bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hourglass stabilization and the virtual element method
Authors: Cangiani A. , Manzini G. , Russo A. , Sukumar N. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryIn this paper, we establish the connections between the virtual element method (VEM) and the hourglass control techniques that have been developed since the early 1980s to stabilize underintegrated C0 Lagrange finite element methods. In the VEM, the bilinear form is decomposed into two parts: a consistent term that reproduces a given polynomial space and a correction term that provides stability. The essential ingredients of ‐continuous VEMs on polygonal and polyhedral meshes are described, which reveals that the variational approach adopted in the VEM affords a generalized and robust means to stabilize underintegrated finite elements. We focus on the heat conduction (Poisson) equation and present a virtual element approach for the isoparametric four‐node quadrilateral and eight‐node hexahedral elements. In addition, we show quantitative comparisons of the consistency and stabilization matrices in the VEM with those in the hourglass control method of Belytschko and coworkers. Numerical examples in two and three dimensions are presented for different stabilization parameters, which reveals that the method satisfies the patch test and delivers optimal rates of convergence in the L2 norm and the H1 seminorm for Poisson problems on quadrilateral, hexahedral, and arbitrary polygonal meshes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of diagnostic interval and associations with outcome in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Gupta Sumit , Gibson Paul , Pole Jason D , Sutradhar Rinku , Sung Lillian , Guttmann Astrid 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundLittle is known about diagnostic interval lengths in childhood cancer, their predictors or impact upon survival. To date, studies have relied on questionnaires or chart abstraction. We aimed to construct and validate a diagnostic interval measure using health services data among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in order to determine predictors of prolonged intervals and associations with event‐free survival (EFS).ProcedureAll children with ALL diagnosed 1995–2011 (N = 1,541) in Ontario, Canada were linked to population‐based health administrative databases. Healthcare claims prior to diagnosis were used to define healthcare episodes. Diagnostic intervals (time between first episode with diagnostic code a priori classified as consistent with underlying ALL, and diagnosis) were validated by correlation with a chart abstraction‐based measure.ResultsIntervals were generally short (median 2 days, IQR 1–3). Predictors of longer intervals included having general primary care physicians versus pediatricians (odds ratio 1.60, 95%CI 1.04–2.47; P = 0.03). While prolonged diagnostic intervals were associated with superior EFS (hazard ratio 0.71, 95%CI 0.52–0.98; P = 0.04), this was explained by confounding by disease biology.ConclusionsHealth administrative data can be used to measure diagnostic intervals in ALL and potentially other pediatric malignant and non‐malignant diseases. Diagnostic intervals were short and a marker of disease severity rather than independent predictors of outcome. These findings may be used to address caregiver guilt and caution against “early diagnosis” benchmarks not based in evidence. Future studies should examine the impact of diagnostic interval length in other conditions, but should account for potential confounding by disease severity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:957–963. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrophobic, transparent and hard silicon oxynitride coating from perhydropolysilazane
Authors: Zhang Zongbo , Shao Zhonghua , Luo Yongming , An Pengyu , Zhang Mingyan , Xu Caihong 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSilicon oxynitride coatings on glass and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film have been fabricated by thermal annealing of inorganic polymer perhydropolysilazane (PHPS) between 60 °C and 200 °C. The chemical structure, thermal behavior and structural evolution of PHPS were investigated. The coatings obtained on glass possess pencil hardness as high as 9H, high transparency above 90% in the visible wavelength range, good adhesion to the substrate and a hydrophobic property with water contact angle above 98°. The PHPS coated PET film has pencil hardness above 4H, water contact angle 102° and a high scratch resistance property with no obvious scratches after a 50 cycles scratch test under a load of 2 kg. All these data imply the great potential of PHPS as a hard coating for optical devices. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Fault identification in crystalline silicon PV modules by complementary analysis of the light and dark current–voltage characteristics
