bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatric firearm incidents: It is time to decrease on-scene mortality
Authors: Friedman Jessica , Hoof Marcus , Smith Alison , Tatum Danielle , Ibraheem Kareem , Guidry Chrissy , Schroll Rebecca , Duchesne Juan , McGrew Patrick
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Previous epidemiological studies on pediatric firearm mortality have focused on overall mortality rather than on-scene mortality. Despite advances in trauma care, the number of potentially preventable deaths remains high. This study used the National Emergency Medical Services Information Systems database to characterize patterns of on-scene mortality in order to identify patients who may benefit from changes to prehospital care practices.

METHODS

National Emergency Medical Services Information Systems database was searched for all pediatric firearm incidents from 2010 to 2015. Data on demographics, anatomic location of injury, intent and location of incident, and on-scene mortality were analyzed using Student’s t test for continuous variables and χ2 test for categorical variables. A linear regression model was used to calculate independent predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

Sixteen thousand eight hundred eight patients were identified, with a mortality rate of 6.1%. Most mortalities suffered cardiac arrest on-scene; 72.6% of these were prior to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrival, which carried a significantly higher mortality rate than arrest after EMS arrival. No difference was seen in anatomic location of injury in those who arrested before and after EMS arrival. Compressible injuries were most common with the lowest mortality. Noncompressible injuries together accounted for 25.8% of injuries and 23.5% of mortalities.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the largest study of on-scene mortality in pediatric firearm injury. Cardiac arrest prior to EMS arrival was a considerable source of on-scene mortality; significantly more of these patients died than those who arrested after EMS arrival. The mortality of compressible injuries was very low, implying that use of compression and tourniquets have been effective in stopping life-threatening extremity bleeding. Noncompressible injury mortality could be decreased with education of bystanders and more aggressive on-scene intervention. Through the evaluation of on-scene mortality specifically, this study offers insight into potential areas of focus to improve prehospital care of pediatric gunshot victims.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care management, level IV.
American firearm homicides: The impact of your neighbors
Authors: Olson Erik J. , Hoofnagle Mark , Kaufman Elinore J. , Schwab Charles William , Reilly Patrick M. , Seamon Mark J.
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Restrictive firearm legislation has correlated with decreased overall firearm fatality rates, but not with firearm-related homicide or firearm mortality among Black Americans. We hypothesized that firearm trafficking from states with less restrictive firearm legislation to neighboring states with more restrictive firearm legislation increases firearm homicide rates in those restrictive states.

METHODS

For years 2011–2015, state firearm legislation Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence scorecards were analyzed in relation to firearms traced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Center for Disease Control and Prevention firearm mortality rates. States were ranked by Brady score and arranged by quintile to establish the Standardized Brady Score. The effect of less-restrictive neighboring states on the 10 most-restrictive firearm legislation states was modeled by averaging the 10 most-restrictive states with their bordering states to create a Border Adjustment Score. Firearm fatality rates were calculated for each quintile and Poisson regression models were created for each score and outcome. Model fit was compared using Akaike Information Criterion (AIC).

RESULTS

There were 169,396 firearm fatalities including 57,885 firearm homicides. Comparing top and bottom quintile firearm legislation states, 65% vs. 44% of firearms traced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives originated in other states respectively. The Border Adjustment Score generated a more linear relationship than the Standardized Brady Score for all firearm fatality categories as firearm legislation scores decreased. The Border Adjustment Score minimized the AIC with respect to the Standardized Brady Score for black (AIC, 4443 vs. 4680) and white firearm homicide rates (3243 vs. 4319), indicating improved model fit after adjustment for neighboring state firearm legislation.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that firearm movement across states plays an important role in firearm homicides. Accounting for firearm legislation in both individual and neighboring states may improve our understanding of the relationship between firearm legislation and homicide.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and epidemiological study, level IV.
Life after 90: Predictors of mortality and performance of the ACS-NSQIP risk calculator in 4,724 nonagenarian patients undergoing emergency general surgery
Authors: Kongwibulwut Manasnun , Chiang Kevin , Lee Jae Moo , Eid Ahmed I. , Kongkaewpaisan Napaporn , Han Kelsey , Nordestgaard Ask Tybjærg , King David , Saillant Noelle , Mendoza April E. , Velmahos George , Kaafarani Haytham M.A.
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

The decision to emergently operate on nonagenarian patients (NONAs) can be complex due to the uncertainty about outcomes and goals of care at this advanced age. We sought to study: (1) the outcomes and predictors of mortality for NONAs undergoing emergency general surgery (EGS) and (2) the accuracy of ACS-NSQIP mortality risk calculator in this special population.

