bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cumulative number of hospital bed days among older adults in the last year of life: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ishizaki Tatsuro , Shimmei Masaya , Fukuda Haruhisa , Oh Eun‐Hwan , Shimada Chiho , Wakui Tomoko , Mori Hiroko , Takahashi Ryutaro 
Published: May 2016

AimTo determine whether age, proximity to death and long‐term care insurance certification are related to receiving hospital inpatient care; the number of hospital bed days (HBD) among older Japanese adults in the last year of life; and to estimate the total number of HBD.MethodsUsing health insurance claims and death certificate data, the present retrospective cohort study examined the HBD of city residents aged ≥65 years who died between September 2006 and October 2009 in Soma City, Japan. Using a two‐part model, factors associated with receiving hospital inpatient care and the total number of HBD in each quarter in the last year of life were examined.ResultsThe total number of HBD in the last year of life varied widely; 13% had no admission, and 27% stayed ≥90 days. Younger age, approaching death and having long‐term care insurance certification were significantly associated with being more likely to receive hospital inpatient care during each quarterly period in the last year of life. In contrast, having long‐term care insurance certification and the last 3‐month period before death, compared with the first 3‐month period, were significantly associated with a fewer number of HBD.ConclusionsThe present study showed that older age was associated with being less likely to receive hospital inpatient care. The findings regarding the risk of inpatient care and total number of HBD in the last year of life help to understand resource use among older dying adults, and to develop evidence‐based healthcare policies within aging societies. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 737–743.
Four‐times‐daily Dosing of Rabeprazole with Sitafloxacin, High‐Dose Amoxicillin, or Both for Metronidazole‐Resistant Infection with Helicobacter pylori in Japan
Authors: Sugimoto Mitsushige , Sahara Shu , Ichikawa Hitomi , Kagami Takuma , Ban Hiromitsu , Otsuka Taketo , Andoh Akira , Furuta Takahisa 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe bacterial resistance of Helicobacter pylori to antimicrobial agents such as clarithromycin and metronidazole has been increasing worldwide, leading to the failure of eradication treatment. Here, we present an eradication regimen consisting of four‐times‐daily dosing (q.i.d.) of rabeprazole with potent acid inhibition.AimTo investigate the efficacy of eradication therapy with rabeprazole q.i.d. and amoxicillin or sitafloxacin in Japanese infected with a metronidazole‐resistant strain.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated the efficacy of eradication regimens with rabeprazole q.i.d. for 7 days in 111 Japanese pooled patients infected with a metronidazole‐resistant strain of H. pylori at Hamamatsu University School of Medicine Hospital or the Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital: 1, with sitafloxacin 100 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) (n = 82); 2, with amoxicillin 500 mg q.i.d. (n = 15); and 3, with amoxicillin q.i.d. and sitafloxacin b.i.d.‐combined regimen (n = 14). Eradication status was assessed at 8 weeks via a 13C‐urea breath test.ResultsEradication rate on intention‐to‐treat analysis was 93.7% (95% confidence interval: 87.4–97.4%, 104/111), irrespective of the high prevalence of strains resistant to clarithromycin (81.1%, 90/111) and levofloxacin (42.3%, 47/111). No significant differences in eradication rates were observed among the different treatment regimens (p = .408), eradication history (p = .096) and different CYP2C19 genotypes (p = .789). On multivariate analysis, no significant risk factor for eradication failure by therapy with potent acid inhibition was seen.ConclusionIn Japanese patients infected with metronidazole‐resistant strains of H. pylori, eradication rates exceeding 90% can be achieved using appropriate dosing of antibiotic agents with strain susceptibility (amoxicillin q.i.d. and/or sitafloxacin b.i.d.) together with acid inhibition for a full 24 h and rabeprazole 10 mg q.i.d. These findings may be further evidence for dual therapy with rabeprazole q.i.d. and an antibiotic agent (amoxicillin q.i.d. or sitafloxacin b.i.d.) in Japanese patients with metronidazole‐resistant strains.
