bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduction in High-Frequency Hearing Aid Gain Can Improve Performance in Patients With Contralateral Cochlear Implant: A Pilot Study
Authors: Messersmith Jessica J. , Jorgensen Lindsey E. , Hagg Jessica A. 
Published: November 2015

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine whether an alternate fitting strategy, specifically adjustment to gains in a hearing aid (HA), would improve performance in patients who experienced poorer performance in the bimodal condition when the HA was fit to traditional targets.MethodThis study was a retrospective chart review from a local clinic population seen during a 6-month period. Participants included 6 users of bimodal stimulation. Two performed poorer in the cochlear implant (CI) + HA condition than in the CI-only condition. One individual performed higher in the bimodal condition, but the overall performance was low. Three age range–matched users whose performance increased when the HA was used in conjunction with a CI were also included. The HA gain was reduced beyond 2000 Hz. Speech perception scores were obtained pre- and postmodification to the HA fitting.ResultsAll listeners whose HA was programmed using the modified approach demonstrated improved speech perception scores with the modified HA fit in the bimodal condition when compared with the traditional HA fit in the bimodal condition.ConclusionModifications to gains above 2000 Hz in the HA may improve performance for bimodal listeners who perform more poorly in the bimodal condition when the HA is fit to traditional targets.
The Predictive Value of Preschool Language Assessments on Academic Achievement: A 10-Year Longitudinal Study of Icelandic Children
Authors: Einarsdóttir Jóhanna T. , Björnsdóttir Amalía , Símonardóttir Ingibjörg 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between language knowledge at 5 years of age and later academic achievement throughout compulsory school in Iceland.

Method
Between 1997 and 1998, 267 Icelandic preschool children aged from 5;4 (years;months) to 5;10 were tested with the HLJÓM-2 (an Icelandic test of phonological awareness; Símonardóttir, Einarsdóttir, & Björnsdóttir, 2002) and the Icelandic version of the Test of Language Development—Primary: Second Edition (TOLD-2P; oral comprehension tasks; Símonardóttir, Guðmundsson, Skúlason, & Pétursdóttir, 1995). In 2011 these individuals, now aged 18–19 years, were contacted again. Of the original 267 participants, 221 (83%) gave permission to link their results from the preschool language assessments with their performance on national tests in 4th, 7th, and 10th grades.

Results
The results showed strong correlation between phonological awareness (as measured by the HLJÓM-2) and academic achievement (Icelandic and mathematics) in 4th, 7th, and 10th grades. There was also a significant but lower correlation with oral comprehension skills, as measured with the TOLD-2P. Regression analysis showed that the preschool oral-language assessments in phonological awareness and oral comprehension explained between 35% and 43% of variability in scores on national tests in Icelandic and between 20% and 39% of variability in scores in mathematics.

Conclusion
Preschool language knowledge is a reliable predictor of later academic achievement.
Suspended stripline low‐loss bandpass filter with four transmission zeros
Authors: Xu Zhao‐Xu , Yu Xi , Liu Jia‐Qi , Chen Yong‐Pin P. , Le‐Wei Li Joshua 
Published: November 2015

