bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of continuous positive airway pressure treatment compliance using telemonitoring in obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Turino Cecilia , de Batlle Jordi , Woehrle Holger , Mayoral Ana , Castro-Grattoni Anabel Lourdes , Gómez Sílvia , Dalmases Mireia , Sánchez-de-la-Torre Manuel , Barbé Ferran 
Published: February 2017

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), but treatment compliance is often unsatisfactory. This study investigated the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of telemonitoring for improving CPAP compliance.100 newly diagnosed OSA patients requiring CPAP (apnoea–hypopnoea index >15 events·h−1) were randomised to standard management or a telemonitoring programme that collected daily information about compliance, air leaks and residual respiratory events, and initiated patient contact to resolve issues. Clinical/anthropometric variables, daytime sleepiness and quality of life were recorded at baseline and after 3 months. Patient satisfaction, additional visits/calls, side-effects and total costs were assessed.There were no significant differences between the standard and telemedicine groups in terms of CPAP compliance (4.9±2.2 versus 5.1±2.1 h·night−1), symptoms, clinical variables, quality of life and unwanted effects. Telemedicine was less expensive than standard management (EUR123.65 versus EUR170.97; p=0.022) and was cost-effective (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio EUR17 358.65 per quality-adjusted life-year gained). Overall patient satisfaction was high, but significantly more patients rated satisfaction as high/very high in the standard management versus telemedicine group (96% versus 74%; p=0.034).Telemonitoring did not improve CPAP treatment compliance and was associated with lower patient satisfaction. However, it was more cost-effective than traditional follow-up.
Third generation drug eluting stent (DES) with biodegradable polymer in diabetic patients: 5 years follow-up
Authors: Wiemer Marcus , Stoikovic Sinisa , Samol Alexander , Dimitriadis Zisis , Ruiz-Nodar Juan M. , Birkemeyer Ralf , Monsegu Jacques , Finet Gérard , Hildick-Smith David , Tresukosol Damras , Novo Enrique Garcia , Koolen Jacques J. , Barbato Emanuele , Danzi Gian Battista ,   on behalf of NOBORI 2 investigators
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Objective
To report the long-term safety and efficacy data of a third generation drug eluting stent (DES) with biodegradable polymer in the complex patient population of diabetes mellitus after a follow-up period of 5 years.

Background
After percutaneous coronary intervention patients with diabetes mellitus are under higher risk of death, restenosis and stent thrombosis (ST) compared to non-diabetic patients.

Methods
In 126 centers worldwide 3067 patients were enrolled in the NOBORI 2 registry, 888 patients suffered from diabetes mellitus (DM), 213 of them (14%) being insulin dependent (IDDM). Five years follow-up has been completed in this study.

Results
At 5 years, 89.3% of the patients were available for follow-up. The reported target lesion failure (TLF) rates at 5 years were 12.39% in DM group and 7.34% in non-DM group; (p < 0.0001). In the DM group, the TLF rate in patients with IDDM was significantly higher than in the non-IDDM subgroup (17.84 vs. 10.67%; p < 0.01). The rate of ST at 5 years was not different among diabetic versus non-diabetic patients or IDDM versus NIDDM. Only 10 (<0.4%) very late stent thrombotic events beyond 12 months occurred.

Conclusions
The Nobori DES performed well in patients with DM. As expected patients with DM, particularly those with IDDM, had worse outcomes. However, the very low rate of very late stent thrombosis in IDDM patients might have significant clinical value in the treatment of these patients.
