bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic changes in electroencephalogram spectral power with varying apnea duration in older adults
Authors: Uddin Md B. , Su Steven W. , Chen Wenhui , Chow Chin Moi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSleep apnea elicits brain and physiological changes and its duration varies across the night. This study investigates the changes in the relative powers in electroencephalogram (EEG) frequency bands before and at apnea termination and as a function of apnea duration. The analysis was performed on 30 sleep records (375 apnea events) of older adults diagnosed with sleep apnea. Power spectral analysis centered on two 10‐s EEG epochs, before apnea termination (BAT) and after apnea termination (AAT), for each apnea event. The relative power changes in EEG frequency bands were compared with changes in apnea duration, defined as Short (between 10 and 20 s), Moderate (between 20 and 30 s) and Long (between 30 and 40 s). A significant reduction in EEG relative powers for lower frequency bands of alpha and sigma were observed for the Long compared to the Moderate and Short apnea duration groups at BAT, and reduction in relative theta, alpha and sigma powers for the Long compared to the Moderate and Short groups at AAT. The proportion of apnea events showed a significantly decreased trend with increased apnea duration for non‐rapid eye movement sleep but not rapid eye movement sleep. The proportion of central apnea events decreased with increased apnea duration, but not obstructive episodes. The findings suggest EEG arousal occurred both before and at apnea termination and these transient arousals were associated with a reduction in relative EEG powers of the low‐frequency bands: theta, alpha and sigma. The clinical implication is that these transient EEG arousals, without awakenings, are protective of sleep. Further studies with large datasets and different age groups are recommended.
Pharmacokinetics of imidocarb dipropionate in white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) after single intramuscular administration
Authors: Milnes Ellie L. , Delnatte Pauline , Woodbury Murray , Hering Adam , Lee Sam , Smith Dale A. , Nemeth Nicole M. , Gu Yu , Gehring Ronette , Johnson Ron 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis study was designed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of imidocarb, a carbanilide derivative, in white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The pharmacokinetic properties of a single intramuscular (IM) dose of imidocarb were determined in 10 deer. A single IM injection of 3.0 mg/kg imidocarb dipropionate was administered, and blood samples were collected prior to, and up to 48 hr after imidocarb administration. Plasma imidocarb concentrations were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The disposition of plasma imidocarb was best characterized by a two‐compartment open model. The mean ± SE maximal imidocarb concentration in deer was 880.78 ± 81.12 ng/ml at 38.63 ± 5.30 min postinjection. The distribution phase had a half‐life (t1/2α) of 25.90 ± 10.21 min, and plasma imidocarb concentration declined with a terminal elimination half‐life (t1/2β) of 464.06 ± 104.08 min (7.73 ± 1.73 hr). Apparent volume of distribution based on the terminal phase (VZ/F) was 9.20 ± 2.70 L/kg, and apparent total body clearance (Cl/F) was 15.97 ± 1.28 ml min−1 kg−1.
Alterations in activated T‐cell cytokine expression in healthy dogs over the initial 7 days of twice daily dosing with oral cyclosporine
Authors: Riggs Caitlin , Narayanan Lakshmi , Mulligan Charlee , Wills Robert , Mackin Andrew , Fellman Claire , Thomason John , Archer Todd 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCyclosporine is a powerful T‐cell inhibitor used in the treatment of immune‐mediated and inflammatory diseases in the dog. There is limited information on how to best monitor patients on cyclosporine therapy. Currently, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assays are available. Pharmacokinetic assays that measure the concentration of cyclosporine in the blood are used to assess if an appropriate drug concentration has been achieved; however, target blood drug concentrations have not been shown to reliably correlate with suppression of T‐cell function in the dog. In human transplant recipients, therapeutic drug monitoring has shifted to include pharmacodynamic‐based monitoring. Our laboratory has validated a RT‐qPCR assay to measure the pharmacodynamic effects of cyclosporine in the dog. In this study, activated T‐cell expression of IL‐2 and IFN‐γ was measured using RT‐qPCR daily for 7 consecutive days in 8 healthy Walker hounds receiving oral cyclosporine at a dosage of 10 mg/kg every 12 hr. Cytokine production was found to be markedly decreased within 24 hr after the initiation of cyclosporine and remained significantly decreased for the duration of the project. Based on these results, cyclosporine causes a rapid drop in T‐cell cytokine production that is sustained with continued dosing in healthy dogs. Although performed in healthy dogs, this study demonstrated a marked decrease in cytokine suppression within 24 hr of drug administration, suggesting that pharmacodynamic monitoring of cyclosporine's effects on T cells could be considered within several days of commencing therapy in dogs suffering from life‐threatening immune‐mediated disorders.
