bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TRANSFORMING A CANADIAN MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY: LABORATORY AUTOMATION AND LEAN PROCESSES REDUCE ERRORS, IMPROVE STANDARDIZATION AND RESULT QUALITY WHILE IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY
Authors: Page Norma 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundFocused on excellence and innovation, DynaLIFEDx has transformed their Microbiology laboratory, which serves hospital and community patients, with the BD Kiestra Total Laboratory Automation (TLA) system.ObjectivesIn 2013, DynaLIFEDx partnered with Becton Dickinson to implement the Kiestra TLA driving transformation from a traditional microbiology laboratory to a high quality, standardized, LEAN operation supporting improved patient care.MethodsLEAN process observation, change management, value stream mapping and simulation modelling tools allowed for the design of the optimal BD Kiestra Technology and supported process improvement planning for every aspect of the laboratory operation.ResultsImpressive results were achieved through the integration of People, Process and Technology. Employing automatic barcoding and media selection reduced manual process errors by 87%. Smart Read A incubators provide optimal growth conditions for earlier detection of positive cultures. High resolution digital images support improved accuracy and TAT. The implementation of single piece flow supported a 67% reduction in time from receipt in the lab to planting by the TLA system.ConclusionsCurrent practices in diagnostic microbiology laboratories are manual, error prone and time consuming leading to delays in critical reports. Automation systems have the potential to revolutionize patient care by improving standardization and time to result. However; as the results obtained at DynaLIFEDx demonstrate, only by combining this technology with up front and downstream process improvements, can the full advantages of the system be realized. Implications of the data reported here include significant improvements in therapy delivery, improved patient outcomes and changes in diagnostic reporting guidelines.Figure 1Fewer processing errors.Figure 2Staffing matches demand.Figure 3LEAN lab layout.
Improving the provision of driving advice on discharge after abdominal surgery
Authors: Buss Imogen , Gould Laura 
Published: October 2015

AbstractEnsuring the safety of patients is a vital duty of a doctor. It is their responsibility to advise patients about activity limitations on discharge from hospital. This study aims to assess the current provision of driving advice for patients after abdominal surgery and institute improvements to this provision of information in North Bristol NHS Trust.A preliminary questionnaire ascertained current doctor’s knowledge regarding limitations of driving postoperatively and whether information was communicated to patients. Baseline retrospective data were collected from electronic discharge summaries to determine documentation of advice provision. Educational interventions were introduced, followed by data collection after each intervention.Initial questionnaires demonstrated poor knowledge amongst doctors and a lack of provision of driving advice postoperatively. After multiple educational interventions, the provision of driving advice on electronic discharge summaries increased from 0% (0) at baseline to 75% (9).Initially, the provision of driving advice postoperatively was poorly documented for inpatients undergoing abdominal surgery; following multiple educational interventions, the provision of written advice improved. Future plans include the introduction of prewritten sentences onto the electronic discharge summaries to facilitate ease of information provision and a reaudit in 12 months.
Theoretical prediction of the structural, elastic, mechanical and phonon properties of bismuth telluride under pressure
Authors: Güler E. , Güler M. 
Published: October 2015

Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) is one of the most intricate materials with its semiconducting, insulating and pressure-induced superconducting properties. Although different theoretical works have been carried out to understand the confusing properties of Bi2Te3, information about the high pressure structural, elastic, mechanical and phonon properties of this significant material is still rare. Unlike earlier theoretical approaches, two-body interatomic potentials in the Morse potential form have been employed for the first time to predict the density, phase transition pressure, elastic constants, bulk, shear and Young moduli and elastic wave velocities of Bi2Te3under pressures up to 12 GPa. [Formula: see text] phase transition pressure of Bi2Te3was found to be 10 GPa. The results of above elastic quantities agree well with experiments and are better than some of the published theoretical data. In addition, the effect of pressure on the phonon dispersion and density of states (DOS) were also evaluated with the same potential and their results are satisfactory, especially for the low-frequency acoustic portions of phonons.
Lady Smith Woodward's tablecloth
Authors: Milner Angela C. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Arthur Smith Woodward's wife, Maud, recorded scientific visitors invited to their home between 1894 and 1944, on an embroidered tablecloth. The tablecloth contains 342 signatures covering a 50-year period. It forms a unique and fascinating historical record including many of the great figures of late nineteenth and early twentieth century biology, geology and palaeontology from around the world. Many other professionals, amateurs and collectors are also represented.
Obesity and the Incidence of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancers: An Ecological Approach to Examine Differences across Age and Sex
Authors: Arnold Melina , Colquhoun Amy , Cook Michael B. , Ferlay Jacques , Forman David , Soerjomataram Isabelle 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Background: Esophageal and gastric cancers differ in their epidemiology but have several risk factors in common. The aim of this study was to assess age and sex differences in the burden of esophageal and gastric cancers in the context of the global obesity epidemic.
Methods: Data from 50 countries were obtained from Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Volume X and GLOBOCAN 2012. Age-specific and age-standardized incidence rates of esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), as well as cardia (CGC) and noncardia (NCGC) gastric cancer, were estimated. Countries were grouped and analyzed according to their obesity prevalence.
Results: A gradient across quartiles of obesity prevalence was found for esophageal adenocarcinoma, with the highest incidence rates in high prevalence countries (ASR 3.0 vs. 0.8 per 100,000 in highest vs. lowest obesity quartiles, males). In contrast, for ESCC as well as for CGC and NCGC the reverse was true, with the highest rates observed in countries with the lowest obesity prevalence (ESCC, 2.2 vs. 11.5; CGC, 2.8 vs. 7.8; NCGC, 3.9 vs. 17.4 in highest vs. lowest obesity quartiles, males). Although for esophageal adenocarcinoma, sex and age differences in incidence were most pronounced in countries with a high prevalence of obesity, these differences were much smaller for the other cancer sites assessed.
Conclusions: Variation in obesity prevalence may partly explain age and sex differences in the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinomas.
Impact: Ecologic studies can help assess relationships between risk factors and cancer, and generate new hypotheses that may be pursued through more directed research. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(1); 90–97. ©2015 AACR.
Bevacizumab-Induced Inhibition of Angiogenesis Promotes a More Homogeneous Intratumoral Distribution of Paclitaxel, Improving the Antitumor Response
Authors: Cesca Marta , Morosi Lavinia , Berndt Alexander , Nerini Ilaria Fuso , Frapolli Roberta , Richter Petra , Decio Alessandra , Dirsch Olaf , Micotti Edoardo , Giordano Silvia , D'Incalci Maurizio , Davoli Enrico , Zucchetti Massimo , Giavazzi Raffaella 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The antitumor activity of angiogenesis inhibitors is reinforced in combination with chemotherapy. It is debated whether this potentiation is related to a better drug delivery to the tumor due to the antiangiogenic effects on tumor vessel phenotype and functionality. We addressed this question by combining bevacizumab with paclitaxel on A2780-1A9 ovarian carcinoma and HT-29 colon carcinoma transplanted ectopically in the subcutis of nude mice and on A2780-1A9 and IGROV1 ovarian carcinoma transplanted orthotopically in the bursa of the mouse ovary. Paclitaxel concentrations together with its distribution by MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) were measured to determine the drug in different areas of the tumor, which was immunostained to depict vessel morphology and tumor proliferation. Bevacizumab modified the vessel bed, assessed by CD31 staining and dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), and potentiated the antitumor activity of paclitaxel in all the models. Although tumor paclitaxel concentrations were lower after bevacizumab, the drug distributed more homogeneously, particularly in vascularized, non-necrotic areas, and was cleared more slowly than controls. This happened specifically in tumor tissue, as there was no change in paclitaxel pharmacokinetics or drug distribution in normal tissues. In addition, the drug concentration and distribution were not influenced by the site of tumor growth, as A2780-1A9 and IGROV1 growing in the ovary gave results similar to the tumor growing subcutaneously. We suggest that the changes in the tumor microenvironment architecture induced by bevacizumab, together with the better distribution of paclitaxel, may explain the significant antitumor potentiation by the combination. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(1); 125–35. ©2015 AACR.
The Sphingosine Kinase 2 Inhibitor ABC294640 Reduces the Growth of Prostate Cancer Cells and Results in Accumulation of Dihydroceramides In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Venant Heather , Rahmaniyan Mehrdad , Jones E. Ellen , Lu Ping , Lilly Michael B. , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Drake Richard R. , Kraveka Jacqueline M. , Smith Charles D. , Voelkel-Johnson Christina 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Despite recent advances in the development of novel therapies against castration-resistant prostate cancer, the advanced form of the disease remains a major treatment challenge. Aberrant sphingolipid signaling through sphingosine kinases and their product, sphingosine-1-phosphate, can promote proliferation, drug resistance, angiogenesis, and inflammation. The sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitor ABC294640 is undergoing clinical testing in cancer patients, and in this study we investigated the effects this first-in-class inhibitor in castration-resistant prostate cancer. In vitro, ABC294640 decreased prostate cancer cell viability as well as the expression of c-Myc and the androgen receptor, while lysosomal acidification increased. ABC294640 also induced a greater than 3-fold increase in dihydroceramides that inversely correlated with inhibition of dihydroceramide desaturase (DEGS) activity. Expression of sphingosine kinase 2 was dispensable for the ABC294640-mediated increase in dihydroceramides. In vivo, ABC294640 diminished the growth rate of TRAMP-C2 xenografts in syngeneic hosts and elevated dihydroceramides within tumors as visualized by MALDI imaging mass spectroscopy. The plasma of ABC294640-treated mice contained significantly higher levels of C16- and C24:1-ceramides (but not dihydro-C16-ceramide) compared with vehicle-treated mice. In summary, our results suggest that ABC294640 may reduce the proliferative capacity of castration-resistant prostate cancer cells through inhibition of both sphingosine kinase 2 and dihydroceramide desaturase, thereby providing a foundation for future exploration of this small-molecule inhibitor for the treatment of advanced disease. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(12); 2744–52. ©2015 AACR.
ПРОГНОЗУВАННЯ ПЕРЕБІГУ ТА РЕЗУЛЬТАТУ ЛІКУВАННЯ ІНВАГІНАЦІЇ КИШЕЧНИКА У ДІТЕЙ
Authors: Veselyi S. V. , Veselyi M. Yu. 
Published: October 2015