METHODS

Using the 2007 to 2015 ACS-NSQIP database, we included all patients older than 90 years of age who underwent an emergent operation with a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for “digestive system.” Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of 30-day mortality. NONAs' mortality rates for different combinations of risk factors were also studied and compared to the ACS-NSQIP calculator-predicted mortality rates.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 4,456,809 patients, 4,724 NONAs were included. The overall 30-day patient mortality and morbidity rates were 21% and 45%, respectively. In multivariable analyses, several independent predictors of 30-day mortality were identified, including recent history of weight loss, history of steroid use, smoking, functional dependence, hypoalbuminemia and sepsis or septic shock. The mortality among NONAs with a history of steroid use and a recent history of weight loss was 100%. Similarly, the mortality of NONAs with recent history of weight loss who presented with preoperative septic shock was 93%. The ACS-NSQIP calculator significantly and consistently underestimated the risk of mortality in all NONAs undergoing EGS.

CONCLUSION

Most NONAs undergoing EGS survive the hospital stay and the first 30 postoperative days, even in the presence of significant preexisting comorbidities. However, the combination of recent weight loss with either steroid use or septic shock nearly ensures mortality and should be used in the discussions with patients and families before a decision to operate is made. The ACS-NSQIP surgical risk calculator should be used with caution in these high-risk patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic study, level III.
Structural features underlying recognition and translocation of extracellular polysaccharides
Authors: Zimmer Jochen
Published: February 2019

Essentially all living systems produce complex carbohydrates as an energy source, structural component, protective coat or adhesive for cell attachment. Many polysaccharides are displayed on the cell surface or are threaded through proteinaceous tunnels for degradation. Dictated by their chemical composition and mode of polymerization, the physical properties of complex carbohydrates differ substantially, from amphipathic water-insoluble polymers to highly hydrated hydrogel-forming macromolecules. Accordingly, diverse recognition and translocation mechanisms evolved to transport polysaccharides to their final destinations. This review will summarize and compare diverse polysaccharide transport mechanisms implicated in the biosynthesis and degradation of cell surface polymers in pro- and eukaryotes.
Reclassification of Eubacterium hallii as Anaerobutyricum hallii gen. nov., comb. nov., and description of Anaerobutyricum soehngenii sp. nov., a butyrate and propionate-producing bacterium from infant faeces
Authors: Shetty Sudarshan A. , Zuffa Simone , Bui Thi Phuong Nam , Aalvink Steven , Smidt Hauke , De Vos Willem M.
Published: February 2019

A bacterial strain designated L2-7T, phylogenetically related to

Eubacterium hallii

DSM 3353T, was previously isolated from infant faeces. The complete genome of strain L2-7T contains eight copies of the 16S rRNA gene with only 98.0–98.5 % similarity to the 16S rRNA gene of the previously described type strain

E. hallii

. The next closest validly described species is

Anaerostipes hadrus

DSM 3319T (90.7 % 16S rRNA gene similarity). A polyphasic taxonomic approach showed strain L2-7T to be a novel species, related to type strain

E. hallii

DSM 3353T. The experimentally observed DNA–DNA hybridization value between strain L2-7T and

E. hallii

DSM 3353T was 26.25 %, close to that calculated from the genomes (34.3 %). The G+C content of the chromosomal DNA of strain L2-7T was 38.6 mol%. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C16 : 1
cis9 and a component with summed feature 10 (C18 : 1c11/t9/t6c). Strain L2-7T had higher amounts of C16 : 0 (30.6 %) compared to

E. hallii

DSM 3353T (19.5 %) and its membrane contained phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine, which were not detected in

E. hallii

DSM 3353T. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis advocates that

E. hallii

DSM 3353T is misclassified, and its reclassification as a member of the family

Lachnospiraceae

is necessary. Using a polyphasic approach, we propose that

E. hallii

(=DSM 3353T=ATCC 27751T) be reclassified as the type strain of a novel genus Anaerobutyricum sp. nov., comb. nov. and we propose that strain L2-7T should be classified as a novel species, Anaerobutyricum soehngenii sp. nov. The type strain is L2-7T (=DSM 17630T=KCTC 15707T).
Victoriomyces antarcticus gen. nov., sp. nov., a distinct evolutionary lineage of the Cephalothecaceae (Ascomycota) based on sequence-based phylogeny and morphology
Authors: Davolos Domenico , Pietrangeli Biancamaria , Persiani Anna Maria , Maggi Oriana
Published: February 2019

In this study, we propose a new genus, Victoriomyces, with a new species, Victoriomyces antarcticus, isolated from soil samples collected in Victoria Land, Antarctica. To determine its taxonomic status and evolutionary relationships, phylogenetic analysis was performed on DNA sequences from the nuclear 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) genes. Victoriomyces antarcticus constitutes one well-supported distinct lineage within the Cephalothecaceae (family incertae sedis in Sordariomycetes), in which the only recognised asexual morphs belong to the genus Phialemonium and to Acremonium thermophilum. Victoriomyces antarcticus can be clearly distinguished from these taxa by means of DNA sequence analysis and its morphological traits that consist in having a Metarhizium-like asexual morph, dark red-coloured disk-like structures, immature bodies and the production of an intense red pigment in the growth media. Finally, we inferred the divergence time of V. antarcticus and the Cephalothecaceae using Bayesian analysis and secondary calibration. The holotype of V. antarcticus is FBL 165. The ex-type strain has been deposited as MUT 3686T and CCF 6158T. An additional strain of the species is FBL 577. The MycoBank number is MB 823713 for the genus and MB 823714 for the species.
Isolation of Full Size BAC Inserts by DNA Gap Repair inE. coli
Authors: Lyozin George T. , Brunelli Luca
Published: February 2019