White‐Light and Yellow/Blue Photoluminescence Emission Based on Dy3+‐Doped SiO2–Gd2O3 Composites
Authors: Rocha Leonardo Alves , Schiavon Marco Antonio , Ribeiro Sidney José Lima , Ferrari Jefferson Luis 
Published: May 2016

This work attempts to obtain Dy3+‐doped SiO2–Gd2O3 by sol–gel process, with a molar ratio of 70Si4+–30Gd3+ and Dy3+ concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1 mol%. Heat treatment at temperatures of 1000°C, 1100°C, 1200°C, and 1300°C have been performed. From XRD, the Gd2O3 cubic phase was observed at 1000°C and 1100°C, at 1200°C also were observed Gd2O3 monoclinic phase, predominant at 1300°C. The band‐gap values vary between 4.4 and 5.3 eV, showing dependence on the crystalline phase. Under UV excitation, emission spectra show bands assigned to the Dy3+ transitions: 4F9/2→6H15/2 (484 nm), 4F9/2→6H13/2 (572 nm), and 4F9/2→6H11/2 (668 nm). The excitation at 275 nm has shown more effective. The ratio between the most intense emission bands (yellow/blue) show values around 0.84 and 1.63. CIE chromaticity diagrams show color coordinates at blue, yellow, and white regions, as a function of Dy3+ concentration and heat treatment. The lifetime values of excited state 4F9/2 were around 0.20 and 0.69 ms. The morphology of particles changed from spherical to coral‐like shape as a function of heat treatment are observed. The sol–gel process showed to be an interesting route to obtain Dy3+‐doped binary system materials.
Temporal variation in relative frequency of nectariferous and nectarless inflorescences and its effect on subsequent fecundity in an ephemeral plant, Corydalis ambigua (Fumariaceae)
Authors: Zhao Xing‐Nan , Zhao Ji‐Min , Guo Ji‐Xun , Zhang Yan‐Wen 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe occurrence of nectarlessness flowers in nectar‐producing plants is a common and stable phenomenon in many species, but their occurrence is still not well understood. The aim of this study is to examine a question from both the plant and pollinator perspectives: why do nectar‐producing species produce some nectarless flowers within a plant? We investigate the distribution patterns of nectarless flowers in natural populations and their variation among the populations and years in a spring‐flowering self‐incompatible perennial herb plant, Corydalis ambigua Chem. & Schlecht (Fumariaceae), we observed the foraging behavior of bumblebees to nectariferous and nectarless inflorescences. We also examined the differences in reproductive success between inflorescence types and the effect of nectar production on flower production of the next flowering season. The results indicated that the frequencies of nectarless flowers varied among inflorescences, individuals, and populations and between years. Plants can revise or keep their inflorescence types or change nectar production status in the next growing season. Bumblebees visited both types with equal frequency but different foraging behavior, which resulted in lower seed production in nectarless inflorescences. However, nectarless inflorescences may save more energy and result in larger bulbs, which produce more flowers in the next flowering season. We found that although nectarless flowers resulted in lower seed set in nectarless inflorescence or individuals, they could affect bumblebees’ foraging behavior and further promote the effective output of pollen. In addition, the resource savings could enhance plant reproductive success in the next flowering season.
LIQUIDATION OF AN INDIVISIBLE ASSET WITH INDEPENDENT INVESTMENT
Authors: Fabre Emilie , Royer Guillaume , Touzi Nizar 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe provide an extension of the explicit solution of a mixed optimal stopping–optimal stochastic control problem introduced by Henderson and Hobson. The problem examines whether the optimal investment problem on a local martingale financial market is affected by the optimal liquidation of an independent indivisible asset. The indivisible asset process is defined by a homogeneous scalar stochastic differential equation, and the investor's preferences are defined by a general expected utility function. The value function is obtained in explicit form, and we prove the existence of an optimal stopping–investment strategy characterized as the limit of an explicit maximizing strategy. Our approach is based on the standard dynamic programming approach.