The catamnesis in 150 children with an intussusception in terms from 6 months till 10 years after surgical intervention is investigated. Complex biochemical and immunological inspection is carried out to 30 patients. Besides morphological research 10 bioptats of the taken parietal peritoneum, is carried out during operative treatment. Studying before-, intra-and postoperative condition of patients, and also forecasting of current and outcome of disease carried out as a result of search of the «risk factors» determining probability of occurrence and gravity of clinical current of the invagination of intestine in children. In the early postoperative period 4 children (2.7 %) have died in connection with an incompetence of the anastomosis, plural intestinal fistulas and progressing of the peritonitis. Catamnesis observation has revealed, that 104 (69.3 %) the child after operative desinvagination grew and developed according to age. 34 patients (22.7 %) further had the gastroenteropathy described periodic dysphagia and dyspepsia by the phenomena. In 12 children (8.0 %) the adhesive disease has developed. Patients with high risk of occurrence of late complications after operative desinvagination require long-term observation and rehabilitation actions.
Expansion of CD25
+
Innate Lymphoid Cells Reduces Atherosclerosis
Authors: Engelbertsen Daniel , Foks Amanda C. , Alberts-Grill Noah , Kuperwaser Felicia , Chen Tao , Lederer James A. , Jarolim Petr , Grabie Nir , Lichtman Andrew H. 
Published: October 2015

Objective—
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a newly discovered subset of immune cells that promote tissue homeostasis and protect against pathogens. ILCs produce cytokines also produced by T lymphocytes that have been shown to affect atherosclerosis, but the influence of ILCs on atherosclerosis has not been explored.

Approach and Results—

We demonstrate that CD25
+
ILCs that produce type 2 cytokines (ILC2s) are present in the aorta of atherosclerotic immunodeficient
ldlr

−/−

rag1

−/−

mice. To investigate the role of ILCs in atherosclerosis,
ldlr

−/−

rag1

−/−

mice were concurrently fed an atherogenic diet and treated with either ILC-depleting anti-CD90.2 antibodies or IL-2/anti-IL-2 complexes that expand CD25
+
ILCs. Lesion development was not affected by anti-CD90.2 treatment, but was reduced in IL-2/anti–IL-2-treated mice. These IL-2-treated mice had reduced very low–density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased triglycerides compared with controls and reduced apolipoprotein B100 gene expression in the liver. IL-2/anti-IL-2 treatment caused expansion of ILC2s in aorta and other tissues, elevated levels of IL-5, systemic eosinophila, and hepatic eosinophilic inflammation. Blockade of IL-5 reversed the IL-2 complex–induced eosinophilia but did not change lesion size.