Clinical trial registration ISRCTN81649913; http://www.controlled-trials.com/isrctn/search.html?srch=81649913&sort=3&dir=desc&max=10
Multi-Element Profiling Analyses of Symbiotic Zooxanthellae and Soft Tissues in a Giant Clam (Tridacna crocea) Living in the Coral Reefs and Their Intake Process of Zn and Cd
Authors: Itoh Akihide , Kabe Noriko , Kuwae Sho , Oura Eriko , Hisamatsu Shin , Nakano Yoshikatsu , Zhu Yanbei 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Approximately 20 major-to-ultratrace elements in each organ (mantle, muscle, liver, kidney) of a giant clam, Tridacna crocea, and 16 elements in symbiotic zooxanthellae were determined by ICP-AES, ICP-MS, and CHN coder. The biogeochemical properties of T. crocea were then investigated using multi-element profiling analyses. The values for most elements were the highest in the kidney among all organs. However, the concentrations of Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Se, Ag, Cd, and Pb in the mantle were higher than those in the muscle and liver. Therefore, these results indicate that most trace elements taken in by T. crocea through zooxanthellae may finally accumulate in the kidney. Moreover, 14 trace elements in zooxanthellae were present in the concentration range from 181 µg g−1 for Zn to 0.58 µg g−1 for U based on dry weight after isolating zooxanthellae from the mantle. The concentrations of some trace metals in zooxanthellae were relatively higher than those in other organs except for the kidney. These results suggest that zooxanthellae could play an important role in extracting trace metals from seawater and providing them to the soft tissues in giant clams. The concentrations of Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Ag, and Cd in zooxanthellae were almost equal to or higher than those reported in literature. In particular, Mn, Co, Zn, and Cd were present in concentrations higher than those in whole soft tissues of T. crocea by factors of at least 105. In addition, we investigated the intake route of Zn and Cd from seawater for T. crocea using enriched stable isotopes of Zn and Cd. These results suggest that zooxanthellae could play an important role for the intake of trace metals such as Zn and Cd from seawater and for providing them to soft tissues in the giant clam.
Insights for conducting real-time focus groups online using a web conferencing service
Authors: Kite James , Phongsavan Philayrath 
Published: February 2017

Background Online focus groups have been increasing in use over the last 2 decades, including in biomedical and health-related research. However, most of this research has made use of text-based services such as email, discussion boards, and chat rooms, which do not replicate the experience of face-to-face focus groups. Web conferencing services have the potential to more closely match the face-to-face focus group experience, including important visual and aural cues. This paper provides critical reflections on using a web conferencing service to conduct online focus groups. Methods As part of a broader study, we conducted both online and face-to-face focus groups with participants. The online groups were conducted in real-time using the web conferencing service, Blackboard CollaborateTM. We used reflective practice to assess how the conduct and content of the groups were similar and how they differed across the two platforms. Results We found that further research using such services is warranted, particularly when working with hard-to-reach or geographically dispersed populations. The level of discussion and the quality of the data obtained was similar to that found in face-to-face groups. However, some issues remain, particularly in relation to managing technical issues experienced by participants and ensuring adequate recording quality to facilitate transcription and analysis. Conclusions Our experience with using web conferencing for online focus groups suggests that they have the potential to offer a realistic and comparable alternative to face-to-face focus groups, especially for geographically dispersed populations such as rural and remote health practitioners. Further testing of these services is warranted but researchers should carefully consider the service they use to minimise the impact of technical difficulties.
Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability outcomes of a rapid bacteria counting system with pressure ulcer samples
Authors: Nakagami G. , Mori M. , Yoshida M. , Kitamura A. , Hayashi A. , Miyagaki T. , Sasaki S. , Sugama J. , Sanada H. 