Authors: Spataru Sergiu Viorel , Sera Dezso , Hacke Peter , Kerekes Tamas , Teodorescu Remus 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis article proposes a fault identification method, based on the complementary analysis of the light and dark current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of the photovoltaic (PV) module, to distinguish between four important degradation modes that lead to power loss in PV modules: (i) degradation of the electrical circuit of the PV module (cell interconnect breaks; corrosion of the junction box, module cables, and connectors); (ii) mechanical damage to the solar cells (cell microcracks and fractures); (iii) potential‐induced degradation (PID) sustained by the module; and (iv) optical losses affecting the module (soiling, shading, and discoloration). The premise of the proposed method is that different degradation modes affect the light and dark I–V characteristics of the PV module in different ways, leaving distinct signatures. This work focuses on identifying and correlating these specific signatures present in the light and dark I–V measurements to specific degradation modes; a number of new dark I–V diagnostic parameters are proposed to quantify these signatures. The experimental results show that these dark I–V diagnostic parameters, complemented by light I–V performance and series‐resistance measurements, can accurately detect and identify the four degradation modes discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Significance of apoptotic and non‐apoptotic disseminated tumor cells in the bone marrow of patients with clinically localized prostate cancer
Authors: Todenhöfer Tilman , Hennenlotter Jörg , Faber Frank , Wallwiener Diethelm , Schilling David , Kühs Ursula , Aufderklamm Stefan , Bier Simone , Mischinger Johannes , Gakis Georgios , Fehm Tanja , Stenzl Arnulf , Schwentner Christian 
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUNDDisseminated tumor cells (DTC) can be detected in a high proportion of patients with localized solid malignancies. In prostate cancer (PC), determination of DTCs is critically discussed as there are conflicting results on their prognostic value. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence and prognostic role of DTCs in PC patients with a high risk of disease recurrence.METHODS248 patients with clinically localized PC undergoing radical prostatectomy with features of increased risk of recurrence (PSA ≥10 ng/ml or Gleason score ≥ 4 + 3 = 7 or pT ≥3) were included. All patients underwent intraoperative bone marrow (BM) aspiration biopsy. BM cells were evaluated by immunocytochemistry for cytokeratines and the apoptosis marker caspase‐cleaved cytokeratin 18 (M30). Results of immunocytochemistry were correlated with clinical and pathological parameters and clinical outcome of the patients.RESULTSOf 248 patients, 47 (19.0%) had evidence of DTCs at time of radical prostatectomy. In 17 of these 47 patients (36.2%), DTCs expressed the apoptosis marker M30. We observed no correlation between the presence of DTCs and tumor stage, nodal stage, prostate‐specific antigen, or Gleason score. After a median‐follow‐up of 58 months (23–76), no differences in rates of biochemical recurrence, development of metastases and cancer‐specific death were observed between patients with and without DTCs while apoptosis markers had no role.CONCLUSIONSIn a single‐centre cohort of patients with increased risk for disease recurrence, the presence of DTCs at the time of prostatectomy does not influence clinical outcome. For the first time in patients with PC, DTCs were evaluated for immunocytological features indicating apoptosis. Due to conflicting results of studies on DTCs, BM biopsies at time of radical prostatectomy cannot be recommended as a standard procedure in patients with clinically localized PC. Prostate 75: 637–645, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Executive function processes mediate the impact of working memory impairment on intelligence in schizophrenia
Authors: Wongupparaj P. , Kumari V. , Morris R.G. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjective:The study investigated working memory, executive functions (conceptualized as response inhibition, updating, and shifting), and intelligence in schizophrenia, using structural equation modelling to determine the relationship between working memory and intelligence, testing whether specific executive functions act as a mediator for the association.Method:One hundred and twenty-five individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and 64 healthy participants were included in the study, tested using measures of working memory, intelligence and executive functioning. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to estimate direct and indirect associations between main measures.Results:The schizophrenia group had significantly lower working memory, executive function and intelligence than the healthy group. The relationship between working memory and intelligence was significantly mediated by inhibition, updating and shifting functions.Conclusion:The study indicates a mediating role of executive functions in determining the association between working memory and intellectual function in schizophrenia. It is further proposed that in people with schizophrenia, cognitive remediation approaches targeting working memory through executive functioning may in turn improve intellectual function generally.
