bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonsectarian welfare statements
Authors: Sunstein Cass R. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHow can we measure whether national institutions in general, and regulatory institutions in particular, are dysfunctional? A central question is whether they are helping a nation's citizens to live good lives. A full answer to that question would require a great deal of philosophical work, but it should be possible to achieve an incompletely theorized agreement on a kind of nonsectarian welfarism, emphasizing the importance of five variables: subjective well‐being, longevity, health, educational attainment, and per capita income. In principle, it would be valuable to identify the effects of new initiatives (including regulations) on all of these variables. In practice, it is not feasible to do so; assessments of subjective well‐being present particular challenges. In their ideal form, Regulatory Impact Statements should be seen as Nonsectarian Welfare Statements, seeking to identify the consequences of regulatory initiatives for various components of welfare. So understood, they provide reasonable measures of regulatory success or failure, and, hence, a plausible test of dysfunction. There is a pressing need for improved evaluations, including both randomized controlled trials and ex post assessments.
Distance Shrinkage and Euclidean Embedding via Regularized Kernel Estimation
Authors: Zhang Luwan , Wahba Grace , Yuan Ming 
Published: January 2016

Summary
Although recovering a Euclidean distance matrix from noisy observations is a common problem in practice, how well this could be done remains largely unknown. To fill in this void, we study a simple distance matrix estimate based on the so-called regularized kernel estimate. We show that such an estimate can be characterized as simply applying a constant amount of shrinkage to all observed pairwise distances. This fact allows us to establish risk bounds for the estimate, implying that the true distances can be estimated consistently in an average sense as the number of objects increases. In addition, such a characterization suggests an efficient algorithm to compute the distance matrix estimator, as an alternative to the usual second-order cone programming which is known not to scale well for large problems. Numerical experiments and an application in visualizing the diversity of Vpu protein sequences from a recent study of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 further demonstrate the practical merits of the method proposed.
Bayesian Inference for Intratumour Heterogeneity in Mutations and Copy Number Variation
Authors: Lee Juhee , Müller Peter , Sengupta Subhajit , Gulukota Kamalakar , Ji Yuan 
Published: January 2016

SummaryTissue samples from the same tumour are heterogeneous. They consist of different subclones that can be characterized by differences in DNA nucleotide sequences and copy numbers on multiple loci. Inference on tumour heterogeneity thus involves the identification of the subclonal copy number and single-nucleotide mutations at a selected set of loci. We carry out such inference on the basis of a Bayesian feature allocation model. We jointly model subclonal copy numbers and the corresponding allele sequences for the same loci, using three random matrices, L, Z and w, to represent subclonal copy numbers (L), the number of subclonal variant alleles (Z) and the cellular fractions (w) of subclones in one or more tumour samples respectively. The unknown number of subclones implies a random number of columns. More than one subclone indicates tumour heterogeneity. Using simulation studies and a real data analysis with next generation sequencing data, we demonstrate how posterior inference on the subclonal structure is enhanced with the joint modelling of both structure and sequencing variants on subclonal genomes. An R package is available from http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/BayClone2/index.html.
Realtime Classification of Fish in Underwater Sonar Videos
Authors: Bothmann Ludwig , Windmann Michael , Kauermann Göran 
Published: January 2016

SummaryDual-frequency identification sonar delivers video-like underwater images which allow the investigation of fish behaviour even in cloudy and muddy water. Generally, images are recorded in a resolution of up to 10 pictures per second, so that practically one obtains a video of underwater movements. These videos allow ecologists to observe, count or investigate fish behaviour. We focus on automatic classification of fish based on such sonar videos. After appropriate preprocessing of the videos, we show how we can count and classify fish into different species on the basis of their shape and movement. The procedures developed work in realtime, i.e. data processing and classification of video sequences are faster than the length of the video sequences themselves.
