bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the Fishburn social choice function
Authors: Kamwa Eric 
Published: May 2015

AbstractA Condorcet social choice function is a voting rule that always elects the Condorcet winner when he exists. The Condorcet winner is a candidate who beats all the others in pairwise comparisons. Fishburn proposed a Condorcet social choice function, now referred to as the Fishburn function, and on the basis of some properties he concludes that his rule appears to hold an advantage over the other Condorcet social choice functions. This note uses other properties to reach the same conclusion with a more extended set of Condorcet social choice functions.
JAK2 46/1 haplotype is associated with JAK2 V617F – positive myeloproliferative neoplasms in Brazilian patients
Authors: Macedo L. C. , Santos B. C. , Pagliarini‐e‐Silva S. , Pagnano K. B. B. , Rodrigues C. , Quintero F. C. , Ferreira M. E. , Baraldi E. C. , Ambrosio‐Albuquerque E. P. , Sell A. M. , Visentainer J. E. L. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryIntroductionThis study aimed to verify the association between the JAK2 46/1 haplotype (V617F positive) and some hematological parameters in BCR‐ABL‐negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (cMPNs) in our population.MethodsThe blood samples obtained from the patients with cMPN were genotyped for the JAK2 V617F mutation and JAK2 rs10974944 SNP screening using a PCR‐RFLP assay.ResultsThe JAK2 V617F mutation was detected in 80.15% of patients. The G variant of rs10974944 was more frequent in all MPNs, especially those that were JAK2 V617F positive, than in the control population. We also compared the 46/1 haplotype status in each MPN disease entity, polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), primary myelofibrosis (PMF), and MPNu with controls. The G allele frequency relative to controls was significantly enriched in patients with PV and ET, but not in those with PMF and MPNu. PV and ET patients especially, all of whom had the JAK2 V617F mutation, showed significant excess of the G allele. The frequency of JAK2 V617F mutation was associated with elevated hematological parameters, but when we analyze the occurrence of the mutation and the presence of the G allele, just the high hemoglobin was significantly.ConclusionIn agreement with previous reports, JAK2 46/1 haplotype for JAK2 V617F was associated with cMPN positive in Brazilian patients.
The Close Relationships of People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sullivan Faye , Bowden Keith , McKenzie Karen , Quayle Ethel 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundPositive interpersonal relationships have been found to enhance an individual's quality of life. However, people with intellectual disabilities (PWID) often have restricted social networks, and little is known about their views on close social relationships. The study aimed to explore how this group perceives and experiences close relationships.Materials and MethodsTen (6 = men 4 = women) PWID participated. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews, and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.ResultsThe results report on three of five themes drawn from a larger qualitative study: ‘Relationships feeling safe and being useful’; ‘Who's in charge?’ and ‘Struggling for an ordinary life’.ConclusionsClose relationships are valued and desired by PWID, but a variety of barriers inhibit their development and maintenance. This includes the failure of others to value, accept and appropriately support the independence and relationships of PWID. Potential ways of addressing these issues are discussed.
Retrospective analysis of routine use of a double heat cycle (DHC) during radiofrequency segmental ablation (ClosureFAST™) of saphenous veins
Authors: Schuller‐Petrović S. , Pavlović M.D. , Schuller‐Lukić B. , Schuller S. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundRecent experimental evidence suggests that increasing energy delivered during radiofrequency segmental ablation (RFSA) of varicose veins might further improve outcomes.ObjectivesTo evaluate occlusion rates and safety of the routine use of double heat cycle (DHC) during RFSA of incompetent saphenous veins up to 3 years after the initial treatment.MethodsRetrospective review of prospectively collected duplex ultrasound (DUS) and complication rate data of successive patients from the Viennese, Lower Austrian and Slovenian regions treated for incompetent saphenous veins, followed up on a yearly basis for up to 3 years after the procedure.ResultsBetween 2007 and 2011, 258 patients (389 veins; 322 great saphenous veins (GSV)] had been treated with DHC ClosureFast. Patients’ return was 46% (122 subjects) 3 years after RFSA [140 GSV and 31 small saphenous veins (SSV)] with a mean follow‐up time of 24.93 ± 11.77 months. At 36 months Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed the occlusion probability of 98.6% (95% CI: 1.005–0.966). All SSV were closed. Except for three cases of dysaesthesia which disappeared within a year, there have not been major side‐effects.ConclusionsResults of the retrospective analysis indicate that the routine use of DHC during RFSA for incompetent saphenous veins is equally safe but potentially more efficacious considering mid‐term venous closure rates.
