bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of research using the diagnostic criteria for cancer‐related fatigue
Authors: Donovan Kristine A. , McGinty Heather L. , Jacobsen Paul B. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundPrevalence rates for cancer‐related fatigue vary widely depending on how fatigue is defined and assessed. In 1998, formal diagnostic criteria were proposed for a syndrome of cancer‐related fatigue. These criteria were intended to facilitate the study of cancer‐related fatigue and the development of appropriate interventions to ameliorate fatigue. Although the criteria have been widely cited, to date, there has been no systematic review of research using the criteria that might inform their continued use or revision.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of the literature reporting results based on use of the diagnostic criteria. Data were analyzed to characterize the reliability and validity of the criteria and to describe the prevalence of cancer‐related fatigue.ResultsWe identified nine eligible studies. The purpose of the majority of the studies was to estimate the prevalence of cancer‐related fatigue; there was considerable variability with respect to design and nature of the samples included. Although few studies examined reliability of the criteria, findings reported support their reliability. The validity of the criteria judged relative to established measures of fatigue and related constructs appears to be strong. Prevalence rates for cancer‐related fatigue based on the diagnostic criteria vary widely, reflecting a lack of consistency in how the criteria have been applied.ConclusionsAs a comprehensive approach to diagnosing cancer‐related fatigue, the diagnostic criteria have received relatively scant attention by the clinical research community. Our findings suggest the need for research aimed at revising the criteria, enhancing their usefulness, and promoting their more widespread use. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rotamer libraries and probabilities of transition between rotamers for the side chains in protein–protein binding
Authors: Kirys Tatsiana , Ruvinsky Anatoly M. , Tuzikov Alexander V. , Vakser Ilya A. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractConformational changes in the side chains are essential for protein–protein binding. Rotameric states and unbound‐ to‐bound conformational changes in the surface residues were systematically studied on a representative set of protein complexes. The side‐chain conformations were mapped onto dihedral angles space. The variable threshold algorithm was developed to cluster the dihedral angle distributions and to derive rotamers, defined as the most probable conformation in a cluster. Six rotamer libraries were generated: full surface, surface noninterface, and surface interface—each for bound and unbound states. The libraries were used to calculate the probabilities of the rotamer transitions upon binding. The stability of amino acids was quantified based on the transition maps. The noninterface residues' stability was higher than that of the interface. Long side chains with three or four dihedral angles were less stable than the shorter ones. The transitions between the rotamers at the interface occurred more frequently than on the noninterface surface. Most side chains changed conformation within the same rotamer or moved to an adjacent rotamer. The highest percentage of the transitions was observed primarily between the two most occupied rotamers. The probability of the transition between rotamers increased with the decrease of the rotamer stability. The analysis revealed characteristics of the surface side‐chain conformational transitions that can be utilized in flexible docking protocols. Proteins 2012; © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On extractors and exposure‐resilient functions for sublogarithmic entropy
Authors: Reshef Yakir , Vadhan Salil 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe study resilient functions and exposure‐resilient functions in the low‐entropy regime. A resilient function (a.k.a. deterministic extractor for oblivious bit‐fixing sources) maps any distribution on n ‐bit strings in which k bits are uniformly random and the rest are fixed into an output distribution that is close to uniform. With exposure‐resilient functions, all the input bits are random, but we ask that the output be close to uniform conditioned on any subset of n ‐ k input bits. In this paper, we focus on the case that k is sublogarithmic in n.We simplify and improve an explicit construction of resilient functions for k sublogarithmic in n due to Kamp and Zuckerman (SICOMP 2006), achieving error exponentially small in k rather than polynomially small in k. Our main result is that when k is sublogarithmic in n, the short output length of this construction (O(log k) output bits) is optimal for extractors computable by a large class of space‐bounded streaming algorithms.Next, we show that a random function is a resilient function with high probability if and only if k is superlogarithmic in n, suggesting that our main result may apply more generally. In contrast, we show that a random function is a static (resp. adaptive) exposure‐resilient function with high probability even if k is as small as a constant (resp. loglog n). No explicit exposure‐resilient functions achieving these parameters are known. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2013
Conjugated Polymer and Gold Nanoparticle Co‐loaded PLGA Nanocomposites with Eccentric Internal Nanostructure for Dual‐modal Targeted Cellular Imaging
Authors: Geng Junlong , Li Kai , Pu Kan‐Yi , Ding Dan , Liu Bin 
Published: April 2012

AbstractHerein is reported the one‐step synthesis of an integrated nanocomposite with eccentrically loaded 5 nm gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and conjugated polymer of poly[9,9‐bis(6’‐N,N,N‐trimethylammonium)hexyl)fluorenyldivinylene‐alt‐4,7‐(2,1,3,‐ benzothiadiazole) dibromide] (PFVBT). The nanocomposite is generated with surface‐functionalized folic acid groups due to the matrix polymer of PLGA–PEG2000‐folate used for encapsulation. The nanocomposite shows far‐red fluorescence from PFVBT and scattering signal from Au NPs. Although Au NPs have been widely reported to quench the fluorescence of conjugated polymers, the PFVBT fluorescence is well maintained in the nanocomposite due to the eccentric location of Au NPs. The folic acid groups at the nanocomposite surface favor its cellular uptake by MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, which have overexpressed folate receptors on the cell membranes. In conjugation with its low cytotoxicity, the folic‐acid‐functionalized nanocomposite has been successfully utilized for fluorescence and dark‐field dual‐modal targeted cellular imaging.
