bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear restoration of pulse and high noisy images via stochastic resonance
Authors: Sun Qibing , Liu Hongjun , Huang Nan , Wang Zhaolu , Han Jing , Li Shaopeng 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe propose a novel scheme for restoring pulse and high noisy images using stochastic resonance, which is based on the modulation instability and provides a cross-correlation gain higher than 8. As opposed to previously reported designs, this unique approach employs a continuous noise and pulse signal for the generation of modulation instability. The visibility and quality of output images can be improved by appropriately adjusting the system parameters. This provides a simple and feasible method for detecting low-level or hidden pulse images in various imaging applications.
Effects of Removing Low-Frequency Electric Information on Speech Perception With Bimodal Hearing
Authors: Fowler Jennifer R. , Eggleston Jessica L. , Reavis Kelly M. , McMillan Garnett P. , Reiss Lina A. J. 
Published: November 2015

PurposeThe objective was to determine whether speech perception could be improved for bimodal listeners (those using a cochlear implant [CI] in one ear and hearing aid in the contralateral ear) by removing low-frequency information provided by the CI, thereby reducing acoustic–electric overlap.MethodSubjects were adult CI subjects with at least 1 year of CI experience. Nine subjects were evaluated in the CI-only condition (control condition), and 26 subjects were evaluated in the bimodal condition. CIs were programmed with 4 experimental programs in which the low cutoff frequency (LCF) was progressively raised. Speech perception was evaluated using Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant words in quiet, AzBio sentences in background babble, and spondee words in background babble.ResultsThe CI-only group showed decreased speech perception in both quiet and noise as the LCF was raised. Bimodal subjects with better hearing in the hearing aid ear (< 60 dB HL at 250 and 500 Hz) performed best for words in quiet as the LCF was raised. In contrast, bimodal subjects with worse hearing (> 60 dB HL at 250 and 500 Hz) performed similarly to the CI-only group.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that reducing low-frequency overlap of the CI and contralateral hearing aid may improve performance in quiet for some bimodal listeners with better hearing.Supplemental Materialhttps://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14963631
Development of a partial discharge detection algorithm and verification test for extra‐high‐voltage cable system
Authors: Choi Won , Kim Jeong‐Tae , Seo In‐Jin , Hwang Jae‐Sang , Koo Ja‐Yoon 
Published: November 2015

Even though a lot of research has been devoted to find partial discharge (PD) sources based on the time difference of pulses, it has been reported that studies have been unable to obtain precise locations in joints due to the errors caused by the attenuation or distortion of PD pulses. In this study, in order to reduce the issues, ‘Precise PD finding’ is developed to obtain the accurate locations of PD sources by considering not only the time difference of pulses, but also pulse polarity. Accordingly, a PD detection algorithm is implemented. An attachable inductive sensor is designed and fabricated and then applied to a real scaled 154 kV XLPE cable with a joint. From the experimental results, the algorithm was verified to successfully find the locations of PD sources. The algorithm was then applied to an on‐site, 345 kV XLPE cable. Consequently, PD sources were detected in a normal straight joint box and confirmed through a disassembly investigation.
Development and oversight of ethical health promotion quality assurance and evaluation activities involving human participants
Authors: Sainsbury Peter 
Published: November 2015