Lean Six Sigma: a new approach to the management of patients undergoing prosthetic hip replacement surgery
Authors: Improta Giovanni , Balato Giovanni , Romano Maria , Carpentieri Francesco , Bifulco Paolo , Alessandro Russo Mario , Rosa Donato , Triassi Maria , Cesarelli Mario 
Published: May 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesIn 2012, health care spending in Italy reached €114.5 billion, accounting for 7.2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 14.2% of total public spending. Therefore, reducing waste in health facilities could generate substantial cost savings. The objective of this study is to show that Lean Six Sigma represents an appropriate methodology for the development of a clinical pathway which allows to improve quality and to reduce costs in prosthetic hip replacement surgery.MethodsThe methodology used for the development of a new clinical pathway was Lean Six Sigma. Problem solving in Lean Six Sigma is the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) roadmap, characterized by five operational phases which make possible to reach fixed goals through a rigorous process of defining, measuring, analysing, improving and controlling business problems.ResultsThe following project indicated several variables influencing the inappropriate prolongation of the length of stay for inpatient treatment and corrective actions were performed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the process of care. The average length of stay was reduced from 18.9 to 10.6 days (−44%).ConclusionThis article shows there is no trade‐off between quality and costs: Lean Six Sigma improves quality and, at the same time, reduces costs.
Can nurses be key players in assessing early motor development using a structured method in the child health setting?
Authors: Johansen Kine , Persson Kristina , Sarkadi Anna , Sonnander Karin , Magnusson Margaretha , Lucas Steven 
Published: May 2015

AbstractRational, aims and objectivesIncreasing evidence highlights the importance of early interventions for motor disorders in children. Given the key medical role of the nurse within the Swedish Child Health Service (CHS), we aimed to examine if nurses could apply a structured assessment of early motor development at the child health centre to enable early identification of children at risk.MethodsStructured Observation of Motor Performance in Infants (SOMP‐I) assesses infant's level of motor development and quality of motor performance using subscales converted to total scores. The total score for both level and quality can then be plotted within the SOMP‐I percentile distribution at the child's age for comparison with a reference population. Fifty‐five infants (girls: 30) were assessed according to SOMP‐I at three child health centres. Assessments were performed by nurses (n = 10) in a clinical setting; one nurse performed the assessment while another nurse and a physiotherapist observed.ResultsAgreement for the assessment of level as a continuous variable was excellent [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.97–0.98], but was lower for quality (ICC 0.02–0.46). When the children were categorized according to the percentile range categories, the assessors were in agreement for the majority of the children, with respect to both level (78–82%) and quality (78–87%).ConclusionDespite brief experience with SOMP‐I, the agreement was excellent when assessing the level of motor development, but was less satisfactory for the assessment of quality of motor performance. More extensive education and training may be necessary to improve the nurses' ability to assess quality, as this domain was an entirely new concept to the nurses. Further research is warranted to determine the applicability of SOMP‐I as a standardized method for nurses to assess motor development within the CHS.
Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Acanthamoeba Strains from Dental Units in Costa Rica
Authors: Retana‐Moreira Lissette , Abrahams‐Sandí Elizabeth , Castro‐Artavia Esteban , Fernández‐Sánchez Ana , Castro‐Castillo Alfredo , Reyes‐Batlle María , Lorenzo‐Morales Jacob 
Published: May 2015

AbstractFree‐living amoebae are protozoa widely distributed in nature, which can be found in a variety of environments. Four genera are recognized as causal agents of infections in humans and animals: Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Balamuthia, and Sappinia. In this study, the presence of Acanthamoeba in dental units was determined and the isolates obtained were molecularly characterized; osmotolerance and thermotolerance assays were also performed to evaluate multiplication under these conditions, frequently associated with pathogenicity. The morphological analysis and partial sequencing of the 18S rDNA gene revealed the presence of Acanthamoeba genotype T4 in 14% of the units sampled. Osmotolerance and thermotolerance tests were positive for more than 80% of the isolates. Up to date, this is the first study that reports the detection, identification, and genotyping of Acanthamoeba isolated from dental units in Costa Rica and even in Latin‐America. Further assays to determine the potential pathogenicity of these Acanthamoeba isolates are underway.
The role as moderator and mediator in parent education groups – a leadership and teaching approach model from a parent perspective
Authors: Forslund Frykedal Karin , Rosander Michael 
Published: May 2015

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the didactic and social leadership in parent education groups based on a parent perspective, and to conceptualise parent experiences of the leader roles in these groups.BackgroundLeadership in parent education groups has been associated with a lack of confidence in one's ability to function in that role. Research on how it can be delivered to produce a favourable outcome is scarce. It can be difficult to abandon the role of expert and let participants set their own learning agenda. To facilitate these processes requires leadership skills, knowledge of group dynamics as well as pedagogical skills.DesignQualitative interview study.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews with parents (25 participants, 21 interviews). Transcripts were analysed using, first, thematic analysis, then comparative analysis.ResultsThe study resulted in a four‐field model, The Leadership – Teaching Approach model. It consists of the dimensions ‘Teaching approaches’ (‘Knowledge is imparted’ and ‘Knowledge is jointly constructed’), and ‘Leadership approaches’ (‘Instrumental approach’ and ‘Investigative approach’).ConclusionsUsing an investigative approach is necessary to get a well‐functioning group that can help the expectant and new parents in the transition to parenthood. Supervision can help develop an awareness of one's professional role as a nurse and leader of a parent education group.Relevance to clinical practiceThe actions and choices of nurses as leaders of parent groups have an impact on how the participants perceive and take in the content and purpose of the group, and whether they perceive it as meaningful. Getting support in reflecting about one's role as a leader in this context can help create a learning environment in which the participants can become engaged in the activities and be strengthened by the experience.
Carprofen pharmacokinetics in plasma and in control and inflamed canine tissue fluid using in vivo ultrafiltration
Authors: Messenger K. M. , Wofford J. A. , Papich M. G. 
Published: May 2015

Measurement of unbound drug concentrations at their sites of action is necessary for accurate PK/PD modeling. The objective of this study was to determine the unbound concentration of carprofen in canine interstitial fluid (ISF) using in vivo ultrafiltration and to compare pharmacokinetic parameters of free carprofen concentrations between inflamed and control tissue sites. We hypothesized that active concentrations of carprofen would exhibit different dispositions in ISF between inflamed vs. normal tissues. Bilateral ultrafiltration probes were placed subcutaneously in six healthy Beagle dogs 12 h prior to induction of inflammation. Two milliliters of either 2% carrageenan or saline control was injected subcutaneously at each probe site, 12 h prior to intravenous carprofen (4 mg/kg) administration. Plasma and ISF samples were collected at regular intervals for 72 h, and carprofen concentrations were determined using HPLC. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations were quantified in ISF using ELISA. Unbound carprofen concentrations were higher in ISF compared with predicted unbound plasma drug concentrations. Concentrations were not significantly higher in inflamed ISF compared with control ISF. Compartmental modeling was used to generate pharmacokinetic parameter estimates, which were not significantly different between sites. Terminal half‐life (T½) was longer in the ISF compared with plasma. PGE2 in ISF decreased following administration of carprofen. In vivo ultrafiltration is a reliable method to determine unbound carprofen in ISF, and that disposition of unbound drug into tissue is much higher than predicted from unbound drug concentration in plasma. However, concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameter estimates are not significantly different in inflamed vs. un‐inflamed tissues.
