bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Once/Day Tobramycin Regimen to Achieve Target Concentrations in Adult Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Staubes Britta A. , Metzger Nicole L. , Walker Seth D. , Peasah Samuel K. 
Published: May 2016

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate the success of an initial tobramycin dosing regimen to achieve target peak and trough concentrations in adult patients with pulmonary exacerbations of cystic fibrosis (CF).DesignRetrospective single‐center medical record review.SettingLarge tertiary care academic medical center.PatientsA total of 186 patient encounters where 112 patients with CF were treated for acute pulmonary exacerbations with 10 mg/kg/day of tobramycin between January 1, 2009, and December 5, 2014.Measurements and Main ResultsBaseline demographics, clinical characteristics, tobramycin data, and pharmacokinetic variables were collected. The primary outcome evaluated the success of the initial tobramycin dosing regimen in attaining the target peak concentration. Secondary end points were achievement of the target trough concentration, achievement of combined peak and trough targets, and incidence of nephrotoxicity. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with achieving target concentrations. Of the 186 patient encounters, 41% achieved the target peak with the first dosing regimen, 62% achieved a target trough, and 23% achieved the target peak and trough. Nephrotoxicity occurred in 10% of patient encounters. A body mass index (BMI) of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 was associated with higher odds of meeting the target peak compared with a BMI lower than 18.5 kg/m2 (odds ratio [OR] 24.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.2–117.2). Conversely, a BMI of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 was associated with lower odds of attaining the target trough compared with a BMI lower than 18.5 kg/m2 (OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.05–0.56). Higher volume of distribution and elimination rate constants (Kel) were associated with significantly lower odds of achieving the target peak. In addition, higher Kel values were associated with significantly higher odds of achieving the target trough.ConclusionsThe current initial tobramycin regimen did not achieve target serum tobramycin concentrations reliably. Optimization of the initial CF tobramycin dosing regimen is warranted.
Effect of thermal insulation of the back side of PV modules on the module temperature
Authors: Koehl Michael , Hamperl Simon , Heck Markus 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe module temperatures of free‐standing modules were compared with identical modules with thermally insulated back side simulating roof integration for 45° south orientation in Freiburg, Germany, at 1000 W/m2 solar irradiation. The thickness of the thermal insulation was varied in order to find a minimum thickness sufficient for suppressing the heat losses and for the simulation of roof integration. The module‐dependent coefficients for the Faiman model for the module temperature depend on the back‐side heat losses. A correction for roof integration is proposed. This model allows the calculation of the maximum temperatures reached for given climatic situations (irradiation in plane of array, ambient temperature, and wind speed). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A method for investigating the quality of evolving object‐oriented software using defects in global software development projects
Authors: Jabangwe Ronald , Wohlin Claes , Petersen Kai , Šmite Darja , Börstler Jürgen 
Published: May 2016

AbstractContext: Global software development (GSD) projects can have distributed teams that work independently in different locations or team members that are dispersed. The various development settings in GSD can influence quality during product evolution. When evaluating quality using defects as a proxy, the development settings have to be taken into consideration.Objective: The aim is to provide a systematic method for supporting investigations of the implication of GSD contexts on defect data as a proxy for quality.Method: A method engineering approach was used to incrementally develop the proposed method. This was done through applying the method in multiple industrial contexts and then using lessons learned to refine and improve the method after application.Results: A measurement instrument and visualization was proposed incorporating an understanding of the release history and understanding of GSD contexts.Conclusion: The method can help with making accurate inferences about development settings because it includes details on collecting and aggregating data at a level that matches the development setting in a GSD context and involves practitioners at various phases of the investigation. Finally, the information that is produced from following the method can help practitioners make informed decisions when planning to develop software in comparable circumstances. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formal modelling and verification of GALS systems using GRL and CADP
Authors: Jebali Fatma , Lang Frédéric , Mateescu Radu 
Published: May 2016

Abstract

A GALS (
Globally Asynchronous, Locally Synchronous
) system consists of several synchronous components that evolve concurrently and interact with each other asynchronously. The design of GALS systems is tedious and error-prone due to the high degree of synchronous and asynchronous concurrency present in complex architectures. In this paper, we present GRL (
GALS Representation Language
), a formal language designed to model GALS systems, for the purpose of formal verification of the asynchronous aspects. GRL combines the synchronous reactive model underlying dataflow languages and the asynchronous concurrent model underlying process algebras. We propose a translation from GRL to LNT, a value-passing concurrent language with classical process algebra flavour. This makes possible the analysis of GRL specifications using all the state-of-the-art simulation and verification functionalities provided by the CADP toolbox.