The participant's perspective: learning from an aggression management training course for nurses. Insights from a qualitative interview study
Authors: Heckemann Birgit , Breimaier Helga Elisabeth , Halfens Ruud J.G. , Schols Jos M.G.A. , Hahn Sabine 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundAggression management training for nurses is an important part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce patient and visitor aggression in healthcare. Although training is commonplace, few scientific studies examine its benefits.AimTo explore and describe, from a nurse's perspective, the learning gained from attending aggression management training.Design and methodsThis was a descriptive qualitative interview study. We conducted semi‐structured individual interviews with seven nurses before (September/October 2012) and after they attended aggression management training (January/February 2013). Interview transcripts were content‐analysed qualitatively.Ethical issuesThe study plan was reviewed by the responsible ethics committees. Participants gave written informed consent.FindingsAggression management training did not change nurses’ attitude. Coping emotionally with the management of patient and visitor aggression remained a challenge. Nurses’ theoretical knowledge increased, but they did not necessarily acquire new strategies for managing patient/visitor aggression. Instead, the course refreshed or activated existing knowledge of prevention, intervention and de‐escalation strategies. The training increased nurses' environmental and situational awareness for early signs of patient and visitor. They also acquired some strategies for emotional self‐management. Nurses became more confident in dealing with (potentially) aggressive situations. While the training influenced nurses’ individual clinical practice, learning was rarely shared within teams.ConclusionsAggression management training increases skills, knowledge and confidence in dealing with patient or visitor aggression, but the emotional management remains a challenge. Future research should investigate how aggression management training courses can strengthen nurses’ ability to emotionally cope with patient and visitor aggression. More knowledge is needed on how the theoretical and practical knowledge gained from the training may be disseminated more effectively within teams and thus contributed to the creation of low‐conflict ward cultures.
Dose Timing of Aminoglycosides in Hemodialysis Patients: A Pharmacology View
Authors: Eschenauer Gregory A. , Lam Simon W. , Mueller Bruce A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAminoglycosides for patients undergoing intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) have traditionally been dosed at half the normal dose administered at the end of a hemodialysis session. Several investigations have suggested that administering higher doses preceding or with the initiation of dialysis would more readily optimize pharmacodynamic parameters. However, the selection of an optimal aminoglycoside dosing strategy in patients receiving IHD is complex and requires consideration of numerous factors, precluding a singular approach. By reviewing aminoglycoside pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, risks for toxicity and resistance development, and practical considerations, we derive indication‐ and setting‐ specific recommendations. We identify some areas (definitive therapy of gram‐negative infections in patients receiving predictable hemodialysis sessions, for example) where dosing preceding or with the initiation of dialysis is optimal and feasible, and others (gram‐positive synergy, unstable patients with poor/unpredictable vascular access) where postdialysis dosing remains preferred. Finally, given the dearth of data exploring the pharmacodynamics and clinical outcomes of IHD patients receiving aminoglycoside therapy, we identify several key questions in need of investigation.
The Impact of Arteriovenous Fistulae for Hemodialysis on the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Rao Nitesh N. , Dundon Benjamin K. , Worthley Matthew I. , Faull Randall J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAn arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is critical for the provision of optimal chronic hemodialysis. Its creation causes significant hemodynamic alterations in cardiovascular parameters, and can result in progressive left and right heart failure. Despite successful kidney transplantation, many patients retain a functional AVF indefinitely, which may contribute to ongoing adverse cardiovascular outcomes. A similar high risk:benefit ratio may exist in peritoneal dialysis patients with “backup” AVF.
Producing megakaryocytes from a human peripheral blood source
Authors: Ivetic Nikola , Nazi Ishac , Karim Nadia , Clare Rumi , Smith James W. , Moore Jane C. , Hope Kristin J. , Kelton John G. , Arnold Donald M. 