The reliability of cutaneous low‐frequency oscillations in young healthy males
Authors: Hodges Gary J. , Mallette Matthew M. , Cheung Stephen S. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveSpectral analyses of laser‐Doppler flowmetry measures enable a simple and non‐invasive method to investigate mechanisms regulating skin blood flow. We assessed within‐day and day‐to‐day variability of cutaneous spectral analyses.MethodsEleven young, healthy males were tested twice in three identical sessions, with 19 to 24 days between visits, for a total of six tests. Wavelet data were analyzed at rest, in response to local skin heating to 42 and 44°C, and during 5‐minutes PORH. We did this for six frequency bands commonly associated with physiological functions. To assess reliability, we calculated CV and ICC scores.ResultsAt rest, mean CV for the wavelet data ranged from 21% to 24% and ICC scores ranged from 0.67 to 0.91. During local heating, mean CV scores ranged from 17% to 22% and mean ICC scores ranged from 0.71 to 0.95. For peak PORH, CV ranged from 14% to 23% and the ICC range was 0.88 to 0.97. For the area under the curve of the PORH, CV range was 12% to 21% and ICC range was 0.81 to 0.92.ConclusionsThese analyses indicate good‐to‐excellent reliability of the wavelet data in healthy young males.
Desacralizing Political Theology: Dionysius the Areopagite and Giorgio Agamben
Authors: Newheiser David 
Published: April 2019

AbstractGiorgio Agamben argues that Christian thought provides the paradigm of modern governmental power, which reinforces mundane government by investing it with glory. Agamben claims that Dionysius the Areopagite exemplifies this structure; in his view, Dionysian negative theology serves to sacralize ecclesiastical power. In response, I argue that Dionysius desacralizes every authority, affirming that some things are sacred even as he subjects that affirmation to thoroughgoing critique. Against both dogmatic adherence and pure profanation, Dionysius models a politics that draws on the power of the sacred while holding it open to unpredictable development.
Skill mix change between physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses in nursing homes: A qualitative study
Authors: Lovink Marleen H. , van Vught Anneke (J.A.H.) , Persoon Anke , Koopmans Raymond T.C.M. , Laurant Miranda G.H. , Schoonhoven Lisette 
Published: April 2019

AbstractNursing home physicians face heavy workloads, because of the aging population and rising number of older adults with one or more chronic diseases. Skill mix change, in which professionals perform tasks previously reserved for physicians independently or under supervision, could be an answer to this challenge. The aim of this study was to describe how skill mix change in nursing homes is organized from four monodisciplinary perspectives and the interdisciplinary perspective, what influences it, and what its effects are. The study focused particularly on skill mix change through the substitution of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or registered nurses for nursing home physicians. Five focus group interviews were conducted in the Netherlands. Variation in tasks and responsibilities was found. Despite this variation, stakeholders reported increased quality of health care, patient centeredness, and support for care teams. A clear vision on skill mix change, acceptance of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and registered nurses, and a reduction of legal insecurity are needed that might maximize the added value of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and registered nurses.
