bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Pediatric Nephrologists regarding Timing of Dialysis Initiation in Children in Canada
Authors: Saban Jeremy A. , Zappitelli Michael , Samuel Susan M. , Sood Manish M. , Alexander R. Todd , Arora Steven , Erickson Robin L. , Kroeker Kristine , Manns Braden J. , Dart Allison B. 
Published: May 2016

Background: Significant practice variation exists in Canada with respect to timing of dialysis initiation in children. In the absence of evidence to guide practice, physicians' perceptions may significantly influence decision-making. Objective: The objectives of this study are to (1) evaluate Canadian pediatric nephrologists' perceptions regarding dialysis initiation in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and (2) determine the factors guiding practice that may contribute to practice variation across Canada. Design: This study was a cross-sectional online survey. Setting: This study was done in academic pediatric nephrology centers in Canada. Participants: The participants of this study are pediatric nephrologists. Measurements and methods: An anonymous web-based survey was administered to pediatric nephrologists in Canada to evaluate perspectives and practice patterns regarding timing of dialysis initiation. We also explored the importance of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) vs. symptoms and the role of patient and provider factors influencing decisions. Results: Thirty-five nephrologists (59 %) completed the survey. Most respondents care for advanced CKD patients in a multidisciplinary clinic (86 %) and no centers have a formal policy on timing of dialysis initiation. Seventy-five percent of centers follow <20 stage 4–5 CKD patients, and 9 % follow >30 patients. Discussions about dialysis initiation are generally informal (75 %) and the decision to start is made by the nephrologist (37 %) or a team (57 %). Fifty percent agreed GFR was important when deciding when to initiate dialysis, 41 % were neutral, and 9 % disagreed. Variability exists in the threshold that nephrologists considered early (vs. late) dialysis initiation: >20 (21 %), >15 (38 %), >12 (26 %), and >10 ml/min/1.73 m2 (12 %). Practitioners however typically start dialysis in asymptomatic patients at eGFRs of 7–9 (9 %), 10–11 (41 %), 12–14 (38 %), and 15–19 (6 %) ml/min/1.73 m2. Patient factors important in the decision to start dialysis for >90 % of nephrologists were fatigue, >10 % weight loss, nausea, increasing missed school, and awaiting a pre-emptive transplant. Age was only a factor for 56 %. Limitations: This study has a 59 % response rate. Conclusions: Variability exists in Canada regarding the importance and threshold of eGFR guiding the decision as to when to start dialysis in children, whereas patient symptoms are almost universally important to pediatric nephrologists' decision-making. Additional studies evaluating outcomes of children starting dialysis earlier vs. later are needed to standardize decision-making and care for children with kidney failure.
A cross-sectional study of problem gambling and its correlates among college students in South India
Authors: George Sanju , Jaisoorya TS , Nair Sivasankaran , Rani Anjana , Menon Priya , Madhavan Revamma , Rajan Jeevan Chakkandan , Radhakrishnan Komath Sankaran , Jose Vineeta , Benegal Vivek , Thennarassu K. , Petry Nancy M. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundIn the Western world, a significant portion of college students have gambled. College gamblers have one of the highest rates of problem gambling. To date, there have been no studies on gambling participation or the rates of problem gambling in India.AimsThis study evaluated the prevalence of gambling participation and problem gambling in college students in India. It also evaluated demographic and psychosocial correlates of gambling in that population.MethodWe surveyed 5784 college students from 58 colleges in the district of Ernakulam, Kerala, India, using cluster random sampling. Students completed questionnaires that addressed gambling, substance use, psychological distress, suicidality and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).ResultsA total of 5580 completed questionnaires were returned, and while only 1090 (19.5%) college students reported having ever gambled, 415 (7.4%) reported problem gambling. Lotteries were the most popular form of gambling. Problem gamblers in comparison with non-gamblers were significantly more likely to be male, have a part-time job, greater academic failures, higher substance use, higher psychological distress scores, higher suicidality and higher ADHD symptom scores. In comparison with non-problem gamblers, problem gamblers were significantly more likely to have greater academic failures, higher psychological distress scores, higher suicidality and higher ADHD symptom scores.ConclusionsThis study, the first to look at the prevalence of gambling in India, found relatively low rates of gambling participation in college students but high rates of problem gambling among those who did gamble. Correlates of gambling were generally similar to those noted in other countries. Since 38% of college students who had gambled had a gambling problem, there is a need for immediate public health measures to raise awareness about gambling, and to prevent and treat problem gambling in this population.
PICO : An Ultra Lightweight and Low Power Encryption Design for Ubiquitous Computing
Authors: Bansod Gaurav , Pisharoty Narayan , Patil Abhijit 
Published: May 2016

