bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of hospital accreditation on clinical documentation compliance: a life cycle explanation using interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Devkaran Subashnie , O'Farrell Patrick N 
Published: August 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether accredited hospitals maintain quality and patient safety standards over the accreditation cycle by testing a life cycle explanation of accreditation on quality measures. Four distinct phases of the accreditation life cycle were defined based on the Joint Commission International process. Predictions concerning the time series trend of compliance during each phase were specified and tested.DesignInterrupted time series (ITS) regression analysis of 23 quality and accreditation compliance measures.SettingA 150-bed multispecialty hospital in Abu Dhabi, UAE.ParticipantsEach month (over 48 months) a simple random sample of 24% of patient records was audited, resulting in 276 000 observations collected from 12 000 patient records, drawn from a population of 50 000.Intervention(s)The impact of hospital accreditation on the 23 quality measures was observed for 48 months, 1 year preaccreditation (2009) and 3-year postaccreditation (2010–2012).Main outcome measure(s)The Life Cycle Model was evaluated by aggregating the data for 23 quality measures to produce a composite score (YC) and fitting an ITS regression equation to the unweighted monthly mean of the series.ResultsThe four phases of the life cycle are as follows: the initiation phase, the presurvey phase, the postaccreditation slump phase and the stagnation phase. The Life Cycle Model explains 87% of the variation in quality compliance measures (R2=0.87). The ITS model not only contains three significant variables (β1, β2and β3) (p≤0.001), but also the size of the coefficients indicates that the effects of these variables are substantial (β1=2.19, β2=−3.95 (95% CI −6.39 to −1.51) and β3=−2.16 (95% CI −2.52 to −1.80).ConclusionsAlthough there was a reduction in compliance immediately after the accreditation survey, the lack of subsequent fading in quality performance should be a reassurance to researchers, managers, clinicians and accreditors.
Adolescent drinking onset and its adult consequences among men: a population based study from India
Authors: Pillai Aravind , Nayak Madhabika B , Greenfield Thomas K , Bond Jason C , Hasin Deborah S , Patel Vikram 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundFew population-based studies from low-income and middle-income countries have addressed adolescent drinking onset and its association with adult alcohol-related adverse outcomes. The aims of this study were to: (1) estimate the rate of adolescent drinking onset and its trend over time among men (2) describe demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with adolescent drinking onset; and (3) examine the association between adolescent drinking onset and adverse outcomes in later life, including hazardous or harmful alcohol use, heavy episodic drinking, alcohol dependence, injuries and psychological distress.MethodsPopulation-based survey of men (n=1899) from rural and urban communities in northern Goa, India. Analysis addressed age of drinking onset among those who reported ever drinking in their lifetime, and drinking patterns and consequences among current drinkers.ResultsAdolescent drinking onset showed an increasing trend over time (p<0.001), from 19.5% for those born between 1956 and 1960 to 74.3% for those born between 1981 and 1985. Urban residence, Christian religion and low standard of living were associated with adolescent drinking onset. Adolescent drinking onset was associated with psychological distress (OR2.82; 95% CI 1.41 to 5.63), alcohol dependence (OR2.56; 95% CI 1.79 to 3.68), lifetime history of alcohol related injuries (OR3.07; 95% CI 1.16 to 8.14),alcohol related injuries during the past year (OR3.04; 95% CI 1.35 to 6.81),and a Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test score ≥8 indicating hazardous or harmful alcohol use (OR1.9; 95% CI 1.17 to 3.08)in adulthood.ConclusionsThis study among men in Goa, India suggests a substantial increase in adolescent drinking onset in more recent birth cohorts. Consistent with other countries, adolescent drinking onset increased the likelihood of lifetime alcohol dependence, hazardous or harmful alcohol use, alcohol related injuries and psychological distress. These findings highlight the need for policies and programmes to delay drinking onset in India.
A data-agnostic dashboard visualization framework with customizable layout for e-commerce data analytics
Authors: K Arun Sai , Venkatapathy Sriram 
Published: August 2014