Risks for mortality and renal replacement therapy in atherosclerotic renovascular disease compared with other causes of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Ritchie James , Green Darren , Alderson Helen V , Chiu Diana , Sinha Smeeta , Kalra Philip A 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimPatients with atherosclerotic renovascular disease (ARVD) have an increased risk for death and likelihood of initiating renal replacement therapy (RRT) compared with the general population. No data exist to describe prognosis in ARVD compared with other causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We compare patient outcomes between ARVD and other causes of CKD.MethodsPatients were selected from two prospective observational cohort studies of outcome in ARVD and CKD. Multivariate Cox regression was used to compare risk for RRT and death (both prior to and following initiation of RRT) between patients with ARVD and other causes of CKD.ResultsOf 1472 patients (563 (38%) ARVD, 909 (62%) non‐ARVD), 242 (16%) progressed to RRT and 640 (44%) died over a median follow‐up period of 4.1 (2.4–5.6) years. Patients with ARVD had an increased risk for death (HR 1.5 (1.2–1.8), P < 0.001) but not for RRT (HR 1.0 (0.7–1.4), P = 0.9). The largest increase in risk for death was observed relative to renal limited diseases, e.g. pyelonephritis (HR 2.4 (1.3–4.5), P = 0.004) and interstitial/infiltrative disease (HR 2.2 (1.3–4.5), P = 0.02). Following initiation of RRT, patients with ARVD had a significantly increased risk for death compared with patients without ARVD (HR 3.3 (2.2–5.0), P < 0.001).ConclusionsPatients with ARVD as a cause of CKD have an increased risk for death both prior to and following initiation of RRT. Further work should seek to identify modifiable risk factors relevant to prognosis.
Quality and safety: reflection on the implications for critical care nursing education
Authors: Baid Heather , Hargreaves Jessica 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundSafe and high quality health care is underpinned by health care professionals possessing the knowledge, skills and professional attributes which are necessary for their specific clinical speciality and area of practice. Education is crucial as it enables clinicians to learn and put into practice their specialist knowledge, skills and attributes. These elements will be based on clinical standards, which set the agenda for quality and safety in health care.AimThe purpose of this paper is to reflect upon how a post‐registration, degree‐level critical care nursing course provided by an English university facilitates nurses to deliver high quality, safe nursing care for critically ill patients and their families.MethodsAs a reflective analysis, the process of reflection will be guided and structured according to Rolfe's framework for reflective practice. The reflection is based upon the personal observations and teaching experiences of two university lecturers involved in the delivery of the critical care course.ConclusionsCritical care nursing education can incorporate informed practice, simulation and non‐technical skills into post‐registration critical‐care nursing courses as a way of promoting high‐quality, safe clinical practice in the critical care setting. This article provides examples from one course's experience with doing this and ends with specific recommendations for how critical care nursing courses can enhance further the promotion of quality and safety.Relevance to clinical practiceEducators, mentors and students of post‐registration critical care nursing courses are encouraged to explore the relevance of nursing education in promoting safe and high‐quality clinical practice.
Determination of optimal storage temperature and duration for analysis of total and isoenzyme lactate dehydrogenase activities in canine serum and cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Houle Jennifer C. , Chen Annie V. , Brenna Amanda C. , Mealey Katrina L. , Kiszonas Alecia M. 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundLactate dehydrogenase (LDH) exists as 5 isoenzymes in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Human studies have demonstrated that changes inLDHactivity can be correlated with a particular disease.ObjectivesConflicting reports regarding the stability ofLDHmade it necessary to determine storage conditions before further study of the diagnostic power of this enzyme's activity can be pursued in dogs. The purpose of this study was to optimize measurement ofLDHactivity and analysis of its isoenzyme profile in canine serum andCSFthrough proper storage.MethodsSerum andCSFwere collected from 5 healthy dogs. Samples were stored at 22°C, 4°C, or −20°C for up to 2 months. TotalLDHactivity was measured spectrophotometrically. Isoenzyme profiles were determined using the QuickGelLDHIsoenzyme technique and densitometric scanning. Retention of > 70%LDHactivity in stored samples was considered clinically acceptable.ResultsSerum andCSFstored at −20°C retained > 85% of the totalLDHactivity for 4 weeks, althoughCSFtotalLDHactivity degraded by > 10% within 24 hours of storage. All serumLDHisoenzymes retained > 85% activity for up to 4 weeks at −20°C.CSF LDHisoenzyme activity degraded rapidly, thereforeCSF LDHshould be evaluated within 72 hours to assure > 75% ofLDHisoenzyme activity.ConclusionsProper storage at −20°C can optimize detection of totalLDHactivity and theLDHisoenzyme profile in canine serum andCSF. This information is important for evaluating the potential usefulness ofLDHin veterinary medicine.
