bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
International patterns of palliative care in neuro-oncology: a survey of physician members of the Asian Society for Neuro-Oncology, the European Association of Neuro-Oncology, and the Society for Neuro-Oncology
Authors: Walbert Tobias , Puduvalli Vinay K. , Taphoorn Martin J.B. , Taylor Andrew R. , Jalali Rakesh 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Background
Brain tumor patients have limited survival and suffer from high morbidity requiring specific symptom management. Specialized palliative care (PC) services have been developed to address these symptoms and provide end-of-life treatment. Global utilization patterns of PC in neuro-oncology are unknown.

Methods
In a collaborative effort between the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO), the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO), and the Asian Society for Neuro-Oncology (ASNO), a 22-question survey was distributed. Wilcoxon 2-sample and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to assess differences in responses.

Results
Five hundred fifty-two evaluable responses were received. The most significant differences were found between Asia-Oceania (AO) and Europe as well as AO and United States/Canada (USA-C). USA-C providers had more subspecialty training in neuro-oncology, but most providers had received no or minimal training in palliative care independent of region. Providers in all 3 regions reported referring patients at the onset of symptoms requiring palliation, but USA-C and European responders refer a larger total proportion of patients to PC (P < .001). Physicians in AO and Europe (both 46%) as well as 29% of USA-C providers did not feel comfortable dealing with end-of-life issues. Most USA-C patients (63%) are referred to hospice compared with only 8% and 19% in AO and Europe (P < .001), respectively.

Conclusion
This is the first report describing global differences of PC utilization in neuro-oncology. Significant differences in provider training, culture, access, and utilization were mainly found between AO and USA-C or AO and Europe. PC patterns are more similar in Europe and USA-C.
Repeated short-term spectral softening in the low/hard state of the Galactic black hole candidate Swift J1753.5−0127
Authors: Yoshikawa Akifumi , Yamada Shin'ya , Nakahira Satoshi , Matsuoka Masaru , Negoro Hitoshi , Mihara Tatehiro , Tamagawa Toru 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
We report MAXI and Swift observations of short-term spectral softenings of the Galactic black hole X-ray binary Swift J1753.5−0127 in the low/hard state. These softening events are characterized by a simultaneous increase of soft X-rays (2–4 keV) and a decrease of hard X-rays (15–50 keV) lasting for a few tens of days. The X-ray energy spectra during the softening periods can be reproduced with a model consisting of a multi-color disk blackbody and its Comptonized component. The fraction of the Comptonized component decreased from 0.30 to 0.15 when the spectrum became softer; meanwhile the inner disk temperature (Tin) increased from 0.2 to 0.45 keV. These results imply that the softening events are triggered by a short-term increase of the mass accretion rate. During the observed spectral softening events, the disk flux (Fdisk) and Tin did not obey the Fdisk ∝ (Tin )4 relation, suggesting that the inner disk radius does not reach the innermost stable circular orbit.
Leadership for health commissioning in the new NHS
Authors: Coleman Anna , Segar Julia , Checkland Kath , McDermott Imelda , Harrison Stephen , Peckham Stephen 
Published: February 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the early experiences of those involved with the development of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), examining how the aspiration towards a “clinically-led” system is being realised. The authors investigate emerging leadership approaches within CCGs in light of the criterion for authorisation that calls for “great leaders”.

Design/methodology/approach
– Qualitative research was carried out in eight case studies (CCGs) across England over a nine-month period (September 2011 to May 2012) when CCGs were in their early development. The authors conducted a mix of interviews (with GPs and managers), observations (at CCG meetings) and examined associated documentation. Data were thematically analysed.

Findings
– The authors found evidence of two identified approaches to leadership – positive deviancy and responsible guardianship – being undertaken by GPs and managers in the developing CCGs. Historical experiences and past ways of working appeared to be influencing current developments and a commonly emerging theme was a desire for the CCG to “do things differently” to the previous commissioning bodies. The authors discuss how the current reorganisation threatens the guardianship approach to leadership and question if the new systems being implemented to monitor CCGs’ performance may make it difficult for CCGs to retain creativity and innovation, and thus the ability to foster the positive deviant approach to leadership.

Originality/value
– This is a large scale piece of qualitative research carried out as CCGs were beginning to develop. It provides insight into how leadership is developing in CCGs highlighting the complexity involved in these roles.
Trust, but verify: fraud in small businesses
Authors: Kramer Bonita 
Published: February 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness about internal fraud in small businesses among small business owners, managers, and consultants.

Design/methodology/approach
– Recent statistics from international fraud surveys are presented, and the theory of why people commit fraud is described. The most common internal fraud schemes as identified in the international fraud surveys are explained, as well as some of the related red flags and preventative measures. Examples of actual internal frauds perpetrated in small businesses are discussed.