<div>An ultra-lightweight, a very compact block cipher ‘PICO’ is proposed. PICO is a substitution and permutation based network, which operates on a 64 bit plain text and supports a key length of 128 bits. It has a compact structure and requires 1877 GEs. Its innovative design helps to generate a large number of active S - boxes in fewer rounds which can thwart the linear and differential attacks on the cipher. PICO shows good performance on both the hardware and the software platforms. PICO consumes only 2504 bytes of Flash memory which is less than the ultra-lightweight cipher PRESENT. PICO has a very strong substitution layer (S-box) which not only makes the design robust but also introduces a great avalanche effect. PICO has a strong and compact key scheduling which is motivated by the latest cipher SPECK designed by NSA. PICO consumes 28 mW of dynamic power which is less than the PRESENT cipher (38 mW). The security analysis of PICO and its performance as an ultra-lightweight cipher are presented. </div><!--[endif]-->
Review of Selected Methods of Supporting Decision-Making Process in the Construction Industry
Authors: Dziadosz A. , Kończak A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe problems related to construction production are multi-faceted and complex. This has promoted the search for different methods/approaches for analizing the data which supports the decision-making process in the construction industry. In the article the authors focus their attention on well-known methods and tools, and on some new approaches to solving decision-making problems. The aim of the article is to analyze the methods used to analyse data in a construction company, convey their advantages and disadvantages, and specify the degree of efficiency in the discussed area.
Usefulness of Mining Methods in Knowledge Source Analysis in the Construction Industry
Authors: Gajzler M. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract The mining methods are classified as the methods of data analysis and the knowledge acquisition and they are derived from the methods of “Knowledge Discovery”. Within the scope of these methods, there are two main variants associated with a form of data, i.e.: “data” and “text mining”. The author of the paper tries to find an answer to a question about helpfulness and usefulness of these methods for the purpose of knowledge acquisition in the construction industry. The very process of knowledge acquisition is essential in terms of the systems and tools operating based on knowledge. Nowadays, they are the basis for the tools which support the decision-making processes. The paper presents three cases studies. The mining methods have been applied to practical problems - the selection of an adhesive mortar coupled with alternative solutions, analysis of residential real estate locations under construction by a developer company as well as support of technical management of a building facility with a large floor area.
Scheduling of Job Resources in Multiunit Projects with the Use of Time I Cost Criteria
Authors: Podolski M. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract This paper presents a model of scheduling of multiunit construction project based on an NP-hard permutation flow shop problem, in which the considered criterion is the sum of the costs of the works’ execution of the project considering the time of the project as a constraint. It is also assumed that each job in the units constituting the project may be realized in up to three different ways with specific time and cost of execution. The optimization task relies on solving the problem with two different decision variables: the order of execution of units (permutation) and a set of ways to carry out the works in units. The task presented in the paper is performed with the use of a created algorithm which searches the space of solutions in which metaheuristic simulated annealing algorithm is used. The paper presents a calculation example showing the applicability of the model in the optimization of sub-contractors’ work in the construction project.
Impact of sample processing on the measurement of circulating microparticles: storage and centrifugation parameters
Authors: Vila-Liante Virtudes , Sánchez-López Verónica , Martínez-Sales Vicenta , Ramón-Nuñez Luis A. , Arellano-Orden Elena , Cano-Ruiz Alejandra , Rodríguez-Martorell Francisco J. , Gao Lin , Otero-Candelera Remedios 
Published: May 2016

Abstract

Background:
Microparticles (MPs) have been shown to be markers of cellular activation and interactions. Pre-analytical conditions such as the centrifugation protocol and sample storage conditions represent an important source of variability in determining MPs values. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the influence of sample storage conditions and centrifugation speed and temperature on the determination of MPs in plasma.