A novel fifth‐order suspended stripline (SSL) low‐loss bandpass filter with four transmission zeros is proposed. The technique of utilising only one cross‐coupling structure introduces four transmission zeros to provide high selectivity. By adjusting the parameters of the coupling open loop, the performance of out‐of‐band of the filter can be changed. A detailed discussion of this effect of the coupling open loop is given. The highest out‐of‐band rejection of the filter is more than 70 dB. An SSL bandpass filter is designed, fabricated and measured. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulated results.
Recurrent Septic Arthritis Due to Achromobacter xylosoxidans in a Patient With Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis
Authors: Patel Payal K. , von Keudell Arvind , Moroder Philipp , Appleton Paul , Wigmore Robin , Rodriguez Edward K. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
We report a case of recurrent Achromobacter xylosoxidans infections including bacteremia, sepsis, septic joints and endocarditis in a 72 year old female with granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Achromobacter xylosoxidans is a gram negative bacteria increasingly identified in immunocompromised patients. Surgical and medical therapy may need to be combined.
Global Comparison of Drug Resistance Mutations After First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy Across Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Subtypes
Authors: Huang Austin , Hogan Joseph W. , Luo Xi , DeLong Allison , Saravanan Shanmugam , Wu Yasong , Sirivichayakul Sunee , Kumarasamy Nagalingeswaran , Zhang Fujie , Phanuphak Praphan , Diero Lameck , Buziba Nathan , Istrail Sorin , Katzenstein David A. , Kantor Rami 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Background.  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 drug resistance mutations (DRMs) often accompany treatment failure. Although subtype differences are widely studied, DRM comparisons between subtypes either focus on specific geographic regions or include populations with heterogeneous treatments.
Methods.  We characterized DRM patterns following first-line failure and their impact on future treatment in a global, multi-subtype reverse-transcriptase sequence dataset. We developed a hierarchical modeling approach to address the high-dimensional challenge of modeling and comparing frequencies of multiple DRMs in varying first-line regimens, durations, and subtypes. Drug resistance mutation co-occurrence was characterized using a novel application of a statistical network model.
Results.  In 1425 sequences, 202 subtype B, 696 C, 44 G, 351 circulating recombinant forms (CRF)01_AE, 58 CRF02_AG, and 74 from other subtypes mutation frequencies were higher in subtypes C and CRF01_AE compared with B overall. Mutation frequency increased by 9%–20% at reverse transcriptase positions 41, 67, 70, 184, 215, and 219 in subtype C and CRF01_AE vs B. Subtype C and CRF01_AE exhibited higher predicted cross-resistance (+12%–18%) to future therapy options compared with subtype B. Topologies of subtype mutation networks were mostly similar.
Conclusions.  We find clear differences in DRM outcomes following first-line failure, suggesting subtype-specific ecological or biological factors that determine DRM patterns.
Early Outcomes of Pediatric Elbow Dislocation—Risk Factors Associated With Morbidity
Authors: Murphy Robert F. , Vuillermin Carley , Naqvi Manahil , Miller Patricia E. , Bae Donald S. , Shore Benjamin J. 
Published: November 2015

Introduction:
Ulnohumeral elbow dislocation is a rare elbow injury in children. We reviewed a large cohort of pediatric ulnohumeral elbow dislocations and sought to identify risk factors associated with poor functional outcomes.

Methods:
Medical charts and radiographs were reviewed for all acute pediatric ulnohumeral elbow dislocations evaluated at our facility during a 7-year period. Charts were abstracted for demographics, injury characteristics, treatments, and complications. Functional outcomes were assessed at minimum 6-week follow-up using a combination of symptoms and elbow range of motion (Roberts criteria).

Results:
A total of 145 cases qualified for inclusion and were analyzed. The average age at injury was 11 years (range, 5 to 18 y), with equal distribution between male and female individuals. Concomitant elbow fractures were identified in 114 (80%) cases; the most common was the medial epicondyle (80/134, 60%). Treatment consisted of open reduction and fixation of associated fracture(s) in 59% of fracture cases. At an average follow-up of 3.7 months, the average range of motion was −5-degree extension to 126-degree flexion. Immobilization for longer than 2 weeks resulted in a loss of elbow extension (P<0.001). Functional outcomes as assessed by the Roberts criteria were good or excellent in 90% of cases. Risk factors associated with less than excellent functional outcomes included the presence of multiple fractures (P=0.001), the need for operative intervention (P=0.01), and the duration of immobilization (P=0.03). Complications requiring further treatment occurred in 16 cases (11%). Patients without complication resulted in a higher proportion of “excellent” functional outcomes (76%) compared with those with a complication (40%) (P<0.001).