Incorporating transitive relations in low‐level design‐based class cohesion measurement
Authors: Al Dallal Jehad 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYClass cohesion metrics apply different approaches to quantify the relatedness of the attributes and methods in a class. These relations can be direct or transitive. Method invocations are among the key sources of potential transitive attribute–method relations. That is, a method is not only related to the attributes that it references, but it may also be transitively related to the attributes referenced by the methods that it invokes. A few of the existing class cohesion metrics capture this potential transitive cohesion aspect. In this paper, we classify the method invocations as direct or transitive. The definitions of the class representative models used by 16 existing low‐level design (LLD) metrics are extended to incorporate the cohesion caused by the two types of method invocations. The impact of incorporating the transitive relations because of the two types of method invocations on the cohesion values and on the ability of the LLD metrics to predict faulty classes are studied empirically. The results show that the transitive relations because of both types of method invocations featured a considerable degree of cohesion that is not captured by most of the existing LLD metrics. However, practically, incorporating transitive relations in cohesion measurement was found to be ineffective in improving the fault‐prediction powers of most of the LLD metrics. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical Outcome of Liver Transection by the Crush‐Clamping Technique Combined with Harmonic FOCUS™
Authors: Gotohda Naoto , Konishi Masaru , Takahashi Shinichiro , Kinoshita Takahiro , Kato Yuichiro , Kinoshita Taira 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundNew energy devices are constantly being introduced for all types of surgery, including liver surgery. These devices help surgeons perform operations. Meanwhile, intraoperative blood loss is a concern of liver surgeons. Various methods to reduce intraoperative bleeding during liver resection have been reported. There are some reports that the use of energy devices was effective for liver transection. Recently, the Harmonic FOCUS™ (HF), an ultrasonically activated device, was developed. The shape of the HF is similar to that of Kelly forceps. Hepatectomy can be performed by the clamp‐crushing method using the HF instead of Kelly forceps. We obtained good results of liver resection with the HF, and report these outcomes in this study.MethodsFrom November 2009 to March 2011, a total of 51 patients underwent hepatectomy with the use of the HF. The control group consisted of 59 patients who underwent hepatectomy without the HF from February 2009 to September 2009. The surgical outcomes were evaluated and compared retrospectively.ResultsMean blood loss was 640 mL in the HF group compared to 1,176 mL in the control group. The number of patients needing a blood transfusion was smaller in the HF group (p = 0.02). Mean operative time was shorter in the HF group (171 vs. 235 min, p < 0.001). All these surgical outcomes were significantly better in the HF group. Postoperative morbidity was not increased in the HF group, and we could perform liver transection safely.ConclusionThe crush‐clamping method combined with the HF is effective for liver transection. Liver resection can be performed quickly using this method.
Leech Infestation in Children Through Body Orifices: Experience in a Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Hannan Md. Jafrul , Hoque Md. Mozammel 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIntroductionBangladesh harbors many leeches in its vast wetlands. Leeches have a tendency to enter through body orifices with potentially life‐threatening consequences. Literature search revealed inadequate description of clinical manifestations and treatment of leech infestations in children. We describe our experience with leech infestations in children.MethodsBetween January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2010, 17 cases of leech infestation through body orifices in children were managed. This is a retrospective study on age, sex, route of leech entry, investigation and treatment, and outcome.ResultsAge ranged from 4.5 to 11 years (mean 6.4 ± 1.8) and females accounted for more than 70 %. The orifices of leech entry include urethra, vagina, and rectum. Leeches could be found in eight cases. Two boys with leeches in the urinary bladder needed suprapubic removal. Leeches were retrieved from the vagina under general anesthesia in three cases, and on three occasions leeches came out from the vagina after normal saline instillation. In nine cases with different routes of entry where leech was not found, instillation of normal saline was sufficient to stop bleeding. Fifteen cases presented with bleeding and transfusion was required in five cases with Hb% <7 gm/dl.ConclusionsLeech infestation through lower body orifices is common in children of rural Bangladesh. Prompt diagnosis is of paramount importance, and application of normal saline is effective in most cases. Sometimes surgical intervention is required.