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUNDCultured megakaryocytes could prove useful in the study of human diseases, but it is difficult to produce sufficient numbers for study. We describe and evaluate the use of an expansion process to develop mature megakaryocytes from peripheral blood–derived human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSHSPCs (CD34+) were isolated from peripheral blood by positive selection and expanded using an optimal CD34+ expansion supplement. We evaluated megakaryocyte growth, maturation, and morphology in response to thrombopoietin (TPO) stimulation using flow cytometry and electron microscopy. TPO demonstrated a dose‐dependent stimulatory effect on both megakaryocyte number and maturation.RESULTSFrom 90 to 120 mL of unmanipulated peripheral blood, we isolated a mean of 1.5 × 105 HSPCs (1.5 × 103 cells/mL of whole blood). HSPCs expanded nine‐fold after a 4‐day culture using an expansion supplement. Expanded cells were cultured for an additional 8 days with TPO (20 ng/mL), which resulted in a 2.9‐fold increase in megakaryocytic cells where 83% of live cells expressed CD41a+, a marker of megakaryocyte commitment, and 50% expressed CD42b+, a marker for megakaryocyte maturation. The expanded HSPCs responded to TPO stimulation to yield more than 1.0 × 106 megakaryocytes. This cell number was sufficient for morphologic studies that demonstrated these expanded HSPCs produced mature polyploid megakaryocytes capable of forming proplatelet extensions.CONCLUSIONSPeripheral blood HSPCs can be expanded and differentiated into functional, mature megakaryocytes, a finding that supports the use of this process to study inherent platelet (PLT) production disorders as well as study factors that impair normal PLT production.
Initial analytic quality assessment and method comparison of an immunoassay for adrenocorticotropic hormone measurement in equine samples
Authors: Irvine Katherine L. , Burt Kay , Hill Andrew J. , Shaw Stephanie , Papasouliotis Kostas 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundEquine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) may be diagnosed by measuring baseline plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). The Immulite 1000 analyzer uses an automated chemiluminescence enzyme assay, previously validated for measuring equine ACTH. Recently, an automated bench‐top immunoassay analyzer (AIA‐360), designed for analytes in people, became available for veterinary use.ObjectivesObjectives were to evaluate analytic performance of the AIA immunoassay for measuring equine ACTH, and compare the results with those obtained by the Immulite.MethodsAdrenocorticotrophic hormone was measured in plasma samples from 52 clinical cases. For the AIA, within‐ and between‐run coefficients of variation (CV) were assessed, linearity and recovery studies performed, and observed total error (TEobs) calculated. Correlation and agreement between the 2 analyzers were also evaluated.ResultsWithin‐run and between‐run CV of the AIA ranged from 2.3% to 4% and 3.5% to 8%, respectively. ACTH recoveries ranged from 89.5% to 115.9%. TEobs at 26.5 pg/mL ACTH was 4.1 pg/mL. The ACTH results (median: 25.9 pg/mL; range: 4.3–276.7 pg/mL) with AIA were significantly lower (P < .0001) than with the Immulite (median: 29.9 pg/mL; range: 10.3–639.0 pg/mL). Correlation between the 2 analyzers was r = 0.882 (P < .0001), with a significant bias for the AIA of −16 pg/mL. The 2 methods were not identical within inherent imprecision.ConclusionThe AIA is precise for measuring ACTH in horses. Although correlation between the instruments is good, the values obtained by the immunoassays cannot be used interchangeably and should be interpreted using reference intervals established for each analyzer to avoid false negatives. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the AIA‐360 should be evaluated before clinical use.