Different e-commerce vendors have different data-visualization requirements for their analytics dashboards. For instance, the format of data-input, the chart to be rendered and the layout of the dashboard vary widely and depend on the vendor's requirements. This framework was developed to automate the process of visualizing data on a dashboard with a customizable layout. The framework is independent of the type of input data and it renders charts based on the configuration set by the user. It also provides the flexibility to render charts using multiple charting libraries and third party APIs. Another key feature in this framework is the customizable layout of the charts rendered on the dashboard.
In this framework, data-agnostic visualization in customizable layouts is achieved by the use of an XML file, which stores all the configuration settings of the dashboard.
Data to be visualized is fed into the framework in one of the supported data-input formats. This input also contains the type of chart to be rendered and other meta-data. Charts and graphs can be rendered from multiple sources, which include charting libraries and third party APIs like Google Charts. The meta-data stored in the XML file contains information regarding the charts to be rendered and their sources. The layout of the dashboard is specified using various parameters such as position and size of the charts to be rendered and customized using appropriate tags and values in the XML file. This framework was developed and deployed at Teritree Technologies Pvt Ltd and has received a very good customer feedback.
Oscillation Criteria for Certain Even Order Neutral Delay Differential Equations with Mixed Nonlinearities
Authors: Han Zhen-Lai , Sun Yi-Bing , Zhao Yan , Yang Dian-Wu 
Published: August 2014

We establish some oscillation criteria for the following certain even order neutral delay differential equations with mixed nonlinearities:rtzn-1tα-1zn-1t'+q0(t)(xτ0tα-1x(τ0(t))+q1t(x(τ1(t))β-1x(τ1(t))+q2t(x(τ2(t))γ-1x(τ2(t))=0, t≥t0,wherez(t)=x(t)+p(t)x(σ(t)),nis even integer, andγ>α>β>0.Our results generalize and improve some known results for oscillation of certain even order neutral delay differential equations with mixed nonlinearities.
Family History of Myocardial Infarction and Cause-Specific Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Lind Caroline , Enga Kristin F. , Mathiesen Ellisiv B. , Njølstad Inger , Brækkan Sigrid K. , Hansen John-Bjarne 
Published: August 2014

Background—
A family history of myocardial infarction (FHMI) has been shown to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The mechanism underlying the association remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to determine the risks of MI and VTE by FHMI using a cause-specific model and to explore whether atherosclerotic risk factors could explain the association between FHMI and VTE in a population-based cohort.

Methods and Results—
The study included 21 624 subjects recruited from the Tromsø Study in 1994 to 1995 and 2001 to 2002. Incident MI and VTE events were registered from date of enrollment to end of follow-up, December 31, 2010. There were 1311 MIs and 428 VTEs during a median follow-up of 15.8 years. FHMI was associated with a 52% increased risk of MI (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.35–1.70) and a 26% increased risk of VTE (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.55) in the cause-specific Cox model. Similar results were found using the traditional Cox model. The risk estimates by status of FHMI were highest for unprovoked deep vein thrombosis (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.12–2.56), and the risk increased with increasing number of affected relatives. Modifiable atherosclerotic risk factors slightly altered the association between FHMI and MI but had a negligible effect on the association between FHMI and VTE.

Conclusions—
FHMI was associated with increased risk of both MI and VTE in a cause-specific model. Apparently, the association between FHMI and VTE applied to unprovoked deep vein thrombosis and was not explained by modifiable atherosclerotic risk factors.
Improved Quality of Life After 1 Year With an Invasive Versus a Noninvasive Treatment Strategy in Claudicants
Authors: Nordanstig Joakim , Taft Charles , Hensäter Marlene , Perlander Angelica , Österberg Klas , Jivegård Lennart 
Published: August 2014

Background—
The quality of evidence for invasive revascularization in intermittent claudication is low or very low. This prospective, randomized, controlled study tested the hypothesis that an invasive treatment strategy versus continued noninvasive treatment improves health-related quality of life after 1 year in unselected patients with intermittent claudication.