A Business Model for Managing System Change Through Strategic Financing and Performance Indicators: A Case Study
Authors: Armstrong Mary I. , Milch Heidi , Curtis Peter , Endress Phillip 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis article describes how a system of care operated by a county government agency used a fiscal crisis as the opportunity to reform its children's system. A cross‐system response to the crisis is outlined that includes a system of care framework coupled with a business model, inter‐departmental collaboration and leadership, the use of strategic reinvestment strategies, and a quality improvement system that focuses on key indicators. Implementation of the system change is described with a specific focus on cross‐system entry points, financing strategies that re‐allocate funds from deep‐end programs to community‐based services, and management oversight through the use of performance indicators to monitor and support effectiveness. This article examines the results of the system change, including the diversion of youth from system penetration, the reduction in residential treatment bed days, the re‐allocation of these savings to community‐based services, and the outcomes of children who were diverted from residential care and served in the community. The article offers a number of recommendations for other communities contemplating system change.
Measuring cognitive outcomes in a pre-clinical bioethics course
Authors: Fernandes Ashley K. , Borges Nicole , Rodabaugh Heather 
Published: April 2012

Medical schools universally accept the idea that bioethics courses are essential
components of education, but few studies which measure outcomes (i.e., knowledge or
retention) have demonstrated their educational value in the literature. The goal of this
study was to examine whether core concepts of a pre-clinical bioethics course were
learned and retained. Over the course of 2 years, a pre-test comprising 25
multiple-choice questions was administered to two classes (2008–2010) of first-year
medical students prior to the start of a 15-week ethics course, and an identical
post-test was administered at the end of the course. A total of 189 students
participated. Paired t tests showed a significant difference between pre-test scores and
post-test scores. The pre-test average score was 69.8 %, and the post-test average was
82.6 %, an increase of 12.9 % after the ethics course. The pre- and post-test results
also suggested a shift in difficulty level of the questions, with students finding
identical questions easier after the intervention. Given the increase in post-test
scores after the 15-week intervention, the study suggests that core concepts in medical
ethics were learned and retained. These results demonstrate that an introductory
bioethics course can improve short-term outcomes in knowledge and comprehension, and
should provide impetus to educators to demonstrate improved educational outcomes in
ethics at higher levels of B.S. Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning.
Interruptions and Miscommunications in Surgery: An Observational Study
Authors: Gillespie Brigid M. , Chaboyer Wendy , Fairweather Nicole 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn surgery, as much as 30% of procedure‐specific information may be lost as a result of miscommunication. We assessed the relationship between interruptions, team familiarity, and miscommunications across a purposive sample of 160 surgical procedures in 10 specialties during a six‐month period. Descriptive analysis was used to quantify interruptions in respect to the source (ie, conversational, procedural) and type of miscommunication (ie, audience, purpose, occasion, content, experience). Results revealed an inverse correlation between the length of time that teams had worked together and the number of miscommunications in surgery (τ = −.33, P < .01). There was a positive correlation between the number of intraoperative interruptions and the number of miscommunications (τ = .30, P < .01). These results may help to inform the development of evidence‐based interventions designed to mitigate the effects of miscommunications in surgery.
Patient Safety: Break the Silence
Authors: Johnson Hope L. , Kimsey Diane 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA culture of patient safety requires commitment and full participation from all staff members. In 2008, results of a culture of patient safety survey conducted in the perioperative division of the Lehigh Valley Health Network in Pennsylvania revealed a lack of patient‐centered focus, teamwork, and positive communication. As a result, perioperative leaders assembled a multidisciplinary team that designed a safety training program focusing on Crew Resource Management, TeamSTEPPS, and communication techniques. The team used video vignettes and an audience response system to engage learners and promote participation. Topics included using preprocedural briefings and postprocedural debriefings, conflict resolution, and assertiveness techniques. Postcourse evaluations showed that the majority of respondents believed they were better able to question the decisions or actions of someone with more authority. The facility has experienced a marked decrease in the number of incidents requiring a root cause analysis since the program was conducted.
Training Zambian traditional birth attendants to reduce neonatal mortality in the Lufwanyama Neonatal Survival Project (LUNESP)
Authors: Gill Christopher J. , Guerina Nicholas G. , Mulenga Charity , Knapp Anna B. , Mazala Grace , Hamer Davidson H. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo provide relevant details on how interventions in the Lufwanyama Neonatal Survival Project (LUNESP) were developed and how Zambian traditional birth attendants (TBAs) were trained to perform them.MethodsThe study tested 2 interventions: a simplified version of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ neonatal resuscitation protocol (NRP); and antibiotics with facilitated referral (AFR).ResultsKey elements that enabled the positive study result were: focusing on common and correctible causes of mortality; selecting a study population with high unmet public health need; early community mobilization to build awareness and support; emphasizing simplicity in the intervention technology and algorithms; using a traditional training approach appropriate to students with low literacy rates; requiring TBAs to demonstrate their competence before completing each workshop; and minimizing attrition of skills by retraining and reassessing the TBAs regularly throughout the study.ConclusionAn effective NRP training model was created that is suitable for community‐based neonatal interventions, in research or programmatic settings, and by practitioners with limited obstetric skills and low rates of literacy.Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00518856.