Comparison of the combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine to propofol or propofol/sevoflurane for drug‐induced sleep endoscopy in children
Authors: Kandil Ali , Subramanyam Rajeev , Hossain Mohamed Monir , Ishman Stacey , Shott Sally , Tewari Anurag , Mahmoud Mohamed 
Published: May 2016

SummaryAimExamination of dynamic airway collapse in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) can help identify the anatomic causes of airway obstruction. We hypothesized that a combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine (Group DK) would result in fewer oxygen desaturations and a higher successful completion rate during DISE in children with OSA when compared to propofol (Group P) or sevoflurane/propofol (Group SP).MethodsIn this retrospective study, we reviewed the records of 59 children who presented for DISE between October 2013 and March 2015. Data analyzed included demographics, OSA severity, and hemodynamics (heart rate and blood pressure). The primary outcomes were airway desaturation during DISE to <85% and successful completion of DISE; these were compared between the three groups: DK, P, and SP.ResultsPreoperative polysomnography was available for 49 patients. There were significantly more patients with severe OSA in Group P as compared to the other two groups. The mean (±sd) bolus dose for ketamine, dexmedetomidine, and propofol were 2.0 ± 0.6 mg·kg−1, 1.9 ± 0.9 mcg·kg−1, and 1.8 ± 1.1 mg·kg−1, respectively. The mean (±sd) infusion rate for dexmedetomidine was 1.6 ± 0.7 mcg·kg−1·h−1 and for propofol was 248 ± 68 mcg·kg−1·min−1 in Group P and 192 ± 48 mcg·kg−1·min−1 in Group SP. Patients in Group DK had significantly fewer desaturations to <85% during DISE compared to Group P. Patients in Group DK had significantly more successful completion of DISE (100% Group DK, 92% Group P, and 79% Group SP) as compared to Group SP.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the described dose regimen of propofol used alone or in combination with sevoflurane appears to be associated with more oxygen desaturations and a lower rate of successful completion than a combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine during DISE in children with OSA.
Impact of Market‐based Policies and External Fiscal Discipline on Ghana's Inflation
Authors: Adom Philip Kofi , Bekoe William , Quartey George , Amakye Kwaku , Barnor Charles 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of liberalization of the forex exchange and financial sectors and external prudent fiscal management in Côte d'Ivoire on Ghana's inflation. We find that, in the financial sector, there is a case for liberalization, in terms of lowering inflation. However, a quasi‐liberalized system in the sector proves to have a greater potential to reduce inflation in Ghana. In the exchange market, non‐liberalization has the edge over liberalization in reducing inflation in Ghana. However, a quasi‐liberalized system in the sector has a greater potential to lower inflation. There is evidence of a strong intra‐continental transfer of inflation from Côte d'Ivoire to Ghana, but this transmission has been significantly moderated downwards by the implementation of prudent fiscal management in Côte d'Ivoire. We also find that monetary targeting and inflation targeting have deflationary effects, but we cannot claim that this has significantly reduced inflation. The implication of the result is that; a system that achieves the correct balance between the market mechanism and command system in the exchange and financial sectors has a greater potential to lower inflation in Ghana. Also, domestic monetary policies should not only be anchored on internal factors.
The use of microstructures for discriminating turbiditic and hemipelagic muds and mudstones
Authors: Kase Yoshihiro , Sato Maromi , Nishida Naohisa , Ito Makoto , Mukti Muhammad Ma'ruf , Ikehara Ken , Takizawa Shigeru 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe microstructures of turbiditic and hemipelagic muds and mudstones were investigated using a scanning electron microscope to determine whether there are microstructural features that can differentiate turbiditic from hemipelagic sedimentary processes. Both types of muddy deposits are, in general, characterized by randomly‐oriented clay particles. However, turbiditic muds and mudstones also characteristically contain aggregates of ‘edge‐to‐face’ contacts between clay particles with long‐axis lengths of up to 30 μm. Based on observations of the clay fabric of the experimentally‐formed muds settled from previously agitated muddy fluids, these types of aggregates, hereafter referred to as ‘aggregates of clay particles’, are interpreted as having been formed by the collision of component flocs in turbulent fluids. Furthermore, some aggregates of clay particles have ‘face‐to‐face’ contacts between clay particles; this is similar to face‐to‐face aggregates characteristically developed in fluid‐mud deposits that are commonly recognized only in turbiditic mudstones, indicating the possibility of a final stage of deposition under highly‐dense conditions, such as temporary fluid muds. In conjunction with earlier proposed lithofacies‐based and ichnofacies‐based criteria, aggregates of clay particles should be useful for the differentiation of turbiditic and hemipelagic muddy deposits, particularly with limited volumes of non‐oriented samples from deep‐water successions.