Incidence of Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Hemophilia Undergoing Hip and Knee Joint Replacement without Chemoprophylaxis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Peng Hui‐ming , Wang Long‐chao , Zhai Ji‐liang , Jiang Chao , Weng Xi‐sheng , Feng Bin , Gao Na 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveTo establish the prevalence of clinically significant venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in hemophilia patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without chemoprophylaxis and a modified coagulation factor substitution.MethodsA cohort of patients who underwent THA and TKA from June 2002 to April 2017 were included. Based on World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) guidelines, a modified coagulation factor substitution regimen was adopted. All patients were under a standardized postoperative protocol with routine mechanical prophylaxis against VTE. None of the patients received prophylactic anticoagulation. Only symptomatic patients were referred for radiological examination to exclude VTE. We evaluated the patient demographics and calculated the prevalence of VTE in our cohort.ResultsA total of 98 patients were reviewed. The patients were all men. Thirty‐one patients underwent primary THA with 39 hip arthroplasties (only 1 case with hemophilia B) and 67 patients underwent primary TKA with 101 knee arthroplasties (5 cases with hemophilia B). The mean age was 34.2 ± 7.8 years. The mean body mass index was 21.2 ± 5.7 kg/m2. There was 100% compliance to mechanical prophylaxis. The mean time to ambulation was 6.8 days (±2.5 days), and the mean hospital stay was 32.4 days (±7.1 days). There was only 1 hemophilia B patient with clinically significant VTE. None of the other 97 surgical cases had symptomatic VTE within 6 months after the procedure. This translates to a prevalence of 1.02%.ConclusionGiven the low incidence (1.02%) of clinically significant VTE in our cohort, routine chemoprophylaxis in hemophilia patients undergoing THA and TKA may not be needed.
Psychotherapy for the 21st century: An integrative, evolutionary, contextual, biopsychosocial approach
Authors: Gilbert Paul 
Published: April 2019

Fragmentation of processes and interventions plague the psychotherapies (Gilbert & Kirby,). Part of the problem is that we have not agreed on a framework that could be the basis for integrating knowledge and the scientific enquiry of processes and interventions. This paper outlines an approach that brings together a variety of different disciplines in the service of consilience (Wilson,, Consilience: The unity of knowledge, Vintage, New York, NY; Siegel,). It presents the importance of an evolutionary framework for understanding the proclivities and dispositions for mental suffering and antisocial behaviour, and how they are choreographed in different sociodevelopmental contexts. Building on earlier models (Gilbert,, Human nature and suffering, Routledge, London, UK; Gilbert,, Clin. Psychol. Psychother., 2, 135; Gilbert,, Br. J. Med. Psychol., 71, 353; Gilbert,, Case formulation in cognitive behaviour therapy: The treatment of challenging cases, Wiley, Chichester, UK, pp. 50–89) the call is for anintegrative, evolutionary, contextual, biopsychosocial approachto psychology and psychotherapy.Practitioner pointsEvolutionary functional analysis is part of an evolutionary, contextual, biopsychosocial approach to mental health that can serve as a scientific platform for the future developments of psychotherapy.Therapist skills and training will increasing need to focus on the multidimensional textures of mental states especially the context‐social‐body linkages.Therapies of the future will also focus more on the moral aspects of therapy and address the need to promote prosocial and ethical behaviour to self and others.
The experience of combined and sequential liver and kidney transplantation from a single living donor in patients with primary hyperoxaluria type 1
Authors: Ozer Ali , Aktas Hikmet , Bulum Burcu , Emiroglu Remzi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractLKT is the only effective treatment for PH1 because it replaces both the source (liver) and the target (kidney) of the disease. Most studies report on LKT in patients with PH1 from deceased donors. This study reports on five patients who underwent LKT from a single living donor between April 2017 and March 2018. Combined LKT was performed for 1 patient and sequential LKT for the remainder. The median age of the patients at the time of diagnosis and transplantation was 5.5 (0.3‐18) and 10 (6‐21) years, respectively. All patients received left lateral liver segment transplantation, except one patient who received right liver lobe transplantation. No liver graft loss was observed, and liver function tests were stable at the final evaluation of all patients. Renal function tests of the patients were also stable at the final assessment, except for the young adult patient. None of the patients suffered from acute rejection. One patient died at the second month following liver transplantation due to severe pneumonia and sepsis. This study concludes that combined or sequential LKT from a single living donor can be safely performed and provides encouraging results for even the youngest and smallest patients with PH1.