DNA polymers can comprise millions of base pairs and encode thousands of structural and regulatory genetic elements. Thus, the precise isolation of specific DNA segments is required for accurate gene dissection. Although polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a standard tool for this purpose, increasing DNA template size leads to the accumulation of polymerase errors, hindering the precise isolation of large-size DNA fragments. Unlike PCR amplification, DNA gap repair (DGR) is a virtually error-free process. However, the maximal size of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) insert isolated so far by recombination-mediated genetic engineering (recombineering) is <90 Kilobase pairs (Kbp) in length. Here, we developed a compact bacteriophage P1 artificial chromosome (PAC) vector, and we used it to retrieve a DNA segment of 203 Kbp in length from a human BAC by DGR inEscherichia coli(E. coli). We analyzed the efficiency of DGR with repressed (recombineering-) and derepressed lambda phageredgenes (recombineering+). We showed that both DGR efficiency and the percentage of PAC clones containing the expected 203 Kbp BAC insert improved with increasing size of homology arms. In recombineering+E. colicells and with an efficiency of electroporation of 8×109/1µg pUC plasmid DNA, DGR efficiency and the percentage of correct PAC clones were about 5×10-6and 1% for 30 bp; 6×10-6and 30% for 40 bp; and 1.5×10-5and 80% for 80 bp homology arms, respectively. These data show that using long homology arms and a newly developed vector, we isolated for the first time nearly a full size BAC insert with a frequency of correct clones not previously reported.
Novel Algorithms for the Taxonomic Classification of Metagenomic Linked-Reads
Authors: Danko David C. , Meleshko Dmitry , Bezdan Daniela , Mason Christopher , Hajirasouliha Iman
Published: February 2019

We present KrakenLinked, a metagenomic read classifier for Linked-Reads. We have formulated two algorithms for read classification of metagenomic samples using linked reads: tree pruning and taxa promotion. Tree pruning improves specificity while taxa promotion improves sensitivity. Used together the algorithms improve taxonomic classification of linked-reads compared to short reads, particularly reducing false identification of taxa. We have implemented these algorithms as functions in KrakenUniq which we make available as KrakenLinked.
CT dosimetry at the Australian Synchrotron for 25–100 keV photons and 35–160 mm-diameter biological specimens
Authors: Midgley Stewart , Schleich Nanette , Merchant Alex , Stevenson Andrew
Published: February 2019

The dose length product (DLP) method for medical computed tomography (CT) dosimetry is applied on the Australian Synchrotron Imaging and Medical Beamline (IMBL). Beam quality is assessed from copper transmission measurements using image receptors, finding near 100% (20 keV), 3.3% (25 keV) and 0.5% (30–40 keV) relative contributions from third-harmonic radiation. The flat-panel-array medical image receptor is found to have a non-linear dose response curve. The amount of radiation delivered during an axial CT scan is measured as the dose in air alone, and inside cylindrical PMMA phantoms with diameters 35–160 mm for mono-energetic radiation 25–100 keV. The radiation output rate for the IMBL is comparable with that used for medical CT. Results are presented as the ratios of CT dose indices (CTDI) inside phantoms to in air with no phantom. Ratios are compared for the IMBL against medical CT where bow-tie filters shape the beam profile to reduce the absorbed dose to surface organs. CTDI ratios scale measurements in air to estimate the volumetric CTDI representing the average dose per unit length, and the dose length product representing the absorbed dose to the scanned volume. Medical CT dose calculators use the DLP, beam quality, axial collimation and helical pitch to estimate organ doses and the effective dose. The effective dose per unit DLP for medical CT is presented as a function of body region, beam energy and sample sizes from neonate to adult.
Spin flight mode identification with OEEMD algorithm
Authors: Mokhtari S. Abolfazl , Sabzehparvar Mehdi
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The paper aims to present an innovative method for identification of flight modes in the spin maneuver, which is highly nonlinear and coupled dynamic.

Design/methodology/approach

To fix the mode mixing problem which is mostly happen in the EMD algorithm, the authors focused on the proposal of an optimized ensemble empirical mode decomposition (OEEMD) algorithm for processing of the flight complex signals that originate from FDR. There are two improvements with the OEEMD respect to the EEMD. First, this algorithm is able to make a precise reconstruction of the original signal. The second improvement is that the OEEMD performs the task of signal decomposition with fewer iterations and so with less complexity order rather than the competitor approaches.