Altered Micafungin Pharmacokinetics in Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Lempers Vincent J. , Schouten Jeroen A. , Hunfeld Nicole G. , Colbers Angela , van Leeuwen Henk J. , Burger David M. , Verweij Paul E. , Pickkers Peter , Brüggemann Roger J. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Micafungin is considered an important agent for the treatment of invasive fungal infections in the intensive care unit (ICU). Little is known on the pharmacokinetics of micafungin. We investigated micafungin pharmacokinetics (PK) in ICU patients and set out to explore the parameters that influence micafungin plasma concentrations. ICU patients receiving 100 mg of intravenous micafungin once daily for suspected or proven fungal infection or as prophylaxis were eligible. Daily trough concentrations and PK curves (days 3 and 7) were collected. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a standard two-stage approach. Twenty patients from the ICUs of four hospitals were evaluated. On day 3 (
n
= 20), the median (interquartile range [IQR]) area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC
0–24
) was 78.6 (65.3 to 94.1) mg · h/liter, the maximum concentration of drug in serum (
C
max
) was 7.2 (5.4 to 9.2) mg/liter, the concentration 24 h after dosing (
C
24
) was 1.55 (1.4 to 3.1) mg/liter, the volume of distribution (
V
) was 25.6 (21.3 to 29.1) liters, the clearance (CL) was 1.3 (1.1 to 1.5) liters/h, and the elimination half-life (
t
1/2
) was 13.7 (12.2 to 15.5) h. The pharmacokinetic parameters on day 7 (
n
= 12) were not significantly different from those on day 3. Daily trough concentrations (day 3 to the end of therapy) showed moderate interindividual (57.9%) and limited intraindividual variability (12.9%). No covariates of the influence on micafungin exposure were identified. Micafungin was considered safe and well tolerated. We performed the first PK study with very intensive sampling on multiple occasions in ICU patients, which aided in resolving micafungin PK. Strikingly, micafungin exposure in our cohort of ICU patients was lower than that in healthy volunteers but not significantly different from that of other reference populations. The clinical consequence of these findings must be investigated in a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) study incorporating outcome in a larger cohort. (This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01783379.)
Parallel real-time garbage collection of multiple heaps in reconfigurable hardware
Authors: Bacon David F. , Cheng Perry , Shukla Sunil 
Published: May 2015

Despite rapid increases in memory capacity, reconfigurable hardware is still programmed in a very low-level manner, generally without any dynamic allocation at all. This limits productivity especially as the larger chips encourage more and more complex designs to be attempted.
Prior work has shown that it is possible to implement a real-time collector in hardware and achieve stall-free operation --- but at the price of severe restrictions on object layouts. We present the first hardware garbage collector capable of collecting multiple inter-connected heaps, thereby allowing a rich set of object types.
We show that for a modest additional cost in logic and memory, we can support multiple heaps at a clock frequency competitive with monolithic, fixed-layout heaps. We evaluate the hardware design by synthesizing it for a Xilinx FPGA and using co-simulation to measure the run-time behavior over a set of four benchmarks. Even at high allocation and mutation rates the collector is able to sustain stall-free (100% minimum mutator utilization) operation with up to 4 inter-connected heaps, while only requiring between 1.1 and 1.7 times the maximum live memory of the application.