Consistent subgrid scale modelling for lattice Boltzmann methods
Authors: Malaspinas Orestis , Sagaut Pierre 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe lattice Boltzmann method has become a widely used tool for the numerical simulation of fluid flows and in particular of turbulent flows. In this frame the inclusion of subgrid scale closures is of crucial importance and is not completely understood from the theoretical point of view. Here, we propose a consistent way of introducing subgrid closures in the BGK Boltzmann equation for large eddy simulations of turbulent flows. Based on the Hermite expansion of the velocity distribution function, we construct a hierarchy of subgrid scale terms, which are similar to those obtained for the Navier–Stokes equations, and discuss their inclusion in the lattice Boltzmann method scheme. A link between our approach and the standard way on including eddy viscosity models in the lattice Boltzmann method is established. It is shown that the use of a single modified scalar relaxation time to account for subgrid viscosity effects is not consistent in the compressible case. Finally, we validate the approach in the weakly compressible case by simulating the time developing mixing layer and comparing with experimental results and direct numerical simulations.
Prediction of digestible amino acid and true metabolizable energy contents of sorghum grain from total essential amino acids
Authors: SEDGHI M. , EBADI M. R. , GOLIAN A. , AHMADI H. 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYAccurate information on metabolizable energy and true digestible amino acid (TDAA) content of sorghum grain is important in order to formulate sorghum-based poultry diets accurately. Estimates of ingredient nutritional values using bioassay methods require live birds and special facilities, which are time-consuming and costly. Accordingly, prediction by mathematical models would be of some considerable benefit. Sixty-eight samples of sorghum grain, representing 32 different varieties, were used to test the correlation between TDAA and nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy (TMEn) with total essential amino acids. Two methods of multiple linear regressions (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) models were used to find the relationship between total amino acids (model inputs) with TDAA and TMEn contents (model outputs) in sorghum grain. The fitness of the models was tested usingR2, mean square (MS) error and bias. There is a strong relationship between total amino acid concentration with both TDAA and TMEn content in sorghum grain. The TDAA and TMEn values were more accurately estimated by ANN model compared to values obtained from the MLR model. TheR2values corresponding to testing and training of the ANN model showed a higher accuracy of prediction than the equation constructed by MLR method. Based on the experimental evidence, it is concluded that the TDAA and TMEn values in sorghum grain can be predicted from total essential amino acids using ANN models. Consequently, this method provides an opportunity to reduce the risk of formulating an unbalanced TDAA diet for poultry.
Objectively measuring behaviour traits in an automated restraint-test for ungulates: towards making temperament measurable
Authors: GRAUNKE K. L. , LANGBEIN J. , REPSILBER D. , SCHÖN P-C. 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYThe personality of an animal is described by traits that cause consistent actions and reactions to environmental stimuli. An important part of personality is the reaction to unpleasant or uncontrollable situations. Methods described in the literature to measure personality in animals are often based on measuring or rating escape behaviour in these situations. In the methods described, human handlers are frequently part of the experiment or the animals’ personalities are scored by humans. Thus, these methods are at least partly subjective.In the current study, an appliance to measure objectively the escape behaviour of ungulates and their reluctance during an uncontrollable situation (restraint) with a rather simple and comprehensible methodology is presented using a force transducer with adequate peripheral equipment. While the animals were restrained, a tractive force-time diagram describing escape behaviour was recorded and later analysed with software developed specifically.To evaluate this newly developed technical method, 24 three-month-old calves were restrained by being tethered for 30 min on a halter that was connected to the force transducer. From the tractive force-time diagram, tractive force, maximal tractive force and the number of pulls that the calves performed during 5-min intervals were calculated. The multivariate results were analysed with ak-means-algorithm (function ‘kcca’) and a hierarchical clustering (function ‘hclust’) included in R version 2.12.1.Both analyses revealed two clearly separated clusters including the same individuals in each analysis. The animals of cluster 1 showed a continuously higher reaction level than those of cluster 2 with a strong reaction in the beginning, a short decrease before increasing during the middle of the experiment and a final decrease at the end of the test. The animals of cluster 2 had a lower and quite steady reaction level throughout the experiment, although even here a slight increase during the middle of the experiment could be detected before a final decrease towards the end of the test was shown. There was no significant difference in weight between the two clusters.The results showed that this newly developed method was able to detect differences in the animals’ escape behaviour patterns and reluctance with the measured parameters.