Findings

By applying the OEEMD algorithm to the spin flight parameter signals, flight modes extracted, then with using systematic technique, flight modes characteristics are obtained. The results indicate that there are some non-standard modes in the nonlinear region due to couplings between the longitudinal and lateral motions.

Practical implications

Application of the proposed method to the spin flight test data may result accurate identification of nonlinear dynamics with high coupling in this regime.

Originality/value

First, to fix the mode mixing problem in EMD, an optimized ensemble empirical mode decomposition algorithm is introduced, which disturbed the original signal with a sort of white Gaussian noise, and by using white noise statistical characteristics the OEEMD fix the mode mixing problem with high precision and fewer calculations. Second, by applying the OEEMD to the flight output signals and with using the systematic method, flight mode characteristics which is very important in the simulation and controller designing are obtained.
Human capital: the link between leadership and organizational learning
Authors: Pasamar Susana , Diaz-Fernandez Mirta , de la Rosa-Navarro Ma Dolores
Published: February 2019

Purpose

There is some research showing that leadership behaviors could be important antecedents to learning, but knowledge is scarce on the impact of which leadership styles support exploitative and explorative learning. The purpose of this paper is to hypothesize that transformational leadership – more concerned with innovation – will encourage generalist human capital (HC), while transactional leadership – more focused on the efficiency of existing operations – will promote specialist HC.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses, the authors adopt a structural ambidexterity approach as the authors consider that organizations need units working on both types of learning.

Findings

The results show the versatile role of transformational leaders, who are able to promote both types of HC and, in turn, both types of organizational learning. The authors have also found that marketing departments are more willing to explore than production departments.

Originality/value

This study highlights the relevance of considering the department as a unit of analysis (structural ambidexterity approach), the significant role of transformational leaders in organizational learning and the mediating role of HC.
Establishing a hospital healthcare team in a District General Hospital – transforming a model into a reality
Authors: Glennerster Rose Isabella , Sales Katie
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The authors’ interest in the discharge of patients with no fixed abode (NFA) arose through repeatedly seeing patients discharged back to the streets. In 2017, the Royal United Hospital (RUH) treated 155 separate individuals with NFA, making up 194 admissions. Given these numbers, the best practice according to Inclusion Health’s tiered approach to secondary care services suggests that the hospital should be providing a dedicated housing officer and a coordinated discharge pathway. As this is currently lacking, the purpose of this paper is to establish a Homeless Healthcare Team (HHT) and design a hospital protocol for the discharge of NFA patients with strong links into community support.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review identified six elements that make up a successful HHT, which has provided the structure for the implementation of the authors’ model at the RUH.

Findings

Along the way, the authors have faced a number of challenges whilst attempting to transform the model into a reality, including: securing funding; allocating responsibility; balancing conflicting priorities; coordinating schedules; developing staff knowledge and challenging prejudice. The authors are now working collaboratively with invested parties from the third sector, specialist primary and secondary care health services and local government to overcome these barriers and work towards the long-term goals.

Originality/value

Scarce literature exists on the practicalities of attempting to set up an HHT in a District General Hospital. The authors hope that the documentation of the authors’ experience will encourage others to broaden their horizons and persist through the challenges that arise.
Consumer-citizen willingness to pay for healthy eating messages
Authors: Ouyang Yuxia , Sharma Amit
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the preference of health-warning message labeling in an eating-away-from-home context. The authors assessed individuals’ preference valuation of such messaging from a dual – consumer and citizen – perspective and with associated expected risk reduction (RR) level.

Design/methodology/approach

In an online stated choice experiment on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (N = 658), participants were asked to provide willingness to pay (WTP) preferences for health-warning messages and based on the expected RR from health-warning messages. Two types of multiple price list questions were used for consumer and citizen contexts. Interval regression and descriptive analysis methods were applied to analyze the data.

Findings

The study found that individuals placed a higher value (higher WTP) on health-warning message labeling when acting as citizens rather than as consumers. An RR expectation of 50 per cent was most effective in increasing participants’ WTP. Individuals who ate out frequently were more concerned about healthier food messages, and the influence of gender and age on WTP was conditional on individuals’ roles as consumers versus citizens.

Originality/value

This study extends the theory of consumer-citizen duality to the context of health-related information labeling, thus opening the discussion to extending such labeling from traditionally risky behavior such as alcohol and tobacco to also including food choice behavior. The authors also highlight implications on policy and industry practices to promote healthy food choices through such messages.
Space transformation in a low-income housing community in Danukusuman, Surakarta
Authors: Sunarti S. , Syahbana Joesron Alie , Manaf Asnawi
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Within low-income communities in urban slums, access to housing is limited because individuals in these communities cannot afford to purchase homes. One area of Indonesia with these conditions is Kampung Kajen, Danukusuman, Surakarta, where, oftentimes, a single house is inhabited by several families and is passed down from generation to generation. This causes a change in space, a narrowing of that which is inhabited by the next generation. This paper aims to examine the transformation of space within low-income homes in Kampong Kajen.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method was a qualitative case study approach, and data were collected through direct interviews and field observation. Informants in this study were classified into three groups: residents, non-residents and government agencies.