Conclusions—
This study demonstrates that expansion of CD25-expressing ILCs by IL-2/anti-IL-2 complexes leads to a reduction in very low–density lipoprotein cholesterol and atherosclerosis. Global depletion of ILCs by anti-CD90.2 did not significantly affect lesion size indicating that different ILC subsets may have divergent effects on atherosclerosis.
Shear-Activated Nanoparticle Aggregates Combined With Temporary Endovascular Bypass to Treat Large Vessel Occlusion
Authors: Marosfoi Miklos G. , Korin Netanel , Gounis Matthew J. , Uzun Oktay , Vedantham Srinivasan , Langan Erin T. , Papa Anne-Laure , Brooks Olivia W. , Johnson Chris , Puri Ajit S. , Bhatta Deen , Kanapathipillai Mathumai , Bronstein Ben R. , Chueh Ju-Yu , Ingber Donald E. , Wakhloo Ajay K. 
Published: October 2015

Background and Purpose—
The goal of this study is to combine temporary endovascular bypass (TEB) with a novel shear-activated nanotherapeutic (SA-NT) that releases recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (r-tPA) when exposed to high levels of hemodynamic stress and to determine if this approach can be used to concentrate r-tPA at occlusion sites based on high shear stresses created by stent placement.

Methods—
A rabbit model of carotid vessel occlusion was used to test the hypothesis that SA-NT treatment coupled with TEB provides high recanalization rates while reducing vascular injury. We evaluated angiographic recanalization with TEB alone, intra-arterial delivery of soluble r-tPA alone, or TEB combined with 2 doses of intra-arterial infusion of either the SA-NT or soluble r-tPA. Vascular injury was compared against stent-retriever thrombectomy.

Results—

Shear-targeted delivery of r-tPA using the SA-NT resulted in the highest rate of complete recanalization when compared with controls (
P
=0.0011). SA-NT (20 mg) had a higher likelihood of obtaining complete recanalization as compared with TEB alone (odds ratio 65.019, 95% confidence interval 1.77, >1000;
P
=0.0231), intra-arterial r-tPA alone (odds ratio 65.019, 95% confidence interval 1.77, >1000;
P
=0.0231), or TEB with soluble r-tPA (2 mg; odds ratio 18.78, 95% confidence interval 1.28, 275.05;
P
=0.0322). Histological analysis showed circumferential loss of endothelium restricted to the area where the TEB was deployed; however, there was significantly less vascular injury using a TEB as compared with stent-retriever procedure (odds ratio 12.97, 95% confidence interval 8.01, 21.02;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—
A novel intra-arterial, nanoparticle-based thrombolytic therapy combined with TEB achieves high rates of complete recanalization. Moreover, this approach reduces vascular trauma as compared with stent-retriever thrombectomy.
Small woods positively influence the occurrence and abundance of the common frog (Rana temporaria) in a traditional farming landscape
Authors: Boissinot Alexandre , Grillet Pierre , Besnard Aurélien , Lourdais Olivier 
Published: October 2015

