bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity of the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality Patient Safety Indicators and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Hospital-acquired Conditions
Authors: Winters Bradford D. , Bharmal Aamir , Wilson Renee F. , Zhang Allen , Engineer Lilly , Defoe Deidre , Bass Eric B. , Dy Sydney , Pronovost Peter J.
Published: April 2016

Background:

The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital-acquired Conditions (HACs) are increasingly being used for pay-for-performance and public reporting despite concerns over their validity. Given the potential for these measures to misinform patients, misclassify hospitals, and misapply financial and reputational harm to hospitals, these need to be rigorously evaluated. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess PSI and HAC measure validity.

Methods:

We searched MEDLINE and the gray literature from January 1, 1990 through January 14, 2015 for studies that addressed the validity of the HAC measures and PSIs. Secondary outcomes included the effects of present on admission (POA) modifiers, and the most common reasons for discrepancies. We developed pooled results for measures evaluated by ≥3 studies. We propose a threshold of 80% for positive predictive value or sensitivity for pay-for-performance and public reporting suitability.

Results:

Only 5 measures, Iatrogenic Pneumothorax (PSI 6/HAC 17), Central Line–associated Bloodstream Infections (PSI 7), Postoperative hemorrhage/hematoma (PSI 9), Postoperative deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolus (PSI 12), and Accidental Puncture/Laceration (PSI 15), had sufficient data for pooled meta-analysis. Only PSI 15 (Accidental Puncture and Laceration) met our proposed threshold for validity (positive predictive value only) but this result was weakened by considerable heterogeneity. Coding errors were the most common reasons for discrepancies between medical record review and administrative databases. POA modifiers may improve the validity of some measures.

Conclusion:

This systematic review finds that there is limited validity for the PSI and HAC measures when measured against the reference standard of a medical chart review. Their use, as they currently exist, for public reporting and pay-for-performance, should be publicly reevaluated in light of these findings.
Meningiomatosis in an AIDS Patient Receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART)
Authors: Romero César F. , Soto-Hernández José L. , Bonnet Cecilia , Cárdenas Graciela
Published: April 2016

Introduction:

Currently, AIDS is the worldwide leading cause of death among 15- to 59-year-old individuals. This trend has had particularly harsh social and economic consequences in sub-Saharan Africa, where more than half of global AIDS deaths take place. In the United States, an estimated 1.2 million people are infected with HIV. In 2012, a worldwide estimate of 1.7 million deaths due to AIDS-related causes was reported.

About 10% to 12% of all AIDS patients will develop intracranial tumors. Differential diagnosis should rule out brain tumors such as central nervous system lymphoma and gliomas, as well as infectious processes such as toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, and cryptococcosis.

Case Report:

A 27-year-old homosexual man was referred to our care center after 2 months of disabling left frontal headache. Upon AIDS diagnosis, the patient was given abacavir (ABC), lamivudine (3TC), and efavirenz (EFV), but he discontinued the treatment after 9 months and failed to attend follow-up appointments. Three years later, the patient returned to the hospital and received ABC, 3TC, and lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r). On admission, computed tomographic scan reported multiple contrast-enhancing lesions compatible with meningiomas. The patient underwent uncomplicated surgical resection of the frontal basal lesion originating in the left olfactory bulb. No new neurological deficits were reported during the postoperative stay.

Conclusions:

According to a literature revision, it is likely that associated meningiomas are more aggressive in AIDS patients. Severe immunosuppression and the HIV-Tat protein may be involved in the pathogenesis of tumoral growth.
Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis From a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in India
Authors: Kalita Jayantee , Chandra Satish , Kumar Bishwanath , Bansal Vikas , Misra Usha K.
Published: April 2016

Objective:

The prognosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) may be dependent on underlying causes and magnetic resonance imaging findings. We report the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic spectrum, and outcome of consecutive patients with CVST.

Methods:

Consecutive patients with CVST over the last 15 years were subjected to detailed history, clinical examination, and laboratory tests as per fixed protocol. The diagnosis of CVST was based on MR venography. The magnetic resonance imaging findings and the sinuses involved were noted. The patients were treated with low–molecular-weight heparin or unfractionated heparin for 14 days, followed by oral anticoagulation. Hospital mortality and 3-month outcome (good or poor) were recorded and correlated with various clinical and laboratory parameters.

Results:

There were 86 patients whose median age was 30 (6 to 76) years; 47 of them were females. Headache was present in 91.9%, vomiting in 68.6%, focal weakness in 53.5%, seizure in 51.2%, and altered sensorium in 53.5%. Female-specific etiology was present in 34%, prothrombotic condition in 62.8%, infections in 19.8%, and malignancy in 2.8%; no cause could be established in 25.6% of patients. Hyperhomocystinemia was present in 45.9% of patients. Five patients died in the unfractionated heparin group. At 3 months, 77 patients were followed up, of whom 68 had complete, 3 had partial, and 6 had poor recovery. The 3-month outcome was related to Glasgow Coma Scale score and type of heparin used.