Issue addressedThis paper considers the role of ethics and ethics review processes in the development of health promotion quality assurance and evaluation activities involving human participants.ContentThe Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research and associated documents provide the framework for the ethical conduct and independent review of research (including quality assurance and evaluation) involving humans in Australia. Identifying the level of risk to which participants may be exposed by participation in quality assurance and evaluation activities is essential for health promotion workers undertaking such activities. Organisations can establish processes other than review by a Human Research Ethics Committee for negligible and low risk research activities. Health promotion quality assurance and evaluation activities often involve negligible and low risk to participants. Seven triggers that indicate the need for ethics review of quality assurance and evaluation activities and a procedural checklist for developing ethical quality assurance and evaluation activities are provided.ConclusionHealth promotion workers should be familiar with the NHMRC's National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. When ethical considerations underpin the planning and conduct of all quality assurance and evaluation from the very beginning, the activity is the better for it, independent ‘ethics approval’ can mostly be secured without much trouble and workers' frustration levels are reduced.
Specific small-RNA signatures in the amygdala at premotor and motor stages of Parkinson’s disease revealed by deep sequencing analysis
Authors: Pantano Lorena , Friedländer Marc R. , Escaramís Georgia , Lizano Esther , Pallarès-Albanell Joan , Ferrer Isidre , Estivill Xavier , Martí Eulàlia 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Motivation: Most computational tools for small non-coding RNAs (sRNA) sequencing data analysis focus in microRNAs (miRNAs), overlooking other types of sRNAs that show multi-mapping hits. Here, we have developed a pipeline to non-redundantly quantify all types of sRNAs, and extract patterns of expression in biologically defined groups. We have used our tool to characterize and profile sRNAs in post-mortem brain samples of control individuals and Parkinson’s disease (PD) cases at early-premotor and late-symptomatic stages.
Results: Clusters of co-expressed sRNAs mapping onto tRNAs significantly separated premotor and motor cases from controls. A similar result was obtained using a matrix of miRNAs slightly varying in sequence (isomiRs). The present framework revealed sRNA alterations at premotor stages of PD, which might reflect initial pathogenic perturbations. This tool may be useful to discover sRNA expression patterns linked to different biological conditions.
Availability and Implementation: The full code is available at http://github.com/lpantano/seqbuster.
Contact: lpantano@hsph.harvard.edu or eulalia.marti@crg.eu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Measurement error models with interactions
Authors: Midthune Douglas , Carroll Raymond J. , Freedman Laurence S. , Kipnis Victor 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAn important use of measurement error models is to correct regression models for bias due to covariate measurement error. Most measurement error models assume that the observed error-prone covariate ($W$) is a linear function of the unobserved true covariate ($X$) plus other covariates ($Z$) in the regression model. In this paper, we consider models for $W$ that include interactions between $X$ and $Z$. We derive the conditional distribution of $X$ given $W$ and $Z$ and use it to extend the method of regression calibration to this class of measurement error models. We apply the model to dietary data and test whether self-reported dietary intake includes an interaction between true intake and body mass index. We also perform simulations to compare the model to simpler approximate calibration models.
A Phase II Study of Biweekly Cisplatin, Fixed-Dose-Rate Gemcitabine and Infusional 5-Fluorouracil in Patients With Metastatic Pancreatic and Biliary Cancers
Authors: Davis Elizabeth J. , Griffith Kent A. , Kim Edward J. , Ruch Joshua M. , McDonnell Kevin J. , Zalupski Mark M. 
Published: November 2015

Objectives:
Combinations of gemcitabine, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and platinum have demonstrated improved outcomes compared with singlet chemotherapy in pancreatic and biliary cancers. This phase II study examined efficacy and safety of a novel schedule of cisplatin, fixed-dose-rate gemcitabine and infusional 5-FU.

Materials and Methods:
Patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas or biliary tract, previously untreated or having received 1 cytotoxic regimen for advanced disease, were treated with gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) over 100 minutes, cisplatin 35 mg/m2 IV over 30 minutes, and 5-FU 2400 mg/m2 IV over 48 hours on day 1 of a 14-day cycle. Patients were treated until disease progression or for 12 cycles. After 12 cycles, patients with stable or responding disease could continue gemcitabine and 5-FU. The primary endpoint was objective response.

Results:
Thirty-nine patients were treated: 8 with biliary cancer (all untreated) and 31 with pancreatic cancer (17 untreated, 14 previously treated). Best response in 25 untreated patients was partial response in 40%, stable disease in 40%, and progressive disease in 20%. In 14 previously treated pancreatic patients, best response was partial response in 7%, stable disease in 50%, and progressive disease in 43%. Median overall survival in untreated patients was 10.3 versus 4.9 months in previously treated patients. Adverse events were primarily uncomplicated hematologic toxicity, ≥grade 3 neutropenia (54%), anemia (21%), and thrombocytopenia (13%).

Conclusion:
Biweekly cisplatin, fixed-dose-rate gemcitabine, and infusional 5-FU demonstrated a high response rate and were well tolerated, encouraging further investigation of this regimen in metastatic pancreatic and biliary cancers.
Does Delaying Surgical Resection After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Impact Clinical Outcomes in Locally Advanced Rectal Adenocarcinoma?
Authors: Nguyen Phuong , Wuthrick Evan , Chablani Priyanka , Robinson Andrew , Simmons Luke , Wu Christina , Arnold Mark , Harzman Alan E. , Husain Syed , Schmidt Carl , Abdel-Misih Sherif , Bekaii-Saab Tanios , Chakravarti Arnab , Williams Terence M. 
Published: November 2015

Objectives:
Surgical resection for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma commonly occurs 6 to 10 weeks after completion of neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT). We sought to determine the optimal timing of surgery related to the pathologic complete response rate and survival endpoints.

Methods:
The study is a retrospective analysis of 92 patients treated with nCRT followed by surgery from 2004 to 2011 at our institution. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the impact of timing of surgery on locoregional control, distant failure (DF), disease-free survival, and overall survival (OS).