An investigation of different types of eyewear and face shields in protecting patients and operators from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Britton Jason , Eadie Ewan , Turner David 
Published: April 2019

SummaryBackgroundPhototherapy and photochemotherapy are commonly used treatment modalities for a range of chronic skin conditions. Whilst undergoing ultraviolet radiation exposure, patients can wear personal protective equipment. Face shields in combination with other forms of skin cover may be worn to provide both skin and eye protection. There are a number of different types of eyewear and face shields available for purchase. Some of these have clear identifications that show the levels of protection provided whilst others may not have any.MethodsA series of similar experiments has been undertaken independently at two phototherapy treatment centres—Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds and Ninewells Hospital, Dundee—to investigate the effectiveness of different face shields and eye protection that are available for purchase in the United Kingdom (UK). Two similar examples of one face shield were tested at both centres, and another was transferred between the units.ResultsNot all examples of the face shields and protective eyewear provided the wearer full protection between 300 nanometres and 400 nanometres (nm). Cost and conformance to different standards was not always a good indicator. Some inexpensive examples tested also met British Association of Dermatology protective sunglasses guidelines.ConclusionsIt is incumbent on all centres to check the properties of protective face shields and eyewear provided to patients and operators to guard against the effects from ultraviolet radiation. There is no correlation between price of the protective equipment and level of protection offered, and there may be opportunity for cost savings.
Education stock and its implication for income inequality: The case of Asian economies
Authors: Arshed Noman , Anwar Awais , Hassan Muhammad Shahid , Bukhari Samra 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis study develops a quadratic relationship between education and income inequality among Asian developing economies for the period from 1960 to 2015. Panel cointegration and fully modified OLS is applied for the estimation of long‐run coefficients. The results show that initial, primary, secondary, and tertiary enrollment increases inequality. However, the effect of education on income inequality becomes negative after a certain threshold level (i.e., 97.5% for primary, 43.5% for secondary, and 11% for tertiary). Thus, this result proves the Kuznets phenomenon of an inverted U‐shape relationship for primary, secondary, and tertiary enrollments.
Non‐discriminatory Trade Policies in Panel Structural Gravity Models: Evidence from Monte Carlo Simulations
Authors: Sellner Richard 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis paper provides Monte Carlo (MC) simulation evidence on the performance of methods used for identifying the effects of nondiscriminatory trade policy (NDTP) variables in panel structural gravity models. The benchmarked methods include a fixed effect (FE) estimator that utilizes data on intra national trade flows, the bonus‐vetus (BV) and the two‐stage fixed effect (FE‐2S) estimator. The results indicate that only the FE estimates are unbiased and consistent under very general assumptions of the data generating process. The favourable asymptotic properties of the FE estimator unfold as the number of period T increases.
Non-parametric Overdose Control for Dose Finding in Drug Combination Trials
Authors: Lam Chi Kin , Lin Ruitao , Yin Guosheng 
Published: April 2019

SummaryWith the emergence of novel targeted anticancer agents, drug combinations have been recognized as cutting edge development in oncology. However, limited attention has been paid to overdose control in the existing drug combination dose finding methods which simultaneously find a set of maximum tolerated dose (MTD) combinations. To enhance patient safety, we develop the multiple-agent non-parametric overdose control (MANOC) design for identifying the MTD combination in phase I drug combination trials. By minimizing an asymmetric loss function, we control the probability of overdosing in a local region of the current dose combination. We further extend the MANOC design to identify the MTD contour by conducting a sequence of single-agent subtrials with the dose level of one agent fixed. Simulation studies are conducted to investigate the performance of the designs proposed. Although the MANOC design can prevent patients from being allocated to overtoxic dose levels, its accuracy and efficiency in dose finding remain competitive with existing methods. As an illustration, the MANOC design is applied to a phase I clinical trial for identifying the MTD combinations of buparlisib and trametinib.