Findings

The space transformation that occurred in the studied samples was partial. The transformation continued to occur as the new families grew, and the area of space used by the new families experienced a narrowing for future generations.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research is in regard to the findings about the partial transformation of the house from generation to generation, which details changes in the layout and the extent of the house interior, the narrowing of the house, the change of owners and the changing behaviour of the house inhabitants. Partial transformation continues to occur in line with the addition of new families living in one house.
A case for folletian interventions in public universities
Authors: Pelly Robert Duncan M. , Boje David
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the ideological impasses between educationally minded faculty and neoliberal oriented university administrators. To bridge and benefit from these two perspectives, Follettian integration is introduced. Specifically, the ensemble learning theory (ELT) and entrepreneurship centers are illustrated as Follettian interventions and their reasons for success are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is theoretical, but provides ethnographic anecdotes of the problems occurring during the rise of neoliberalism and academic capitalism in the public university. The successful use of the ELT and entrepreneurship centers is likewise explored anecdotally.

Findings

This paper illustrates the benefits of utilizing the ELT and entrepreneurship centers in two different university settings.

Research limitations/implications

While the sample sizes of this paper are small, the anecdotal examples provide the basis for reasoning by analogy.

Practical implications

This work illustrates two possible Follettian interventions that serve as a guide to assist university administrators and faculty to find common ground and better serve students and university communities.

Originality/value

The rise of academic capitalism and neoliberalism has devalued education and resulted in poorer educational outcomes and a modern generation with less intellectual capital. This is one of the first papers to utilize Mary Parker Follett’s theories of education and apply them to the impending identity crisis of the public university. The result is a win-win for both neoliberal administrators and faculty in the face of an impending identity crisis for the public university.
The possibilities of community redevelopment with Islamic finance
Authors: Hummel Daniel , Hashmi Ayesha Tahir
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the application of a profit and loss sharing approach to tax increment financing (TIF) districts in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey based on this approach was distributed to representatives of community redevelopment authorities (CRAs) in the State of Florida to ascertain practitioner feedback.

Findings

Although a majority of the respondents did not feel it was possible for political, economic and legal reasons, some did feel that it was a practical, reasonable and sustainable approach to financing projects for economic development. Some responses were correlated, with others indicating that certain beliefs framed their answers to the questions.

Research limitations/implications

The surveys were only distributed to CRAs in the State of Florida. Future research will need to include other CRAs in other states to make the findings more generalizable. In addition, the results are merely descriptive and are not an assessment of a successful application.

Practical implications

The need for more development in blighted areas of many cities across the USA will put emphasis on innovative approaches in financing this. The growth of Islamic finance in the USA and the regulatory framework for it might open a doorway for its application in this area.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to apply an Islamic financing methodology to local economic development in the USA, with practitioner feedback.
Are not-for-profit employees more willing (or likely) to be whistleblowers?
Authors: Scheetz Andrea M. , Wilson Aaron B.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether intention to report fraud varies by organization type or fraud type. Employees who self-select into not-for-profits may be inherently different from employees at other organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct a 2 × 2 experiment in which (n=107) individuals with a bookkeeping or accounting background respond to a fraud scenario. Analysis of covariance models are used for data analysis.

Findings

The authors find evidence that not-for-profit employees are more likely to report fraud and that reporting intention does not differ significantly by fraud type.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this study include the simulation of a fraud through a hypothetical incident and the use of online participants.

Practical implications

This study expands the commitment literature by examining the role that commitment plays in the judgment and decision-making process of a whistleblower. Findings suggest affective commitment, which is an employee’s emotional attachment to the organization, and mediate the path between organization type and reporting intention. Affective commitment significantly predicts whistleblowing in not-for-profit organizations but not in for-profit organizations.

Originality/value

This research provides insight into how organization type influences whistleblowing intentions through constructs such as organizational commitment and public service motivation.
Effect of surface roughness and hardness of leadframe on the bondability of gold wedge bonds
Authors: Zulkifli Muhammad Nubli , Harun Fuaida , Jalar Azman
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the effect of surface roughness and hardness of leadframe on the bondability of gold (Au) wedge bond using in situ inspection of laser interferometer and its relationship with the deformation and wire pull strength.

Design/methodology/approach

The in situ inspection of ultrasonic vibration waveform through the changes of vertical axis (y-axis) amplitude of wire bonder capillary was carried out using laser interferometer to analyze the formation of Au wedge bond. The relationship between the changes of ultrasonic waveform of capillary with the deformation and the pull strength was analyzed to evaluate the bondability of Au wedge bonds.

Findings

It was observed that the changes in vertical axis amplitude of ultrasonic vibration waveform of wire bonder capillary can be used to describe the process of bonding formation. The loss of ultrasonic energy was exhibited in ultrasonic vibration waveform of wire bonding on leadframe that has higher value of roughness (leadframe A) as compared to that of leadframe that has lower value of roughness (leadframe B). The lower pull strength obtained by Au wedge bond further confirms the reduction of bond formation because of the higher deformation on leadframe A as compared to that of leadframe B.