Conclusions:

In our study multiple prothrombotic conditions were common, and low–molecular-weight heparin reduces mortality and results in good outcome.
Limiting Cumulative HIV Viremia Copy-Years by Early Treatment Reduces Risk of AIDS and Death
Authors: Olson Ashley D. , Walker A. Sarah , Suthar Amitabh B. , Sabin Caroline , Bucher Heiner C. , Jarrin Inma , Moreno Santiago , Perez-Hoyos Santiago , Porter Kholoud , Ford Deborah ,   on behalf of CASCADE Collaboration in EuroCoord
Published: April 2016

Background:

Viremia copy-years (VCY), a time-updated measure of cumulative HIV exposure, predicts AIDS/death; although its utility in deciding when to start combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) remains unclear. We aimed to assess the impact of initiating versus deferring cART on risk of AIDS/death by levels of VCY both independent of and within CD4 cell count strata ≥500 cells per cubic millimeter.

Methods:

Using Concerted Action on Seroconversion to AIDS and Death in Europe (CASCADE) data, we created a series of nested “trials” corresponding to consecutive months for individuals ≥16 years at seroconversion after 1995 who were cART-naive and AIDS-free. Pooling across all trials, time to AIDS/death by CD4, and VCY strata was compared in those initiating vs. deferring cART using Cox models adjusted for: country, sex, risk group, seroconversion year, age, time since last HIV-RNA, and current CD4, VCY, HIV-RNA, and mean number of previous CD4/HIV-RNA measurements/year.

Results:

Of 9353 individuals, 5312 (57%) initiated cART and 486 (5%) acquired AIDS/died. Pooling CD4 strata, risk of AIDS/death associated with initiating vs. deferring cART reduced as VCY increased. In patients with high CD4 cell counts, ≥500 cells per cubic millimeter, there was a trend for a greater reduction for those initiating vs. deferring with increasing VCY (P = 0.09), with the largest benefit in the VCY ≥100,000 copy-years/mL group [hazard ratio (95% CI) = 0.41 (0.19 to 0.87)].

Conclusions:

For individuals with CD4 ≥500 cells per cubic millimeter, limiting the cumulative HIV burden to <100,000 copy-years/mL through cART may reduce the risk of AIDS/death.
Higher Time-Updated Body Mass Index: Association With Improved CD4+ Cell Recovery on HIV Treatment
Authors: Koethe John R. , Jenkins Cathy A. , Lau Bryan , Shepherd Bryan E. , Wester William , Rebeiro Peter F. , Silverberg Michael J. , Thorne Jennifer E. , Gill John , Mayor Angel M. , Willig Amanda , Bosch Ronald , Horberg Michael A. , Justice Amy C. , Sterling Timothy R. , Moore Richard D. ,   for the North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design (NA-ACCORD)
Published: April 2016

Background:

Prior studies found overweight or obese HIV-infected individuals had greater early CD4+ cell recovery on antiretroviral therapy (ART), but the results have been inconsistent. We assessed the longitudinal relationship between body mass index (BMI) and CD4+ cell recovery on ART in a large, multisite cohort to identify potential physiologic links between adiposity and CD4+ cell expansion.

Methods:

We modeled the relationship of time-updated BMI with CD4+ count in patients starting ART from 17 North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design (NA-ACCORD) cohorts. The primary analysis used a linear mixed effects model incorporating up to 13 years of data per patient and adjusted for age, sex, race, ART regimen, baseline CD4+ count and other covariates. Sensitivity analyses limited the cohort to patients with sustained viral suppression or censored at virologic failure.

Results:

Fourteen thousand eighty-four HIV-infected individuals initiating ART contributed data between 1998 and 2010. Time-updated BMI was significantly associated with CD4+ cell recovery over time (P < 0.001). After 5 years of ART, the mean CD4+ count at a BMI of 30 kg/m2 was 22% higher than at a BMI of 22 kg/m2 (606 vs. 498 cells per microliter) and 34% higher at a BMI of 40 kg/m2 (665 vs. 498 cells per microliter). Results were similar in the sensitivity analyses.

Discussion:

Higher BMI is associated with long-term advantages in immune recovery on ART. Although it is unclear if this impacts health outcomes, including balancing the negative health effects of obesity, elucidating the underlying mechanism could identify therapies for patients with suboptimal immune reconstitution.
Whole genome sequencing identifies independent outbreaks of Shigellosis in 2010 and 2011 in La Pampa Province, Argentina
Authors: Chinen Isabel , Galas Marcelo , Tuduri Ezequiel , Viñas Maria Rosa , Carbonari Carolina , Della Gaspera Anabella , Nápoli Daniela , Aanensen David M , Argimón Silvia , Thomson Nicholas R , Hughes Darren , Baker Stephen , Guzmán-Verri Caterina , Holden Matthew TG , Abdala Alejandra M , Alvarez Lucia P , Alvez Beatriz , Barros Rosana , Budall Shirley , Campano Constanza , Chamosa Luciana S , Cheddie Paul , Cisterna Daniel , De Belder Denise , Dropa Milena , Durand David , Elena Alan , Fontecha Gustavo , Huber Claudia , Lemos Ana Paula , Melli Luciano , Paul Roxana Elizabeth , Suarez Lesly , Torres Flores Julian , Campos Josefina
Published: April 2016