Methods and Results—

After clinical and duplex ultrasound assessment, unselected patients with intermittent claudication requesting treatment for claudication were randomly assigned to invasive (n=79) or noninvasive (n=79) treatment groups. Primary end point was health-related quality of life after 1 year, assessed with Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 version 1 and Vascular Quality of Life Questionnaire, and secondary end points included walking distances on a graded treadmill. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 version 1 physical component summary (
P
<0.001) and 2 Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 version 1 physical subscales improved significantly more in the invasive versus the noninvasive treatment group. Overall, Vascular Quality of Life Questionnaire score (
P
<0.01) and 3 of 5 domain scores improved significantly more in the invasive versus the noninvasive treatment group. Intermittent claudication distance improved significantly in the invasive (+124 m) versus the noninvasive (+50 m) group (
P
=0.003), whereas the change in maximum walking distance was not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions—
An invasive treatment strategy improves health-related quality of life and intermittent claudication distance after 1 year in patients with stable lifestyle-limiting claudication receiving current medical management. Long-term follow-up data and health-economic assessments are warranted to further establish the role for revascularization in intermittent claudication.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01219842.
Buffering Social Influence: Neural Correlates of Response Inhibition Predict Driving Safety in the Presence of a Peer
Authors: Cascio Christopher N. , Carp Joshua , O'Donnell Matthew Brook , Tinney Francis J. , Bingham C. Raymond , Shope Jean T. , Ouimet Marie Claude , Pradhan Anuj K. , Simons-Morton Bruce G. , Falk Emily B. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAdolescence is a period characterized by increased sensitivity to social cues, as well as increased risk-taking in the presence of peers. For example, automobile crashes are the leading cause of death for adolescents, and driving with peers increases the risk of a fatal crash. Growing evidence points to an interaction between neural systems implicated in cognitive control and social and emotional context in predicting adolescent risk. We tested such a relationship in recently licensed teen drivers. Participants completed an fMRI session in which neural activity was measured during a response inhibition task, followed by a separate driving simulator session 1 week later. Participants drove alone and with a peer who was randomly assigned to express risk-promoting or risk-averse social norms. The experimentally manipulated social context during the simulated drive moderated the relationship between individual differences in neural activity in the hypothesized cognitive control network (right inferior frontal gyrus, BG) and risk-taking in the driving context a week later. Increased activity in the response inhibition network was not associated with risk-taking in the presence of a risky peer but was significantly predictive of safer driving in the presence of a cautious peer, above and beyond self-reported susceptibility to peer pressure. Individual differences in recruitment of the response inhibition network may allow those with stronger inhibitory control to override risky tendencies when in the presence of cautious peers. This relationship between social context and individual differences in brain function expands our understanding of neural systems involved in top–down cognitive control during adolescent development.
Adaptive Top–Down Suppression of Hippocampal Activity and the Purging of Intrusive Memories from Consciousness
Authors: Benoit Roland G. , Hulbert Justin C. , Huddleston Ean , Anderson Michael C. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
When reminded of unwanted memories, people often attempt to suppress these experiences from awareness. Prior work indicates that control processes mediated by the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) modulate hippocampal activity during such retrieval suppression. It remains unknown whether this modulation plays a role in purging an intrusive memory from consciousness. Here, we combined fMRI and effective connectivity analyses with phenomenological reports to scrutinize a role for adaptive top–down suppression of hippocampal retrieval processes in terminating mnemonic awareness of intrusive memories. Participants either suppressed or recalled memories of pictures depicting faces or places. After each trial, they reported their success at regulating awareness of the memory. DLPFC activation was greatest when unwanted memories intruded into consciousness and needed to be purged, and this increased engagement predicted superior control of intrusive memories over time. However, hippocampal activity was decreased during the suppression of place memories only. Importantly, the inhibitory influence of the DLPFC on the hippocampus was linked to the ensuing reduction in intrusions of the suppressed memories. Individuals who exhibited negative top–down coupling during early suppression attempts experienced fewer involuntary memory intrusions later on. Over repeated suppressions, the DLPFC–hippocampus connectivity grew less negative with the degree that they no longer had to purge unwanted memories from awareness. These findings support a role of DLPFC in countermanding the unfolding recollection of an unwanted memory via the suppression of hippocampal processing, a mechanism that may contribute to adaptation in the aftermath of traumatic experiences.
A Comparative Study on Precipitation Climatology and Interannual Variability in the Lower Midlatitude East Asia and Central Asia
Authors: Yin Zhi-Yong , Wang Hongli , Liu Xiaodong 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
This study examines precipitation climatology and interannual variability in two regions in the lower midlatitude Asia to the east and west of the Tibetan Plateau, one located in monsoonal East Asia (the M region) and the other in semiarid central Asia (the W region). The focus is on the 5-month summer half year (May–September) for the M region and the winter half year (December–April) for the W region, corresponding to their respective rainy seasons. The main mechanism of moisture transport for the M region is the summer lower-tropospheric southerly winds, whereas the winter midtropospheric westerly circulation between 25° and 45°N is responsible for conducting moisture fluxes to the W region. It is further discovered that the winter precipitation series are positively correlated between the two regions (r = 0.47). There is also a weak cross-seasonal correlation between the winter W region precipitation and summer M region precipitation (r = 0.27). Winter westerly circulation over the W region is influenced by both the east Atlantic–western Russia and the polar–Eurasia extratropical teleconnection patterns, while El Niño–Southern Oscillation influences regional circulation patterns in both regions through teleconnections via the Indo-Pacific warm pool convection in winter and its lagged impact on the western North Pacific anticyclone over the Philippine Sea. In the meantime, responses of the regional winter circulation in the M region to the upstream westerly circulation intensity cause the correlation in winter precipitation between the two regions. Such linkages form the basis of the concurrent and cross-seasonal correlations in precipitation between the two remote regions.
Using a High-Frequency Fluorescent Oxygen Probe in Atmospheric Eddy Covariance Applications
Authors: Andersson Andreas , Rutgersson Anna , Sahlée Erik 
Published: August 2014