Findings
– This paper summarizes pertinent facts that repeatedly show small businesses are most vulnerable to fraud and suffer a disproportionate median loss when compared to larger businesses. External audits by Certified Public Accountants cannot be relied upon to detect fraud. Owners, managers, and advisors are strongly encouraged to have knowledge of how fraud can affect their organizations in order to prevent or detect fraud and avoid the devastating effect it can have on the small business’s viability.

Practical implications
– Fraud knowledge can help owners, managers, and advisors prevent small businesses from falling victim to fraud.

Originality/value
– This paper addresses a critical issue to small businesses, but has so far been largely neglected in the literature. While large financial statement frauds receive widespread publicity, they are relatively uncommon compared to asset misappropriation fraud schemes suffered by small businesses.
A cross-cultural comparison of online behavioural advertising knowledge, online privacy concerns and social networking using the technology acceptance model and social cognitive theory
Authors: Ratten Vanessa 
Published: February 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to cross-culturally compare how consumers in China and Australia adopt cloud computing services. Cloud computing is one of the major innovation advances in information technology. In order for more consumers to adopt cloud computing as a technological innovation, there needs to be a better understanding of the issues involved in consumer adoption processes for online retailers. While there is an increasing amount of interest in cloud computing as a technological innovation, there is an important need to examine the reasons why consumers purchase cloud computing services for online retailers.Design/methodology/approach– In this paper, the technology acceptance model and social cognitive theory are identified as the theoretical frameworks to understand the consumer purchase intention of cloud computing services. A set of research hypotheses are stated from both theoretical frameworks to test their relationship with a consumer’s intention to adopt cloud computing as a technological innovation. These hypotheses focus on perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, online behavioural advertising knowledge, social networks and online privacy concerns, which will help online retailers understand how cloud computing can be utilized by consumers to store and access online retail information.Findings– The findings of the study outline the different areas of technological innovation research that are needed to advance the information technology industry in the future. The findings suggest that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and online privacy concerns can determine a consumer’s intention to adopt cloud computing, but online behavioural advertising knowledge and social networks differ among consumers in different countries.Originality/value– The key issues influencing consumer adoption of cloud computing are outlined, which due to the emerging nature of this technological innovation will influence the regulation and marketing of cloud computing services by firms and governments in the technology sector.
Integrated reporting and assurance: where can research add value?
Authors: Simnett Roger , Huggins Anna Louise 
Published: February 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to provide insights into salient issues in the development of the Integrated Reporting (<IR>) Framework, and emerging issues in the implementation of this Framework, with the aim of identifying opportunities for future research. The International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) has recently produced a reporting framework for the preparation of a concise, user-oriented corporate report which expands the scope of a company’s reporting using a multiple capitals concept and requires a description of a company’s business model, allowing a better communication of its value creation proposition. To gain international acceptance, the market-based benefits of adopting the framework must be demonstrated.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper takes the form of an archival analysis of the responses to the IIRC’s public consultation phases, providing insights into arguments for and against salient aspects of the framework, and identifying issues that would benefit from future research.

Findings
– Identifying issues that arose during the framework preparation, this paper identifies a range of future research opportunities and outlines the research approaches by which academics can assess the costs and benefits of companies reporting in accordance with the <IR> Framework and assuring this information.

Research limitations/implications
– Research opportunities associated with the International <IR>) Framework and associated assurance are identified.

Practical implications
– This paper provides insights and details of the process of adoption of <IR> and has implications for adopters and assurance providers of integrated reports, standard setters and regulators. The development of a sophisticated business case informed by rigorous research will be critical to the further uptake of <IR>.

Social implications
– Research opportunities identified include the expansion of the <IR> Framework to reporting entities other than corporations, including government and not-for-profit organisations, as well as measurement and assurance of a broader array of capitals, including social capital.