Shigella sonneiis an emergent cause of diarrheal disease in middle-income countries. The organism causes endemic disease and is also associated with sporadic outbreaks in susceptible populations. In 2010 and 2011 there were two suspected outbreaks of diarrheal disease caused byS. sonneiin La Pampa province in central Argentina. Aiming to confirm these as outbreaks and provide insight into the relationship of the strains causing these infections we combined antimicrobial susceptibility testing and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) with whole genome sequencing (WGS). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing suggested the two events were unrelated; organisms isolated in 2010 exhibited resistance to trimethoprim sulphate whereas the 2011S. sonneiwere non-susceptible against ampicillin, trimethoprim sulphate and cefpodoxime. PFGE profiling confirmed the likelihood of two independent outbreaks, separating the isolates into two main XbaI restriction profiles. We additionally performed WGS on 17 isolates associated with these outbreaks. The resulting phylogeny confirmed the PFGE structure and separated the organisms into two comparatively distantly related clones. Antimicrobial resistant genes were common, and the presence of an OXA-1 was likely associated with resistance to cefpodoxime in the second outbreak. We additionally identified novel horizontally transferred genetic material that may impinge on the pathogenic phenotype of the infecting strains. Our study shows that even with a lack of supporting routine data WGS is an indispensible method for the tracking and surveillance of bacterial pathogens during outbreaks and is becoming a vital tool for the monitoring of antimicrobial resistant strains ofS. sonnei.
Longitudinal assessment of sputum microbiome by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene in non-CF bronchiectasis patients
Authors: Cox Michael J , Turek Elena M , Hennessy Catherine , Mirza Ghazala K , James Phillip L , Coleman Meg , Jones Andrew , Wilson Robert , Bilton Diana , Cookson William O. C. , Moffatt Miriam F. , Loebinger Michael
Published: April 2016

Background

Bronchiectasis is accompanied by chronic bronchial infection that may drive disease progression. However, the evidence base for antibiotic therapy is limited. DNA based methods offer better identification and quantification of microbial constituents of sputum than standard clinical culture and may help inform patient management strategies. Our study objective was to determine the longitudinal variability of the non-CF bronchiectasis microbiome in sputum with respect to clinical variables.

Eighty-five patients with non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis and daily sputum production were recruited from outpatient clinics and followed for six months. Monthly sputum samples and clinical measurements were taken, together with additional samples during exacerbations. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the sputum microbiota was successful for 381 samples from 76 patients and analysed in conjunction with clinical data.

Results

Microbial communities were highly individual in composition and stability, usually with limited diversity and often containing multiple pathogens. When compared to DNA sequencing, microbial culture had restricted sensitivity in identifying common pathogens. With some exceptions, community characteristics showed poor correlations with clinical features including underlying disease, antibiotic use and exacerbations, with the subject showing the strongest association with community structure. When present, certain pathogens may also shape the structure of the rest of the microbial community.

Conclusions

The use of microbial community analysis of sputum added to information from microbial culture. A simple model of exacerbations driven by bacterial overgrowth was not supported, suggesting a need for revision of principles for antibiotic therapy. In individual patients, the management of chronic bronchial infection may be improved by therapy specific to their microbiome, taking into account pathogen load, community stability, and acute and chronic community responses to antibiotics.
Global Genome Nucleotide Excision Repair is Organised into Domains Promoting Efficient DNA Repair in Chromatin
Authors: Yu Shirong , Evans Katie , van Eijk Patrick , Bennett Mark , Webster Richard M. , Leadbitter Matthew , Teng Yumin , Waters Raymond , Jackson Stephen P. , Reed Simon H.
Published: April 2016

The rates at which lesions are removed by DNA repair can vary widely throughout the genome with important implications for genomic stability. To study this, we measured the distribution of nucleotide excision repair (NER) rates for UV-induced lesions throughout the budding yeast genome. By plotting these repair rates in relation to genes and their associated flanking sequences, we reveal that in normal cells, genomic repair rates display a distinctive pattern, suggesting that DNA repair is highly organised within the genome. Furthermore, by comparing genome-wide DNA repair rates in wild-type cells, and cells defective in the global genome-NER (GG-NER) sub-pathway, we establish how this alters the distribution of NER rates throughout the genome. We also examined the genomic locations of GG-NER factor binding to chromatin before and after UV irradiation revealing that GG-NER is organised and initiated from specific genomic locations. At these sites, chromatin occupancy of the histone acetyl transferase Gcn5 is controlled by the GG-NER complex, which regulates histone H3 acetylation and chromatin structure, thereby promoting efficient DNA repair of UV-induced lesions. Chromatin remodeling during the GG-NER process is therefore organized into these genomic domains. Importantly, loss of Gcn5, significantly alters the genomic distribution of NER rates, a finding that has important implications for the effects of chromatin modifiers on the distribution of mutations that arise throughout the genome.
Germline loss of PKM2 promotes metabolic distress and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Dayton Talya L. , Gocheva Vasilena , Miller Kathryn M. , Israelsen William J. , Bhutkar Arjun , Clish Clary B. , Davidson Shawn M. , Luengo Alba , Bronson Roderick T. , Jacks Tyler , Vander Heiden Matthew G.
Published: April 2016