Traditional farming landscape in western Europe is made of a complex mosaic of pastures, cultures, ponds and hedgerows connected with woods. Previous observations in the common frog species suggest that lowland populations are closely associated to wood cover and our aim was to test the validity of this assumption. We studied common frog occurrence and abundance in western central France (Deux-Sèvres department) close to the southern margin of lowland distribution. Our results pointed out that the proportion of woods surface around sampled areas (1 ha) was a critical determinant of common frog presence and abundance. Extensive farming, which maintains a mosaic of small woods, may provide a robust conservation tool for this species.
Global Patterns of the Contributions of Storm Frequency, Intensity, and Seasonality to Interannual Variability of Precipitation
Authors: Good Stephen P. , Guan Kaiyu , Caylor Kelly K. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Interannual variation in precipitation totals is a critical factor governing the year-to-year availability of water resources, yet the connection between interannual precipitation variability and underlying event- and season-scale precipitation variability remains unclear. In this study, tropical and midlatitude precipitation characteristics derived from extensive station records and high-frequency satellite observations were analyzed to attribute the fraction of interannual variability arising as a result of individual variability in precipitation event intensity, frequency, and seasonality, as well as the cross-correlation between these factors at the global scale. This analysis demonstrates that variability in the length of the wet season is the most important factor globally, causing 52% of the total interannual variability, while variation in the intensity of individual rainfall events contributes 31% and variability in interstorm wait times contributes only 17%. Spatial patterns in the contribution of each of these intra-annual rainfall characteristics are informative, with regions such as Indonesia and southwestern North America primarily influenced by seasonality, while regions such as the eastern United States, central Africa, and the upper Amazon basin are strongly influenced by storm intensity and frequency. A robust cross-correlation between climate characteristics is identified in the equatorial Pacific, revealing an increased interannual variability over what is expected based on the variability of individual events. This decomposition of interannual variability identifies those regions where accurate representation of daily and seasonal rainfall statistics is necessary to understand and correctly model rainfall variability at longer time scales.
Interannual Variation of Summer Atmospheric Heat Source over the Tibetan Plateau and the Role of Convection around the Western Maritime Continent
Authors: Jiang Xingwen , Li Yueqing , Yang Song , Yang Kun , Chen Junwen 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The impacts of summer atmospheric heat source over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) on regional climate variation have attracted extensive attention. However, few studies have focused on possible causes of the interannual variation of atmospheric heat source over the TP. Total heat (TH) is generally composed of three components: surface sensible heat, latent heat release of condensation (LH), and radiative convergence. In this study, it is found that interannual variation of summer TH is dominated by LH in the central and eastern TP. The atmospheric circulation patterns associated with the TH over the TP in June are different from those in July and August. Large TH is accompanied by a cyclone centered over the South China Sea in June, which is replaced by an anticyclone in July and August. The interannual variation of July–August TH over the central and eastern TP is significantly affected by convection around the western Maritime Continent (WMC) that modulates the LH over the southeastern TP. Enhanced WMC convection induces an anticyclone to the south of the TP, which favors water vapor transport to the southeastern TP and thus an increase in precipitation. Enhanced convection over the southeastern TP may exert a positive feedback on local precipitation through pumping more water vapor from the southern boundary. Both observations and model simulations indicate that the enhanced WMC convection can induce the anticyclone to the south of the TP and convection–circulation is important for maintenance of the anticyclone.
A New Upper-Level Circulation Index for the East Asian Summer Monsoon Variability
Authors: Zhao Guijie , Huang Gang , Wu Renguang , Tao Weichen , Gong Hainan , Qu Xia , Hu Kaiming 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) and its variability involve circulation systems in both the tropics and midlatitudes as well as in both the lower and upper troposphere. Considering this fact, a new EASM index (NEWI) is proposed based on 200-hPa zonal wind, which takes into account wind anomalies in the southern (about 5°N), middle (about 20°N), and northern areas (about 35°N) of East Asia. The NEWI can capture the interannual EASM-related climate anomalies and the interdecadal variability well. Compared to previous indices, the NEWI shows a better performance in describing precipitation and air temperature variations over East Asia. It can also show distinct climate anomalous features in early and late summer. The NEWI is tightly associated with the East Asian–Pacific or the Pacific–Japan teleconnection, suggesting a possible role of internal dynamics in the EASM variability. Meanwhile, the NEWI is significantly linked to El Niño–Southern Oscillation and tropical Indian Ocean sea surface temperature anomalies. Furthermore, the NEWI is highly predictable in the ENSEMBLES models, indicating its advantage for operational prediction of the EASM. The physical mechanism of the EASM variability as represented by the NEWI is also explicit. Both warm advection anomalies of temperature by anomalous westerly winds and the advection of anomalous positive relative vorticity by northerly basic winds cause anomalous ascending motion over the mei-yu–changma–baiu rainfall area, and vice versa over the South China Sea area. Hence, this NEWI would be a good choice to study, monitor, and predict the EASM.