Usefulness of daily surveillance blood cultures in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients on steroids: a 1‐year prospective study
Authors: Colombier M.‐A. , Lafaurie M. , de Fontbrune F.S. , Resche‐Rigon M. , Donay J.‐L. , Pons J.‐L. , Molina J.‐M. , Socie G. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundBloodstream infections (BSI) are frequent and potentially severe complications in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) recipients. In patients on steroids, surveillance blood cultures (SBCs) are routinely performed to detect asymptomatic BSI but their usefulness remains controversial.MethodsWe performed a 1‐year, observational, prospective, single‐center study to assess the utility of daily SBCs in AHSCT recipients on steroids and a case–control study to identify risk factors associated with positive SBCs. All blood cultures (BCs) obtained from adults hospitalized in the HSCT unit were prospectively studied throughout 1 year. Characteristics, treatments, and outcome of patients were retrieved from medical charts.ResultsA total of 3594 BCs were obtained in 177 patients, including 1450 SBCs in 82 AHSCT recipients on steroids. In 33 patients, 103 SBCs (7%) were positive. Low‐virulence bacteria were identified in 74% of episodes. When analyzing first episode of positive SBCs (28 patients), 6 (21%) true BSI were identified.ConclusionsPatients with positive SBCs were receiving antibiotic treatment less frequently at the time of SBCs (P < 0.001) and had more frequently BCs obtained through central venous access (P < 0.04) when compared to patients with negative SBCs. Daily SBCs in AHSCT recipients on steroids only rarely identify BSI and clear benefit for patients could not be demonstrated.
A consensus‐based tool for ranking the risk of blood‐transmissible infections
Authors: Oei Welling , Neslo Rabin , Janssen Mart P. 
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUNDEmerging infectious diseases (EIDs) pose a threat to blood transfusion safety. Despite a lack of evidence, safety interventions may be required. However, what should decision makers base their decisions on? A model was developed that allows valuing the perceived risk of an EID for blood safety as derived from a group of experts. The model requires estimates of four disease characteristics and the accuracy of these estimates.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSSixteen selected experts ranked 24 hypothetical diseases, each comprising a quantitative estimate of four characteristics: transfusion transmissibility, proportion of asymptomatic infectious phase, prevalence of infection, and disease impact. Each of the characteristics was expressed at one of six predefined levels with varying ranges of uncertainty. The model was derived using probabilistic inversion and was applied to value the perceived risk of most currently known EIDs relevant to blood transfusion.RESULTSThe model demonstrated that transmissibility and prevalence are the most important risk drivers. However, disease impact and likelihood of transmission during the asymptomatic phase of infection are more important when the disease characteristics are unknown. In the ranking of currently known EIDs, diseases that have been identified previously as posing a serious risk to blood transfusion appear at the top of the list.CONCLUSIONWith the current model, the perceived risk of EIDs for transfusion safety can be determined for both known and unknown diseases, even when little information is available. Extension of the expert base, further model development and validation, and continuous updating of the model are recommended.