Alternative splicing of the Pkm gene product generates the PKM1 and PKM2 isoforms of pyruvate kinase (PK), and PKM2 expression is closely linked to embryogenesis, tissue regeneration, and cancer. To interrogate the functional requirement for PKM2 during development and tissue homeostasis, we generated germline PKM2-null mice (Pkm2−/−). Unexpectedly, despite being the primary isoform expressed in most wild-type adult tissues, we found that Pkm2−/− mice are viable and fertile. Thus, PKM2 is not required for embryonic or postnatal development. Loss of PKM2 leads to compensatory expression of PKM1 in the tissues that normally express PKM2. Strikingly, PKM2 loss leads to spontaneous development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with high penetrance that is accompanied by progressive changes in systemic metabolism characterized by altered systemic glucose homeostasis, inflammation, and hepatic steatosis. Therefore, in addition to its role in cancer metabolism, PKM2 plays a role in controlling systemic metabolic homeostasis and inflammation, thereby preventing HCC by a non-cell-autonomous mechanism.
Integration of TomoPy and the ASTRA toolbox for advanced processing and reconstruction of tomographic synchrotron data
Authors: Pelt Daniël M. , Gürsoy Dogˇa , Palenstijn Willem Jan , Sijbers Jan , De Carlo Francesco , Batenburg Kees Joost
Published: April 2016

The processing of tomographic synchrotron data requires advanced and efficient software to be able to produce accurate results in reasonable time. In this paper, the integration of two software toolboxes, TomoPy and the ASTRA toolbox, which, together, provide a powerful framework for processing tomographic data, is presented. The integration combines the advantages of both toolboxes, such as the user-friendliness and CPU-efficient methods of TomoPy and the flexibility and optimized GPU-based reconstruction methods of the ASTRA toolbox. It is shown that both toolboxes can be easily installed and used together, requiring only minor changes to existing TomoPy scripts. Furthermore, it is shown that the efficient GPU-based reconstruction methods of the ASTRA toolbox can significantly decrease the time needed to reconstruct large datasets, and that advanced reconstruction methods can improve reconstruction quality compared with TomoPy's standard reconstruction method.
Two orthorhombic polymorphs of hydromorphone
Authors: Mazurek Jaroslaw , Hoffmann Marcel , Fernandez Casares Ana , Cox D. Phillip , Minardi Mathew D. , Sasine Josh
Published: April 2016

Conditions to obtain two polymorphic forms by crystallization from solution were determined for the analgesic drug hydromorphone [C17H19NO3; systematic name: (4R,4aR,7aR,12bS)-9-hydroxy-3-methyl-1,2,4,4a,5,6,7a,13-octahydro-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7-one]. These two crystalline forms, designated as I and II, belong to theP212121orthorhombic space group. In both polymorphs, the hydromorphone molecules adopt very similar conformations with some small differences observed only in theN-methyl amine part of the molecule. The crystal structures of both polymorphs feature chains of molecules connected by hydrogen bonds; however, in form I this interaction occurs between the hydroxyl group and the tertiary amine N atom whereas in form II the hydroxyl group acts as a donor of a hydrogen bond to the O atom from the cyclic ether part.
Crystal structure and hydrogen bonding in the water-stabilized proton-transfer salt brucinium 4-aminophenylarsonate tetrahydrate
Authors: Smith Graham , Wermuth Urs D.
Published: April 2016

In the structure of the brucinium salt of 4-aminophenylarsonic acid (p-arsanilic acid), systematically 2,3-dimethoxy-10-oxostrychnidinium 4-aminophenylarsonate tetrahydrate, (C23H27N2O4)[As(C6H7N)O2(OH)]·4H2O, the brucinium cations form the characteristic undulating and overlapping head-to-tail layered brucine substructures packed along [010]. The arsanilate anions and the water molecules of solvation are accommodated between the layers and are linked to them through a primary cation N—H...O(anion) hydrogen bond, as well as through water O—H...O hydrogen bonds to brucinium and arsanilate ions as well as bridging water O-atom acceptors, giving an overall three-dimensional network structure.
Crystal structure of canagliflozin hemihydrate
Authors: Liu Kai-Hang , Gu Jian-Ming , Hu Xiu-Rong , Tang Gu-Ping
Published: April 2016

There are two canagliflozin molecules (AandB) and one water molecule in the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C24H25FO5S·0.5H2O [systematic name: (2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-2-(3-{[5-(4-fluorophenyl)thiophen-2-yl]methyl}-4-methylphenyl)-6-(hydroxymethyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3,4,5-triol hemihydrate]. The dihedral angles between the methylbenzene and thiophene rings are 115.7 (4) and 111.7 (4)°, while the dihedral angles between the fluorobenzene and thiophene rings are 24.2 (6) and 20.5 (9)° in moleculesAandB, respectively. The hydropyran ring exhibits a chair conformation in both canagliflozin molecules. In the crystal, the canagliflozin molecules and lattice water molecules are connectedviaO—H...O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture.
Crystal structure of bis(acetophenone 4-benzoylthiosemicarbazonato-κ2N1,S)nickel(II)
Authors: Kadir Faraidoon Karim , Shamsuddin Mustaffa , Rosli Mohd Mustaqim
Published: April 2016