Methods:
Citrate-anticoagulated blood samples obtained from 21 healthy subjects were centrifuged under four different protocols involving different speeds (2500 g or 1500 g) and temperatures (4 °C or 20 °C) to isolate platelet-poor plasma (PPP). The number of MPs in fresh and frozen-thawed PPP were analyzed by flow cytometry, and MPs-mediated procoagulant activity was determined by a thrombin generation test and phospholipid-dependent procoagulant tests.

Results:
The number of MPs and their procoagulant activity were affected by freeze-thaw cycling and centrifugation speed but not by centrifugation temperature. Sample freezing increased MPs number (six-fold) and thrombin generation (four-fold), and decreased clotting time (two-fold). Low centrifugation speed caused an increase in MPs number and a parallel increase in MP-mediated procoagulant activity.

Conclusions:
Sample storage conditions and centrifugation speed are important processing conditions affecting MPs number and activity. Before any study, the protocol for MPs isolation should be optimized to ensure a reliable characterization of MPs, which could provide important information for diagnostic purposes and for understanding the pathogenesis of diseases.
The survival of dental implants with different implant-abutment connection systems
Authors: Szpak Piotr , Szymanska Jolanta 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the survival of implants with different implant-abutment connection systems, in patients who had two kinds of implants implanted. In total, 240 implants were implanted - 91 implants with conical abutment Morse connection, and 149 with an internal hexagonal connection. During the follow-up period of 3 years and 10 months, the percentage of lost implants with a conical implant-abutment connection was 1.1%. Regarding the implants with hexagonal implant-abutment connection, this figure was 0.7%. Our work shows that there is a need for further research on the survival of dental implants. In this, the influence of other factors should be explored that are related both to the specific implant treatment, as well as to socio-demographic factors
The relationship between the physical activity of students from Lublin’s universities, and video games
Authors: Polski Andrzej , Iwaniak Karol , Sobotka-Polska Karolina , Rogowska Magdalena , Poleszak Ewa 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
With the rapid development of computer technology, gaming has become more popular, and young people spend more and more time playing such games. It is thought that this a major factor responsible for the lowered physical activity of today's society. For a better understanding of the issue, we assessed how many students spend their free time playing video games, and how this form of recreation affects their levels of physical activity. The investigation of the relationship between physical activity and playing computer games was undertaken via a questionnaire containing 16 questions, and this was applied to a representative sample of 138 students drawn from Lublin’s universities. The results of this show that males are more physically active (85% compared to 75% women). However, only 9% men and 13% women train every day. To keep the body in shape, the most common activity for the respondents is aerobics training (approx. 30%), walking and cycling. Such exercise is performed to improve or keep in shape, and as a form of relaxation. However, one third of all respondents play video games, 70% of these are males and only 16% are females. What is more, our results show that there was no correlation between level of physical activity and gaming. In both groups, about 80% of all respondents are physically active. Yet, among the players, there are more overweight people (28%), as compared to 10% in the non-player group. Still, players, in contrast to popular opinion, are more active than non-playing people. No association was found between playing computer games and health problems.
Can chronic heart failure induce kidney function damage?
Authors: Kimak Elzbieta , Dziedzic Marcin , Kimak Aleksandra , Stachyra Kamila , Prystupa Andrzej , Solski Janusz 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Accelerated atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular events have been extensively documented in patients with end stage chronic kidney disease.
