bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative Mean Arterial Pressure Variability and 30-day Mortality in Patients Having Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Mascha Edward J. , Yang Dongsheng , Weiss Stephanie , Sessler Daniel I. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAbstract
Average mean arterial pressure and mean pressure variability were nonlinearly related to 30-day mortality in noncardiac surgical patients. After adjusting for time-weighted average mean arterial pressure and other important covariables, low blood pressure variability as measured by an improved formula was still associated with higher 30-day mortality, but the differences were not clinically important. Anesthesiologists might thus pay more attention to overall trends in the mean blood pressure for a case than in the minute-to-minute variation.

Background:
Little is known about the relationship between intraoperative blood pressure variability and mortality after noncardiac surgery. Therefore, the authors tested the hypothesis that blood pressure variability, independent from absolute blood pressure, is associated with increased 30-day mortality.

Methods:
Baseline and intraoperative variables plus 30-day mortality were obtained for 104,401 adults having noncardiac surgery lasting 60 min or longer. In confounder-adjusted models, the authors evaluated the associations between 30-day mortality and both time-weighted average intraoperative mean arterial pressure (TWA-MAP) and measures of intraoperative MAP variability—including generalized average real variability of MAP (ARV-MAP) and SD of MAP (SD-MAP).

Results:
Mean ± SD TWA-MAP was 84 ± 10 mmHg, and ARV-MAP was 2.5 ± 1.3 mmHg/min. TWA-MAP was strongly related to 30-day mortality, which more than tripled as TWA-MAP decreased from 80 to 50 mmHg. ARV-MAP was only marginally related to 30-day mortality (P = 0.033) after adjusting for TWA-MAP. Compared with median ARV-MAP, odds ratio (95% CI) for 30-day mortality was 1.14 (1.03 to 1.25) for low ARV-MAP (first quartile) and 0.94 (0.88 to 0.99) for high ARV-MAP (third quartile). Odds of 30-day mortality decreased as five-level categorized ARV-MAP increased (0.92; 0.87 to 0.99 for one category increase; P = 0.015). Secondarily, cumulative duration of MAP less than 50, 55, 60, 70, and 80 mmHg was associated with increased odds of 30-day mortality (all P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
Although lower mean arterial pressure is strongly associated with mortality, lower intraoperative blood pressure variability per se is only mildly associated with postoperative mortality after noncardiac surgery.
Selection for Intermediate Genotypes Enables a Key Innovation in Phage Lambda
Authors: Burmeister Alita R. , Lenski Richard E. , Meyer Justin R. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe evolution of qualitatively new functions is fundamental for shaping the diversity of life. Such innovations are rare because they require multiple coordinated changes. We sought to understand the evolutionary processes involved in a particular key innovation, whereby phage λ evolved the ability to exploit a novel receptor, OmpF, on the surface ofEscherichia colicells. Previous work has shown that this transition repeatedly evolves in the laboratory, despite requiring four mutations in specific regions of a single gene. Here we examine how this innovation evolved by studying six intermediate genotypes that arose during independent transitions to use OmpF. In particular, we tested whether these genotypes were favored by selection, and how a coevolved change in the hosts influenced the fitness of the phage genotypes. To do so, we measured the fitness of the intermediate types relative to the ancestral λ when competing for either ancestral or coevolved host cells. All six intermediates had improved fitness on at least one host, and four had higher fitness on the coevolved host than on the ancestral host. These results show that the evolution of the phage’s new ability to use OmpF was repeatable because the intermediate genotypes were adaptive and, in many cases, because coevolution of the host favored their emergence.
Design of interactive conjoint analysis Web-based system
Authors: Castel Dennis , Tsuji Hiroshi 
Published: April 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to presents an interactive conjoint analysis Web-based system that allows the problems of traditional conjoint analysis to be avoided.In the case of a product with lot of parameters, respondents’ tacit preferences may be difficult to understand for marketing analysis. To get a precise analysis, respondents must be allowed to reconsider and correct by themselves their evaluations with an adapted tool.Design/methodology/approach– This system also helps respondents to easily evaluate complex product profiles and to be involved in the evaluation process, which also leads to the creation of new knowledge for product design. As this system is designed for marketers and for respondents, this paper also presents the case of a product evaluation with attributes selectable by respondents.Findings– This paper is based on empirical experiment to obtain an efficient design of our system. The authors propose different evaluation scenario to usersto decide the design of our system. The authors want to include users in our evaluation process; however, we found that too much liberty for users can interfere with our objective.Originality/value– This paper present the design of our original system allowing to perform interactive conjoint analysis.
The effectiveness of fraud detection instruments in not-for-profit organizations
Authors: Kummer Tyge-F. , Singh Kishore , Best Peter 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of fraud detection instruments in not-for-profit (NFP) organizations. Not-for-profit organizations rely on trust and volunteer support. They are often small in size and do not have relevant expertise to prevent fraud. Such organizations are more vulnerable to fraud and, consequently, require effective fraud detection instruments. The existing literature on fraud detection is primarily descriptive and does not measure instrument performance. The authors address this research gap and provide a detailed overview of the impact of nine common fraud detection instruments.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data were obtained from an NFP fraud survey conducted in Australia and New Zealand. A set of contingency tables is produced to explore the relationship between the existence of a specific fraud detection instrument and actual detection of fraud. We also investigate the relationship between organization size and fraud detection strategy.