Universal basic income: A viable policy alternative?
Authors: Ciaian Pavel , Ivanov Andrey , Kancs d'Artis 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAlthough the need for an efficient Roma integration policy is growing in Europe, surprisingly little robust scientific evidence regarding potential policy costs and expected benefits of alternative policy options has supported the policy design and implementation so far. The present study attempts to narrow this evidence gap and aims to shed light on long‐run economic, budgetary and fiscal effects of selected education and employment policies for the inclusion of the marginalised Roma in the EU. We employ a general equilibrium approach that allows us to assess not only the direct impact of alternative Roma integration policies but also to capture all induced feedback effects. Our simulation results suggest that although Roma integration policies would be costly for the public budget, in the medium‐to‐long run, economic, budgetary and fiscal benefits may significantly outweigh short‐ to medium‐run Roma integration costs. Depending on the integration policy scenario and the analysed country, the full repayment of the integration policy investment (positive net present value) may be achieved after 7 to 9 years. In terms of the GDP, employment and earnings, the universal basic income scenario may have the highest potential impacts, particularly in the medium‐to‐long run.
The Wiener and Zagreb Indices of Conjugacy Class Graph of the Dihedral Groups
Authors: Alimon Nur Idayu , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Erfanian Ahmad 
Published: April 2019

Topological indices are numerical values that can be analysed to predict the chemical properties of the molecular structure and the topological indices are computed for a graph related to groups. Meanwhile, the conjugacy class graph of is defined as a graph with a vertex set represented by the non-central conjugacy classes of . Two distinct vertices are connected if they have a common prime divisor. The main objective of this article is to find various topological indices including the Wiener index, the first Zagreb index and the second Zagreb index for the conjugacy class graph of dihedral groups of order where the dihedral group is the group of symmetries of regular polygon, which includes rotations and reflections. Many topological indices have been determined for simple and connected graphs in general but not graphs related to groups. In this article, the Wiener index and Zagreb index of conjugacy class graph of dihedral groups are generalized.
COMPRESSIBLITY OF PEAT SOIL IMPROVED WITH POLYURETHANE
Authors: Mohamed Jais Ismacahyadi Bagus , Che Lat Diana , Tengku Endut Tengku Nur Dalila 
Published: April 2019

This research investigated the compressibility of natural peat soil and peat soil improved with polyurethane foam. High natural moisture content, high compressibility, low bearing capacity and medium to low permeability is a problem and characteristic of a peat soil. This problem can be solved by reducing the compressibility of the peat soil. The objective of this study is mainly to prove whether the presence of polyurethane foam as a lightweight material on peat soil can reduce the compressibility of peat soil or otherwise. Fifteen samples of peat soil taken from Johan Setia, Klang were tested using Oedometer test with load is doubled at each increment until it reaches the maximum required load which is 10kPa, 20kPa, 40kPa, 80kPa, 160kPa, 320kPa and 640kPa. Polyurethane foam is a lightweight material, therefore reduces the overburden pressure to the underlying soil, hence future settlement can be minimized to a tolerable settlement value. Based on the data obtained from analysis of Oedometer test, the compressibility parameters including void ratio, compression index and swelling index of the peat soil alone are very high which denoted extremely poor condition of the peat soil. The compressibility parameters improved significantly with the PU foam stabilization as PU act as a void filler for peat soil. A slight increase in the compressibility parameters are recorded with higher ratio of isocyanate. However, the maximum pre-consolidation pressure recorded was with PU ratio of 1:1. Therefore, the optimum ratio for PU peat stabilization is in the ratio of 1:1.