A characterization theorem is derived that motivates a procedure for generating discrete best monotonie approximations to n sequential data values, when a strictly convex objective function is used in the calculation. The procedure is highly useful in the discrete nonlinear optimization calculation that produces the best piecewise monotonie approximations to the data.

BACKGROUND Poor recruitment and retention of participants in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is problematic but common. Clear and detailed reporting of participant flow is essential to assess the generalisability and comparability of RCTs. Despite improved reporting since the implementation of the CONSORT statement, important problems remain. This paper aims: (i) to update and extend previo...

OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess the completeness of reporting of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture in the Korean literature. DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS We searched 12 Korean databases and 7 Korean journals to identify eligible RCTs of acupuncture published from 1996 to July 2011. We used the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist for para...