Evaluation of agreement and trending ability between transpulmonary thermodilution and calibrated pulse contour and pulse power cardiac output monitoring methods against pulmonary artery thermodilution in anesthetized dogs
Authors: Kutter Annette P.N. , Bettschart‐Wolfensberger Regula , Romagnoli Noemi , Bektas Rima N. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo assess agreement and trending ability of transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD), calibrated pulse contour (PiCCO), and pulse power (PulseCO) methods compared to pulmonary artery thermodilution (PATD) for determination of cardiac output (CO) in anesthetized dogs.DesignExperimental, prospective study.SettingUniversity teaching hospital.AnimalsSix adult Beagle dogs.InterventionsDogs were anesthetized with sevoflurane and instrumented with pulmonary and femoral artery thermodilution catheters. CO was measured at baseline and at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after IV administration of ketamine or s‐ketamine. Baseline PATD and TPTD calibrated PulseCO and PiCCO, respectively. Agreement and trending ability was analyzed with Bland–Altman, concordance, and polar plot methodology.Measurements and Main ResultsMedian (range) CO values of 2.27 (0.98–3.4) L/min were measured with PATD, and 2.8 (1.9–4.04) L/min with TPTD, which resulted in a mean bias (± standard deviation) of −0.66 (± 0.36) L/min. Concordance rate was 91% and radial limits of agreement (RLOA) were ±35°. PATD against PiCCO resulted in a mean bias of −0.71 (± 0.62) L/min and PATD against PulseCO in a mean bias of 0.13 (± 0.46) L/min. The continuous techniques resulted in concordance rates of 77% for PATD‐PiCCO and 74% for PATD‐PulseCO and RLOA of ±57° and ±60°, respectively.ConclusionsIntermittent TPTD showed marginal trending ability, while continuous pulse contour and pulse power methods showed poor trending ability over a 4‐hour period. The poor performance and possible side effects of the methods tested in this study suggest that they should not be recommended for use in critical patients.
Survey of Intraoperative Bacterial Contamination in Dogs Undergoing Elective Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Andrade Natalia , Schmiedt Chad W. , Cornell Karen , Radlinsky MaryAnn G. , Heidingsfelder Lauren , Clarke Kevin , Hurley David J. , Hinson Whitney D. 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveTo investigate the frequency, source, and risk factors of intraoperative (IO) surgeon and patient bacterial contamination during clean orthopedic surgeries, and to investigate the relationship between IO contamination and surgical site infection (SSI) in dogs.Study DesignProspective clinical study.Sample PopulationClient‐owned dogs undergoing stifle surgery (n = 100).MethodsIO cultures were taken in each case from surgical foot wrap, peri‐incisional skin, surgical gloves, and the surgical team's hands. The environment (operating room [OR] lights, computers, scrub sink faucet, anesthesia gurney, and radiology table) was sampled every 5 months. Bacteria were identified and the contamination of each case was categorized. All gloves from the surgical team were collected and tested for perforations using a water infusion test. Cases were followed for at least 8 weeks to determine the presence or absence of SSI. Perioperative variables were evaluated for association with IO contamination and SSI.ResultsBacterial isolates were yielded from 81% of procedures from 1 or more sources; 58% had positive hand cultures, 46% had positive glove cultures, 23% had positive patient skin cultures, and 12% had positive foot wrap cultures. Staphylococcus spp. was the most commonly recovered bacteria. There was no apparent association between IO contamination and SSI. The highest level of environmental contamination was associated with the scrub sink faucet, followed by the radiology table, anesthesia gurney, and OR computers. The IO glove perforation rate was 18%.ConclusionClean orthopedic procedures commonly had clinically insignificant bacterial contamination. In our study, bacteria responsible for SSI did not appear to colonize the patient in the OR.
Procedure for Identifying Deformations in Oil and Gas Pipelines Subject to External Forces, Based on Primary ILI Data
Authors: Galvis Fuentes Adriana 
Published: January 2016

Oil and gas pipelines that pass through mountainous terrain are subject to an increase in the number of sections affected by the bending deformation’s resulting from external forces, which, when coupled with the construction and operational processes of the systems, cause mechanical damage to the pipelines that has led to containment losses, resulting in operational cost overruns and harmful effects on the environment and on nearby communities, while leaving at high risk the integrity of the petroleum infrastructure.
By using primary data obtained through so-called “smart” in-line inspections or intelligent line inspections (ILIs), the occurrence and magnitude of these deformations and displacements of the pipelines can be determined. With the aid of geotechnical analytical techniques, this information can facilitate the interpretation of the processes that induce these thrusts.
The starting point is the existing knowledge of the characteristics of the installation of the pipelines and of the clearances permitted by the rules and/or reference standards of the industry. The next step consists of comparing that data against the XYZ Data inertial mapping data (obtained through rotations of the XGP geometric tool) in one or more ILI runs, as part of the mechanical analysis procedure.