Conclusions:
The majority of pediatric ulnohumeral elbow dislocations experience good to excellent functional outcomes by early follow-up. Risk factors associated with less than excellent functional outcomes include the presence of multiple associated fractures, operative intervention, and prolonged immobilization. Complications requiring operative intervention are not rare, and have a significant effect on functional outcomes.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV—prognostic.
Prognostic Factors as a Function of Disease-free Interval After Definitive (Chemo)radiation for Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Using Conditional Survival Analysis
Authors: Hong Jidong , Liao Zhongxing , Zhuang Yan , Levy Lawrence B. , Sheu Tommy , Heymach John V. , Nguyen Quynh-Nhu , Xu Ting , Komaki Ritsuko , Gomez Daniel R. 
Published: November 2015

Purpose:
We analyzed overall and disease-free survival (OS and DFS) after definitive (chemo)radiation for stage III non–small cell lung cancer with 2 statistical methods: Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis, with diagnosis as index date, and conditional survival (CS) analysis, with a variety of disease-free index dates, and determined whether prognostic factors varied based on the reference date.

Materials and Methods:
All 651 patients analyzed received definitive (chemo)radiotherapy for stage III non–small cell lung cancer in November 1998 to December 2010 at a single institution; all had Karnofsky performance status scores ≥60 and received ≥60 Gy. OS and DFS were first calculated with the KM method, and then CS was used to calculate 2 outcomes: OS conditioned on DFS time (OS|DFS) and DFS conditioned on DFS time (DFS|DFS). Factors predicting OS and DFS conditioned on 1-, 2-, and 3-year DFS were sought in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results:
KM analysis produced 1-, 2-, and 3-year DFS rates of 48%, 30%, and 26%; OS rates were 64%, 41%, and 29%. By CS analysis, both OS|DFS and DFS|DFS showed an increase in 5-year OS after 6 months, and CS after 30 months approached 100%. On multivariate analyses, age and concurrent chemoradiation predicted OS|DFS; age, smoking history, tumor histology, disease stage, and radiation dose predicted DFS|DFS.

Conclusions:
CS analysis showed that the probability of long-term survival increases sharply after 6 months with no evidence of disease; factors predicting survival differed based on the method and endpoint used.
Preoperative Radiosurgery for Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Kubicek Gregory J. , LaCouture Tamara , Kaden Maureen , Kim Tae Won , Lerman Nati , Khrizman Polina , Patel Ashish , Xu Qianyi , Lackman Richard 
Published: November 2015

Objectives:
Preoperative radiation followed by surgical resection is a standard treatment for soft tissue sarcomas (STSs). The conventional method of radiation is 5 weeks to approximately 50 Gy. We report on our initial experience and phase II single-arm study assessing 5 fractions of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), followed by surgical resection for STS.

Methods:
Thirteen patients and 14 tumors were treated with preoperative SBRT; tumors were mostly poorly differentiated (5) or myxoid (5) and were located on the leg (10), arm (2) or groin (2). The median tumor size in greatest dimension was 7.6 cm (maximum 16 cm). Twelve patients received 35 Gy in 5 fractions; for 2 deeper tumors the dose was 40 Gy in 5 fractions. Ten patients were administered 0.5 cm bolus to improve the dose. Gross tumor volume was expanded 0.5 cm radially and 3 cm along the tissue plane. Treatment was to an isodose line (median 81%) and was delivered every other day. Maximum dose to the skin was 46 Gy (median 41 Gy).

Results:
The median follow-up period was 279 days. Surgical resection occurred a median of 37 days after completion of SBRT. Four patients had acute toxicity consisting of 2 grade 2 and 2 grade 3 skin reactions; all cases of skin toxicity resolved by the time of surgery. Percent tumor necrosis ranged from 10% to 95% (median 60%). All patients had negative margins. Planned vacuum-assisted wound closure was used in 4 patients; there were no other major wound complications. There was 1 local recurrence and 7 distant recurrences.