Originality/value

The relationship between in situ measurement using laser interferometer with the bondability or deformation and wire pull strength of Au wedge bonds on different surface roughness and hardness of leadframes is still lacking. These findings provide a valuable data in analyzing the bonding mechanisms that can be identified based on the in situ measurement of ultrasonic vibration and the bondability of Au wedge bonds.
Blockchain and supply chain management integration: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Queiroz Maciel M. , Telles Renato , Bonilla Silvia H.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to identify, analyse and organise the literature about blockchains in supply chain management (SCM) context (blockchain–SCM integration) and proposes an agenda for future research. This study aims to shed light on what the main current blockchain applications in SCM are, what the main disruptions and challenges are in SCM because of blockchain adoption and what the future of blockchains holds in SCM.

Design/methodology/approach

This study followed the systematic review approach to analyse and synthesise the extant literature on blockchain–SCM integration. The review analysed 27 papers between 2008 and 2018 in peer-reviewed journals.

Findings

Blockchain–SCM integration is still in its infancy. Scholars and practitioners are not fully aware of the potential of blockchain technology to disrupt traditional business models. However, the electric power industry seems to have a relatively mature understanding of blockchain–SCM integration, demonstrated by the use of smart contracts. Additionally, the disintermediation provided by blockchain applications has the potential to disrupt traditional industries (e.g. health care, transportation and retail).

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study are represented mainly by the scarcity of studies on blockchain–SCM integration in leading journals and databases.

Practical implications

This study highlights examples of blockchain–SCM integration, emphasising the need to rethink business models to incorporate blockchain technology.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to synthesise existing publications about the blockchain–SCM integration, shedding light on the disruption caused by, and the necessity of, the SCM reconfigurations.
Nocturnal ventricular arrhythmias are associated with the severity of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chen Chuhui , Wang Weimin , Zhou Wen , Jin Jiewen , Chen Wei , Zhu Dalong , Bi Yan
Published: February 2019

Background

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a risk factor for arrhythmias and adverse cardiovascular events, but the relationship between CAN severity and nocturnal arrhythmias needs to be clarified. This study evaluated the association between nocturnal arrhythmias and CAN severity in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

In all, 219 T2D patients were recruited from January 2017 to May 2018. Subjects were classified into no CAN (NCAN), early CAN (ECAN), definite CAN (DCAN), or advanced CAN (ACAN) based on cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests (CARTs). A 24‐hour electrocardiogram was recorded and daytime (0700‐2300 hours) and night‐time (2300‐0700 hours) heartbeats were analyzed separately.

Results

After adjusting for age, the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias increased with CAN severity at night‐time (18.6%, 29.9%, 36.2%, and 60.0% in the NCAN, ECAN, DCAN, and ACAN groups, respectively; Ptrend = 0.034). Patients with nocturnal ventricular arrhythmias (NVAs) had higher CART scores (2.0 ± 1.0 vs 1.5 ± 0.9; P < 0.001) and lower heart rate variability (HRV) during deep breathing (9.5 ± 5.7 vs 11.6 ± 6.6 b. p. m; P = 0.021), HRV during the Valsalva maneuver (1.2 ± 0.1 vs 1.2 ± 0.2; P = 0.006), and postural blood pressure change (−8.8 ± 15.5 vs −4.1 ± 11.2 mmHg; P = 0.023). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that CAN stage (odds ratio 1.765; 95% confidence interval 1.184‐2.632; P = 0.005) was independently associated with NVAs.

Conclusions

In T2D, CAN stage was independently associated with the presence of NVAs. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of CAN may help predict and prevent adverse cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality in diabetes.
Deep‐sea hydrothermal vent metagenome‐assembled genomes provide insight into the phylum Nanoarchaeota
Authors: St. John Emily , Flores Gilberto E. , Meneghin Jennifer , Reysenbach Anna‐Louise
Published: February 2019

Ectosymbiotic Nanoarchaeota live on the surface of diverse archaeal hosts. Despite being broadly distributed in global geothermal systems, only three Nanoarchaeota have been successfully co‐cultivated with their hosts, and until now no nanoarchaeotal cultures or genomes have been described from deep‐sea hydrothermal vents. We recovered three nanoarchaeotal metagenome‐assembled genomes (MAGs) from deep‐sea hydrothermal vent sites at the Eastern Lau Spreading Center (M10‐121), Guaymas Basin (Gua‐46) and the Mid‐Cayman Rise (MC‐1). Based on average amino acid identity analysis, M10‐121 is a novel species in the candidate genus Nanoclepta, while the other two MAGs represent novel genera in the Nanoarchaeota. Like previously sequenced Nanoarchaeota, each MAG encodes at least one split protein‐coding gene. The MAGs also contain a mosaic of key nanoarchaeotal features, including CRISPR repeat regions and marker genes for gluconeogenesis and archaeal flagella. MC‐1 also encodes the pentose bisphosphate pathway, which may allow the nanoarchaeote to bypass several steps in glycolysis and produce ATP.
Tracktor: Image‐based automated tracking of animal movement and behaviour
Authors: Sridhar Vivek Hari , Roche Dominique G. , Gingins Simon
Published: February 2019

Automated movement tracking is essential for high‐throughput quantitative analyses of the behaviour and kinematics of organisms. Automated tracking also improves replicability by avoiding observer bias and allowing reproducible workflows. However, few automated tracking programs exist that are open access, open source and capable of tracking unmarked organisms in noisy environments.