Published: February 2017

Objective: Evaluating bacterial load in pressure ulcers (PUs) is key to combat infection; therefore, using technologies to measure bacterial count can be particularly useful. A rapid bacteria counting system was recently developed and introduced to the wound care field. However, its reliability was not established. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of bacterial count using this rapid counting system. Method: We took bacterial swabs from patients with category I or greater PUs to assess inter- and intra-rater reliability. An assessor swabbed the longest axis of the PU once and bacterial counts were measured using a rapid bacteria counting system. To confirm the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated. Results: We took 63 and 57 pairs of bacterial counts from 13 patients with 16 category I or greater PUs to assess inter- and intra-rater reliability, respectively. Overall ICCs [95% confidence intervals (CI)] for the bacterial counts were 0.83 [0.73–0.90, p<0.001, inter-rater reliability, n=63], and 0.89 [0.82–0.94, p< 0.001, intra-rater reliability, n=57]. Conclusion: A high level of reliability for counting bacterial numbers in PU sites was confirmed. The results should encourage clinicians and researchers to use this type of device for the real-time assessment of wound bacterial bioburden at the patient's bedside.
Implementing a UDL Framework: A Study of Current Personnel Preparation Practices
Authors: Scott LaRon A. , Thoma Colleen A. , Puglia Lauren , Temple Peter , D'Aguilar Allison 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Young adults with intellectual disability (ID) continue to experience the least successful postschool outcomes among transition-aged youth (Sanford et al., 2011). Experts disagree on the most effective approach to improve outcomes such as employment, postsecondary education, and community living. In 2015, the National Goals Conference brought together educational researchers to set an agenda to guide the field in terms of research, practice, and policy (Thoma, Cain, & Walther-Thomas, 2015). One of their recommendations, based on promising research and practices, urged the field to identify effective personnel preparation and professional development practices that ensure general and special educators can implement a UDL framework (Thoma, Cain, et al., 2015). This study surveyed program coordinators at accredited universities to determine what is currently being done to prepare educators to implement a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, the extent to which a UDL framework is being incorporated into preservice courses in higher education, and how a UDL framework is being used to improve postschool outcomes for youth with ID.
Use of a UDL Literacy Environment by Middle School Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Coyne Peggy , Evans Miriam , Karger Joanne 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has been shown to have benefits for students with disabilities. However, little is known about its potential to support literacy for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This qualitative study explored (a) to what extent students with IDD are able to use Udio, an online UDL literacy environment; and (b) how students with IDD experienced and perceived Udio. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze classroom observations, as well as teacher and student interviews. Electronic usage logs and student-produced discussions and projects were analyzed descriptively. Students independently navigated the environment and used embedded supports, including audio-assisted reading and sentence starters. In addition, findings indicate that age-relevant content, choice, and opportunities to socialize in online discussions were especially engaging for students. Further research is warranted to determine how UDL environments affect the literacy development of students with IDD.
Critical appraisal of discriminant formulas for distinguishing thalassemia from iron deficiency in patients with microcytic anemia
Authors: Urrechaga Eloísa , Hoffmann Johannes J.M.L. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackground:Many discriminant formulas have been reported for distinguishing thalassemia trait from iron deficiency in patients with microcytic anemia. Independent verification of several discriminant formulas is deficient or even lacking. Therefore, we have retrospectively investigated discriminant formulas in a large, well-characterized patient population.Methods:The investigational population consisted of 2664 patients with microcytic anemia: 1259 had iron deficiency, 1196 ‘pure’ thalassemia trait (877 β- and 319 α-thalassemia), 150 had thalassemia trait with concomitant iron deficiency or anemia of chronic disease, and 36 had other diseases. We investigated 25 discriminant formulas that only use hematologic parameters available on all analyzers; formulas with more advanced parameters were disregarded. The diagnostic performance was investigated using ROC analysis.Results:The three best performing formulas were the Jayabose (RDW index), Janel (11T), and Green and King formulas. The differences between them were not statistically significant (p>0.333), but each of them had significantly higher area under the ROC curve than any other formula. The Jayabose and Green and King formulas had the highest sensitivities: 0.917 both. The highest specificity, 0.925, was found for the Janel formula, which is a composite score of 11 other formulas. All investigated formulas performed significantly better in distinguishing β- than α-thalassemia from iron deficiency.Conclusions:In our patient population, the Jayabose RDW index, the Green and King formula and the Janel 11T score are superior to all other formulas examined for distinguishing between thalassemia trait and iron deficiency anemia. We confirmed that all formulas perform much better in β- than in α-thalassemia carriers and also that they incorrectly classify approximately 30% of thalassemia carriers with concomitant other anemia as not having thalassemia. The diagnostic performance of even the best formulas is not high enough for making a final thalassemia diagnosis, but in countries with limited resources, they can be helpful in identifying those patients who need further examinations for genetic anemia.