A preliminary investigation of schematic beliefs and unusual experiences in children
Authors: Noone D. , Ames C. , Hassanali N. , Browning S. , Bracegirdle K. , Corrigall R. , Laurens K.R. , Hirsch C.R. , Kuipers E. , Maddox L. , Fowler D. , Jolley S. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundIn cognitive models of adult psychosis, schematic beliefs about the self and others are important vulnerability and maintaining factors, and are therefore targets for psychological interventions. Schematic beliefs have not previously been investigated in children with distressing unusual, or psychotic-like, experiences (UEDs). The aim of this study was firstly to investigate whether a measure of schematic beliefs, originally designed for adults with psychosis, was suitable for children; and secondly, to examine the association of childhood schematic beliefs with internalising and externalising problems and with UEDs.MethodSixty-seven children aged 8–14 years, with emotional and behavioural difficulties, completed measures of UEDs, internalising (depression and anxiety), and externalising (conduct and hyperactivity-inattention) problems, together with the Brief Core Schema Scales (BCSS).ResultsThe BCSS was readily completed by participants, and scale psychometric properties were good. Children tended to view themselves and others positively. Internalising and externalising problems and UEDs were all associated with negative schematic beliefs; effect sizes were small to medium.ConclusionsSchematic beliefs in young people can be measured using the BCSS, and negative schematic beliefs are associated with childhood psychopathology and with UEDs. Schematic beliefs may therefore form a useful target in psychological interventions for young people with UEDs.
Looking ahead or looking back: Current evaluations and the effect of psychological connectedness to a temporal self
Authors: Zhang Meng , Aggarwal Pankaj 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis research examines how consumers evaluate a target in the present that is positively associated with them in the past or future. We suggest that such evaluations are affected by the perceived connectedness between their current self and temporal self, that is, the self at that particular point in time of association with the target in the past or future. A strong (vs. weak) connectedness will result in a more (vs. less) favorable evaluation of the target—be it a product, brand, or pro‐social cause. Converging evidence supporting our premise is found in three studies.
Feasibility and accuracy of a new mobile electrocardiography device, ER‐2000®, in the diagnosis of arrhythmia
Authors: Park Yae Min , Lee Dae In , Park Hwan Cheol , Shim Jaemin , Choi Jong‐Il , Lim Hong Euy , Park Sang Weon , Kim Young‐Hoon 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundWe performed this study to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of a new mobile electrocardiography (ECG) device, ER‐2000®, in detecting cardiac arrhythmia, by comparing it to a 12‐lead ECG used as the gold standard.MethodsMode 1 of ER‐2000® was recorded using three electrodes with cables attached to the anterior chest wall, and mode 2 was recorded using the side chest channel and finger channel. Standard 12‐lead ECG was used to record with a speed of 25 mm/s, simultaneously.ResultsSeventeen patients with complaints of palpitation were enrolled. Twelve‐lead ECG revealed normal sinus rhythm in three patients, sinus tachycardia in one, atrial fibrillation (AF) in two, atrial tachycardia (AT) in one, first degree atrioventricular block in one, pacing rhythm in two patients who underwent permanent pacemaker implantation, AF with intermittent ventricular pacing in one, complete right bundle branch block in one, J‐wave elevation in one, narrow QRS tachycardia in one, atrial premature beat (APB) in one, ventricular premature beat (VPB) in one, and narrow QRS tachycardia with intermittent aberrant conduction in one. Rhythm diagnosis obtained by the two different modes of ER‐2000® was correlated with that obtained by the 12‐lead ECG in all patients except in one in whom ER‐2000® showed one APB while 12‐lead ECG showed sinus rhythm. R‐R interval was accurately recorded despite the detailed morphology of QRS, and T‐wave was somewhat modified with the use of ER‐2000®. A pacing blip detected by 12‐lead ECG was not detected by ER‐2000® despite a similar wide QRS duration in the paced QRS.ConclusionsA rhythm strip obtained using ER‐2000® is accurate in diagnosing arrhythmia, despite some differences in the detailed morphology of the QRS and T‐wave, and the pacing spike compared to those obtained by the 12‐lead ECG.