In the asymmetric unit of the title complex, [Ni(C16H14N3OS)2], the nickel ion is tetracoordinated in a distorted square-planar geometry by two independent molecules of the ligand which act as mononegative bidentateN,S-donors and form two five-membered chelate rings. The ligands are intrans(E) conformations with respect to the C=N bonds. The close approach of hydrogen atoms to the Ni2+atom suggests anagostic interactions (Ni...H—C) are present. The crystal structure is built up by a network of two C—H...O interactions. One of the interactions forms inversion dimers and the other links the molecules into infinite chains parallel to [100]. In addition, a weak C—H...π interaction is also present.
Crystal structure of poly[bis(ammonium) [bis(μ4-benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylato)dizincate] 1-methylpyrrolidin-2-one disolvate]
Authors: Ordonez Carlos , Fonari Marina S. , Wei Qiang , Timofeeva Tatiana V.
Published: April 2016

The title three-dimensional metal–organic framework (MOF) compound, {(NH4)2[Zn2(C9H3O6)2]·2C5H9NO}n, features an anionic framework constructed from Zn2+cations and benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (BTC) organic anions. Charge balance is achieved by outer sphere ammonium cations formed by degradation of di-n-butylamine in the solvothermal synthesis of the compound. Binuclear {Zn2(COO)2} entities act as the framework's secondary building units. Each ZnIIatom has a tetrahedral coordination environment with an O4set of donor atoms. The three-dimensional framework adopts a rutile-type topology and channels are filled in an alternating fashion with ordered and disordered 1-methylpyrrolidin-2-one solvent molecules and ammonium cations. The latter are held in the channelsviafour N—H...O hydrogen bonds, including three with the benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate ligands of the anionic framework and one with a 1-methylpyrrolidin-2-one solvent molecule.
Ethyl 3-amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[(4-methoxyphenyl)carbamoyl]-6-phenylthieno[2,3-b]pyridine-5-carboxylate
Authors: Bakhite Etify A. , Mague Joel T. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Akkurt Mehmet , Al-Taifi Elham A.
Published: April 2016

The conformation of the title molecule, C30H24ClN3O4S, is partially determined by an intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond, forming anS(6) loop, and an N—H...π interaction involving the centroid of the 4-chlorophenyl ring. The thienopyridine bicyclic system is almost planar with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.019 Å. Its mean plane is inclined to the phenyl ring, the 4-chlorophenyl ring and the 4-methoxyphenyl ring by 36.19 (7), 81.67 (7) and 12.75 (7)°, respectively. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with anR22(20) ring motif. Within the dimers, which stack along theb-axis direction, there is a weak π–π interaction [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.7936 (9) Å] involving inversion-related thiophene and pyridine rings.
3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-[4-(methylsulfanyl)phenyl]-1H-pyrazole
Authors: Suresh Ganesan , Muniraj Sarangapani
Published: April 2016

In the title compound, C16H13ClN2S, the pyrazole ring is almost planar with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.0457 Å which forms dihedral angles of 2.875 (4) and 84.83 (7)° with the chloro-substituted benzene ring and the methylsulfanyl-substituted ring, respectively. In the crystal, N—H...N and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds contribute to the formation of a three-dimensional network. In addition, several offset π–π stacking interactions are also present.
4-Chloro-1H-indole-2,3-dione
Authors: Juma Rashid M. , Golen James A. , Manke David R.
Published: April 2016

The title compound, C8H4ClNO2, has two planar molecules in the asymmetric unit, with the non-H atoms showing a mean deviation from planarity of 0.015 and 0.022 Å, respectively. In the crystal, the molecules are linked through N—H...O hydrogen bonds to form infinite chains along [010]. They are further connected through C—H...Cl close contacts with a donor–acceptor distance of 3.682 (5) Å. No π–π interactions are observed in the structure.
6-Iodo-1H-indole-2,3-dione
Authors: Golen James A. , Manke David R.
Published: April 2016

The molecule of the title compound, C8H4INO2, is almost planar, having an r.m.s. deviation from planarity of 0.019 Å for all non-H atoms. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with anR22(8) ring motif. The dimers are further linked by I...O close contacts of 3.078 (2) Å, forming chains along [10-1]. The nine-membered fused rings of the isatin molecules stack along thebaxis, with parallel slipped π–π interactions [intercentroid distance = 3.594 (2) Å, interplanar distance = 3.379 (1) Å and slippage = 1.243 Å]. These interactions lead to the formation of a three-dimensional network.
Reducing torque ripple of BLDC motor by integrating DC-DC converter with three-level neutral-point-clamped inverter
Authors: V Viswanathan , S Jeevananthan
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper presents a novel circuit topology based on a three-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) inverter and a super-lift Luo-converter for minimizing torque ripple in a brushless DC motor (BLDCM) drive system. In the BLDCM, the stator winding inductance generates current ripple, distort the rectangular current shape, which produces the torque ripples. In addition, the torque ripple generates vibration, speed ripple and prevents the use of BLDCM in high-precision servo drive systems

