bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized Controlled Clinical Study to Determine the Oral and Dermal Tolerability of an Experimental Denture Wipe
Authors: Axe Alyson , Burnett Gary R. , Milleman Kimberly R. , Patil Avinash , Milleman Jeffery L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate oral and dermal tolerance following use and user acceptability of an experimental denture‐cleansing wipe. An exploratory objective was to develop a method to assess denture wipe effectiveness in removing debris from denture surfaces.Materials and MethodsThis was a single‐center, randomized, controlled, parallel‐group, examiner‐blind study in participants with ≥1 full/partial denture. Participants were randomized to clean their dentures with the denture wipe (n = 76) or water (n = 76) up to 4 times per day for 14 days. Tolerability was assessed by treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), oral soft tissue examination, and lead hand dermatological assessment. Acceptability was assessed by questionnaire. The feasibility of a methodology to assess the efficacy of the wipe at removing food particles was also evaluated through determination of the mass of chewed peanut particles that the wipe removed after a single use (n = 31).ResultsThe proportion of participants experiencing oral TEAEs by day 14 was 0.039% with the denture wipe (lip injury [n = 1], mouth injury [n = 2]) and 0.013% with the water rinse (coated tongue [n = 1]). There were no dermal TEAEs and no TEAE‐related study withdrawals. Skin irritation scores with the denture wipe remained unchanged from baseline. Comparing before vs. after cleaning with the denture wipe, a higher proportion of participants rated their dentures as feeling extremely/very fresh (28.9% pre‐/85.5% post‐cleaning), feeling extremely/very clean (34.2%/86.8%) and looking extremely/very clean (43.5%/85.5%). More denture‐wipe group participants than water‐rinse group participants were extremely/very satisfied with the amount of debris removed from their dentures (88.1% vs 72.4%). The methodology used to assess the weight of peanut particles captured from the wipes/dentures appeared to be a feasible investigation technique.ConclusionsThe denture wipe was generally well‐tolerated and had good user acceptability. The methodology for assessing the mass of peanut particles removed by denture wipes was successful.
Comparison of two minimally invasive enilconazole perendoscopic infusion protocols for the treatment of canine sinonasal aspergillosis
Authors: Vangrinsven E. , Girod M. , Goossens D. , Desquilbet L. , Clercx C. , Billen F. 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesTo compare two minimally invasive enilconazole infusion protocols for the treatment of canine sinonasal aspergillosis and evaluate the importance of complete endoscopic debridement in determining first treatment success rate.Materials and MethodsData for 48 dogs with confirmed sinonasal aspergillosis treated with endoscopic debridement followed by per‐endoscopic enilconazole infusion were collected. Twenty‐four dogs were treated according to the previously published 1‐hour infusion protocol and 24 dogs underwent a simplified 15‐minute infusion protocol. Completeness of debridement, evaluated as partial or complete at the end of the procedure and outcome after one or several treatments were assessed in all dogs. Multi‐variable analysis was performed to derive odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsThe median duration of the simplified protocol – 92∙3 minutes (range 40 to 140) – was substantially shorter than the duration of the previous protocol – 201∙3 minutes (range 120 to 265). First treatment success rates were 58 and 62∙5% for the previous and simplified protocol, respectively. Overall treatment success rate was similar in both groups (96%). Complete debridement was associated with an improved first treatment success rate compared to partial debridement.Clinical SignificanceThe simplified protocol is a valid alternative approach to the treatment of sinonasal aspergillosis. Completeness of endoscopic debridement before infusion is an important step for the success of treatment in canine sinonasal aspergillosis.