Boundary asymptotics of the relative Bergman kernel metric for hyperelliptic curves
Authors: Dong Robert Xin 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
We survey variations of the Bergman kernel and their asymptotic behaviors at degeneration. For a Legendre family of elliptic curves, the curvature form of the relative Bergman kernel metric is equal to the Poincaré metric on ℂ \ {0,1}. The cases of other elliptic curves are either the same or trivial. Two proofs depending on elliptic functions’ special properties and Abelian differentials’ Taylor expansions are discussed, respectively. For a holomorphic family of hyperelliptic nodal or cuspidal curves and their Jacobians, we announce our results on the Bergman kernel asymptotics near various singularities. For genus-two curves particularly, asymptotic formulas with precise coefficients involving the complex structure information are written down explicitly.
Quantum and semiclassical Cooper–pair tunneling in finite systems
Authors: Kleber M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe derive analytic solutions for the tunneling dynamics of two weakly coupled finite BCS–condensates. Pairing interaction between the finite–size condensates is taken into account. Using particle–number dependent chemical potentials the time–dependent transfer of Cooper pairs is obtained from a phenomenological calculation. The results of this theory are compared to a microscopic calculation within the quasispin formulation in its semiclassical limit. In both cases the tunneling current can be mapped onto the motion of a simple pendulum: The results are analogous to the Josephson current between two superconductors and can be used as a starting point to include quantum fluctuations and Josephson radiation.
On the Disruption of Post-colonial Constitutional Order: Hans Kelsen or Carl Schmitt?
Authors: Raza Syed Sami 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
In wake of a coup d′état in 1958, the Supreme Court of Pakistan is asked to decide on its legality. The court, faced with lack of precedent, relies on Hans Kelsen's legal positivism. Over the next five decades the key theoretical basis of the decision is summoned in several other cases in different post-colonial states. This essay develops a critique of the application of Kelsen's theory. The aim of the critique, as well as an added theoretical contribution, is that I engage Carl Schmitt's critique of Kelsen. Accordingly, I redeem the 1920s debate between Kelsen and Schmitt in order to caste critical light on the court decisions. Moreover, I engage Schmitt's own constitutional theory in order to provide an alternative answer to the question of constitutional disruption. The task is twofold: first, to evaluate Kelsen's (liberal) constitutional theory, which purportedly seeks to answer the non-liberal or non-democratic challenge posed by constitutional disruption and dictatorship, and second, to explore the democratic element in the non-liberal theory of Schmitt. My conclusion is that although Kelsen gives politically correct principle of “the efficacy of change” as the basis of legality of constitutional disruption, however, the main steps in his theory do not support the principle. Moreover, the principle draws him away from his liberal constitutionalism. On the other hand, Schmitt's explanation of the same principle based as it is in a non-liberal or realist theory, answers well the question of disruption and dictatorship. Thus the courts that engage Kelsen remain hardpressed to defend their decisions, while those other courts that challenge Kelsen come close to Schmitt.
Constitutional Protection of the Head of State: The Case of Kosovo
Authors: Hasani Enver 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
This paper clarifies the role and position of the Head of State from a comparative perspective, as well as the protection of that institution from an extra constitutional dis­missal via constitutional amendment. Its starting point was the exercise by the Constitu­tional Court of Kosovo of abstract preventive control of eleven (11) proposed constitu­tional amendments. The Court declared unconstitutional over sixty (60) per cent of them, including amendment ten (10), the major subject of this paper. In this case, the Court made it clear that the early termination of the mandate of the Head of State undertaken through the enactment of a new constitutional amendment was unconstitutional. Ulti­mately, the paper demonstrates that no serious and professional court would ever take into account arguments ad hominem in cases dealing with abstract review of constitutionality of laws and constitutional amendments.