The aim of our work was to find evidence supporting the theory that chronic heart failure (CHF) induces renal function damage. In our work, lipids, apolipoprotein (apo)AI, NTproBNP, hsCRP, lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) and creatinine levels were determined in patients with CHF. A total of 37 patients who were diagnosed with CHF, as well as 15 healthy persons, were recruited for the study. The patients were placed into 2 groups: patients with NYHA class 2 and NYHA class 3. Using routine laboratory methods, NT-proBNP level, and lipids were measured by way of employing a Cobas Integra analyser, while the concentration of hs-CRP was measured by immunonephelometric methods. Moreover, serum LPO concentration was measured using Cayman’s Assay Kit (LPO). The statistical analysis of the obtained results was performed using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman’s correlation analysis. Our work demonstrated that the CHF patients had significantly decrease concentration of HDL cholesterol and apoAI, but increased NT-pro-BNP, hsCRP and LPO levels. In all CHF patients, a significant positive correlation between NT-proBNP concentration and creatinine levels, and a significant negative correlation between NT-proBNP concentration and apoAI levels, as well as between concentration of creatinine and apoAI levels, was shown. The study results suggest that variation in the concentration of NT-proBNP, LPO, hsCRP, apoAI, creatinine, in addition to chronic heart failure progression, gradually accompany the progress of chronic renal failure. What is more, the disorders may lead to the occurrence of cardiovascular events, consequently, to patient death.
The stability and degradation kinetics of acetylsalicylic acid in different organic solutions revisited – an UHPLC–ESI-QTOF spectrometry study
Authors: Skibinski Robert , Komsta Lukasz 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), coupled with accurate quadrupole-time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometry, was used for the stability study of acetylsalicylic acid within a variety of different organic solutions: methanol, ethanol, propan-2-ol, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran and 1,4-dioxane. With the use of gradient elution chromatography and mass spectrometry detection in negative ionization, MS and MS/MS spectra were recorded simultaneously. In addition, quantitative, as well as qualitative analysis was performed during one assay. The stability of acetylsalicylic acid in such solutions was tested at room temperature, in a 12h period. In the work, in all cases, only one main degradation product, salicylic acid, was found. What is more, the work revealed that the degradation of aspirin in the tested organic solutions yields apparent second-order kinetics. The study also demonstrated that acetonitrile and 1,4-dioxane turned out to be the most stable solvents, and an above 80% of initial concentration of acetylsalicylic acid was found in this case. Furthermore, the most popular analytical solvents, methanol and ethanol, were found to be very unstable media. Herein, below 40% of initial concentration of acetylsalicylic acid was seen after 12h. The obtained results were also compared with the degradation of acetylsalicylic acid in a water solution. In this situation, only about 25% of the analyzed compound was resolved to salicylic acid in the same time frame.
Simultaneous determination of amlodipine and telmisartan from pharmaceutical products by way of capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Modroiu Adriana , Hancu Gabriel , Vlad Robert Alexandru , Stăcescu Ștefana , Soare Ruxandra , Kelemen Hajnal 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
A rapid, simple and sensitive capillary zone electrophoresis method was developed for the simultaneous determination of amlodipine besylate and telmisartan, in fixed-dose combinations, through the utilization of a UV photodiode array detector. Electrophoretic parameters such as buffer concentration and pH, system temperature, applied voltage and injection parameters, were optimized in order to improve the efficiency of the separation. The best results were obtained when employing fused silica capillary (48 cm length X 50 μm ID) and 50 mM phosphate buffer electrolyte at pH 4.50, + 25 kV applied voltage, as well as 25°C system temperature. The separation was achieved in approximately 3 minutes, with a resolution of 4.90, while the order of migration was amlodipine followed by telmisartan. The analytical performance of the method was verified with regard to linearity, precision and robustness. In addition, the limit of detection and the quantification were calculated.
Poor wee souls and fraggle rock: The visceral humor of nurse-peers in a non-accomplishment setting
Authors: McCreaddie May Arnott 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis paper reports the nurse-peer interactions of a negative case; a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) working with female drug users in the area of sexual and reproductive health – derived from a qualitative constructivist grounded theory study looking at spontaneous humor in Clinical Nurse Specialist – patient interactions and their respective peer groups. Spontaneous humor in
Characteristics of sleep habits among adolescents living in the city of Ribeirão Preto (SP)
Authors: Del Ciampo Luiz A. , Louro Adriana L. , Del Ciampo Ieda R.L. , Ferraz Ivan S. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract

Introduction:
Sleep is an important physiological condition that plays a role in the physical and emotional development of adolescents. The aim of the study is to determine some sleep characteristics of adolescents living in the city of Ribeirão Preto (SP).

Methods:
This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at 14 schools in the city of Ribeirão Preto (SP) including adolescents aged 10–19 years using a questionnaire about sleep habits. The χ2 test was used to determine differences between genders with the aid of the EPI-INFO 7 software, with the level of significance set at p<0.05.

Results:
A total of 535 adolescents (65% girls) were included in the study. Of these, 47.7% studied during the morning period and 10.3% had a job and studied in the evening period. Regarding sleep duration, 242 (45%) slept <9 h per night during week days and 256 (48%) during the weekends (Saturday and Sunday). Of the total number of adolescents studied, 75.5% reported that they went to bed when they felt sleepy, 90% reported delay in falling asleep, 84.3% used some type of electronic equipment before going to sleep, and 44% reported that they woke up during the night. In the morning, 70.3% needed to be awakened, and 44.7% reported a delay in waking up. During daytime, 70% felt somnolent and 34% reported that they slept during the day. Girls reported that they felt more daytime sleepiness (71.3%) and slept more during the day (62.1%) than boys (28.7% and 37.9%, respectively).

Conclusion:
The study showed that almost half the adolescents investigated sleep less than the minimum time considered ideal. Furthermore, most of the adolescents went to the bed when they felt sleepy, used electronic devices before falling sleep, had difficulties falling asleep, need to be awaken in the morning and felt sleepy during the day.
Lutheran Exiles of Christ in the Sixteenth Century
Authors: Osten-Sacken Vera v. der 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
During the sixteenth century Lutheranism experienced expulsion and exile also within the Holy Roman Empire though considerably different from Calvinist or other Protestant experiences of exile. In Lutheranism mainly the theologically educated elite was concerned: professors, parsons, deacons or school assistants. Aside from transconfessional clashes with Catholic or Calvinist authorities conflicts with Lutheran authorities escalated severely thus resulting in the dismissal or resignation of the theologians concerned. With the self-identification as Exul (Christi), that appeared around 1550 and that was still in use until the late eighteenth century, a great number of Lutherans in exile articulated – and claimed – their right to be regarded as upright confessors and living martyrs of the true (Lutheran) doctrine. The focus of this essay is on the cultivation of the experience of exile by these Exules who were an exceptionally belligerent group of theologically educated Lutherans who developed a new understanding of martyrdom in Lutheranism drawing on a theology of the little flock.
Simple Oscillator with Enlarged Tunability Range Based on ECCII and VGA Utilizing Commercially Available Analog Multiplier
Authors: Sotner Roman , Jerabek Jan , Herencsar Norbert , Horng Jiun-Wei , Vrba Kamil , Dostal Tomas 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This work presents an example of implementation of electronically controllable features to an originally unsuitable circuit structure of oscillator. Basic structure does not allow any electronic control and has mutually dependent condition of oscillation (CO) and frequency of oscillation (FO) if only values of passive elements are considered as the only way of control. Utilization of electronically controllable current conveyor of second generation (ECCII) brings control of CO independent of FO. Additional application of voltage amplifier with variable gain in both polarities (voltage-mode multiplier) to feedback loop allows also important enlargement of the range of the independent FO control. Moreover, our proposal was tested and confirmed experimentally with commercially available active elements (“Diamond transistor”, current-mode multiplier, voltage-mode multiplier) in working range of tens of MHz.