Protocol for a systematic review of evaluation research for adults who have participated in the ‘SMART recovery’ mutual support programme
Authors: Beck Alison K , Baker Amanda , Kelly Peter J , Deane Frank P , Shakeshaft Anthony , Hunt David , Forbes Erin , Kelly John F 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionSelf-Management and Recovery Training (SMART Recovery) offers an alternative to predominant 12-step approaches to mutual aid (eg, alcoholics anonymous). Although the principles (eg, self-efficacy) and therapeutic approaches (eg, motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy) of SMART Recovery are evidence based, further clarity regarding the direct evidence of its effectiveness as a mutual aid package is needed. Relative to methodologically rigorous reviews supporting the efficacy of 12-step approaches, to date, reviews of SMART Recovery have been descriptive. We aim to address this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of the evidence for SMART Recovery in adults with problematic alcohol, substance and/or behavioural addiction, including a commentary on outcomes assessed, potential mediators, feasibility (including economic outcomes) and a critical evaluation of the methods used.Methods and analysisMethods are informed by the Cochrane Guidelines for Systematic Reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement. 6 electronic peer-reviewed and 4 grey literature databases have been identified. Preliminary searches have been conducted for SMART Recovery literature (liberal inclusion criteria, not restricted to randomised controlled trials (RCTs), qualitative-only designs excluded). Eligible ‘evaluation’ articles will be assessed against standardised criteria and checked by an independent assessor. The searches will be re-run just before final analyses and further studies retrieved for inclusion. A narrative synthesis of the findings will be reported, structured around intervention type and content, population characteristics, and outcomes. Where possible, ‘summary of findings’ tables will be generated for each comparison. When data are available, we will calculate a risk ratio and its 95% CI (dichotomous outcomes) and/or effect size according to Cohen's formula (continuous outcomes) for the primary outcome of each trial.Ethics and disseminationNo ethical issues are foreseen. Findings will be disseminated widely to clinicians and researchers via journal publication and conference presentation(s).Prospero registration numberCRD42015025574.
Mechanisms Influencing Cirrus Banding and Aviation Turbulence near a Convectively Enhanced Upper-Level Jet Stream
Authors: Trier Stanley B. , Sharman Robert D. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Mechanisms supporting a cold-season aviation turbulence outbreak over the northwest Atlantic Ocean and adjacent coastal regions of North America are investigated using high-resolution numerical simulations. Two distinct episodes of moderate-or-greater turbulence in the upper troposphere are observed, and the simulations suggest the turbulence is linked to eastward-translating mesoscale perturbations of negative potential vorticity (PV) emanating from upstream organized deep convection along the anticyclonic shear side of an upper-level jet. Within the exit region of the jet where the turbulence episodes occur, thermodynamic and kinematic fields in the vicinity of the PV perturbations exhibit structural characteristics of mesoscale inertia–gravity waves. These wavelike perturbations are shown to facilitate turbulence by influencing the vertical shear and static stability, which promotes mesoscale regions of banded cirrus clouds, near or within which the observed turbulence occurs.
The simulations also suggest that the turbulence arises from fundamentally different mechanisms in the two episodes. In the first and most severe turbulence episode, mesoscale wave-related vertical shear enhancements lead to Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (KHI) near aircraft cruising altitudes (~8.9–11.2 km MSL). Simulated KHI is most prevalent near relatively isolated areas of shallow, moist convection, where smaller-scale internal gravity waves originating in the middle troposphere in response to the shallow convection may play a role in excitation of the KHI located above. The second turbulence episode is consistent with simulated thermal-shear instability related to wave-induced mesoscale reductions in upper-tropospheric static stability. However, unlike for the earlier episode of enhanced turbulence, cloud-radiative feedbacks are necessary for the instability and mesoscale regions of banded cirrus to develop.
Post-New Public Management: a new administrative paradigm for China?
Authors: Christensen Tom , Fan Yongmao 
Published: May 2016

From three theoretical perspectives – instrumental, cultural and mythical – this article analyses the reasons for the worldwide emergence of post-New Public Management reforms and summarizes the typical features of those measures. In particular, it explores the link between post-New Public Management and public-sector reforms in China and argues that the ongoing reforms in China, including the super-ministry reform, the regulation of industry, the affordable housing policy, social and healthcare reforms, and the anti-corruption campaign, have shed light on various aspects of post-New Public Management measures. However, because China’s complex public administrative systems are more centralized than they are in many Western countries, it faces big challenges in deciding on and implementing reforms. Points for practitioners The examined administrative reforms demonstrate that China is imitating post-New Public Management reforms and adapting them to Chinese cultural traditions. China’s case reveals that the public sector is a complicated combination of elements from New Public Management and post-New Public Management reforms in a process where new reform elements are continuously added to old ones. China’s reforms are still ongoing; in the past years, China focused more on economic reform, decentralization and efficiency, but today its reforms are turning to social stability, political order and central control.