Terrorism and Constitutional Change: Lessons from Spain
Authors: Tyulkina Svetlana 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
This article investigates recent developments in Spain’s anti-terrorism regime, in particular the 2002 Law on Political Parties which introduced a non-criminal procedure to outlaw political parties. The 2002 Law was adopted as a response to the continuing exist­ence of political violence associated with terrorist group ETA. It therefore constitutes part of the national counterterrorism regime. This article argues that the 2002 Law was a leg­islative novelty and that its immediate application to ban the political party Batasuna brought about substantial changes to the existing system of constitutional protection of political freedoms, as well as modifying the established standards of constitutional review of anti-terrorism legislation. Furthermore, the result of the November 2011 Spanish parlia­mentary elections has brought questions on the effectiveness of the 2002 Law and its pos­sible future application to the fore of political and legal discourse. The article concludes that the outcome of the 2002 Law on Political Parties is rather disappointing and suggests that there are lessons other democracies can learn both for their counterterrorism policies and treatment of political parties.
Some Constitutional Thoughts about the Islamic Full Veil Ban in Europe
Authors: Corral Benito Aláez 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
This work deals critically with the Islamic full veil ban in public spaces, that is start­ing to be adopted in some European countries and is being echoed in some regulations in Spanish municipalities. After a brief analysis of the general bans recently passed in Belgium and France and of the partial bans adopted in schools by other countries, like Germany, Ita­ly or the UK, the article analyses the constitutionality of the recently approved municipal bans in Spain from a constitutional perspective, including the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights. The author reaches the conclusion that according to the Sp Const 1978 an adequate interpretation of the limitations to the freedom of religion and the right to one’s own image, involved when wearing an Islamic full veil, would make a general ban on the full veil in each and every public space unconstitutional, but would allow its partial ban regarding the access to municipal buildings or services or regarding teachers and pupils at schools, as far as these partial bans could be justified by constitutional values like safeguarding of public institutions or services, or protecting the fundamental rights of others. `
Understood But Undefined: Why Do Argentina and Brazil Resist Criminalising Terrorism?
Authors: Welsh Rebecca 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
This article considers why Argentina and Brazil have resisted global trends and pressures towards the adoption and implementation of laws criminalising acts of terror. It is argued that the development of Argentine and Brazilian understandings of ‘terrorism’, resulting from the considerable experience of each nation with state and insurgent terror, has led to persistent anti-counter-terrorism-law policies. Some lessons are drawn from this discussion to educate the evolution of counter-terrorism law and policy more widely.
Present and Future Relations between the ECJ and the ECtHR
Authors: Doblhoff-Dier Rosmarie , Kusmierczyk Sandra 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
By acceding to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the EU’s role as supranational player in the complex human rights architecture of Europe will be finally recognized. On 5 April 2013, the negotiators of the accession procedure of the European Union to the ECHR agreed on a package of draft accession instruments. Constituting a mile­stone on the road to accession, the now revised Accession Agreement still leaves vast room for discussion. By critically scrutinizing some of its modalities, this article will evaluate its impact on the human rights jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and the Eu­ropean Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and the relationship between both courts. To this end, it will address the somewhat disproportionate involvement of the European Union in the future jurisdiction of the ECtHR and in the decision making of the Council of Europe in matters linked to the ECHR. Furthermore, it will focus on the compatibility of the Draft Agree­ment with the principle of autonomous interpretation of European Union Law: a highly rel­evant discussion for the ECJ’s future Opinion under Article 218 (11) TFEU on the compatibil­ity of the finalized draft agreement with the Treaties - the next hurdle for accession.