On the diversity of asynchronous communication
Authors: Chevrou Florent , Hurault Aurélie , Quéinnec Philippe 
Published: May 2016

Abstract

Asynchronous communication is often viewed as a single entity, the counterpart of synchronous communication. Although the basic concept of asynchronous communication is the decoupling of send and receive events, there is actually room for a variety of additional specification of the communication, for instance in terms of ordering. Yet, these different asynchronous communications are used interchangeably and seldom distinguished. This paper is a contribution to the study of these models, their differences, and how they are related. In this paper, the variety of point-to-point asynchronous communication paradigms is considered with two approaches. In the first and theoretical one, communication models are specified as properties on the ordering of events in distributed executions. In the second and more practical approach that involves composition of peers, they are modeled with transition systems and message histories as part of a framework. The described framework enables to model peer composition and compatibility properties. Besides, an implemented tool chain based on the TLA
+
formalism and model checking is also proposed and illustrated. The conformance of the two approaches is highlighted. A hierarchy is established between the studied communication models. From the execution viewpoint, it completes existing work in the area by introducing more asynchronous communication models and showing their differences. The framework is shown to offer abstract implementations of the communication models. Both the correctness and the completeness of the descriptions in the framework are studied. This reveals necessary restrictions on the behavior of the peers so that the communication models are actually implementable.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Provision of Surgical Care in Vanuatu: A Mixed Methods Analysis
Authors: Young S. , Perry W. R. G. , Leodoro B. , Nosa V. , Bissett I. , Windsor J. A. , Dare A. J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe Pacific island nation of Vanuatu faces a number of challenges in delivering surgical care to its population. We aimed to understand and document the barriers, opportunities and required actions to improve surgical care in the country using a mixed methods analysis which incorporated the perspectives of local health stakeholders.MethodsA baseline quantitative assessment of surgical capacity in Vanuatu was carried out using the WHO situational analysis tool. Twenty semi‐structured interviews were then conducted on the two main islands (Efate and Espiritu Santo) with surgeons, allied health staff, health managers, policy‐makers and other key stakeholders, using a grounded theory qualitative case study methodology. Initial informants were identified by purposive sampling followed by snowball sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. Interviews were open and axially coded with subsequent thematic analysis.ResultsVanuatu faces deficits in surgical infrastructure, equipment and human resources, especially in the rural provinces. Geographic isolation, poverty and culture—including the use of traditional medicine and low health literacy—all act as barriers to patients accessing timely surgical care. Issues with governance, human resourcing and perioperative care were commonly identified by stakeholders as key challenges facing surgical services. Increasing outreach clinics, developing efficient referral systems, building provincial surgical capacity and undertaking locally led research were identified as key actions that can improve surgical care.ConclusionDocumenting locally identified challenges and opportunities for surgical care in Vanuatu is an important first step towards developing formal strategies for improving surgical services at the country level.
