo Sandui , Zhang Rui 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSummaryDesigning specific primers for multiple sites across the whole genome is still challenging, especially in species with complex genomes. Here we present PrimerServer, a high-throughput primer design and specificity-checking platform with both web and command-line interfaces. This platform efficiently integrates site selection, primer design, specificity checking and data presentation. In our case study, PrimerServer achieved high accuracy and a fast running speed for a large number of sites, suggesting its potential for molecular biology applications such as molecular breeding or medical testing.Availability and ImplementationSource code for PrimerServer is available athttps://github.com/billzt/PrimerServer. A demo server is freely accessible athttps://primerserver.org, with all major browsers supported.Contactzhangrui@caas.cnorguosandui@caas.cn
Understanding IPTV churning behaviors: focus on users in South Korea
Authors: Kim Myung-Joong , Kim Juil , Park Sun-Young 
Published: August 2017

PurposeThis study aims to investigate customers’ churning out of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service, one of the most prevalent forms of IT convergence.Design/methodology/approachBased on the review of current literature, a research model is introduced to depict the effects of select independent variables on customer churning behavior. First of all, the two groups are compared in terms of predictor variables, including switching barriers, voice of customer (VOC), membership period and degree of contents usage. Then, a curvilinear regression was applied to understand the association relationship between the level of IPTV contents usage and variables of switching barriers, VOC and membership period. Third, a logit regression was performed to predict customer churning through the variables of switching barriers, VOC, membership period and level of IPTV contents usage.FindingsThrough the empirical analysis, this study analyzed the factors affecting customer churning behavior of IPTV service providers based on switching barriers, VOC and contents usage.Originality/valueAlthough several studies on IPTV have been undertaken globally, they have largely depended on self-reporting surveys to examine dynamics between antecedent variables and IPTV performance in terms of customer satisfaction, usage intension and customer retention. This empirical study is performed to understand influential factors of IPTV service defection through the weblog analysis of 3,906 service users, who represented both service defectors and non-defectors during a specific month.