Design/methodology/approach

Torque ripple can be mitigated by using the three-level NPC inverter, which applies half of dc-link voltage across the BLDCM terminals and this reduces the torque ripple during non-commutation period. The commutation torque ripple is reduced by employing the super-lift Luo-converter at the input of the three-level NPC inverter, which lifts the dc-link voltage to the desired value depending upon the BLDCM speed. Simulations and experimental results show that the proposed circuit topology is an attractive option to reduce the torque ripple significantly.

Findings

Experimental results show that the proposed topology can reduces the torque ripple significantly at higher speed, and operates with lower power losses than the two-level inverter-fed BLDCM drive system at higher switching frequency.

Originality/value

This paper has proposed a novel topology using a super-lift Luo-converter and a three-level NPC inverter to address the torque ripple issue in BLDCM drive system.
Determinants and logistics of e-waste recycling
Authors: Gonul Kochan Cigdem , Pourreza Saba , Tran Huguette , Prybutok Victor R.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The rapid consumption of new electronic devices has expanded the volume of electronic waste (e-waste) and created a potential threat to the environment. Recycling of e-waste (eCycling) can help stem the proliferation of e-waste and its environmental threat. In order to increase this positive involvement in eCycling and design effective eCycling programs, a better understanding of eCycling behaviors is needed. The purpose of this paper is to employ the Theory of Reasoned Action as a framework to develop a model to identify the determinants of eCycling behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

– To assess the model, a survey of 327 university students is undertaken. To analyze the eCycling behavior from the survey data, a structural equation modeling technique is used.

Findings

– The findings suggest that: attitudes and moral norms positively influence eCycling behavior; the higher the awareness of consequences, the more the eCycling involvement; and perceived convenience is an important factor that leads to more involvement in eCycling.

Research limitations/implications

– This research is limited by the student sample and campus environment that might confine the generalizability of the study. Also, additional variables need to be examined in order to better explain eCycling behavior. The result of the study provides insights for organizations to build successful eCycling programs, engage young adults such as college students in eCycling, and increase involvement in eCycling.

Practical implications

– This study provides insights that can help supply chain managers to better understand the consumer involvement in eCycling. Managers’ understanding of eCycling behavior would encourage eCycling involvement by placing drop-off units in convenient locations and by creating campaigns that motivate consumers to return their e-waste. An increased consumer involvement in eCycling can help manufacturing companies lower the cost of e-waste across the supply chain and regain the value of returned materials by adopting reverse logistics.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the stream of eCycling literature by investigating students’ eCycling intentions and behaviors on a university campus. The paper develops an understanding of how eCycling involvement might be improved.
The effect of logistics outsourcing on the supply chain vulnerability of shippers
Authors: König Alexander , Spinler Stefan
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– From a synthesis of literature, the purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual risk management framework, showing the effect of logistics outsourcing on the supply chain vulnerability (SCV) of shippers. The framework is designed to assist practitioners and academics in better understanding the key research, management as well as operational aspects involved.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature review is conducted and based on these findings a conceptual framework developed.

Findings

– Logistics outsourcing is increasingly used by shippers, but the specific aspect of supply chain risk management (SCRM) and SCV in this context is rarely covered in research and implementation in practice is limited. Logistics outsourcing can have an ambiguous effect on the SCV of shippers and is influenced by other internal and external factors.

Research limitations/implications

– Literature directly dealing with logistics outsourcing and SCV/SCRM is rare and thus the framework is built on insights, compiled from the distinct research areas. Further research should be performed on this nascent topic.

Practical implications

– Shippers may use the framework to revise their risk management strategy and actively use logistics outsourcing to decrease SCV. Logistics service providers can tailor their services specifically toward clients and thus both can be better prepared for future supply chain disruptions.

Originality/value

– This paper looks specifically at SCV and SRCM of shippers with regards to logistics outsourcing.
Is workforce diversity good for efficiency? An approach based on the degree of concavity of the technology
Authors: Vandenberghe Vincent
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to answer the question of workforce diversity and efficiency. It departs from the rather ad hoc approach used in most recent empirical papers exploiting firm-level evidence, and suggests focusing on the estimation of the degree of concavity of the production function.

Design/methodology/approach

– Workforce diversity is optimal when the technology displays concavity in the share of workers considered (e.g. decreasing marginal contribution of rising shares of more productive/skilled workers). What is also shown in this paper is that a generalised version of the production functionà-la-Hellerstein-Neumark (HN) – where workforce diversity is captured via an index of labour shares – is suitable for estimating the concavity of the technology, and thus for assessing the case for/against workforce diversity.

Findings

– The paper contains an application to two panels of Belgian firms covering the 1998-2012 period. The main empirical result is that of an absence of strong evidence that age, gender or educational diversity is good or bad for efficiency.