Understanding information exchange in healthcare operations: Evidence from hospitals and patients
Authors: Dobrzykowski David D. , Tarafdar Monideepa 
Published: January 2015

AbstractCoordination – or the information exchange among physicians and hospital staff – is necessary for desirable patient outcomes in healthcare delivery. However, coordination is difficult because healthcare delivery processes are information intensive, complex and require interactions of hospitals with autonomous physicians working in multiple operational systems (i.e. multiple hospitals). We examine how three important variables distinctive of the healthcare operations context – use of IT for dissemination of test results (ITDR) (i.e. electronic health records systems) by physicians and hospital staff, social interaction ties among them, and physician employment – influence information exchange and patient perceptions of their care. Drawing from the literature on process inter‐dependencies and coordination, vertical integration and social exchange, we develop and test research hypotheses linking ITDR, social interaction ties and physician employment to information exchange relationship, and information exchange relationship to provider–patient communication. Using a paired sample of primary survey data and secondary archival data from CMS HCAHPS for 173 hospitals in the USA, we find that increased information exchange relationship drives provider–patient communication, and increased social interaction ties drives information exchange relationship. Social interaction ties fully mediates the relationship between ITDR and information exchange relationship. Physician employment amplifies the link between ITDR and social interaction ties, but does not have an effect on the link between ITDR and information exchange. We do not find a direct relationship between ITDR, and information exchange relationship or provider–patient communication.
The effect of controversial global sourcing practices on the ethical judgments and intentions of U.S. consumers
Authors: Bregman Robert , Peng David Xiaosong , Chin Wynne 
Published: January 2015

AbstractGlobal sourcing has led to lower cost and more effective supply chains for many companies. However, when the cost‐driven practices of many suppliers in these chains come to light there is often considerable debate over the ethics of these practices. This research uses the well‐known Hunt–Vitell framework as the theoretical foundation for a structural equation model of the deontological and teleological evaluations used by consumers when making ethical judgments of a firm's controversial cost‐driven global sourcing practices. Data from a large‐scale U.S. consumer survey show the importance of deontological and teleological evaluations in forming consumers’ ethical judgments of global sourcing practices, and establish a strong relationship between ethical judgment and the intention of consumers to alter consumption of a firm's products. Extensions to the framework and demographic analyses for age, gender, and income provide insights as to how perceptions of these practices affect consumer evaluations of a company involved in global sourcing and how consumers actualize their resultant intentions.
Investigation of possible prophylactic, renoprotective, and cardioprotective effects of thromboprophylactic drugs against ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Demirtas Sinan , Karahan Oguz , Yazıcı Suleyman , Guclu Orkut , Calıskan Ahmet , Tezcan Orhan , Kaplan Ibrahim , Yavuz Celal 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate whether anticoagulant and antiaggregant agents have protective effects against oxidative damage induced by peripheral ischemia–reperfusion (I/R). Groups were created as follows: control group, I/R group (sham group), I/R plus acetylsalicylic acid (Group I), I/R+clopidogrel (Group II), I/R+rivaroxaban (Group III), I/R+bemiparin sodium (Group IV), and I/R+enoxaparin sodium (Group V). In Groups I, II, III, IV, and V, drugs were administered daily for 1 week before I/R creation. Peripheral I/R was induced in the I/R groups by clamping the right femoral artery. The rats were sacrificed 1 hour after reperfusion. Nitrogen oxide levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, paraoxonase‐1 (PON1) activity, and prolidase activity were evaluated in both cardiac and renal tissues. There was no significant difference in nitrogen oxide levels between the groups. However, cardiac and renal MDA were significantly higher and PON1 activity was markedly lower in the I/R groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Although elevated prolidase activity was detected in both the cardiac and renal tissue of the I/R groups, only the sham group and Group V had significantly higher renal prolidase activity (p < 0.05). Group V had significantly higher cardiac MDA, PON1, prolidase levels, and renal prolidase activity compared with the sham group (p < 0.05). Significant improvement in renal MDA levels was only observed in Group III, and marked improvement was observed in the cardiac MDA levels of Group II when compared with the sham group (p < 0.05). Thromboprophylactic agents appear to provide partial or prominent protection against I/R injury.