No Need of Immediate Treatment for Hypovascular Tumors Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Midorikawa Yutaka , Takayama Tadatoshi , Nara Satoshi , Hashimoto Takuya , Omichi Kiyohiko , Ebisawa Kiyoko , Higaki Tokio , Tsuji Shingo , Sakamoto Hirohiko , Shimada Kazuaki , Makuuchi Masatoshi 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundHypovascular tumors associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be diagnosed, but it remains unknown whether such lesions should be treated immediately. This study aimed to clarify the clinical significance of treating hypovascular liver nodules.MethodsAfter diagnosis of hypovascular tumors smaller than 3 cm, 104 patients underwent liver resection immediately (Group 1), while 93 patients were placed under observation (Group 2). In Group 1, 98 patients were diagnosed as having HCC (Group 1′), while 80 patients in Group 2 underwent liver resection after vascularization or appearance of other hypervascular HCC (Group 2′), eight patients had been observed, and five patients could not undergo operation due to appearance of other multiple HCCs. To avoid lead time bias for tumor vascularization, survival rates of patients after diagnosis of hypovascular tumors as well as those after operation in the two groups were compared.ResultsAfter a median follow‐up of 3.3 years (range 0.6–11.2), the 5‐year overall survival rates after liver resection of Group 1′ (74.8 %; 95 % CI 64.3–86.1) was significantly higher than that of Group 2′ (59.2 %; 46.4–75.6; P = 0.027). However, the 5‐year overall survival rates after diagnosis of hypovascular liver nodules of Group 1′ (74.7 %; 66.1–85.0) was not significantly different from that of Group 2′ (77.1 %; 67.0–88.6; P = 0.761). Consequently, the 5‐year overall survival rate after diagnosis of Group 2 (75.6 %; 64.7–83.1) was not significantly different from that of Group 1 (73.2 %; 67.5–86.1; P = 0.591) by intention‐to‐treat analysis.ConclusionsIt is not necessary to treat hypovascular liver tumors immediately after diagnosis.
Seasonal habitat selection by adult female polar bears in western Hudson Bay
Authors: McCall Alysa G. , Pilfold Nicholas W. , Derocher Andrew E. , Lunn Nicholas J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIndividual variation in habitat selection has emerged as an important component necessary for understanding population ecology. For threatened species, where habitat loss and alteration affect population trends, understanding habitat use provides insight into mechanisms of population change. Polar bears, Ursus maritimus, in the Western Hudson Bay subpopulation have experienced declines in body condition, survival, and abundance associated with delayed freeze‐up and earlier break‐up of sea ice due to climate change. Although this subpopulation has been intensively studied, sea ice habitat selection remains poorly understood. We developed a habitat selection model using a mixed conditional logistic regression to determine habitat selection across seasons (freeze‐up, early winter, late winter, break‐up) and assess individual variation in habitat selection. We used 8487 locations collected between 2004 and 2010 from 64 GPS satellite linked radio‐collars on adult females to compare habitat selected to habitat available. Selection changed across seasons and varied the most among individuals during the freeze‐up and break‐up seasons. During later winter, there was less variation in habitat selection among individuals and bears showed the least amount of selection in habitat use. Distance to the denning area, a core terrestrial refuge habitat, was the top‐ranked covariate in all seasons suggesting site fidelity plays a role in habitat selection. Some individual variation may have been due to reproductive status, though we could not account for this directly. Recognizing individual differences, especially in a rapidly changing environment, allows managers to identify critical habitats instead of simply average resources, and may lead to more successful efforts to protect habitats.