Results:
Time-to-surgery was ≤8 weeks (group A) in 72% (median 6.1 wk) and >8 weeks (group B) in 28% (median 8.9 wk) of patients. No significant differences in patient characteristics, locoregional control, or pathologic complete response rates were noted between the groups. Univariate analysis revealed that group B had significantly shorter time to DF (group B, median 33 mo; group A, median not reached, P=0.047) and shorter OS compared with group A (group B, median 52 mo; group A, median not reached, P=0.03). Multivariate analysis revealed that increased time-to-surgery showed a significant increase in DF (HR=2.96, P=0.02) and trends toward worse OS (HR=2.81, P=0.108) and disease-free survival (HR=2.08, P=0.098).

Conclusions:
We found that delaying surgical resection longer than 8 weeks after nCRT was associated with an increased risk of DF. This study, in combination with a recent larger study, questions the recent trend in promoting surgical delay beyond the traditional 6 to 10 weeks. Larger, prospective databases or randomized studies may better clarify surgical timing following nCRT in rectal adenocarcinoma.
To What Extent Does Radiotherapy Improve the Quality of Life of Patients With Bone Metastasis?
Authors: Arias Fernando , Arrarás Juan I. , Asín Gemma , Zarandona Uxúe , Mora Itxaso , Errasti Marta , Barrado Marta , Campo Maider , Visus Ignacio , Dominguez Miguel A. 
Published: November 2015

Purpose/Objectives:
Radiation therapy (RT) is an effective method of palliating painful bone metastases and improves the quality of life (QoL) of these patients. The purpose of this trial is 2-fold: to quantify the impact of RT in the QoL of patients with bone metastasis and to compare the QoL results between the most used schemes of RT at our Centre.

Materials and Methods:
A consecutive sample of patients with bone metastasis treated with RT in the Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Spain, was addressed between January 2011 and November 2012. The QoL was measured with the Quality of Life Questionnaire-C15-Palliative questionnaire, a short version of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 for palliative care. Two assessments were proposed for each patient: one on the first day of the treatment and the other one a month after the end of the radiotherapy sessions. One hundred and sixteen patients completed the first questionnaire and 75 completed the second one (65%).

Results:
Significant differences appeared in 9 domains, with better QoL in the second assessment. Five areas (physical functioning, global, fatigue, nausea, dyspnea, and constipation) showed little change (between 5 and 9 points), 3 (emotional functioning, insomnia, and appetite loss) showed moderate change (10 to 20 points), and 1 (pain) showed a very positive change (>30 points).
When we compare the QoL scores between the 2 most used schemes of RT (30 Gy/10 fractions vs. 20 Gy/4 to 5 fractions), there are no significant differences in any QoL areas (and in 2 areas P was near 0.05).

Conclusions:
Palliative RT is a very active treatment for patients with bone metastasis regardless of age, location, primary tumor, or RT scheme. RT significantly improves the QoL, fundamentally by controlling pain and reducing analgesic use. Shorter schemes of RT produce at least—if not better—the same effect on QL than longer schemes (30 Gy).
Are Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Trough Levels Predictive of Mucosal Healing in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Authors: Barnes Edward L. , Allegretti Jessica R. 
Published: November 2015

Goals:
Our primary goal was to evaluate whether anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α trough levels above author-determined thresholds are associated with increased rates of mucosal healing among patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Background:
The introduction of anti-TNF agents has considerably advanced the approach to the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). As use of anti-TNF therapy has increased, there has been new interest in algorithms focused on the monitoring of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics to improve outcomes. In addition, there has been an increased focus on mucosal healing as marker of treatment success.

Study:
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. The studies examined were restricted to randomized controlled trials and cohort studies with a high Jadad or Newcastle-Ottawa score.

Results:
All pooled analyses were based on a random-effects model. Data from 2 randomized controlled trials and 5 observational studies (n=652) were included in the meta-analysis. Among patients with IBD, anti-TNF trough levels above prespecified values were associated with increased rates of mucosal healing (OR=5.57; 95% CI, 3.80-8.15). There was no heterogeneity detected (I
2=0, Q=5.88, df=6; P=0.436) and there was minimal evidence of publication bias present.