Originality/value

– The key idea of the paper is that the degree of convacity/convexity in the share of workers considered of firm-level technology and the desirability/efficiency of workforce diversity are intrinsically connected. It is also that a non-linear/CES version of the HN labour-quality index can be used in empirical work to assess the degree of concavity/convexity of the technology and quantify the efficiency gains/losses of workforce diversity.
KULOCS: unified locating service for efficient development of location-based applications
Authors: Takatsuka Hiroki , Tokunaga Seiki , Saiki Sachio , Matsumoto Shinsuke , Nakamura Masahide
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a facade for seamlessly using locating services and enabling easy development of an application with indoor and outdoor location information without being aware of the difference of individual services. To achieve this purpose, in this paper, a unified locating service, called KULOCS (Kobe-University Unified LOCating Service), which horizontally integrates the heterogeneous locating services, is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

By focusing on technology-independent elements [when], [where] and [who] in location queries, KULOCS integrates data and operations of the existing locating services. In the data integration, a method where the time representation, the locations and the namespace are consolidated by the Unix time, the location labels and the alias table, respectively, is proposed. Based on the possible combinations of the three elements, an application-neutral application programming interface (API) for the operation integration is derived.

Findings

Using KULOCS, various practical services are enabled. In addition, the experimental evaluation shows the practical feasibility by comparing cases with or without KULOCS. The result shows that KULOCS reduces the effort of application development, especially when the number of locating services becomes large.

Originality/value

KULOCS works as a seamless facade with the underlying locating services, the users and applications consume location information easily and efficiently, without knowing concrete services actually locating target objects.
Co-production: what makes co-production work? Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Farooqi Seemab Ara
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– In developing countries there is a growing recognition that co-production offers more cost effective and responsive service delivery options in low income areas. The purpose of this paper is to explore the way co-production initiatives are managed in developing country, Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative comparative case study design is used. Data are collected through 25 semi-structured interviews and document analysis and applies institutional analysis and development framework for analysis.

Findings

– The study suggests that challenges to co-production are more than a managerial problem which require a different set of capabilities on the part of the actors in order to achieve anticipated goals in the joint production of services. Co-production initiatives require formal structures and processes to involve the local community and third sector to work with the public sector as effective partners. Political and bureaucratic commitment in regional and local government and community willingness to engage act as a catalyst for the successful management of co-production.

Originality/value

– The study extends understanding of what makes co-production work, a less researched area on co-production, drawing on a comparative analysis of two different institutional arrangements of co-production.
Contribution of internal auditing to risk management
Authors: Coetzee Philna
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– There is a widening gap between the expectations of internal audit stakeholders and the value the function brings to the table, for example, in the management of the risks threatening an organisation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the views of chief audit executives (CAEs), the chairs of audit committees and senior management on the contribution of the internal audit functions to risk management in the South African public sector. This contribution is considered in the context of existing risk management structures and the level of coordination between these structures and internal auditing.

Design/methodology/approach

– The views of heads of internal auditing, chairpersons of the audit committee and the Accounting Officer (similar to the CEO of private sector organisations) of national, provincial and local government organisations were obtained and statistically analysed.

Findings

– The results indicate that the CAEs have noticeably different views from the other two parties, and that the existence of risk management structures has a minor effect on how the contribution of internal auditing to risk management is perceived.

Research limitations/implications

– It was decided to not include the views of heads of risk management functions owing to the immaturity of risk management in this sector with in the South African public sector.

Practical implications

– The results of the study provide internal auditing with information on narrowing the possible gap between the perceptions of senior management and their own perceptions. Senior management could streamline the efforts of these two parties in mitigating the key risk of the organisation. The audit committee, as the independent overseer of internal auditing, will obtain information on whether internal auditing contributes to risk management, and if not, how to address these issues, taking into account the existence (or a lack thereof) of risk management structures. The legislator and regulator of public sector could be influenced to provide clearer guidance or rules in this regard in order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of risk management policies and practices.

Originality/value

– Limited studies have been conducted regarding the coordination of internal auditing and risk management in mitigating the key risks; especially within the public sector domain whether the existence of risk management structures would affect this coordination. Also the views of senior management, as the key stakeholder of internal auditing, on this matter have not yet been solicited.
Intelligence and its impact on managerial effectiveness and career success (evidence from insurance sector of Pakistan)
Authors: Aslam Usman , Ilyas Muhammad , Imran Muhammad Kashif , Rahman Ubaid
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the theoretical linear model on intelligence, i.e. emotional, social, cognitive, and cultural intelligence and its impact on managerial effectiveness and career success in the perspective of insurance sector of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data collected from 202 managers of insurance companies by using structured questionnaires’ and simple random sampling technique. Multiple regression analysis has used to check the simultaneous effect of multiple types of intelligence on managerial job outcomes.

Findings

– The results of research revealed that emotional, social, and cognitive intelligence have positive effect on managerial effectiveness and career success. Emotional intelligence is one of the strongest predictor that has significant impact of managerial effectiveness compared to other types of intelligence. Conversely, cultural intelligence has insignificant relation with managerial effectiveness and career success. There are very rare studies conducted to explore the role of multiple types of intelligence to improve managerial job outcomes in the context of insurance sector. This study proved that the transformation of business from production era to relationship-based era increases the importance of multiple types of intelligence to become an effective manager.