Qualitative urinary organic acid analysis: 10 years of quality assurance
Authors: Peters Verena , Bonham James R. , Hoffmann Georg F. , Scott Camilla , Langhans Claus‐Dieter 
Published: May 2016

AbstractOver the last 10 years, a total of 90 urine samples from patients with metabolic disorders and controls were circulated to different laboratories in Europe and overseas, starting with 67 laboratories in 2005 and reaching 101 in 2014. The participants were asked to analyse the samples in their usual way and to prepare a report as if to a non‐specialist pediatrician. The performance for the detection of fumarase deficiency, glutaric aciduria type I, isovaleric aciduria, methylmalonic aciduria, mevalonic aciduria, phenylketonuria and propionic aciduria was excellent (98–100 %). Over the last few years, detection has clearly improved for tyrosinaemia type I (39 % in 2008 to over 80 % in 2011/2014), maple syrup urine disease (85 % in 2005 to 98 % in 2012), hawkinsinuria (62 % in 2010 to 88 % in 2014), aminoacylase I deficiency (43 % in 2009 to 73 % in 2012) and 3‐methylcrotonyl‐CoA carboxylase deficiency (60 % in 2005 to 93 % by 2011). Normal urines were mostly considered as normal (83–100 %), but laboratories often made additional diagnostic suggestions. When the findings were unambiguous, the reports were mostly clear. However, when they were less obvious, the content and quality of reports varied greatly. Repetition of organic acid measurements on a fresh sample was rarely suggested, while more complex or invasive diagnostic strategies, including further metabolic screening or biopsy were recommended. Surprisingly very few participants suggested referral from the general paediatrician to a specialist metabolic centre to confirm a diagnosis and, if applicable, to initiate treatment despite evidence suggesting that this improves the outcome for patients with inherited metabolic disorders. The reliability of qualitative organic acid analysis has improved over the last few years. However, several aspects of reporting to non‐specialists may need discussion and clinicians need to be aware of the uncertainty inherent in all forms of laboratory diagnostic analysis.
Partition of n‐Butanol Among Phases and Solubilization Ability of Winsor type III Microemulsions
Authors: Liu Huie , Wu Zhanghui , Jing Jiange , Huang Jiankun , Ding Chuanqin , Chen Shuang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe partition of n‐butanol in Winsor type III (W‐III) microemulsions was investigated in this work. Three kinds of anionic surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium dodecyl sulfonate (DSS), and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS)) and two kinds of anionic/cationic surfactant mixtures (SDS/octadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (OTAC) mixtures and DSS/OTAC mixtures) were studied. Internal standard gas chromatography was employed in n‐butanol content analysis. The results showed that no water exists in the excess oil (EO) phase and no oil exists in the excess water (EW) phase. For the W‐III microemulsions obtained by salinity scanning, relatively constant n‐butanol content in the EO (11–12 v%) and EW (1–4 v%) was found under different salinities. Accurate measurement of n‐butanol content in each phase is important for those systems having low solubilization ability. For the W‐III microemulsions prepared using SDS/OTAC surfactant mixture, the percentage of n‐butanol distributed into the interfacial layer decreased while the fraction of n‐butanol in the interfacial layer first increased sharply and then tended to be stable with the addition of n‐butanol. For the different optimum W‐III microemulsion systems tested, most of the surfactant‐to‐alcohol molar ratio data are near 1:3, but obvious deviation could be observed for some data. On the basis of the accurate measurement of n‐butanol content in the EO and EW phases, the standard free energy, ΔGo→in* (T = 298.15 K) of n‐butanol transferring from the EO phase to the interfacial region was calculated. The results show negative ΔGo→in* values. For microemulsions with the same components, n‐butanol content is an important factor influencing the ΔGo→in* value, and a high absolute value of ΔGo→in* leads to high solubilization ability.
The Impact of Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Surfactants in the Microstructure and Rheological Behaviour of Emulsions Made With Melted Fat From Cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum)
Authors: Teixeira Gerson Lopes , Züge Luana Carolina Bosmuler , Silveira Joana Léa Meira , Scheer Agnes de Paula , Ribani Rosemary Hoffmann 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCupuassu fat is a good candidate for partial substitution of cocoa butter in many products, including emulsions. However, for such use it is necessary to know the characteristics of the products prepared with cupuassu fat. Therefore, the main goal of this work is to characterize emulsions prepared with cupuassu fat using the surfactants Tween® 60, Tween® 80 and Tween® 85 as emulsifiers. The emulsions were prepared at 43 °C with addition of 0.5 or 1.5 % (w/v) of surfactant and compared with an emulsion without surfactant. All emulsions were analysed by conductivity, stability, pH, optical microscopy, rheology and oxidative stability. It was verified that the emulsions prepared with Tween® 60 and Tween® 80 have higher stability, smaller droplet size and higher apparent viscosity. Also, these properties are positively influenced by the concentration of the surfactant. On the other hand, emulsions prepared with Tween 85 or without surfactant reached unsatisfactory results. The rheological behaviour of the emulsions was adequately described by both Herschel‐Bulkley and Mizhari‐Berki models revealing pseudoplastic character. These emulsions also present strong gel behaviour, with storage modulus higher than loss modulus. In conclusion, cupuassu fat can be used as oil phase for emulsions products and this characterization helps to understand their behaviour in order to increase their use in food industry.