Findings
– The findings provide valuable insights into understanding fraud detection mechanisms. Although most fraud detection measures may not lead to more fraud detection, three highly effective instruments emerge, namely, fraud control policies, whistle-blower policies and fraud risk registers. The results also reveal that commonly used fraud detection instruments are not necessarily the most effective. This is true in a significant number of small organizations that appear to be focusing on ineffective fraud detection instruments.

Practical implications
– Implementation of more effective fraud detection measures will reduce the damage caused to an organization and is highly relevant for practitioners.

Originality/value
– The results show that differences in the effectiveness of fraud detection instruments in the NFP sector exist. This knowledge is directly applicable by related organizations to reduce fraud damage.
MEMS SPDT microswitch with low actuation voltage for RF applications
Authors: Samaali Hatem , Najar Fehmi , Ouni Bouraoui , Choura Slim 
Published: April 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to propose a novel design of an ohmic contact single-pole double-throw (SPDT) microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microswitch for radio frequency applications.Design/methodology/approach– The proposed microswitch (SPDT design) shares antenna between transmitter and receiver in a wireless sensor. An electrical voltage is used to create an electrostatic force that controls the ON/OFF states of the microswitch. First, the authors develop a mathematical model of the proposed microswitch and propose a reduced-order model of the design, based on the differential quadrature method, which fully incorporates the electrostatic force nonlinearities. The authors solve the static, transient and dynamic behavior and compare the results with finite element solutions. Then, the authors examine the dynamic solution of the switch under different actuation waveforms.Findings– The obtained results showed a significant reduction in actuation voltage, pull-in bandwidth and switching time.Originality/value– In this paper, a new design of SPDT MEMS switch is proposed, the SPDT switch needs low voltage to be actuated and it can be easily integrated with integrated circuits.
Child maltreatment: how can friends contribute to safety?
Authors: Allnock Debra Sue 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a study of support received by 60 young adults who experienced sexual, physical or emotional abuse and neglect in childhood. It is focussed on the support provided by friends in particular, and draws out relevant learning for child sexual exploitation (CSE).

Design/methodology/approach
– In all, 60 young people completed a questionnaire, complemented by a two hour follow-up interview to explore experiences of formal and informal support in disclosing abuse. In total, 13 young people were recruited on the basis of their prior participation in a larger, associated study of child abuse and neglect, with the remainder recruited via open invitation.

Findings
– There is rich information in the interviews about the ways that friends provided support to participants. Friends provided practical, moral and emotional support. They intervened to keep their friends safe. They offered emotional “escape” and a conduit to adults who could help keep them safe. Importantly, friends recognised that participants were in distress even when they did not know the participants were being abused.

Practical implications
– The results highlight that friends have a crucial role to play in helping children to keep safe and to feel safe, provided that they are equipped with information and knowledge of how to respond and where to seek help.