On Form, and the Possibility of Moral Beauty
Authors: Paris Panos 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThere is a tendency in contemporary (analytic) aesthetics to considerably restrict the scope of things that can be beautiful or ugly. This peculiarly modern tendency is holding back progress in aesthetics and robbing it of its potential contribution to other domains of inquiry. One view that has suffered neglect as a result of this tendency is the moral beauty view, whereby the moral virtues are beautiful and the moral vices are ugly. This neglect stems from an assumption to the effect that virtues and vices simply cannot be beautiful or ugly. The aim of this paper is twofold. First, it develops an account of form, under which, it argues, possession of form suffices for an object’s candidature for beauty and ugliness. Second, it argues that, under the foregoing proposal, the moral beauty view turns out to be a coherent position, and so should be taken seriously in both aesthetics and ethics.
Two Species of Merely Verbal Disputes
Authors: Belleri Delia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIt is common to criticize a debate by alleging that it is a “merely verbal dispute.” But how conclusive would an argument based on such allegations be? This article takes the material‐composition debate as a case study and argues that the merely verbal dispute objection is less decisive than one might expect. While assessing the dialectical effectiveness of the mere‐verbality move, the article also tries to mark some progress in the philosophical understanding and appreciation of the phenomenon itself of merely verbal disputes. Its contribution consists in shedding light on a distinction between the “faultlessness” and “faultiness” of a merely verbal dispute.
Externalism and Conceptual Analysis
Authors: Vogel Christopher A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe method of Conceptual Analysis makes use of natural language speaker intuitions about the meanings of expressions, and relies on an externalist assumption about meanings—namely, that they can be given in terms of referential relations and truth. This article argues that this widely used methodology in metaphysics is troubled, because the assumed externalist hypothesis about natural language meanings is beset with trenchant obstacles in explaining linguistic phenomena. It argues that the use of Conceptual Analysis in metaphysical investigation inherits the difficulties for the externalist hypothesis generally assumed by metaphysical inquiry. It explores two cases of such investigation that serve to exemplify the breadth of topics susceptible to troubles with the externalist hypothesis regarding natural language meanings: the extended mind hypothesis and the metaphysics of causation.
Factors Influencing Adherence to Standard Precautions Scale: A psychometric validation
Authors: Bouchoucha Stéphane L. , Moore Kathleen A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDespite the mandated use of standard precaution guidelines to limit infection transmission in health‐care settings, adherence by health‐care professionals is suboptimal. There is currently no psychometrically‐validated scale to assess influences on workers' adherence. After the data collection was conducted, Michinov et al. (2016) published a questionnaire to determine sociocognitive determinants of adherence to Standard Precautions. The aim of the present study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of such a scale. Forty nine items were derived from interviews with 29 nurses and tested across two studies. Study 1 was a repeated‐measures survey using principal components analysis with data from 363 participants; a 29 item, five factor solution was extracted with good to acceptable internal reliabilities (α = .61–.85). Data from 122 of the original participants retested at 4 weeks showed intraclass correlations of .69–.84. Study 2, which was 6 months later, used confirmatory factor analysis with data from a second sample of 384 participants, and supported the five factor structure of leadership, justification, culture/practice, contextual cues, and judgement. The Factors Influencing Adherence to Standard Precautions Scale has good psychometric properties and stability across time and samples. The scale is suitable for use with nurses, and its validation with other health‐care professionals and trainees is important in order to tailor effective interventions to promote adherence.
Geosimulation approach for filling the gap of non‐response smoking data from the census 2013: A spatial analysis of census area unit geographies
Authors: Tomintz Melanie N. , Barnett Ross 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNew Zealand has a goal of becoming a smoke‐free nation by 2025, with the aim of reducing smoking prevalence 5% or less. While the 2013 census provides good coverage about smoking prevalence, 9.3% of the population did not return valid responses. The aim of this article is to use the tool, spatial microsimulation, to estimate the missing non‐response data based on demographics and income at the census area unit (CAU) level to provide a more complete picture of the New Zealand smoking landscape. Results show that, including estimated non‐response data, only two CAUs meet the current smoke‐free goal.
Use of antifibrinolytics in pediatric cardiac surgery: Where are we now?