Conclusion:
This is the initial experience of radiosurgery for preoperative treatment of STSs. We have found this to be well tolerated, convenient for the patients, and a much shorter treatment course, allowing patients to undergo surgery and subsequent chemotherapy quicker. Surgical complications and control rates are satisfactory. The initial results are encouraging for further investigation.
Whole Versus Partial Bladder Radiation
Authors: Kang Jung J. , Steinberg Michael L. , Kupelian Patrick , Alexander Sherri , King Christopher R. 
Published: November 2015

Objectives:
To report our institutional experience using definitive chemoradiation via whole bladder (WB) and partial bladder (PB) treatment in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Combining intensity-modulated radiation therapy with image-guidance can improve the therapeutic ratio.

Materials and Methods:
Retrospective analysis of 26 patients with clinical stage T2-4 N0-2 M0 urothelial cancer treated in 2009 to 2012; 16 received WB radiation and 10 received PB radiation. PB/tumor boost volume included visibly thickened bladder wall or tumor localized on cystoscopy. WB radiation delivered 45 to 50.4 Gy to bladder/lymph nodes, then sequential 19.8 to 21.6 Gy tumor boost (1.8 Gy/fx). PB radiation was 45 to 50 Gy to lymph nodes (1.8 to 2 Gy/fx) and simultaneous integrated boost to 55 to 62.5 Gy to tumor only (2.2 to 2.5 Gy/fx). The primary endpoint was local control, defined as no muscle-invasive recurrence. Secondary endpoints were overall survival, toxicity, and cost.

Results:
Mean age was 77 and median follow-up was 20 months. Freedom from local recurrence was 86% at 2 years (PB 100%, WB 77%). Overall survival was 80% at 1 year (PB 88%, WB 75%), and 55% at 2 years (PB 70%, WB 48%, P=0.38). Failure was predominantly distant. Toxicities were minimal (3 late grade 3 ureteral, 1 acute grade 4 renal), and all resolved. No cystectomies were performed for toxicity. Hypofractionation reduces treatment time and costs by one third.

Conclusions:
Image-guided hypofractionated PB radiation provides local control with similar survival to WB therapy, with minimal toxicity. Hypofractionation also offers time and cost advantages. Our results need to be validated in a larger, multi-institutional cohort.
Is There Any Benefit of Neuromonitoring during Descending and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair?
Authors: Fok Matthew , Jafarzadeh Fatemeh , Sancho Elena , Abello David , Rimmer Lara , Howard Callum , Kennedy Tom , Hammoud Ibrahim , Bashir Mohamad 
Published: November 2015

Objective Paraplegia remains the most feared and a devastating complication after descending and thoracoabdominal aneurysm operative repair (DTA and TAAAR). Neuromonitoring, particularly use of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), for this surgery has gained popularity. However, ambiguity remains regarding its use and benefit. We systematically reviewed the literature to assess the benefit and applicability of neuromonitoring in DTA and TAAAR. Methods Electronic searches were performed on 4 major databases from inception until February 2014 to identify relevant studies. Eligibility decisions, method quality, data extraction, and analysis were performed according to predefined clinical criteria and end points. Results Among the studies matching our inclusion criteria, 1297 patients had MEP monitoring during DTA and TAAAR. In-hospital mortality was low (6.9% ± 3.6). Immediate neurological deficit was low (3.5% ± 2.6). In one third of patients (30.4% ± 14.2), the MEPs dropped below threshold, which were 30.4% and 29.4% with threshold levels of 75% and 50%, respectively. A range of surgical techniques were applied after reduction in MEPs. Most patients whose MEPs dropped and remained below threshold had immediate permanent neurological deficit (92.0% ± 23.6). Somatosensory-evoked potentials were reported in one third of papers with little association between loss of somatosensory-evoked potentials and permanent neurological deficit (16.7% ± 28.9%). Conclusions We demonstrate that MEPs are useful at predicting paraplegia in patients who lose their MEPs and do not regain them intraoperatively. To date, there is no consensus regarding the applicability and use of MEPs. Current evidence does not mandate or support MEP use.
Systematic Functional Annotation and Visualization of Biological Networks
Authors: Baryshnikova Anastasia 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTLarge-scale biological networks map functional connections between most genes in the genome and can potentially uncover high level organizing principles governing cellular functions. These networks, however, are famously complex and often regarded as disordered masses of tangled interactions (“hairballs”) that are nearly impenetrable to biologists. As a result, our current understanding of network functional organization is very limited. To address this problem, I developed a systematic quantitative approach for annotating biological networks and examining their functional structure. This method, named Spatial Analysis of Functional Enrichment (SAFE), detects network regions that are statistically overrepresented for a functional group or a quantitative phenotype of interest, and provides an intuitive visual representation of their relative positioning within the network. By successfully annotating theSaccharomyces cerevisiaegenetic interaction network with Gene Ontology terms, SAFE proved to be sensitive to functional signals and robust to noise. In addition, SAFE annotated the network with chemical genomic data and uncovered a new potential mechanism of resistance to the anti-cancer drug bortezomib. Finally, SAFE showed that protein-protein interactions, despite their apparent complexity, also have a high level functional structure. These results demonstrate that SAFE is a powerful new tool for examining biological networks and advancing our understanding of the functional organization of the cell.
The implementation of Lean Six Sigma concept at national bank of Kenya-operation division
Authors: Ndaita Paul Mumo , Gachie Thomas , Kiveu Christopher W. 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to determine the level of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation at National bank Operations Division by utilizing the five stages of progress identified by Gygi et al. (2005), namely, initialize, deploy, implement, expand and sustain. A further aim was to determine the impact of implementation so far on various operations within the division.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study was conducted within the head office. Data were gathered through a questionnaire distributed to all employees working in the operations division via e-mail. Responses were analyzed using SPSS v20.