Teaching for the Transition: the Canadian PGY-1 Neurosurgery ‘Rookie Camp’
Authors: Haji Faizal A. , Clarke David B. , Matte Marie C. , Brandman David M. , Brien Susan , de Ribaupierre Sandrine , O’Kelly Cian , Christie Sean , McDonald Patrick J. , Kulkarni Abhaya V. , Walling Simon , MacLeod Anna 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground: Transitioning from medical school to residency is difficult and stressful, necessitating innovation in easing this transition. In response, a Canadian neurosurgical Rookie Camp was designed and implemented to foster acquisition of technical, cognitive and behavioral skills among incoming Canadian post graduate year one (PGY-1) neurosurgery residents. Methods: The inaugural Rookie Camp was held in July 2012 in Halifax. The curriculum was developed based on a national needs-assessment and consisted of a pre-course manual, 7 case-based stations, 4 procedural skills stations and 2 group discussions. The content was clinically focused, used a variety of teaching methods, and addressed multiple CanMEDS competencies. Evaluation included participant and faculty surveys and a pre-course, post-course, and 3-month retention knowledge test. Results: 17 of 23 PGY-1 Canadian neurosurgical residents participated in the Camp. All agreed the course content was relevant for PGY-1 training and the experience prepared them for residency. All participants would recommend the course to future neurosurgical residents. A statistically significant improvement was observed in knowledge related to course content (F(2,32) = 7.572, p<0.002). There were no significant differences between post-test and retention-test scores at three months. Conclusion: The inaugural Canadian Neurosurgery Rookie Camp for PGY-1 residents was successfully delivered, with engagement from participants, training programs, the Canadian Neurosurgical Society, and the Royal College. In addition to providing fundamental knowledge, which was shown to be retained, the course eased junior residents’ transition to residency by fostering camaraderie and socialization within the specialty.
The Potential Impact of Excluding Funguria from the Surveillance Definition of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Dicks Kristen V. , Baker Arthur W. , Durkin Michael J. , Lewis Sarah S. , Moehring Rebekah W. , Anderson Deverick J. , Sexton Daniel J. , Chen Luke F. 
Published: January 2015

Funguria rarely represents true infection in the urinary tract. Excluding yeast from the catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) surveillance definition reduced CAUTI rates by nearly 25% in community hospitals and at an academic, tertiary-care medical center.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–3
Leadership theories and the concept of work engagement: Creating a conceptual framework for management implications and research
Authors: Blomme Robert J. , Kodden Bas , Beasley-Suffolk Annamaria 
Published: January 2015

AbstractDuring the past decade, a great deal of research has been carried out on the importance of employee engagement. In various studies, engagement is viewed as a positive state of mind of overwhelming satisfaction, which is characterized by feelings of vigour, dedication and absorption. In this article, ‘vigour’ refers to a state of mind in which individuals feel energetic, fit, strong and indefatigable. ‘Dedication’ refers to a state of mind in which individuals feel highly engaged by their work, which inspires them, and makes them feel proud and enthusiastic. ‘Absorption’ refers to a pleasant state of mind in which individuals are fully immersed in their work. This article provides an overview of a number of perspectives on leadership and discusses which leadership factors are likely to be the most effective in ensuring that employees remain engaged and productive. It also provides a conceptual model for further research on the relationship between leadership styles and work engagement.