Authors: Faraoni David , Rahe Cornelius , Cybulski Karen A. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryFibrinolytic activation is a major and preventable source of bleeding in neonates and children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Based on the existing literature (adult and pediatric; cardiac and noncardiac), prophylactic administration of antifibrinolytic agents can help reduce fibrinolytic activation, and consequently reduces perioperative bleeding and the requirement for blood product transfusion. Due to the increased risk of renal failure and mortality reported in adults undergoing cardiac surgery, aprotinin should not be considered as a safe option in neonates and children. Further well‐designed studies would be required before the prophylactic administration of aprotinin could be considered in pediatric cardiac surgery. The lysine analogs, tranexamic acid and ϵ‐aminocaproic acid,, should be considered as safe and effective antifibrinolytic agents. Although no major side effects have been reported following the administration of lysine analogs in children undergoing cardiac surgery, high‐dose tranexamic acid should not be recommended in order to avoid the increased risk of clinical seizures. Despite the recent advances made in our understanding of the pharmacokinetics of tranexamic acid and ϵ‐aminocaproic acid,, the optimal plasmatic concentration to be targeted remains unknown. Further studies are therefore urgently needed to better define the optimal dose regimen to be used in neonates and children. In the meantime, the dose regimen published in the most recent pharmacokinetic studies can be used. Although no studies have assessed the effect of massive bleeding and transfusion on the plasmatic concentrations of the lysine analogs, additional boluses might be considered in the presence of bleeding and/or when signs of fibrinolytic activations are observed on viscoelastic hemostatic assays.
A quality improvement project to reduce postoperative adverse respiratory events and increase safety in the postanesthesia care unit of a pediatric institution
Authors: Xu Wenyan , Huang Yue , Bai Jie , Varughese Anna M. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundQuality improvement methods can identify solutions and make dramatic improvements in patient safety during daily clinical care. The science of quality improvement in healthcare is still a very new concept in developing countries like China.AimsWe initiated a quality improvement project to minimize adverse respiratory events in our postanesthesia care unit with the guidance of an experienced quality improvement expert from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.MethodsWe set up a quality improvement team that included anesthesia safety team members at Shanghai Children's Medical Center, and a quality improvement expert in pediatric anesthesia from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Data from the previous year were reviewed. After using Failure Mode and Effect Analysis to access risks associated with the current process, a Key Driver Diagram and a Smart Aim were developed. Key drivers included establishing a safety culture, resource allocation to meet needs, education and training, standardization of care, improved communication and handoff, and enhanced detection, recognition, and response to adverse events. Using Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act cycles of the improvement model, interventions were conducted to improve the process. The primary outcome was the percentage of postoperative respiratory adverse events in the postanesthesia care unit, and we calculated the average recovery time as a balancing measure. Data were collected and analyzed using a run chart and control chart.ResultsThe median percentage of respiratory adverse events in postanesthesia care unit decreased from 2.8% to 1.4%. Respiratory adverse events were reduced by over 30% compared to the previous period with no significant change in mean recovery time.ConclusionUsing quality improvement methods, we successfully reduced the percentage of respiratory adverse events in the postanesthesia care unit. This helped to establish a safety culture among the anesthesia staff. Quality and safety improvement can be successfully implemented in developing countries like China with collaboration with quality improvement experts from more experienced institutions.