Findings
– The results obtained indicated that 99 percent of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the bank has past stages 1 and 2 and are now implementing stage 3. The finding also showed that there was a significant impact on a number of operations including reductions in average process cycle times, reductions in costs, reductions in turnaround times and reductions in error rates.

Research limitations/implications
– The research findings are limited to National Bank of Kenya Ltd and may not be generalized to other organizations. Further research will have to be carried out to cover other types of organizations to establish general impact.

Practical implications
– The findings of the study provide evidence of the practical benefits of LSS as well as justification for the adoption and implementation of LSS principles and techniques in the National Bank of Kenya with possible similar benefits for other financial services organizations.

Originality/value
– This study is the first to report on the implementation of LSS in a Kenya bank.
Contrasting synchrony in root and leaf phenology across multiple sub‐Arctic plant communities
Authors: Sloan Victoria L. , Fletcher Benjamin J. , Phoenix Gareth K. 
Published: November 2015

Summary

Roots account for > 50% of net primary production in many ecosystems and are widely accepted as playing a fundamental role in ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling. Despite this, the timing and controls of root production and the relationships between root and leaf phenology are still poorly understood in many plant communities, making it challenging to elucidate broad scale patterns and to predict ecosystem responses to a changing climate. Here, we investigate and compare the extent of synchrony of community‐level fine root and leaf production in 10 widespread sub‐Arctic plant communities, including deciduous forest, evergreen shrub, deciduous shrub and sedge‐dominated communities.

We show that across contrasting plant communities, timing of leaf production does not vary substantially, but there are considerable differences in timing of root production between woody plant‐ and sedge‐dominated vegetation. In sedge communities, root production occurs early in the growing season, soon after the peak of leaf production, whereas in woody plant communities, leaf and root production are highly asynchronous, with the majority of root production occurring late in the growing season.

Seasonal dynamics of root growth were not consistently correlated with soil temperature, suggesting that differences in timing of production relate to inherent differences between plant functional types. This raises important questions as to the drivers of root production, the functional reasons underlying these contrasting plant strategies, as well as the consequences for microbial communities and nutrient cycling of such contrasting timing of carbon inputs to soil.

Synthesis. We demonstrate that major differences exist in the synchrony of temporal dynamics of leaf and root production between woody plant and sedge‐dominated sub‐Arctic vegetation. The substantially greater asynchrony in root and leaf production in woody plants compared with sedges suggests that vegetation change associated with climate warming will result in significant shifts in timing of carbon fluxes to soil, and highlights the need for separate leaf and root components in ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycle models.