Tracktor is an image‐based tracking freeware designed to perform single‐object tracking in noisy environments, or multi‐object tracking in uniform environments while maintaining individual identities. Tracktor is code‐based but requires no coding skills other than the user being able to specify tracking parameters in a designated location, much like in a graphical user interface. The installation and use of the software is fully detailed in a user manual.

Through four examples of common tracking problems, we show that Tracktor is able to track a variety of animals in diverse conditions. The main strengths of Tracktor lie in its ability to track single individuals under noisy conditions (e.g. when the object shape is distorted), its robustness to perturbations (e.g. changes in lighting conditions during the experiment), and its capacity to track multiple unmarked individuals while maintaining their identities. Additionally, summary statistics and plots allow measuring and visualising common metrics used in the analysis of animal movement (e.g. cumulative distance, speed, acceleration, activity, time spent in specific areas and distance to conspecific, etc.).

Tracktor is a versatile, reliable and easy‐to‐use automated tracking software that is compatible with all operating systems and provides many features not available in other existing freeware. Access Tracktor and the complete user manual here: https://github.com/vivekhsridhar/tracktor
Can Socially Responsible Investments Be Compatible with Financial Performance? A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Chang‐Soo
Published: February 2019

This paper examines whether socially responsible investment (SRI) outperforms conventional investments by meta‐analysis. The result shows that weighted average effect size is not significantly different from zero, suggesting that SRI performance is not different from conventional investments. Meta‐regression results regarding sampling issues indicate that economic crisis, control group, investment universe, screening procedure, and mutual funds are important determinants of effect sizes, and publication year, author type, and control group are important factors of the absolute value of effect sizes. Regarding methodological issues, risk adjustment, weighting scheme, data refinement, benchmark model, and matching procedure are significant factors determining the absolute value of effect sizes.
Needlescopic surgery for broad ligament hernia: A case report
Authors: Koizumi Noriaki , Ariyoshi Yosuke , Fujiki Hiroshi , Sakakura Chouhei
Published: February 2019

Broad ligament hernia is a rare type of internal hernia. We herein report a case of broad ligament hernia successfully treated by needlescopic surgery. A 41‐year‐old woman was referred to our hospital with a complaint of nausea and vomiting. Abdominal contrast‐enhanced computed tomography showed diffuse dilatation of the small bowel accompanied by a caliber change at the right side of the uterus. She was thus diagnosed with small bowel obstruction due to incarceration through right broad ligament hernia. After bowel decompression, she underwent elective needlescopic surgery using 2‐ and 3‐mm instruments. The defect in the right broad ligament was closed with sutures, and she was discharged 2 days after surgery. In the treatment of broad ligament hernia without bowel ischemia, neither an abdominal incision nor any energy devices are required. In this respect, needlescopic surgery seems to be a promising approach among minimally invasive surgeries.
Handling interoccasion variability in model‐based dose individualization using therapeutic drug monitoring data
Authors: Abrantes João A. , Jönsson Siv , Karlsson Mats O. , Nielsen Elisabet I.
Published: February 2019

Aims

This study aims to assess approaches to handle interoccasion variability (IOV) in a model‐based therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) context, using a population pharmacokinetic model of coagulation factor VIII as example.

Methods

We assessed 5 model‐based TDM approaches: empirical Bayes estimates (EBEs) from a model including IOV, with individualized doses calculated based on individual parameters either (i) including or (ii) excluding variability related to IOV; and EBEs from a model excluding IOV by (iii) setting IOV to zero, (iv) summing variances of interindividual variability (IIV) and IOV into a single IIV term, or (v) re‐estimating the model without IOV. The impact of varying IOV magnitudes (0–50%) and number of occasions/observations was explored. The approaches were compared with conventional weight‐based dosing. Predictive performance was assessed with the prediction error percentiles.

Results

When IOV was lower than IIV, the accuracy was good for all approaches (50th percentile of the prediction error [P50] <7.4%), but the precision varied substantially between IOV magnitudes (P97.5 61–528%). Approach (ii) was the most precise forecasting method across a wide range of scenarios, particularly in case of sparse sampling or high magnitudes of IOV. Weight‐based dosing led to less precise predictions than the model‐based TDM approaches in most scenarios.