The effect of an immersive virtual reality tour of the operating theater on emergence delirium in children undergoing general anesthesia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ryu Jung‐Hee , Oh Ah‐Young , Yoo Hee‐Jeong , Kim Jin‐Hee , Park Jin‐Woo , Han Sung‐Hee 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackground and AimsAn immersive virtual reality tour of the operating theater could reduce preoperative anxiety. This study was designed to determine whether a preoperative immersive virtual reality tour demonstrates a reduction in emergence delirium through reducing the preoperative anxiety in children undergoing general anesthesia.MethodsEighty‐six children were randomly allocated into either the control or virtual reality group. The control group received conventional education regarding the perioperative process. The virtual reality group watched a 4‐minute virtual reality video showing the operating theater and explaining the perioperative process. Incidence and severity of emergence delirium were the main outcomes. Secondary outcomes included preoperative anxiety using modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale and postoperative behavioral disturbance.ResultsEighty children completed the final analysis (control group = 39, virtual reality group = 41). The incidence (risk ratio [95% CI]: 1.1 [0.5‐2.8], P = 0.773) and severity of emergence delirium (mean difference [95% CI]: −0.2 [−2.7 to 2.2], P = 0.791) were similar in the two groups. After the intervention, children in the virtual reality group had a significantly lower modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety score than those in the control group (mean difference [95% CI]: 9.2 [0.3‐18.2], P = 0.022). No difference was observed regarding postoperative behavioral disturbance between the two groups at postoperative 1 day (mean difference [95% CI]: −0.1 [−0.3 to 0.1], P = 0.671) and 14 day (mean difference [95% CI]: −0.0 [−0.1 to 0.0], P = 0.329).ConclusionPreoperative immersive virtual reality tour of the operating theater did not reduce the incidence and severity of emergence delirium, although it was effective in alleviating preoperative anxiety in children.
What are the validity and reliability of the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale‐Short Form in children less than 2 years old?
Authors: Kühlmann Anne Y.R. , Lahdo Nisson , Staals Lonneke M. , van Dijk Monique 
Published: October 2018

SummaryBackgroundAccurate measurement of preoperative anxiety is important for pediatric surgical patients’ care as well as for monitoring anxiety‐reducing interventions. The modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale‐short form is well validated for this purpose in children aged 2 years and above, but not in younger children.AimsWe aimed to validate the Dutch version of the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale‐short form for measuring preoperative anxiety in children less than 2 years old.MethodsTwo investigators independently assessed infants’ anxiety at the holding area and during induction of anesthesia with the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale‐short form and the COMFORT‐Behavior scale—live and from video observations. Construct validity and responsiveness of both scales were tested with Pearson correlation coefficient. Internal consistency of the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale‐short form was assessed using Cronbach's α, and inter‐rater reliability and intra‐rater reliability were tested using the intraclass correlation coefficient and Cohen's linearly weighted kappa. Hypotheses for sufficient inter‐rater reliability (r > 0.60) and validity (r > 0.65) had been formulated a priori in line with the COSMIN guidelines.ResultsBehavior of 129 infants (89.1% male) with a median age of 6.5 months (range 0.9‐16.5 months) was observed. The correlations between the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale‐short form and COMFORT‐Behavioral scale were strong at the holding area and at induction of anesthesia, as were the correlation of change scores between the holding area and induction. Internal consistency of the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale‐short form was excellent at both the holding area and at induction of anesthesia. Inter‐rater reliability was good to excellent on scale level and moderate to good on item level.ConclusionThese findings support the validity and reliability of the Dutch version of the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale‐short form in children less than 2‐years‐old.
Senescence in growth and reproductive allocation in a bunchgrass
Authors: Li C. , Li H. , Yang Y. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Senescence is a puzzling phenomenon. Few convincing studies of senescence in perennial herbaceous plants exist. While ramets are known to senesce, whether senescence of bunchgrasses actually occurs is not clear.

In this study, we grew a set of plants of Elymus excelsus, a bunchgrass, to examine plant size, sexual reproduction and bud formation in individual plants in relation to their gradual ageing, in order to determine whether E. excelsus experiences senescence. We collected data in two consecutive years (2009 and 2010) from field samples of plants from 1 to 5 years old. Using regression models, we performed age‐related analyses of growth and reproduction parameters.