Conclusions:
There is a strong relationship between anti-TNF trough levels and increased rates of mucosal healing among patients with IBD. Given the increased emphasis on mucosal healing as an outcome in practice and clinical trials, continued focus on the proactive use of pharmacokinetic testing appears warranted.
Whole genome duplication in coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and its implications for explaining the rarity of polyploidy in conifers
Authors: Scott Alison Dawn , Stenz Noah , Baum David A. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryWhereas polyploidy is common and an important evolutionary factor in most land plant lineages it is a real rarity in gymnosperms. Coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is the only hexaploid conifer and one of just two naturally polyploid conifer species. Numerous hypotheses about the mechanism of polyploidy inSequoiaand parental genome donors have been proffered over the years, primarily based on morphological and cytological data, but it remains unclear howSequoiabecame polyploid and why this lineage overcame an apparent gymnosperm barrier to whole-genome duplication (WGD).We sequenced transcriptomes and used phylogenetic inference, Bayesian concordance analysis, and paralog age distributions to resolve relationships among gene copies in hexaploid coast redwood and its close relatives.Our data show that hexaploidy in the coast redwood lineage is best explained by autopolyploidy or, if there was allopolyploidy, this was restricted to within the Californian redwood clade. We found that duplicate genes have more similar sequences than would be expected given evidence from fossil guard cell size which suggest that polyploidy dates to the Eocene.Conflict between molecular and fossil estimates of WGD can be explained if diploidization occurred very slowly following whole genome duplication. We extrapolate from this to suggest that the rarity of polyploidy in conifers may be due to slow rates of diploidization in this clade.
ISO 9001: 2008 implementation and impact on the University of Nairobi: a case study
Authors: Moturi Christopher , Mbithi Peter M. F. 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present the experience and impact of implementing the ISO 9001: 2008 Standard at the University of Nairobi, in relation to effectiveness on service delivery, operational performance, automation, implementation challenges and related emerging issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper adopted a case study design approach based on qualitative analysis of internal audit reports, internal surveys and feedback, surveillance audits conducted by the certifying body, and rankings by external bodies, over a period of seven years.

Findings
– Significant achievements have been realized with regard to institutionalization of quality into the university processes, work environment, documentation and record management, customer satisfaction, infrastructure and facilities, use of ICT as a prime mover of performance improvement, and ranking of the university. Opportunities for improvement as well as critical success factors are presented.

Practical implications
– The paper reports successes that may encourage other institutions of higher learning that are not certified to implement Quality Management Systems (QMSs) according to ISO 9001 Standard by focusing on specific factors.

Originality/value
– This paper shows how an ISO 9001 certified QMS can improve internal institutional practices and avoid frequently experienced drawbacks.
The impact of ISO 9001 implementation on organizational performance in Kenya
Authors: Ochieng Jacqueline , Muturi David , Njihia Samuel N. 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to establish the effect of ISO 9001 implementation on the performance of organizations in Kenya. It specifically targeted organizations listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) which is the leading securities exchange in East Africa.

Design/methodology/approach
– The survey made use of web content analysis to collect data from these organizations’ web sites. Data were collected on net profit, turnover and net assets over a four-year period (2010-2013). The research used statistical data analysis to investigate the association between ISO 9001 implementation and performance.

Findings
– Results of the survey reveal that ISO 9001 certification influenced return on net assets of the organizations thereby influencing their performance. There was significant differences in net asset value among organizations with ISO 9001 certification and those that did not possess the certification. On profit and revenue, there were no significant differences between the ISO 9001 certified and non-certified organizations.

Research limitations/implications
– The research findings are limited to those organizations listed in the NSE and may not be generalized to other organizations. The study is further limited by the number of organizations participating in the study which was 20.

Practical implications
– The findings of the study provide justification for adoption of ISO 9001 standard in organizations in all key sectors of the Kenyan economy for sustained quality management practices. The ISO 9001 certified companies will enhance their quality management practices to achieve the successes documented in this paper while those yet to embrace the standards will draw lessons from such successes which may offer them compelling arguments to adopt them.

Originality/value
– Since the adoption and uptake of ISO certification in Kenya over a decade ago, no study has been carried out that directly relates ISO certification to organizational performance. This study will thus be useful as a starting point in documenting the ISO standard’s impact.
Making sense of opportunities in building material production
Authors: Isaksson Raine 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– Breakthrough improvement requires management decisions, which indicates that making sense of existing opportunities is important. This is a particular challenge when the improvement is a possibility and not a problem. The purpose of this paper is to propose the practice of doing an Opportunity Study as the way to create a sense of management urgency for realising dormant possibilities.

Design/methodology/approach
– A process-based Opportunity Study is presented consisting of a Diagnosing-Analysing-Solving (DAS) approach. Benchmarks are defined and compared with the actual performance resulting in a quantifiable improvement potential (D). Main causes are analysed (A), which leads to proposed solutions (S). The Opportunity Study practice is applied to a cement milling process, a cement plant and a supply network for cement-based building products.

Findings
– Results indicate that applying DAS methodology highlights realisable opportunities in all of the studied cases. This seems to be a necessary, but not sufficient criterion to create a sense of urgency for facts based change.

Research limitations/implications
– The results indicate that there is need for further research for looking at the process of sense making and to what extent facts alone can drive change initiatives.

Practical implications
– Results indicate that by a simple review, focusing on what a system can do instead of which the problems are, valuable opportunities for improvement could be detected.

Originality/value
– The paper highlights the value of focusing on opportunities.