Research limitations/implications

– Moreover, this study contributes in theoretical literature and explores new dimensions for future researchers, practitioners’, and management consultants to recognize the effectiveness of intelligence especially in services sector organizations. Data collected from one sector and by using one point of time raised the issue of common method variance and causality.

Originality/value

– This study has examined the overarching model on intelligence. Researchers did not find a single study that has addressed the multiple types of intelligence and its impact on managerial outcomes in the perspective of insurance sector.
Genome‐wide mapping of transcription start sites yields novel insights into the primary transcriptome of Pseudomonas putida
Authors: D'Arrigo Isotta , Bojanovič Klara , Yang Xiaochen , Holm Rau Martin , Long Katherine S.
Published: April 2016

The environmental bacterium Pseudomonas putida is an organism endowed with a versatile metabolism and stress tolerance traits that are desirable in an efficient production organism. In this work, differential RNA sequencing was used to investigate the primary transcriptome and RNA regulatory elements of P. putida strain KT2440. A total of 7937 putative transcription start sites (TSSs) were identified, where over two‐thirds were located either on the opposite strand or internal to annotated genes. For TSSs associated with mRNAs, sequence analysis revealed a clear Shine–Dalgarno sequence but a lack of conserved overrepresented promoter motifs. These TSSs defined approximately 50 leaderless transcripts and an abundance of mRNAs with long leader regions of which 18 contain RNA regulatory elements from the Rfam database. The thiamine pyrophosphate riboswitch upstream of the thiC gene was examined using an in vivo assay with GFP‐fusion vectors and shown to function via a translational repression mechanism. Furthermore, 56 novel intergenic small RNAs and 8 putative actuaton transcripts were detected, as well as 8 novel open reading frames (ORFs). This study illustrates how global mapping of TSSs can yield novel insights into the transcriptional features and RNA output of bacterial genomes.
Imported Intermediate Inputs and Firms’ Productivity Growth: Evidence from the Food Industry
Authors: Olper Alessandro , Curzi Daniele , Raimondi Valentina
Published: April 2016

Imported goods play a central role in determining the gains from trade. Using detailed trade and firm‐level data for Italy and France, we investigate the relationship between trade integration, imported intermediate inputs and firm performance in the food industry. Our main findings show that an increase in import competition spurs firm‐level productivity growth. Furthermore, the productivity growth effect attributable to imported intermediate inputs is significantly stronger than the effect due to imported final products. In addition, we find that new imported inputs are of particular importance, especially for Italian food firms, though less so for the French firms. Finally, the productivity growth effect of trade integration tends to be asymmetric across firms: more productive firms gain more from trade integration. These stylised facts have interesting policy implications.
Commuting Costs and Geographic Sorting in the Housing Market
Authors: Blake Thomas
Published: April 2016

The demand for housing is heavily influenced by access to employment opportunities. The cost of gasoline determines, in part, the cost of such access and therefore the relative demand across markets with varying commuting needs. Locally exogenous gasoline price movements demonstrate the causal impact of higher fuel costs on housing markets: a shift of market demand toward real estate markets with less costly commutes. Higher fuel prices increase the value of real estate with shorter commutes and easier access to driving alternatives relative to more driving dependent homes. Every incremental $1 per gallon of gasoline reduces home values by 0.143% for every additional mile relative to counterfactual markets, or $5,200 for the average home and commute. This translates into a discount rate of 6.4%, comparable to mortgage rates for the period.
Physical pain induces negative person perception
Authors: He Wuming , Guo Siyuan , Jiang Jing , Zhou Xinyue , Gao Ding‐Guo
Published: April 2016

We examined the hypothesis that pain increases negative person perception of irrelevant others in both medical and laboratory settings in three studies. Patients perceived a nurse as more negative if the injection they received from the nurse produced more pain (Pilot Study). Patients rated neutral faces as more negative after receiving an injection than before it (Study 1). Participants who performed a painful cold pressor task rated neutral faces as more negative than a control group, but this effect only appeared for those with low perceived social support (Study 2). These findings suggest that one's experience of physical pain may be metaphorically transferred to perceptions of completely irrelevant others, inducing negative interpersonal perception. And perceived social support can ameliorate the negative effect.
Techno‐Morphological and Use‐Wear Analyses of Gunflints from Two Spanish Colonial Sites (Patagonia, Argentina)
Authors: Buscaglia S , Alberti J. , Álvarez M
Published: April 2016

The aim of this paper is to present the results of the analysis of a gunflints sample from two Colonial archaeological sites located in Patagonia (Argentina). The questions that guided the investigation were related primarily to determination of their origin and the context of their use, as well as the possibility of recycling and reclamation after they were discarded. We perform techno‐morphological, raw materials and use‐wear analyses. The results indicate that, given their form, the raw materials, an important amount of edge scarring and evidence of contact with metal, all of the pieces were used as gunflints and are of European origin.