Our results showed that individual plant size (diameter, individual biomass), total biomass of ramets, number and biomass of reproductive ramets, percentage of ramets that were reproductive, reproductive allocation, over‐wintering buds and juvenile ramets all declined with age. However, vegetative growth (number and biomass of vegetative ramets) did not decrease with age.

Those plants that survived, dwindled in size as they aged. However, no plants shifted their resource allocation between growth and reproduction as they aged, so the shift in allocation did not account for the fall in size.
Exposure at Default Without Conversion Factors—Evidence from Global Credit Data for Large Corporate Revolving Facilities
Authors: Thackham Mark , Ma Jun 
Published: October 2018

SummaryCredit granting institutions are in the business of lending money to customers, some of whom subsequently fail to repay as promised. For these events, accurate loan balance estimates—termed exposure at default (EAD)—provide quantification of potential losses and form a required input to minimum credit capital calculation under the Basel II Accord. Most available EAD research estimates the credit conversion factor (CCF), which is a transform of EAD, but as we highlight this has substantial deficiencies: an inherent singularity rendering the CCF undefined or numerically unstable and it often provides EAD estimates that fail economic intuition. We build a descriptive model for EAD—without relying on the CCF—using the Global Credit Data database, advancing the literature in three important ways. First we identify, like other studies on revolving facilities, that balance and limits drive EAD and we therefore develop our model to capture these joint dynamics flexibly. Second we find evidence in the data of risk-based line management where lenders tend to decrease limits for riskier obligors. Third we confirm results from other studies of mild EAD countercyclicality, whereby EAD is lower during a subdued economy.
An Imputation–Regularized Optimization Algorithm for High Dimensional Missing Data Problems and Beyond
Authors: Liang Faming , Jia Bochao , Xue Jingnan , Li Qizhai , Luo Ye 
Published: October 2018

SummaryMissing data are frequently encountered in high dimensional problems, but they are usually difficult to deal with by using standard algorithms, such as the expectation–maximization algorithm and its variants. To tackle this difficulty, some problem-specific algorithms have been developed in the literature, but there still lacks a general algorithm. This work is to fill the gap: we propose a general algorithm for high dimensional missing data problems. The algorithm works by iterating between an imputation step and a regularized optimization step. At the imputation step, the missing data are imputed conditionally on the observed data and the current estimates of parameters and, at the regularized optimization step, a consistent estimate is found via the regularization approach for the minimizer of a Kullback–Leibler divergence defined on the pseudocomplete data. For high dimensional problems, the consistent estimate can be found under sparsity constraints. The consistency of the averaged estimate for the true parameter can be established under quite general conditions. The algorithm is illustrated by using high dimensional Gaussian graphical models, high dimensional variable selection and a random-coefficient model.
What Are Good‐Looking Candidates, and Can They Sway Election Results?*
Authors: Praino Rodrigo , Stockemer Daniel 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveIn this article, we address two major gaps in the understanding of the relationship between candidate attractiveness and electoral success. With the assistance of the Victoria Police Criminal Identification Unit in Melbourne, Australia, we show how good‐looking candidates look like by building the faces of six “ideal candidates” in terms of physical attractiveness. Utilizing our “ideal candidates,” we then investigate whether candidate attractiveness can actually sway electoral results.MethodsWe proceed in four distinct steps, using data from the 2008 U.S. House of Representatives elections. First, we collect data on candidate attractiveness. Second, we build our “ideal candidates” and obtain their attractiveness ranking. Third, we model the effect of candidate attractiveness on candidate vote margins. Fourth, we run four hypothetical scenarios that assess whether candidate attractiveness can sway the electoral results in marginal seats.ResultsAbout two‐thirds of marginal races would trigger a different winner if the actual loser looked like our ideal candidates. In addition, virtually every single marginal race would have had a different outcome if the unsuccessful candidate looked like our “ideal candidate” and the successful candidate was very unattractive.ConclusionCandidate attractiveness can sway electoral results, provided that elections are competitive.