As a recommended practice, an algorithm is developed for handling the ILI data, showing in parallel the geotechnical zoning data, illustrating it with a study algorithm.
Unprovoked Errors in Geotechnical Monitoring Activities in an RoW
Authors: Montes Edward Francisco Oliveros 
Published: January 2016

The Camisea Pipeline Transmission System (PTS), owned by Transportadora de Gas del Perú (TgP) in Peru, consists of two parallel pipelines, a Natural Gas (NG) pipeline and a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) pipeline. The NG pipeline is 834 km in length, including a 105 km loop. The LNG pipeline is 557 km in length.
The first 210 km, are defined as having Amazonian geotechnical characteristics, with the presence of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and a deposit of materials that are easily altered, which are associated with the transition between the Amazon plain and the Andes mountains. The area between km 210 and km 420 is defined as a mountainous sector with materials having better mechanical properties while the section between km 420 and km 730 located in the coastal sector and has erosive processes such as those associated with wind erosion, seismic activity, alluvial deposits, etc.
Due to the variety of geological and geotechnical circumstances of the TgP’s RoW, its PTS incorporates many types of geotechnical monitoring in order to maintain and increase the reliability and integrity of the system. In several sectors not all of the types of monitoring are applicable. Some types of monitoring are: inclinometers and piezometers, aerial surveillance, patrolling, strain gauges (SG), topographic, GIS images (satellite, laser, radar, etc.), culverts, geotechnical optical fiber, accelerometer stations, etc.
This article describes some unprovoked errors that can occur in a complex operation (in terms of logistics, geological, geotechnical and socially), in the development of geotechnical monitoring activities of an RoW. Some of the errors that can occur are:
• Unacceptable photographic record through aerial surveillance;
• Damage to the coating during topographic verification;
• Field reports with incorrect data;
• Incorrect SG records;
• Improper placement of equipment over the pipeline;
• Incorrect records in the GIS database;
• Errors in the topographical record; and
• Inexperience of monitoring staff, etc.
However, occurrence of the above-mentioned errors has been lessened through improved operating procedures. These procedures are based on discussions from the various “lessons learned” sessions, which improved:
• the appropriate recording of conditions identified in the field;
• the labor climate;
• crosswise communication between the different areas; and
• the preventive approach within the operation of the PTS.
Geotechnical Guidelines for the Assessment and Design of Mitigation Measurements for Operating Oil Pipelines
Authors: Alvarez Fabian Rene , Torres Angela Tatiana , Escobar Camilo Marulanda , Aristizabal Jaime Hernan 
Published: January 2016

The Colombian petroleum pipelines go through different types of geomorphologies and geological settings; so that the pipeline system is exposed to a variety of processes such as landslides, erosion, scour, sedimentation, and karstification. In order to prevent some of the effects caused by these processes, geotechnical remedial works have been designed and implemented over time. However, in some cases the remedial actions have not exhibited a proper behavior. For this reason, a better understanding of local conditions is required in order to conceive more effective solutions.
This paper provides an overview of a methodological framework for geotechnical assessment and design of mitigation measures based on the evaluation of geological and geomorphological aspects, computational tools, and data processing. Finally, the characteristics of an existing and unsuccessful mitigation civil work are described, and a brief summary of the relevant geotechnical aspects of the proposed design are presented.
Determining the Corrosivity Index of the Electrolyte From the Management of the Weather-Related and Outside Force Threat
Authors: Aristizábal Ceballos Jaime Hernán , Sarmiento Elquier Enrique , Chaves Julián Fernando , Rodríguez Fredy Alberto 
Published: January 2016

With regard to hydrocarbon transmission lines, the analysis of susceptibility to external corrosion constitutes a fundamental tool in formulating management plans for the purpose of mitigating such threat by establishing protection barriers that are appropriate for the environmental characteristics identified.
This document presents a perspective from the management of the Weather-related and Outside Force Threat as a contribution to the determination of the corrosivity index for the electrolyte by relating the lithological units of soils with their potential for generating electrochemical oxidation-reduction processes that can lead to the corrosion of buried pipelines.