Conclusions

Based on the studied scenarios and theoretical expectations, the best approach to handle IOV in model‐based dose individualization is to include IOV in the generation of the EBEs but exclude the portion of unexplained variability related to IOV in the individual parameters used to calculate the future dose.
A qualitative, prospective study of children's understanding of weight gain
Authors: Rodgers Rachel F. , Wertheim Eleanor H. , Damiano Stephanie R. , Gregg Karen J. , Paxton Susan J.
Published: February 2019

This study examined 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children's understandings of increases in body size via a qualitative prospective approach. A sample of 259 children (55.2% girls) was interviewed at 3, 4, and 5 years old. Participants were shown an average and a larger size figure of a child of their gender and age. Responses to ‘Why do you think the boy/girl got bigger here?’ were coded using thematic analysis. Diet was cited as a mechanism for increased body size by almost 50% of children referring to this by age 5. Few children mentioned physical activity. Responses suggesting that increases in body size had negative implications increased between ages 3 and 5. Awareness of associations between diet and weight gain emerges as young as 3 years old and increases over time, as do negative attitudes about weight gain. This age may be opportune for interventions targeting sustainable healthy behaviours.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Even very young children present weight bias.

Their understanding of the social messages regarding weight and shape increases with age.

Older children present a partial understanding of how diet and physical activity are related to body size.

What does this study add?

Very young children's understandings of increases in body size were investigated.

Eating and food‐related mechanisms, as well as ageing, were salient.

By age 5, over a third of children associated increases in body size with negative implications.
Substratification of patients with newly diagnosed standard‐risk multiple myeloma
Authors: Binder Moritz , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Ketterling Rhett P. , Dispenzieri Angela , Lacy Martha Q. , Gertz Morie A. , Buadi Francis K. , Hayman Suzanne R. , Hwa Yi L. , Zeldenrust Steven R. , Lust John A. , Russell Stephen J. , Leung Nelson , Kapoor Prashant , Go Ronald S. , Gonsalves Wilson I. , Kyle Robert A. , Kumar Shaji K.
Published: February 2019

Despite the absence of high‐risk cytogenetics and lower International Staging System (ISS) stages, a subset of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) experience poor overall survival (OS). We studied 1461 patients with newly diagnosed MM to identify patient and disease characteristics that predict a high‐risk phenotype among standard‐risk patients. Fifty‐six percent of all patients presented with standard‐risk disease. Among them, advanced age, extremes of body mass index, non‐hyperdiploid karyotype and abnormal lymphocyte counts were associated with worse OS. Standard‐risk patients with 0–1 of these adverse factors (hazard ratio [HR] 0·32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0·24–0·43, P < 0·001) and 2 adverse factors (HR 0·54, 95% CI 0·41–0·72, P < 0·001) experienced better OS than high‐risk patients. Two or more adverse factors were present in 17% of standard‐risk patients and were associated with OS comparable to high‐risk patients (HR 0·91, 95% CI 0·67–1·24, P = 0·548). Predictive power among standard‐risk patients was improved using score groups compared to ISS stages. Patients with standard‐risk MM are a heterogeneous group with one in six patients experiencing OS comparable to high‐risk disease. Patients at risk can be identified using readily available patient and disease characteristics. These findings emphasize the importance of accurate risk stratification and help explain part of the heterogeneity observed in clinical practice.
Cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor mechanisms underlie cannabis reward and aversion in rats
Authors: Spiller Krista J. , Bi Guo‐hua , He Yi , Galaj Ewa , Gardner Eliot L. , Xi Zheng‐Xiong
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose

Endocannabinoids are critically involved in brain reward functions, mediated by activation of CB1 receptors, reflecting their high density in the brain. However, the recent discovery of CB2 receptors in the brain, particularly in the midbrain dopamine neurons, has challenged this view and inspired us to re‐examine the roles of both CB1 and CB2 receptors in the effects of cannabis.

Experimental Approach

In the present study, we used the electrical intracranial self‐stimulation paradigm to evaluate the effects of various cannabinoid drugs on brain reward in laboratory rats and the roles of CB1 and CB2 receptors activation in brain reward function(s).

Key Results

Two mixed CB1 / CB2 receptor agonists, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) and WIN55,212‐2, produced biphasic effects—mild enhancement of brain‐stimulation reward (BSR) at low doses but inhibition at higher doses. Pretreatment with a CB1 receptor antagonist (AM251) attenuated the low dose‐enhanced BSR, while a CB2 receptor antagonist (AM630) attenuated high dose‐inhibited BSR. To confirm these opposing effects, rats were treated with selective CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists. These compounds produced significant BSR enhancement and inhibition, respectively.

Conclusions and Implications

CB1 receptor activation produced reinforcing effects, whereas CB2 receptor activation was aversive. The subjective effects of cannabis depend on the balance of these opposing effects. These findings not only explain previous conflicting results in animal models of addiction but also explain why cannabis can be either rewarding or aversive in humans, as expression of CB1 and CB2 receptors may differ in the brains of different subjects.