Experimental Study on Foam Properties of Mixed Systems of Silicone and Hydrocarbon Surfactants
Authors: Sheng Youjie , Wu Xiujuan , Lu Shouxiang , Li Changhai 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSilicone surfactants are inevitably involved in industrial applications in combination with hydrocarbon surfactants, but properties of the mixtures of silicone and hydrocarbon surfactants have received little attention, especially foam properties of the mixtures. In this study, aqueous solutions of respective binary mixtures of a nonionic silicone surfactant with anionic, cationic, and nonionic hydrocarbon surfactants were prepared for evaluation of their foam properties. Surface tension of aqueous solutions of the mixtures were measured with the maximum bubble pressure method. Foaming ability and foam stability of the mixtures were then evaluated with the standard Ross–Miles method. The findings show that the addition of the silicone surfactant results in a decrease in surface tension for aqueous solutions of the hydrocarbon surfactants. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the hydrocarbon surfactants is also changed by the additive silicone surfactant. Additionally, clear foam synergistic effects were observed in the mixtures of silicone and hydrocarbon surfactants, regardless of the ionic types of the hydrocarbon surfactant. The foam stability of the hydrocarbon surfactant was shown to generally improve with the increasing concentration of the silicone surfactant. Even so, aqueous solutions of different ionic hydrocarbon surfactants in the presence of the silicone surfactant will give different foam stabilities. The results of the present study are meant to provide guidance for the practical application of foams generated by the mixtures of the silicone and hydrocarbon surfactants.
Estimating the regional climate signal in a late Pleistocene and early Holocene lake-sediment δ18O record from Vermont, USA.
Authors: Mandl Maximilian Benedict , Shuman Bryan Nolan , Marsicek Jeremiah , Grigg Laurie 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe present a new oxygen isotope (δ18O) record from carbonate-rich lake sediments from central Vermont. The record from Twin Ponds spans from 13.5 cal ka BP (1950 AD) to present, but contains a 6 ka long hiatus starting shortly after 7.5 cal ka BP. We compare the record for ca. 13.5–7.5 cal ka BP with published δ18O data from the region after using a Bayesian approach to produce many possible chronologies for each site. Principal component analysis then identified chronologically-robust, multi-site oxygen isotope signals, including negative values during the Younger Dryas, but no significant deviations from the early Holocene mean of the regional records. However, differences among sites indicate significant trends that likely relate to interacting changes in the regional gradients of seasonal temperatures and precipitation as well as moisture sources, moisture pathways, and aridity that were controlled by large-scale climatic controls such as insolation, the progressive decline of the Laurentide Ice Sheet, and changes in oceanic circulation. Centennial shifts punctuate these trends at ca. 9.3 and 8.2 cal ka BP, and reveal that the local character of these short-lived features requires a detailed understanding of lake hydrology and regional isotopic gradients to yield reliable information for regional climate reconstructions.
Use of Antibiotics Reserved for Resistant Gram-Negative Infections at Freestanding U.S. Children’s Hospitals from 2004 to 2014
Authors: Jelic Monika , Adler Amanda L. , Miles-Jay Arianna , Weissman Scott J. , Kronman Matthew P. , Zerr Danielle M. 
Published: May 2016

We used the Pediatric Health Information System database to assess the use of antibiotics reserved for the treatment of resistant Gram-negative infections in children from 2004 to 2014. Overall, use of these agents increased in children from 2004 to 2007 and subsequently decreased.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016:37:967–970