Originality/value
– The paper identifies <IR> research opportunities from an archival analysis of the responses to the IIRC’s public consultation phases, providing insights into arguments for and against salient aspects of the framework that would benefit from future research.
Identification of Saliva Using MicroRNA Biomarkers for Forensic Purpose
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zhang Ji , Wei Wei , Zhou Di , Luo Haibo , Chen Xiaogang , Hou Yiping 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn the forensic science community, microRNA (miRNA) profiling has started to be explored as an alternative tool for body fluid identification. Several origins of body fluid can be distinguished by measuring differential expression patterns of particular miRNAs. However, most of reported saliva miRNAs are nonoverlapping and debatable. The aim of this study was to develop a strategy of identifying saliva using miRNA biomarkers for forensic purpose. Eight miRNA candidates were selected to examine expression abundance in forensically relevant body fluids using hydrolysis probes quantitative real‐time PCR (TaqMan qPCR). Results revealed that none of them was truly saliva specific, and only miR‐200c‐3p, miR‐203a, and miR‐205‐5p were higher or more moderate expression in saliva. A stepwise strategy that combines each of three miRNAs with different body fluid‐specific miRNAs was developed, and three miRNA combinations could effectively differentiate saliva from other body fluids.
Simulation as a high stakes assessment tool in emergency medicine
Authors: O'Leary Fenton 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) will introduce high stakes simulation‐based summative assessment in the form of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) into the Fellowship Examination from 2015. Miller's model emphasises that, no matter how realistic the simulation, it is still a simulation and examinees do not necessarily behave as in real life. OSCEs are suitable for assessing the CanMEDS domains of Medical Expert, Communicator, Collaborator and Manager. However, the need to validate the OSCE is emphasised by conflicting evidence on correlation with long‐term faculty assessments, between essential actions checklists and global assessment scores and variable interrater reliability within individual OSCE stations and for crisis resource management skills. Although OSCEs can be a valid, reliable and acceptable assessment tool, the onus is on the examining body to ensure construct validity and high interrater reliability.
Hibiscus sabdariffa Leaf Polyphenolic Extract Induces Human Melanoma Cell Death, Apoptosis, and Autophagy
Authors: Chiu Chun‐Tang , Hsuan Shu‐Wen , Lin Hui‐Hsuan , Hsu Cheng‐Chin , Chou Fen‐Pi , Chen Jing‐Hsien 
Published: February 2015