Originality/value
– The paper is original in considering the role of friends within a community safety framework. In addition, the study sample is larger than other studies of its kind, and considers a wider variety of child maltreatment experiences than previous studies, making clear links to CSE.
Understanding children’s non-disclosure of child sexual assault: implications for assisting parents and teachers to become effective guardians
Authors: Wager Nadia Marie 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine adult survivors’ of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) retrospective reflections on their motives for not disclosing their abuse. The aim was to identify factors that might facilitate early disclosure in order to both enhance the future safety of young people who have experienced sexual victimisation and to offer a means of reducing the numbers of future victims.Design/methodology/approach– This was a retrospective web-based, mixed-methods survey which was completed by 183 adult survivors of CSA. The data presented here is in relation to answers offered in response to an open-ended question which were thematically analysed.Findings– In all, 75 per cent of the survivors of CSA indicated that they had not told anyone of the abuse whilst they were a child. Analysis of the responses revealed five barriers to disclosure which included: a lack of opportunity, normality/ambiguity of the situation, embarrassment, concern for others and a sense of hopelessness. Additionally, some respondents highlighted implicit attempts to disclose and others reported later regret over non-disclosure.Practical implications– A timely disclosure of CSA, which is appropriately responded to, has the potential to reduce the risk for subsequent sexual exploitation/revictimisation, and to foreshorten the predations of offenders. To achieve this, responsible and trusted adults in the lives of children need to learn how to invite a genuine disclosure of CSA.Originality/value– This paper offers practical suggestions for parents and teachers on what signs indicate that an invitation might be warranted and for creating the right context for their invitation to be accepted.
Effect of topical vitamin D on chronic kidney disease‐associated pruritus: An open‐label pilot study
Authors: Jung Kyung Eun , Woo Yu Ri , Lee Joong Sun , Shin Jong Ho , Jeong Jin Uk , Koo Dae Won , Bang Ki Tae 
Published: April 2015

AbstractChronic kidney disease‐associated pruritus (CKD‐aP) is a troublesome symptom in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Recently, vitamin D deficiency has been known to be one of the possible etiologic factors in CKD‐aP. However, limited data is available on whether topical vitamin D treatment is effective for relieving CKD‐aP. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of topically vitamin D for CKD‐aP. Twenty‐three patients with CKD‐aP were enrolled in a single center, open‐label study. Patients were instructed to apply a topical vitamin D (calcipotriol) agent (Daivonex solution; LEO Pharma) or vehicle solution twice daily for a month. We assessed the efficacy and safety of topical vitamin D on CKD‐aP using clinical and dermoscopic photographs, and questionnaires including the validated modified pruritus assessment score (VMPAS) and visual analog scale (VAS) every 2 weeks. Dry dermoscopic findings showed significant improvement of scale (dryness) on the skin of topical vitamin D‐treated patients compared with those of the vehicle group. Both VMPAS and VAS were significantly decreased after 2 and 4 weeks of the topical vitamin D treatment compared with the vehicle, respectively (P < 0.05). No significant side‐effects were observed. Topical vitamin D may be one of the safe and effective therapeutic candidates for CKD‐aP.
Monitoring Technology for Gamma‐Aminobutyric acid Production in Polished Mochi Barley Grains using a Carbon Dioxide Sensor
Authors: Watanabe Yasuo , Kawata Kohki , Watanabe Seiya 
Published: April 2015

AbstractGamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) has many biological functions, including the inhibition of blood pressure increases and acceleration of growth hormone secretion. In this study, we discovered the utility of measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolved in the reaction solution, for development of a real‐time and convenient technique to estimate GABA production. In addition to mochi barley bran, we examined the polished grains of three species: mochi barley (a variant of hulless barley), barley, and Japanese millet, all soaked in l‐glutamic acid (l‐Glu) solution at pH 4.5. We found a positive correlation between GABA and CO2 concentrations, and the production of CO2 was suppressed in the absence of l‐Glu at pH 4.5. These results suggest that GABA content can be easily predicted by measuring the aqueous CO2 content using a CO2 sensor, during the process of GABA production in polished mochi barley grains and bran.
A safer alternative: Cannabis substitution as harm reduction
Authors: Lau Nicholas , Sales Paloma , Averill Sheigla , Murphy Fiona , Sato Sye‐Ok , Murphy Sheigla 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntroduction and AimsSubstitution is operationalised as a conscious choice made by users to use one drug instead of, or in conjunction with another based on: perceived safety, level of addiction potential, effectiveness in relieving symptoms, access and level of acceptance. Harm reduction is a set of strategies that aim to minimise problems associated with drug use while recognising that for some users, abstinence may be neither a realistic nor a desirable goal. In this paper, we aim for deeper understandings of older adult cannabis users' beliefs and substitution practices as part of the harm reduction framework.Design and MethodsWe present selected findings from our qualitative study of Baby Boomer (born 1946–1964) marijuana users in the San Francisco Bay Area. Although the sample consisted of primary cannabis users, many had personal experience with other drugs throughout their lifetimes. Data collection consisted of an audio‐recorded, semi‐structured in‐depth life history interview followed by a questionnaire and health survey. Qualitative interviews were analysed to discover users' harm reduction beliefs and cannabis substitution practices.ResultsStudy participants described using cannabis as a safer alternative for alcohol, illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals based on their perceptions of less adverse side effects, low‐risk for addiction and greater effectiveness at relieving symptoms, such as chronic pain.Discussion and ConclusionsCannabis substitution can be an effective harm reduction method for those who are unable or unwilling to stop using drugs completely. More research is needed on cannabis as a safer alternative. [Lau N, Sales P, Averill S, Murphy F, Sato S, Murphy S. A safer alternative: Cannabis substitution as harm reduction. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:654–659]
Initial preference for plant species and state during oviposition site selection by an odonate
Authors: Lambret Philippe , Besnard Aurélien , Matushkina Natalia 
Published: May 2015