AbstractDuring the years 2010–13, atmospheric eddy covariance measurement of oxygen was performed at the marine site Östergarnsholm in the Baltic Sea. The fast response optode Microx TX3 was used with two different types of tapered sensors. In spite of the increased lifetime, the optical isolated sensor is limited by the slower response time and is unsuitable for ground-based eddy covariance measurements. The sensor without optical isolation shows a −⅔ slope within the inertial subrange and attains sufficient response time and precision to be used in air–sea applications during continuous periods of 1–4 days. Spectral and cospectral analysis shows oxygen measured with the nonoptical isolated sensor to follow the same shape as for CO2and water vapor when normalized. The sampling rate of the Microx TX3 is 2 Hz; however, the sensor was found to have a limited response and resolution, yielding a flux loss in the frequency rangef> 0.3 Hz. This can be corrected for by applying cospectral similarity simultaneously using measurements of latent heat as the reference signal. On average the magnitude of the cospectral correction added 20% to the uncorrected oxygen flux during neutral atmospheric stratification.
Theoretical and Numerical Analysis of a Class of Semi-Implicit Semi-Lagrangian Schemes Potentially Applicable to Atmospheric Models
Authors: Beljadid Abdelaziz , Mohammadian Abdolmajid , Charron Martin , Girard Claude 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
In this paper, theoretical and numerical analyses of the properties of some complex semi-Lagrangian methods are performed to deal with the issues of the instability associated with the treatment of the nonlinear part of the forcing term. A class of semi-Lagrangian semi-implicit schemes is proposed using a modified TR-BDF2 method, which is the combination of the trapezoidal rule (TR) and the second-order backward differentiation formula (BDF2). The process used for the nonlinear term includes two stages as predictor and corrector in the trapezoidal method and one stage for the BDF2 method. For the treatment of the linear term, the implicit trapezoidal method is employed in the first step, the explicit trapezoidal method in the second step, and the implicit BDF2 method in the third step. The combination of these techniques leads to a family of schemes that has a large region of absolute stability, performs well for the purely oscillatory cases, and has good qualities in terms of accuracy and convergence. The use of the explicit method for the linear term in the second step makes the proposed class of schemes competitive in terms of efficiency compared to some well-known schemes that use two steps. Numerical experiments presented herein confirm that the proposed class of schemes performs well in terms of stability, accuracy, convergence, and efficiency in comparison with other, previously known, semi-Lagrangian semi-implicit schemes and semi-implicit predictor–corrector methods. The potential practical application of the proposed class of schemes to a weather prediction model or any other atmospheric model is not discussed and could be the subject of other forthcoming studies.
Validation of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale for Greek Patients
Authors: Lachanas Vasileios A. , Tsiouvaka Stergiani , Tsea Malamati , Hajiioannou Jiannis K. , Skoulakis Charalampos E. 
Published: August 2014

ObjectiveNasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale is a validated disease‐specific questionnaire for the assessment of Nasal Obstruction (NO). The aim of this study was to validate the Greek‐NOSE questionnaire.Study DesignProspective instrument validation study.SettingTertiary referral center.Subjects and MethodsNOSE questionnaire was translated into Greek and then translated back into English. A prospective study was conducted on adult patients with NO due to septal deviation (SD). Test‐retest evaluation of SD patients was carried out. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha test and test‐retest reliability with Pearson's test (correlation), kappa (reproducibility), and Bland‐Altman plot (extent of agreement). Validity was assessed by comparing scores of a control group of volunteers without NO to preoperative scores of SD patients undergoing septoplasty with Mann‐Whitney test. Responsiveness was assessed by comparing preoperative to 3 months postoperative scores of SD patients with paired t test and evaluating the magnitude of surgery effect.ResultsTest‐retest evaluation was accepted on 109 patients. The Greek‐NOSE had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.74 for test and 0.76 for retest). All its items were significantly correlated between test and retest evaluation. NOSE showed high reproducibility (mean kappa: 0.75), and almost all differences in Bland‐Altman plot were between agreement thresholds. Controls (123 volunteers) had significant lower score. Postoperative scores were significantly lower than preoperative, and magnitude of surgery effect was high, both indicating good responsiveness.ConclusionThe Greek‐NOSE questionnaire is a valid instrument with satisfactory internal consistency, reliability, reproducibility, validity, and responsiveness.
Hyaluronic Acid Behavior in the Lamina Propria of the Larynx with Advancing Age
Authors: Branco Anete , Rodrigues Sergio Augusto , Fabro Alexandre Todorovic , Fonseca‐Alves Carlos Eduardo , Martins Regina Helena Garcia 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesTo analyze the hyaluronic acid behavior in the lamina propria of the larynx with advancing age.Study DesignProspective study.SettingUNESP‐Univ Estadual Paulista, Botucatu Medical School, Brazil.Subjects and MethodsThirty vocal folds were obtained at necropsy from 10 adult males (30–50 years old) and 20 geriatric males (10: 60–75 years old; 10: over 76 years old). Midmembranous vocal fold sections were subjected to immunohistochemical reactions. Digital imaging software (ImageJ) was used to quantify the hyaluronic acid distribution over the lamina propria of vocal folds, from superficial to deep layers.ResultsHyaluronic acid distribution was homogeneous for the larynges, at both superficial and deep layers (41.6 and 38.5, respectively). For both 30‐ to 50‐year‐old men geriatric age groups, hyaluronic acid level was lower at both layers.ConclusionHyaluronic acid level in the lamina propria of the larynx of geriatric men decreases with advancing age at both layers of the lamina.