AbstractMelanoma is the least common but most fatal form of skin cancer. Previous studies have indicated that an aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaves possess hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effects. In this study, we want to investigate the anticancer activity of Hibiscus leaf polyphenolic (HLP) extract in melanoma cells. First, HLP was exhibited to be rich in epicatechin gallate (ECG) and other polyphenols. Apoptotic and autophagic activities of HLP and ECG were further evaluated by DAPI stain, cell‐cycle analysis, and acidic vascular organelle (AVO) stain. Our results revealed that both HLP and ECG induced the caspases cleavages, Bcl‐2 family proteins regulation, and Fas/FasL activation in A375 cells. In addition, we also revealed that the cells presented AVO‐positive after HLP treatments. HLP could increase the expressions of autophagy‐related proteins autophagy‐related gene 5 (ATG5), Beclin1, and light chain 3‐II (LC3‐II), and induce autophagic cell death in A375 cells. These data indicated that the anticancer effect of HLP, partly contributed by ECG, in A375 cells. HLP potentially could be developed as an antimelanoma agent.
Comparison of neonatal outcomes in women with gestational diabetes with moderate hyperglycaemia on metformin or glibenclamide – A randomised controlled trial
Authors: George Anne , Mathews Jiji E. , Sam Dibu , Beck Manisha , Benjamin Santosh J. , Abraham Anuja , Antonisamy Balevendra , Jana Atanu K. , Thomas Nihal 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundTwo oral hypoglycaemic agents, metformin and glibenclamide, have been compared with insulin in separate large randomised controlled trials and have been found to be as effective as insulin in gestational diabetes. However, very few trials have compared metformin with glibenclamide.Materials and MethodsOf 159 South Indian women with fasting glucose ≥5.5 mmol/l and ≤7.2 mmol/l and/or 2‐h post‐prandial value ≥6.7 mmol/l and ≤13.9 mmol/l after medical nutritional therapy consented to be randomised to receive either glibenclamide or metformin. 80 women received glibenclamide and 79 received metformin. Neonatal outcomes were assessed by neonatologists who were unaware that the mother was part of a study and were recorded by assessors blinded to the medication the mother was given. The primary outcome was a composite of neonatal outcomes namely macrosomia, hypoglycaemia, need for phototherapy, respiratory distress, stillbirth or neonatal death and birth trauma. Secondary outcomes were birthweight, maternal glycaemic control, pregnancy induced hypertension, preterm birth, need for induction of labour, mode of delivery and complications of delivery.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar but for the higher fasting triglyceride levels in women on metformin. The primary outcome was seen in 35% of the glibenclamide group and 18.9% of the metformin group [95% CI 16.1 (2.5, 29.7); P = 0.02]. The difference in outcome related to a higher rate of neonatal hypoglycaemia in the glibenclamide group (12.5%) versus none in the metformin group [95% CI 12.5(5.3, 19.7); P = 0.001]. Secondary outcomes in both groups were similar.ConclusionIn a south Indian population with gestational diabetes, metformin was associated with better neonatal outcomes than glibenclamide.
Who provides care for people dying of cancer? A comparison of a rural and metropolitan cohort in a South Australian bereaved population study
Authors: Burns Catherine M. , Dal Grande Eleonora , Tieman Jennifer , Abernethy Amy P. , Currow David C. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo examine and compare urban and rural palliative care service availability and patterns of care from randomised, population‐based surveys of caregivers of people at the end of life.Design, Setting & ParticipantsSurvey responses on the death of ‘someone close’ from 23,588 interviews of South Australians conducted between 2001 and 2007 are analysed.InterventionsA randomised population survey.Main Outcome MeasuresExplored palliative care service availability, caregiving provided, and characteristics of the deceased and their caregivers.ResultsThere was no difference in reported rates of accessing specialist palliative care services between rural and urban respondents (in unadjusted and adjusted analyses) nor did the proportion of people for whom cancer was their life‐limiting illness. There was greater reliance on friends than first degree relatives in hands‐on care provided at the end of life in rural settings. The rates of reported need for more support did not differ between urban and rural respondents for caregivers of people at the end of life.ConclusionUse of palliative care services was similar for rural and urban caregivers for someone close at the end of life with similar levels of met and unmet needs.
Assessment and diagnosis of suspected glaucoma in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis
Authors: Ashworth Jane , Flaherty Maree , Pitz Susanne , Ramlee Azura 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPurposeThe mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of rare lysosomal storage disorders, characterized by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans within multiple organ systems including the eye. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of glaucoma in patients with MPS, as well as the characteristics, diagnosis and management of patients with MPS and glaucoma.MethodsA multicentre retrospective case‐note review was carried out by ophthalmologists from four tertiary referral centres to identify patients with MPS who had been treated for glaucoma. Clinical ophthalmological data were collected using standardized data collection forms.ResultsFourteen patients were identified (27 eyes) of 294 patients with MPS. The prevalence of glaucoma ranged from 2.1% to 12.5%. The median age at diagnosis of glaucoma was 8 years. Diagnostic evaluation of glaucoma was incomplete in many patients: intraocular pressure was documented in all eyes, but optic disc appearance was only assessed in 67%, central corneal thickness in 26%, visual fields in 19% and iridocorneal angle in 15%.ConclusionsPatients with MPS need regular assessment for possible glaucoma including during childhood. Multiple factors contribute to the challenges of assessment, diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma in these patients.
Ethical, Legal, and Clinical Considerations when Disclosing a High‐Risk Syndrome for Psychosis
Authors: Mittal Vijay A. , Dean Derek J. , Mittal Jyoti , Saks Elyn R. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThere are complex considerations when planning to disclose an attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS) diagnosis. In this review, we evaluate ethical, legal, and clinical perspectives as well as caveats related to full, non‐ and partial disclosure strategies, discuss societal implications, and provide clinical suggestions. Each of the disclosure strategies is associated with benefits as well as costs/considerations. Full disclosure promotes autonomy, allows for the clearest psychoeducation about additional risk factors, helps to clarify and/or correct previous diagnoses/treatments, facilitates early intervention and bolsters communication between providers but there are important considerations involving heritability, comorbidity, culture, and stigma. Non‐disclosure advances nonmaleficence by limiting stigma and stress (which may inadvertently exacerbate the condition), and confusion (related to the rapidly evolving diagnosis) in a sensitive developmental period but is complicated by varying patient preferences and the possibility that, as new treatments without adverse effects become available, the risk with false positives no longer justifies the accompanying loss of autonomy. Partial disclosure balances ethical considerations by focusing on symptoms instead of labels, but evidence that laypersons may interpret this information as a pseudo‐diagnosis and that symptoms alone also contribute to stigma limits the efficacy of this approach. In addition, there are notable societal considerations relating to disclosure involving conservatorship, the reach of insurance companies, and discrimination. We advocate a hybrid approach to disclosure and recommend future research aimed at understanding the effects of stigma on clinical course and a renewed focus on those help‐seeking cases that do not transition but remain clinically relevant.
Does pressing a button make it easier to pass an exam? Evaluating the effectiveness of interactive technologies in higher education
Authors: Castillo‐Manzano Jose I. , Castro‐Nuño Mercedes , Sanz Díaz María Teresa , Yñiguez Rocio 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe aim of this paper was to evaluate how audience response system (ARS) technology may increase improvements in academic performance in higher education, using the first year of the Administration and Business Management degree course at the University of Seville (Spain) as a case study. The experiment assesses whether the use of ARSs increases the likelihood that students will pass the final examinations in the subject of Principles of Economics. An econometric model is applied to a sample of 119 students in an intervention group, with a control group of 322. The statistically significant results show that at the very least, ARSs improve performance in the theoretical examination, albeit with certain limitations. It is concluded that ARSs should be used frequently to optimize outcomes, not just as a sporadic event during the course.