AbstractEndophytic egg‐laying odonates use an ovipositor to insert their eggs inside plant tissues. Before egg deposition, oviposition site selection consists of two crucial steps: (i) the initial choice, typically decided in species that oviposit in tandem within vertical substrates by the male when landing and then by the female by staying on the substrate or flying to another; and (ii) the insertion site choice, made by the female who uses her ovipositor to palpate the substrate. Some odonates prefer to deposit their eggs within specific plant species. Some are able to discriminate between living and dead substrates during the initial choice. However, the extent to which odonates discriminate among distinct plant species during the initial choice is unknown. We studied the initial site preference in Lestes macrostigma (Odonata: Lestidae) to determine whether the males and/or females show a distinct preference among five types of shoots when landing on or when palpating the substrate, respectively. Male L. macrostigma preferred to land on Bolboschoenus maritimus and dead Juncus spp. When focusing on J. maritimus, females preferentially palpated the substrate when the male landed on dead shoots. We suggest that the male preference for these substrates is consistent with that of the female during insertion site choice but also during egg deposition. Such behavior should reduce the duration of oviposition, with benefits of reducing the predation risk and increasing available time for foraging. The advantage in preferring these substrates should be linked to a selection pressure acting on egg development and/or survival.
Out‐of‐pocket health expenditure for poor and non‐poor older adults inColombia: composition and trends
Authors: Prada Sergio I. , Duarte Jorge L. , Guerrero Ramiro 
Published: April 2015

AbstractColombia is a middle income country with a growing older adult population and the only country in Central and South America with Universal Health coverage insurance. The purpose of this article is twofold. First, it describes a simple methodology to estimate Out‐of‐Pocket (OOP) health spending by line items using the Colombian Living Standard Measurement Survey (LSMS). Second, it describes the composition of such spending and shows recent trends in OOP health expenditures between poor and non‐poor older adults using three waves of the same survey. Annual OOP on health spending, as percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), was 2.87, 2.59 and 2.33% for those years respectively. Personal hygiene represents the largest line item, followed by over‐the‐counter (OTC) drugs, dentistry services and transportation to the point of care. At the per‐capita level, OOP spending on health care for older adults is also low, representing 3% of the legal monthly minimum wage for poor older adults and 9% for non‐poor older adults. Nonetheless, a look at the composition of the OOP reveals that older adults are at a disadvantage due to the fact that OTC drugs represent the biggest share of their spending, 44% for the poor and 31% for the non‐poor.
Frequency of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) invasion in transected SCC in situ referred for Mohs surgery: the Dartmouth−Hitchcock experience
Authors: Knackstedt Thomas J. , Brennick Jeoffry B. , Perry Ann E. , Li Zhongze , Quatrano Nicola A. , Samie Faramarz H. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundSquamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ may be transected in a superficial biopsy, which makes it difficult to distinguish between in situ and invasive carcinoma. This study investigated the frequency of invasive SCC in transected SCC in situ referred for Mohs surgery.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed to identify subjects with biopsy‐proven, transected SCC in situ referred for Mohs surgery. The incidence of invasion, histologic variables, preoperative and intraoperative correlations, and clinical factors were determined and recorded.ResultsOf 51 cases identified, five (9.8%) were found to harbor invasive SCC, 15 (29.4%) showed SCC in situ, and 28 (54.9%) showed evidence of scarring, inflammation, or actinic keratosis at the prior biopsy site. Invasive lesions required significantly more stages of Mohs surgery to obtain tumor clearance but were similar with regard to patient age, symptoms, and family and personal histories of skin cancer. Preoperative lesion size and duration were greater in invasive cases, but these differences did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionsA small number of transected SCCs in situ, to which the caveat “invasion cannot be ruled out” can be applied, have an invasive component that is identified during Mohs surgery. Definitive treatment choices should depend on the physician's impression, the clinical characteristics of the lesion, tumor location, patient comorbidities, and patient desires.